Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh gave a confusing answer Wednesday to a question about his possible interest in taking the Los Angeles Chargers coaching job or another NFL vacancy this offseason.
Reports came out recently Harbaugh has left a ten-year, $125 million contract extension with Michigan unsigned due to a clause that would bar him from interviewing or taking an NFL job in 2024. The clear implication is that Harbaugh is very much interested in going back to coaching in the NFL.
Harbaugh has a big decision to make in January. But right now, he’s focused on leading undefeated Michigan to a win in the College Football Playoff Semifinal against Alabama on Monday. Should Michigan win Monday, Harbaugh will have to get his team ready for a National Championship appearance.
But the NFL rumor mill is still churning about Harbaugh regardless of the CFP. During Michigan’s trip to Disneyland, reporters asked Harbaugh two questions about his name being attached to NFL teams.
Jim Harbaugh doesn’t deny he wants to go back to the NFL
According to a video posted by Joe Reedy with the Associated Press, Harbaugh didn’t deny his interest in returning to the NFL. However, he completely disregarded the question and gave a bizarre response that Michigan needed to “dominate” the day:
“Such a one-track mind. That’s the way we’ve gone about things,” Harbaugh said. It’s literally whatever day we’re in, looking to get the most out of it. Dominate the day.
Then we’re going to sleep tonight, and wake up tomorrow and see if we can’t dominate that day. It’s a single-minded group. It’s very focused on just taking care of business today and see if we can’t do the same tomorrow.”
Reedy asked a follow-up question to Harbaugh about his relationship with the Chargers owner, Dean Spanos, as Los Angeles has a head coaching vacancy after they fired Brandon Staley after their Week 15 loss. Harbaugh said he was just worried about having fun with family and the team:
“Yeah, just a very one-track mind about this game,” Harbaugh said. “Right now, just have fun with the family and the team and the players. It’s like, we’re at the happiest place on earth. We’re gonna enjoy ourselves.
And then get back to business, see if we can’t dominate the day. Got some good meetings tonight. We’ll wake up tomorrow and practice, see if we can’t dominate that day.”
Video: @chengelis asking Jim Harbaugh about NFL rumors and me asking about #Chargers pic.twitter.com/3p4EO1RD0p
— Joe Reedy (@joereedy) December 27, 2023
The Los Angeles Chargers could be in play after Jan. 8
Harbaugh’s answer won’t make Michigan fans more secure that Harbaugh will be back in Ann Arbor next season. Harbaugh has to keep focused on trying to win his first bowl game at Michigan.
Once bowl season is over, Harbaugh will have even more business to attend to. That will probably include taking interviews with NFL teams. Nothing in Harbaugh’s answers Wednesday or in his inaction with Michigan’s contract extension has put the rumors of his wandering eyes to rest.
For More Football News:
Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and NFL news, click here!