Michigan HC Jim Harbaugh laughably sidesteps questions regarding his future.
It would be naïve, though, to expect queries regarding Harbaugh’s desire in returning to the NFL in the midst of these allegations. Instead of making a splash by giving a definitive response regarding his goals, he hilariously sidestepped the subject. “Next week, I’d be happy to discuss the future,” Harbaugh stated. “I’m hoping to get one. What say you about that?
There will be many suitors for Harbaugh if he decides to return to the NFL after Monday night’s title game, as suggested by his signing of agent Don Yee, whose clientele includes Tom Brady and Sean Payton of the Broncos. Job opportunities are anticipated to be plentiful in this coaching cycle.
The Los Angeles Chargers offer Harbaugh arguably the most alluring landing point. Under head coach Brandon Staley, the club consistently failed, squandering quarterback Justin Herbert’s potential despite the quality all around him. Perhaps Herbert and the Chargers could finally become the AFC contenders they were always meant to be under capable leadership.
Additionally, it has been rumored that Harbaugh expressed interest in taking over for the Panthers, who finished as the NFL’s worst club in 2023. Additionally, they have Bryce Young, a young quarterback selected first overall in the 2023 selection, who would undoubtedly gain from Harbaugh’s mentoring.
However, Herbert has access to far more inspirational players at skill positions than those in Carolina, and it doesn’t appear that controlling owner David Tepper will give up the level of power Harbaugh would require just yet.
A couple locations also have young quarterbacks of their own that haven’t yet parted ways with their current head coaches. Ron Rivera in Washington and Bill Belichick in New England will probably be fired this offseason.
Both scenarios are developing more quickly than the Chargers, but they are still behind the Panthers. The advantage of choosing your own quarterback instead of inheriting one would undoubtedly apply in both cases.
The Patriots and Commanders presently own the second and third overall picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, respectively. Harbaugh may be able to choose between Drake Maye and Sam Howell, two UNC products, in Washington.
He might get the opportunity to develop Michael Penix Jr. or Bo Nix, the finalists for the 2023 Heisman Trophy, or 2023 winner Jayden Daniels in New England. Harbaugh is confident in his ability to maximize the skill of anyone they choose, even though none of those players are seen with exactly the same confidence as the consensus top two of Maye and Caleb Williams of USC.
Harbaugh ought to sign with the Chargers if he decides to return to the NFL and wants to be a contender for the Super Bowl right away.