NFL teams are gearing up for the postseason, as 14 of the league’s 32 teams will battle for the right to play in the Super Bowl. But for a handful of other franchises, next week will be pivotal in the search for a new head coach, as seven different teams now have a vacancy to fill. One of them will interview one of the two biggest names in the market this cycle in the coming days.
Harbaugh will have his first NFL interview next week
From @NFLGameDay: The Jim Harbaugh draft is heating up as he rejoins the #Chargers. Meanwhile, Maxx Crosby could request a trade if the #Raiders don’t sign Antonio Pierce. pic.twitter.com/J3X80cumW8
– Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 13, 2024
Jim Harbaugh had a tumultuous season as head coach at the University of Michigan. The team was able to win its first National Championship since 1997 after finishing with an undefeated record, but was preceded by an alleged cheating scandal surrounding Harbaugh and the program.
With his mission accomplished and a championship under his belt, there is much speculation that the coach is looking to return to the professional game, where he enjoyed some successful seasons in the NFL as the leader of the San Francisco 49ers. There are a few teams rumored to have interest, but so far only one of them has an interview scheduled.
Chargers could be the best option for Harbaugh
Things are about to look up for Jim Harbaugh: The #Chargers are believed to speak with him next week, amid an ongoing internal debate in Las Vegas and negotiations with Michigan, which won’t give him up without a fight. Details from me and @RapSheet: https://t.co/MyD2onjoYv
– Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 13, 2024
According to a report from Ian Rapoport on Saturday morning, Harbaugh will meet with the Los Angeles Chargers about their coaching vacancy next week, the first meeting of any kind for Harbaugh during the current cycle. Rapoport said that while it wouldn’t be up to the coach to choose a general manager (which the Chargers are also looking for), the team would look to bring in two guys for positions that have some synergy and understanding.
The job in Los Angeles has to be one of the most attractive landing spots for Harbaugh. Aside from the job at Michigan, every stint during his coaching career has come on the West Coast, and the Chargers have arguably the most talented roster of any team currently searching for a coach.
Harbaugh is the heavy favorite to get the job, according to BetOnline. He is listed at -300, with the closest competitor, Ben Johnson, sitting at +500.
