NFL insider: Jim Harbaugh emerges as top candidate for Denver Broncos

Jim Harbaugh spoke with the Denver Broncos and emerged as a top candidate, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero.

The Michigan head coach is not the only top candidate as former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton is squarely in the sights of the franchise. Harbaugh repeatedly said he expected to coach Michigan in 2023, but left the pro door open.

Now he reportedly could be the top choice for the Broncos, should they be able to pry Harbaugh away from Ann Arbor.

“The Broncos kicked off their head coaching search on Monday by conducting a virtual interview with Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh,” Pelissero said on Good Morning Football. “The sides spoke, I’m told, for over two hours. Harbaugh of course, put out a statement just last week saying that while things can change, ‘I expect to be enthusiastically coaching Michigan in 2023.’ It’s no secret Harbaugh has been weighing his NFL options in recent weeks, he now has emerged as a top candidate in Denver.”

Harbaugh made it clear, at least as clear as he could, that he expected to coach in Ann Arbor for at least one more season.

“I am aware of the rumors and speculation over the past few days,” Harbaugh said. “College and NFL teams have great interest in all our personnel, from players to coaches to staff, and I truly believe that is a testament to the strength of our University of Michigan football program. As I stated in December, while no one knows what the future holds, I expect that I will be enthusiastically coaching Michigan in 2023.

“I have spoken with President Santa Ono and Athletic Director Warde Manuel and appreciate their support of me and our program. Our mission as Wolverines continues, and we are preparing for the 2023 season with great passion and enthusiasm. As our legendary coach Bo Schembechler said … ‘Those who stay will be champions.’”

If he stays, Harbaugh and Michigan have the NCAA’s notice of allegations against the football program to deal with.

Last year, Harbaugh interviewed with the Minnesota Vikings but the two sides could not come to an agreement and mutually decided it was better for the coach to return to Ann Arbor and the Vikings ultimately landed on Kevin O’Connell last year.

Harbaugh was the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers from 2011-14. In those four seasons, Harbaugh went 44-19-1 and made the playoffs three times. In his second season with the 49ers, Harbaugh took them to the Super Bowl where they would come up just shy of the win against the Baltimore Ravens.

Now through eight seasons at Michigan, Harbaugh is 74-25 with two Big Ten titles and two playoff appearances, but is 1-6 in bowl games.