Even though Jim Harbaugh keeps flirting with the NFL, he might just end up back at Michigan for the 2024 season.
Per Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, some people in the NFL believe Harbaugh is using the league as leverage to receive the biggest possible contract wherever that might come from:
"The Chargers and Falcons have emerged as the two NFL teams most interested in Harbaugh. If, as it appears, Harbaugh is a Plan B to Bill Belichick (or, perhaps, the internal candidate preferred by folks who are more likely to be fired or neutered by Belichick) in Atlanta, it looks like the Chargers or no one for Harbaugh. And if the Chargers are playing it on the cheap side with Harbaugh, he might end up getting the most money to stay at Michigan."
The flirtation between Harbaugh and the NFL has been going on for two years dating back to when he interviewed with the Minnesota Vikings. He told Mitch Albom of the Detroit Free Press in February 2022 that would be the "last time" he chased an NFL job.
That pledge lasted about one year before Harbaugh spoke with the Denver Broncos multiple times before they wound up hiring Sean Payton.
There has been an assumption that Harbaugh's tenure at Michigan would end after the team's victory over Washington in the College Football Playoff Championship Game.
Harbaugh has certainly been dropping hints he wants to go back to the NFL. He hired super-agent Don Yee, whose clients include Payton and Tom Brady, to negotiate whatever his next deal is going to look like.
Harbaugh has already completed interviews with the Los Angeles Chargers and Atlanta Falcons. He's expected to meet with the Falcons a second time next week, per The Athletic's Jeff Howe.
Atlanta completed a second interview with Bill Belichick on Friday. No other teams have publicly confirmed they've met with the 71-year-old, who wants to continue his coaching career after parting ways with the New England Patriots on Jan. 11.
The Chargers have a history of not paying top dollar for coaches, though president of football operations John Spanos told reporters in December after Brandon Staley and Tom Telesco were fired there would be "no limitations" in their search for a new head coach and general manager.
Harbaugh has an 86-25 record in nine seasons at Michigan. He owns a 188-71-1 career record in 20 seasons as a head coach between college and the NFL.
