Andrew Luck: Does Luck Hold the Key To Jim Harbaugh's Decision?

They're separate stories, but maybe the same story too.

Speculation continues about the futures of Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh and quarterback Andrew Luck. Harbaugh's name continues to be mentioned as a candidate for numerous NFL openings, as well as a potential opening at the University of Michigan, where he played. There were reports that Rich Rodriguez was fired on Tuesday afternoon, but they were denied. ESPN.com is reporting the same news again this morning.

Luck, a redshirt sophomore, is considered the consensus No.1 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, but there are rumors he could return to school as well. Following their Orange Bowl victory over Virginia Tech, Luck politely declined to discuss his future plans.

"I think there are a lot of worse decisions you might have to make in life," Luck said. "I don't mean to be rude, but I'd rather not address that subject anymore."

Will Luck's choice influence Harbaugh? Are the two tied together as a potential packaged deal? Here are 10 possible destinations for Harbaugh:

10. Tennessee Titans

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INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 02: Chris Johnson #28 of the Tennessee Titans is tackled by Eric Foster #68 of the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. the Colts won 23-20. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

There is speculation that Jeff Fisher could be let go following a 6-10 season. Fisher said on his weekly radio show that talks are ongoing about his job status, which he called "a complicated process." If Bud Adams elects to stay with Vince Young and send Fisher packing, I'd be hesitant about jumping at this opportunity.

9. Stanford

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MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03: Players from the Stanford Cardinal hold up the Orange Bowl Champion trophy after they won 40-12 against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 3, 2011 in Miami, Florida. (Photo

There's still a chance Harbaugh could stay. He's built a very respected program, and the Cardinal should continue to compete for Pac 10 titles. It always will be a challenge, however, for Harbaugh to recruit talented athletes who can also meet the rigorous academic standards at the school.

8. Cleveland Browns

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CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 02: Tight end Benjamin Watson #82 of the Cleveland Browns drops a pass as linebacker James Farrior #51 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on at Cleveland Browns Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Matt Sullivan

It is one of the openings in the NFL, but a huge longshot, especially since former Carolina coach John Fox has been named as the frontrunner for this position.

7. Oakland Raiders

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SAN DIEGO - DECEMBER 05: Oakland Raiders head coach Tom Cable looks on from the sideline against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 5, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 28-13. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty

Harbaugh has already worked in the organization as a quarterback's coach in 2002-2003. The position came open after the team decided not to exercise the two-year option on Tom Cable's contract. I'd be skeptical about this position, especially since Cable just led Oakland to its best season in eight years.

6. Miami Dolphins

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 02: Chad Henne #7 of the Miami Dolphins is brought down in the first half by Jerod Mayo #51 and Landon Cohen #66 of the New England Patriots on January 2, 2011 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Ima

Tony Sparano still remains the head coach for now, but is it a matter of time before he's let go? The Dolphins have underachieved, and also need to fill some holes, especially at quarterback.

5. Detroit Lions

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DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 02: Head coach Jim Schwartz of the Detroit Lions looks on while playing the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field on January 2, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 20-13. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

There have been rumors of Jim Schwartz's job being in jeopardy. Harbaugh played college ball in nearby Ann Arbor. Would the Lions go after him?

4. Denver Broncos

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DENVER - SEPTEMBER 19: Quarterback Kyle Orton #8 of the Denver Broncos shakes hands with former Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway before an NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks at INVESCO Field at Mile High on September 19, 2010 in Denver, Colorado.

John Elway is now executive vice president of football operations for the Denver Broncos. He was spotted at the Orange Bowl donning a Stanford shirt. You've got to bet he'll make a run at Harbaugh and try to lure him to the Mile High city.

3. San Francisco 49ers

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 02: Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers passes against the Arizona Cardinals during an NFL game at Candlestick Park on January 2, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

He wouldn't have to move, and could be a perfect candidate to help lead San Francisco's resurgence. The 49ers will also have the seventh pick in the NFL Draft, and are in desperate need of a quarterback.

2. University Of Michigan

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - JANUARY 01: Martavious Odoms # 9 of the Michigan Wolverines returns a kick against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the Gator Bowl at EverBank Field on January 1, 2011 in Jacksonville, Florida (Photo by Rick Dole/Getty Images)

If he does stay in college, expect Harbaugh to head back to his alma mater. He would be a perfect fit for the Wolverines.

1. Carolina Panthers

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 23: Jonathan Stewart #28 of the Carolina Panthers runs with the ball during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 23, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Team executives have already stated they would take Andrew Luck with the No.1 pick if he elects to declare for the NFL Draft, according to ESPN.com. If Luck does declare, Carolina still needs a head coach. It's set up for a perfectly packaged Luck-Harbaugh deal.