Michigan’s Playoff Destiny and Jim Harbaugh’s NFL Comeback Conundrum Are All Intertwined, Here’s How

What do you think Michigan’s HC Jim Harbaugh would be better for – college football or pro football? If he joins the Los Angeles Chargers, it wouldn’t be his first time coaching an NFL team. He also served as the HC for the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2014 before he signed as Michigan’s HC in 2015. 

After their 63-21 loss against the Las Vegas Raiders, the Chargers sacked their HC Brandon Staley as they struggled at the bottom of the AFC West division. Michigan, meanwhile, is on the road to greatness as they finished the season undefeated to clinch a spot at the College Football Playoff. So, is Jim Harbaugh ready to commit to the NFL again with a struggling team after his sweet stint with the Wolverines?

Torn by the strife between college football and the NFL

Speculations have come up regarding Jim Harbaugh’s decision to remain in college football or join the NFL. Despite his two-time suspension this season, the 59-year-old is a prized prospect for the LA Chargers given his experience in coaching and impact as a head coach. Before firing their coach, the Chargers have shown informal interest in Jim Harbaugh with reports stating that a “Spanos family confidant” reached out to his connections. But as of now, there is no conclusive decision as the Wolverines are in full-swing preparation for the upcoming CFP. 

According to a report by ESPN, Jim Harbaugh’s decision will wait until he leads Michigan to the upcoming CFP. Despite different dramas that crept up on Michigan during their regular season, they’ve gone on to win every game, ranking No. 1 in the nation. It could be the Wolverines’ first national championship under Harbaugh if they beat the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Rose Bowl and defeat the Sugar Bowl winner in the final championship game. 

Will Jim Harbaugh stay in Michigan or join the NFL?

Following Jim Harbaugh’s potential NFL comeback, Michigan has also played its part in keeping its current HC with an enticing deal. There had been talks of an extension, a five-year agreement that would pay Harbaugh $11M per year. Will this deal be able to make the HC change his mind about wanting to return to the NFL?

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In the past, Jim Harbaugh has expressed his desire to return to the NFL as a coach saying, “There was a pull to the NFL because I got that close to the Super Bowl.” Harbaugh was named the NFL Coach of the Year in 2011. As the 49ers HC, he led his team to a Super Bowl appearance where they lost 34-31 to the Baltimore Ravens, where his older brother John Harbaugh served as HC.

Jim Harbaugh’s record as a college football and NFL HC stands at 142-52 and 49-22-1, respectively. And as his decision awaits, all focus is on the upcoming playoff where Michigan faces Alabama in a heated Rose Bowl game on January 2.

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