Jim Harbaugh: The Pros and Cons of the Miami Dolphins Job

Jim Harbaugh, the Stanford head football coach, is a wanted man—especially after his team thrashed Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl.

The Miami Dolphins still have a head coach but are reportedly looking for their next coach. 

Harbaugh met with the 49ers on Wednesday and had plans to meet with the Dolphins on Thursday. 

For now, let's focus on Miami.

Miami Con: Job Security

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

In college football head coaches generally last longer than in the NFL.

Miami has been a revolving door of coaches ever since Don Shula left the team.

Harbaugh would be given a year or two to turn the Dolphins into a playoff team before he was on the hot seat.

Miami Pro: It's Miami

I doubt Jim Harbaugh is a big club guy, but Miami has other appeals.

Great weather year round. The Miami Heat. The spotlight.

There are a lot of draws to Miami life—especially if you have a few million dollars to spend.

Miami Pro: Their Defense

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MIAMI - NOVEMBER 18: Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears is sacked by linebacker Cameron wake #91 of the Miami Dolphins and fumbles at Sun Life Stadium on November 18, 2010 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

In Miami the problem is without a doubt the offense, something Harbaugh would be capable of fixing with a good quarterback.

Miami already has a great defensive coordinator in place in Mike Nolan if they can retain him for 2011. 

Harbaugh would be able to focus on fixing the Dolphins' anemic offense and not have two problems to deal with at once.

Miami Pro: Money, Money, Money

Reportedly Harbaugh is asking for a salary at around $6 million a year.

In college football that would make him the highest paid coach. 

Last year, when Pete Carroll made the jump to the NFL, he got $7 million a year. According to reports the Dolphins are willing to make Harbaugh the highest paid coach in the NFL, which would be in the $7-8 million range.

Miami Pro: They're in the NFL

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 02: Marlon Moore #14 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)

OK, so the title sounds stupid, but it's legitimate.

Harbaugh has made it known he wants to go to the NFL, which makes him likely to go to the 49ers or Dolphins.

He is highly unlikely to stay in college football.

Miami Pro: Stephen Ross

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MIAMI - DECEMBER 19: Stephen Ross owner of the Miami Dolphins poses for a photo before his team plays against the Buffalo Bills at Sun Life Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Miami, Florida. The Bills defeated the Dolphins 17-14. (Photo by Marc Serota/Gett

Stephen Ross, the owner of the Miami Dolphins, has shown that he is willing to spend money on big name players.

College recruiting isn't exactly a guaranteed thing, but in the NFL you can buy a good team if you are willing to spend the money.

Ross is willing to, and the first person he would demonstrate that with would be Harbaugh with the monster contract he might offer him.

Miami Con: No Quarterback

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 02: Vince Wilfork #75 of the New England Patriots pressures Chad Henne #7 of the Miami Dolphins on January 2, 2011 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

As of now, the Dolphins have no quarterback.

The Chad Henne experiment seems to be over, and Tyler Thigpen doesn't exactly scream superstar.

Maybe Harbaugh, as a former quarterback and quarterbacks coach, could resurrect Henne's career.

Prediction: Harbaugh Goes to...the 49ers

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ST. LOUIS, MO - DECEMBER 26: Head coach Mike Singletary of the San Francisco 49ers looks on from the sideline at the Edward Jones Dome on December 26, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Rams beat the 49ers 25-17. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Choice No. 1: San Francisco 49ers

Choice No. 2: Miami Dolphins

OK, so the 49ers already have an inside track on Harbaugh, as they have already had an interview with Harbaugh. It would be a move to the NFL like Harbaugh prefers, and he would be able to keep his fanbase from Stanford by remaining in California.

The Dolphins still have yet to fire their current coach, which would make the process with Harbaugh complicated. Harbaugh is obviously keeping an open mind if he agrees to meet with the Dolphins after the 49ers.

The money could potentially lure him if the Dolphins actually offer it to him, but my gut says that Stephen Ross' advisors will talk him out of offering ridiculous money to an unproven coach.