Jim Harbaugh Already Connected to Two NFL Coaching Jobs, Insider Says

Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh could have an opportunity to return to the NFL next season.

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh has already been linked to two coaching jobs, according to NFL insider Dianna Russini.

On Wednesday, Russini told Colin Cowherd on The Herd that Harbaugh’s name is “respected in league circles” and at least two teams could be interested in what he could bring back to the NFL: the Panthers and the Bears.

Russini said, “Let’s just start with Carolina, alright? You mentioned that David Tepper makes that firing last week with Frank Reich now out. If you remember, Tepper and Harbaugh had conversations last year. It obviously didn’t pan out, but this was something that they discussed. So that’s a name I’m hearing again.”

“The Chicago Bears are another organization I have heard has had some conversations about that depending on what decision they make with this coaching staff that is in place and of course what they do with that quarterback situation.”

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler also reported on Wednesday that Harbaugh’s name has “percolated” around the NFL and that “this might be the year” Harbaugh makes his return. In Harbaugh’s last NFL stint, he coached the 49ers for four seasons from 2011 to ’14.

This past week, former Panthers coach Frank Reich was ousted just 11 games into his tenure after leading Carolina to an NFL-worst 1–10 record. Reich, who was sacked by the Colts last year, struggled to get the most out of the Panthers’ young offense in 2023 and was the third full-time head coach fired in the David Tepper era, which began in ’18.

Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh is being discussed by multiple NFL teams, according to Dianna Russini of ‘The Athletic.’ :: Junfu Han/USA TODAY Network

It’s no surprise the Panthers, fresh off a notable firing, are being linked to several coaching candidates, nor should it be a surprise that the Bears (4–8) may consider a coaching change, too.

As Russini reiterated, the Bears have important decisions to make about their coaching staff and quarterback situation following this season. Through 12 weeks, they are in line for the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL draft, but they also have former first-round quarterback Justin Fields currently playing in his third year with the franchise.

As for Jim Harbaugh himself, is his dominant nine-year reign in Michigan finally coming to an end? Or is this just another instance of the Wolverines coach flirting with a return to the NFL?