Report: NFL teams eyeing potential Jim Harbaugh hire

[TheFan]

Multiple NFL teams have been making calls to gather information about Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh as a potential hire during the 2024 offseason, sources told Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.The Los Angeles Chargers are reportedly believed to be among the teams considering speaking with Harbaugh. The 60-year-old - who's currently signed through 2026 - has updated staff lists and evaluated a potential NFL return ahead of the Wolverines' title game against Washington on Monday, according to Rapoport and Pelissero.A former NFL Coach of the Year, Harbaugh has been out of the league since his last season with the San Francisco 49ers in 2014. He has posted an 88-25 record with Michigan since 2015, including a 14-0 campaign this season. With Harbaugh on the sideline, the Wolverines reached at least the College Football Playoff semifinal in each of the last three years.However, it's unclear what's next for Harbaugh and Michigan, as the NCAA has been investigating the Wolverines for an in-person scouting and sign-stealing scheme that resulted in the Big Ten suspending Harbaugh for the team's final three regular-season games in 2023.Michigan is also being investigated for alleged recruiting violations during the COVID-19 season. Due to that probe, the school suspended Harbaugh for three games to start the 2023 campaign. The Wolverines have reportedly been notified that Harbaugh is being charged with a Level I violation for allegedly providing false or misleading information during the investigation.Despite the investigations, Michigan has reportedly offered Harbaugh a 10-year, $125-million extension that includes a no-NFL clause for 2024.Harbaugh was strongly linked to the NFL in the last two offseasons and met with the Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos in that time. He interviewed with the Vikings and reportedly believed he was going to be hired before Kevin O'Connell ultimately won the job in 2022. Harbaugh said in February 2022 that was the "last time" he'd try to return to the league.Harbaugh coached the 49ers from 2011-14, posting a 44-19-1 record. San Francisco made one trip to the Super Bowl in three NFC title-game appearances under Harbaugh.In addition to the Chargers, the Las Vegas Raiders and Carolina Panthers also fired their head coaches midway through the 2023 NFL season. Other teams - including the Washington Commanders - are expected to part ways with their sideline boss after Week 18.The Raiders could speak with Harbaugh, according to Rapoport and Pelissero. However, the Panthers are reportedly unlikely to pursue the Michigan coach.

Source: https://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/news/2814713