If he returns to the NFL this offseason, he may not be able to avoid the controversy or fines surrounding Michigan’s alleged sign-stealing issue. According to The Athletic, the former 49ers head coach is already attracting interest from at least two NFL teams.
This week, Fox Sports’ Dianna Russini said that Harbaugh is “absolutely” a target among teams with prospective head coaching vacancies in the 2024 offseason, mentioning the Bears and Panthers as early suitors.
“(Panthers owner David) Tepper and Harbaugh had conversations last year,” she said. “It obviously didn’t pan out, but this was something that they discussed. … That’s a name I’m hearing again. The Chicago Bears are another organization … (that has) had some conversations about that, depending on what decision they make with this coaching staff that is in place.”
Carolina notably fired coach Frank Reich on Monday, just 11 games into Reich’s first year on the job. The Bears, meanwhile, have gone 7-22 since hiring Matt Eberflus prior to the 2022 season, and Harbaugh has a history with the franchise, playing seven seasons for Chicago during his time as an NFL quarterback.
“Jim is certainly a name that is respected in league circles,” Russini added. “(NFL) ownership is definitely interested in what he could bring back to the NFL.”
Harbaugh, 59, has served two bans at Michigan this year for suspected NCAA breaches, but he’s had success as an NFL and college coach, going 83-25 in nine seasons with the Wolverines and 44-19-1 as the 49ers coach from 2011 to 2014. In recent years, he has hinted at a comeback to the NFL, apparently chatting with the Broncos and Vikings about former openings.
