Report: Jim Harbaugh And L.A. Chargers In 'Striking Distance' Of Deal

The Ohio State Buckeyes might not have to worry about Jim Harbaugh with the Michigan Wolverines much longer.

Jim Harbaugh's time in Ann Arbor could be coming to a close. 

According to reports, Harbaugh and the Los Angeles Chargers are within "striking distance" of a contract amid their second interview.

The longtime Michigan coach has been considered the front-runner for the position since leading the Wolverines to their first national title since 1997. 

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“This feels like we’re now in the zone where something could happen between the Chargers and Jim Harbaugh in the near future,” said NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. “My understanding is that it is an extremely strong offer that they have made to him financially. They are now at the point where they’re going to discuss staffing when it comes to the general manager and obviously, the coaching staff, who’s going to work alongside Harbaugh, as well.”

Harbaugh has flirted with the idea of returning the pros in each of the last three offseasons. After guiding Michigan to its first College Football Playoff berth in 2021, Harbaugh interviewed for the Minnesota Vikings opening, which ultimately went to Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell. 

Last season, rumors swirled that if the right team came calling, Harbugh could entertain the offer after losing to TCU in the College Football Playoff semifinal Fiesta Bowl. He reportedly interviewed virtually with the Denver Broncos and drew interest from other teams, but ultimately decided to run it back in Ann Arbor.

Since the NCAA began its investigation into the sign-stealing scandal back in October, the sense has been that Harbaugh will leave college football for a shot at winning a Super Bowl. The NCAA has yet to finalize a ruling on the scandal involving Connor Stallions, who reportedly purchased tickets to more than 35 games at 17 stadiums around the country involving Michigan opponents in the Big Ten and potential College Football Playoff opponents.

Stallions was suspended with pay by the school on Oct. 20, and later resigned in early November. Harbaugh was suspended for the final three regular seasons, including The Game against Ohio State. 

Harbaugh has bested the Buckeyes in each of the past three seasons en route to leading the Wolverines to three consecutive conference titles, marking the largest win streak for Michigan since 1995-97. 

There's history between Harbaugh and the Chargers dating back to their time in San Diego. Harbaugh played two seasons with the Chargers from 1999-2000, throwing for over 4000 yards and 18 touchdowns against 24 interceptions. 

Dean Spanos, the owner of the Chargers, was influential in landing Harbaugh as a player after taking over daily operations for the franchise over his father, Alex Spanos, in 1994. 

California also seems to be a prime location for Harbaugh given his ties to the state. He began his coaching serving as Oakland Raiders quarterbacks coach (2002-03) before taking over at the University of San Diego (2004-06). Harbaugh later took over at Stanford for four seasons (2007-10) before being named the San Francisco 49ers head coach in 2011. 

In four seasons with San Francisco, Harbaugh guided the franchise to three NFC playoff appearances and a Super Bowl berth in 2013. He posted a 44-19-1 record before mutually parting ways with the 49ers to take the Michigan job in Dec. 2014. 

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"This has felt like Harbaugh has had his eyes locked on returning to the NFL and this could be the move in the near future – to Los Angeles, back to California where he's coached before, where he's played before, where he'd be comfortable," Garafolo said.

Should Los Angeles turn its attention elsewhere, the Atlanta Falcons have also been requested a second interview with Harbaugh, according to ESPN. The veteran coach first interviewed with Atlanta last Tuesday following longtime New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick.