Fresh off a National Championship victory over the Washington Huskies, Michigan Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh’s stock value is the highest it has been since making a Super Bowl run in 2012 with the San Francisco 49ers. With uncertainty surrounding his return to Ann Arbor next year, here are five potential landing spots for Harbaugh in 2024.
Five Potential Destinations for Jim Harbaugh in 2024
5) Dallas Cowboys
This one is an absolute long shot, but crazier things have happened. The Dallas Cowboys shouldn’t move on from Mike McCarthy, even if they have a short lived playoff run. With that being said, there are always rumblings that a shake up could be in place. Dak Prescott is not getting any younger and if the Cowboys do decide to make a change next season, expect Dallas to look at an offensive coach. As a former quarterback, Harbaugh is offensive minded and would fit the bill of what the Cowboys would be looking for in a potential new head coach.
4) Washington Commanders
With the Washington Commanders holding the second pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, it is possible that they will take a quarterback to lead the charge after a disappointing 2023 season. With the franchise undergoing a major overhaul with a new head coach, defensive coordinator and general manager, it is possible that Harbaugh is considered to right the ship in Washington. Josh Harris and company have a lot of important decisions to make in the coming months and it would make total sense to kick the tires on a guy that has been very successful both in the NFL and the NCAA.
3) Las Vegas Raiders
There is a good possibility that the Raiders stick with Antonio Pierce and remove the interim tag next season. Pierce had success in Las Vegas and was a coach that players respected and played hard for. If the Raiders do decide to go in a different direction, Harbaugh could be a name to watch in Las Vegas. Both Jon Gruden and Josh McDaniels were offensive minded head coaches and Harbaugh would fit the bill if they decide to go back to an offensive coach.
No matter what direction Las Vegas goes in, it will be crucial for the team to find a coach that sticks, especially since they are currently paying two coaches who are no longer with the organization. Pierce would be the safe choice but look for Mark Davis to give Harbaugh a call this offseason.
2) Los Angeles Chargers
If Harbaugh does return to the NFL, the team that makes the most sense for him to join is the Los Angeles Chargers. Pairing Harbaugh with Justin Herbert would be a win-win for both sides as he would get his quarterback of the future while Herbert would have the opportunity to learn from a former quarterback and an experienced coach both in the college and professional ranks. The Chargers have a lot of talent on their team, but they have lacked the coaching staff and front office personnel to right the ship in recent years. Los Angeles would be smart to bring in Harbaugh as they are a team that, with the right man in charge, can make a playoff run when healthy.
1) Michigan Wolverines
It is most likely that Harbaugh decides to stay at Michigan. Coming off a historic undefeated season, His Wolverines will likely continue to attract top talent from all across the nation which will allow Michigan to build a contender for years to come. Whether this talent comes from the portal or straight out of school, Harbaugh will have the pieces to continue to be a top tier college football program. While there was a lot of drama surrounding the Wolverines with the sign stealing scandal, the players and fans rallied around Harbaugh and didn’t miss a beat at all this season. Harbaugh is expected to stay put in Michigan and run it back in 2024.
Whether or not Harbaugh returns to Ann Arbor in 2024 remains to be seen. There will be a lot of interest around the NFL and we will see if this is tempting enough to prompt a professional football return for one of college football’s most polarizing head coaches.
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