Jim Harbaugh, Dan Quinn among top candidates for Denver Broncos job along with Sean Payton

After letting go of Nathaniel Hackett after one season, the Denver Broncos are looking to find their next head coach. And according to NFL Networks, Ian Rappaport, the Broncos have narrowed it down to three candidates: Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton, and back-to-back Big Ten champion head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines. Of those three choices, it appears as if Denver does have a favorite out of the group.

“Sean Payton obviously is a big name on the Broncos’ radar; so is Jim Harbaugh. And Harbaugh met with the Broncos virtually for about 2 hours early this past week. Michigan is still trying to lock him up… there is still at least a chance that he returns to Michigan,” said Rappaport.

“But if they have not locked him up, I would expect Harbaugh and the Broncos, at some point in the future, to get together. And it does seem like the Broncos have three main candidates. You have Dan Quinn, Cowboys defensive coordinator; you have Sean Payton, and you have Jim Harbaugh. As far as Harbaugh and the Broncos, there are some strong neutral interest here. Not saying it’s going to happen, but at least both sides like each other.”

More on Harbaugh at Michigan

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh is in negotiations with the university about a contract extension that could make him the highest-paid coach in the Big Ten. He also reportedly went through a virtual interview with the Denver Broncos Monday. At the same time, Harbaugh has remained constant that he expects to be Michigan’s coach this coming fall, and reiterated that to MLive’s Aaron McMann Friday.

Harbaugh and the Wolverines have consistently improved in recent history. After a tough year in the COVID-shortened 2020 season, Michigan has enjoyed back-to-back years of at least twelve wins and an appearance in the college football playoffs after capturing the Big Ten title. Best of all for Wolverine fans, they have beaten their heated rival in Ohio State the past two years as well. However, now it seems like that might come to an end if Harbaugh has his eyes on heading back to the NFL. And as of right now, that appears to be a strong possibility in Rappaport’s eyes.