NFL Rumors: Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins and Teams That May Land Jim Harbaugh

With a lot of speculation surrounding Jim Harbaugh and Andrew Luck entering the 2011 Orange Bowl, Harbaugh led his Stanford team to a dominating 40-12 victory.

After quickly deflecting any questions aimed towards his future, it is unknown what he will do, but many NFL teams, such as the Carolina Panthers, Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos are in search of a head coach and would love to have Jim Harbaugh leading their organization.

The following slides show a list of the possibilities that current Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh has to choose from.

San Francisco 49ers

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 16: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers goes under center against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 16, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

The San Francisco 49ers have recently asked the New York Giants for permission to interview their defensive coordinator, Perry Fewell, for their head coaching spot.  The Niners have also asked to interview Oakland Raiders offensive coordinator Hue Jackson, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, which means that San Francisco obviously has numerous options in which they would be satisfied with.  The 49ers are also currently looking to fill their GM position which could postpone their search of a head coach.

Harbaugh is the leading candidate for the job as of now, but whether they get him or not, you can expect the 49ers to replace their current interim head coach, Jim Tomsula, with a better fit. 

Carolina Panthers

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 02: Jimmy Clausen #2 of the Carolina Panthers throws a pass in the second quarter during their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on January 2, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

Pro Football Talk has reported that the Panthers plan on interviewing San Diego Chargers defensive coordinator Ron Rivera.  Carolina has also inquired about Fewell.

The Charlotte Observer claims that "despite national reports to the contrary, the Panthers have had contact with Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh for weeks."

It would be extremely interesting if Harbaugh was to get the job in Carolina, with the potential of selecting his beloved quarterback Andrew Luck with the first overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Miami Dolphins

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 02: Ronnie Brown #23 of the Miami Dolphins carries the ball in the first half against the New England Patriots on January 2, 2011 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

The Miami Dolphins head coaching job is not yet vacant, but Tony Sparano may still be on his way out the door.  If Sparano does eventually get the boot, Miami could be a real possibility for Jim Harbaugh.  

The Miami Herald has reported that "after a long day of meetings, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross and CEO Mike Dee stood on the Stanford sideline Monday before the Orange Bowl, calm and smiling as their general manager Jeff Ireland, was evaluating the talent on the field a few feet away."

Could this be more than just an evaluating visit? Did any conversations regarding Jim Harbaugh's future take place?

This we do not yet know, but the fact that Miami's owner and CEO were on Stanford's sideline could mean the end for Tony Sparano and a new beginning for Jim Harbaugh.

Denver Broncos

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DENVER, CO - JANUARY 2: Quarterback Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a first down during the third quarter as running back Correll Buckhalter #28 walks back to the huddle against the San Diego Chargers at INVESCO Field at Mile High on Janua

John Elway is expected to be announced as the Broncos' new VP of football operations.  Elway was seen on Stanford's sidelines during the Orange Bowl on Monday, alongside Jim Harbaugh, which will begin to boost much speculation surrounding the current head coach vacancy in Denver.  

So far, the only possibilities other than Harbaugh have been Ron Rivera, Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey and Texans head coach Gary Kubiak if he was to lose his current job.

Cleveland Browns

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 21: Colt McCoy #12 of the Cleveland Browns leads the team out of the tunnel during a game agaisnt the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on November 21, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

After their second straight 5-11 season, the Cleveland Browns decided to fire head coach Eric Mangini.  Jon Gruden and Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell are atop Cleveland's list of head coach possibilities along with Stanford's Jim Harbaugh.

With a promising young quarterback in Colt McCoy, Harbaugh may be their favorite target with the success he has had with developing the potential first overall draft pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, Andrew Luck.  

University Of Michigan Wolverines

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ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 20: Darryl Stonum #22 of the Michigan Wolverines returns a fourth quarter kickoff while playing the Wisconsin Badgers tackles at Michigan Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Wisconsin won the game 48-38. (Photo

Any Michigan fans hoping that the Wolverines would fire coach Rich Rodriguez and hire Jim Harbaugh should be very disappointed.  ESPN's Chris Mortensen has reported that Harbaugh would take some job in the NFL or stay at Stanford before he would coach at Michigan, his alma mater.

Harbaugh has been in the process of creating a powerhouse at Stanford, and might finally be there.  With the potential of winning a National Championship next year it would be foolish for Harbaugh to coach any other college team in 2011.    

Stay in Stanford?

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MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Stanford Cardinal celebrates as he is lifted up by his players including Orange Bowl MVP Andrew Luck #12 (R) after Stanford won 40-12 against the Virginai Tech Hokies during the 2011 Discover Orange

Since arriving at Stanford in 2007, Jim Harbaugh has improved this football team's overall productiveness every season.  Take a look at the proof:

2007: 4-8 overall, 3-6 Pac-10

2008: 5-7 overall, 4-5 Pac-10

2009: 8-5 overall, 6-3 Pac-10; Lost in Sun Bowl

2010: 12-1 overall, 8-1 Pac-10; Won Orange Bowl

Harbaugh has done an excellent job recruiting for this university, and developing them into the powerhouse that they have become.  With many head coaching vacancies in the NFL, Harbaugh will have quite a few teams to choose from which is not good for Stanford fans.  But on the brighter side, it doesn't look like he'll coach any other college team if he does end up leaving Stanford.

Other Potential Suitors For Teams in Need Of a Head Coach

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TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 19: Coach Jon Gruden of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during play against the Seattle Seahawks at Raymond James Stadium on October 19, 2008 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Jon Gruden

Jim Zorn

Brad Childress

Bill Cowher

John Fox

Ron Rivera

Rob Ryan (defensive coordinator for Cleveland Browns)

Jim Harbaugh's Head Coaching Resume

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PALO ALTO, CA - NOVEMBER 27: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Stanford Cardinal reacts after Delano Howell #26 of the Stanford Cardinal made an interception on a pass intended for Joe Halahuni #87 of the Oregon State Beavers at Stanford Stadium on November

University of San Diego Toreros

Record: 29-6 overall, 15-1 conference

Stanford Cardinals

Record: 29-21 overall, 21-15 conference

Bowl Games: 

Lost the Sun Bowl in 2009 vs. Oklahoma Sooners (31-27)

Won the 2011 Orange Bowl vs. Virginia Tech Hokies (40-12)

Accomplishments:

2010 Woody Hayes Coach of the Year Award

(As a player) - 1995 AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year

-Selected for Pro Bowl in 1995

-NFL All-Pro in 1995

Prediction

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MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03: (L-R) Quarterback Andrew Luck and head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Stanford Cardinal celebrate on stage after Stanford won 40-12 against the Virginai Tech Hokies during the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 3,

I think it depends what Andrew Luck does.  If Luck goes pro, then I think Harbaugh will follow, possibly being his NFL coach in the future.  

If you've watched Luck and Harbaugh on the sidelines and in press conferences, they have supreme admiration and respect for one another.  Although it is likely that they will not stay in Stanford, I would not be surprised at all if Harbaugh took the head coaching job in Carolina and drafted Andrew Luck with the first pick.

The chemistry that these two share could really be dominant at the next level and I think both of them realize that.