NFL rumors: Jim Harbaugh proves he’s not bluffing with Broncos interest

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh is drawing major interest from the Denver Broncos.

Either the University of Michigan will pay head football coach Jim Harbaugh handsomely or he will be going back to the NFL.

Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported on Saturday morning that “Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh interviewed virtually for more than two hours this past Monday and may have an in-person interview at some point, if the university doesn’t sign him to an extension first.”

Rapoport and Pelissero also added that “along with [Sean] Payton, Harbaugh entered the process among the favorites for the Broncos’ new regime and would be the type of big fish Denver’s new ownership wants to reel in.”

It should be noted that Denver general manager George Paton has close ties to Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. Denver also may look at interviewing San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans at some point. Denver has also spoken with Ejiro Evero, David Shaw, Jim Caldwell and plans on speaking with Raheem Morris after Payton next week.

Payton must wait until Tuesday, Jan. 17 before speaking with another team per his contract with the New Orleans Saints.

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh among favorites for the Denver Broncos’ gig

With Harbaugh’s status on returning to Michigan uncertain, it really comes down to the money. Harbaugh took a massive pay cut after the disastrous 2020 campaign. He backed that up with two straight College Football Playoff appearances and two Big Ten Championships. Of course, the Wolverines failed to capitalize in either national semifinal, falling to Georgia and then later to TCU.

Since university president Santa Ono and athletic director Warde Manuel really want Harbaugh to return to Ann Arbor, Michigan will need to put up an offer compelling enough to keep him from going back to the NFL. Keep in mind The Waltons are the new owners of the Broncos franchise. In theory, they can outspend anyone when it comes hiring a new head coach and assembling a staff.

However, Denver may not be the most appealing job in this hiring cycle. They are not only saddled with Russell Wilson’s albatross contract, but the Broncos gave up precious draft capital to the Seattle Seahawks as part of the one-sided trade up to this point. Not only that, but the Broncos play in the same AFC West as Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes and the rest of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Overall, this report from Rapoport and Pelissero reeks of Harbaugh’s agent leaking information to get him even more money from Michigan. Harbaugh may suffice The Waltons’ need for bringing in a former head coach after the disaster that was Nathaniel Hackett’s run as a first-timer. However, Payton and Quinn are stronger candidates who have been the NFL more recently than Harbaugh.

Ultimately, it remains to be seen if Harbaugh will even get a second interview with the Broncos, especially one in-person. He could be a candidate for other jobs, including the Indianapolis Colts, a franchise where he is a Ring of Honor member. For the time being, it needs to be a perfect fit for Harbaugh to leave Michigan for the NFL again. How sure are we any of these jobs check that box?

Michigan stands a good chance at keeping Harbaugh, but the university better pony up some cash.

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