Jim Harbaugh’s first Broncos interview makes Michigan departure more likely

Jim Harbaugh impressed the Denver Broncos in his head coaching interview. This could be a sign he’s not long for Ann Arbor.

Jim Harbaugh interviewed with the Broncos on Tuesday, and impressed Denver’s front office in the process. While Harbaugh previously said he did not expect to leave Michigan this offseason, he’s also made it clear with his actions that a move back to the NFL is among his coaching priorities.

Harbaugh interviewed for the Minnesota Vikings job last offseason, falling short. That job went to Kevin O’Connell. Harbaugh was disappointed by the decision, suggesting that a move back to the NFL is in the near future. The Athletic reported earlier this offseason that such a decision was likely from Harbaugh’s perspective.

In a statement issued to the press, Harbaugh said that “I expect that I will be enthusiastically coaching Michigan in 2023.” Obviously, only one of these things can be true.

Will Jim Harbaugh leave Michigan for the Denver Broncos?

Denver fired Nathaniel Hackett after just one season as head coach. What seemed like a ploy to convince Aaron Rodgers to force a trade to the Broncos never came to be, and his relationship with Russell Wilson wasn’t a productive one.

Harbaugh has plenty of NFL success, specifically with the San Francisco 49ers. He’s proven he can lead at that level, as he made a Super Bowl run with Colin Kaepernick under center.

Denver plans to interview former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton, Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans and Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris as well, and that may not be the end of the list.

Harbaugh and Payton are the early favorites, though both could have plenty of suitors. Michigan fans should get used to the idea of Harbaugh coaching elsewhere.