Report: Jim Harbaugh hears from Michigan, wants to stay in NFL

Michigan reportedly reached out to San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh about its head coaching vacancy, but left the conversation convinced Harbaugh wants to stay in the NFL.

Michigan reached out to San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh about its head coaching vacancy, but left the conversation convinced Harbaugh wants to be an NFL coach next year, reports NFL.com's Ian Rapoport. 

Harbaugh, who is not expected to return to the 49ers next season, has been connected to the Michigan job since before ex-Wolverines coach Brady Hoke was fired. He was considered Bovada's betting favorite for the position, and last week, former Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr said he would pick Harbaugh if it were up to him.

• Michigan begins coaching search without a 'Michigan Man' in mind

Harbaugh played quarterback for four years at Michigan from 1983-1986. LSU coach Les Miles, who also was a Wolverine, is the next betting favorite.

Rapoport reports that there is mutual interest between Harbaugh and the Oakland Raiders because of its proximity to where Harbaugh's family already is and because Harbaugh is a fan of Raiders quarterback Derek Carr.

How would a trade for Jim Harbaugh work? He picks the team, 2 sides agree on terms, #49ers release him from his contract, he signs a new one

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 7, 2014

The Jets are also reportedly interested in trading for Harbaugh.

- Molly Geary