Jim Harbaugh if National Championship could be last at Michigan: 'My future consists of a happy flight back to Ann Arbor'

Jim Harbaugh seems to love Ann Arbor and not worried about a potential return to the NFL at the moment.

The Michigan head coach reportedly won’t address his NFL future during the College Football Playoff. As of now, that’s still going with the Wolverines awaiting Texas or Washington in the national championship game next week.

After the game, Harbaugh was asked if the national title game might be his last at Michigan. He had quite the answer.

“My future consists of a happy flight back to Ann Arbor, Michigan,” Harbaugh said, via On3’s Andy Staples.

Michigan AD Warde Manuel was asked if he’d try to get Harbaugh to sign a contract extension on the plane ride home Pasadena.

“Hey brother, I’m working on it. Believe me. I’ve been working on it,” Manuel said, via Michael Cohen on Twitter.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler previously reported the Los Angeles Chargers have done some “preliminary work” on Harbaugh as they look to replace Brandon Staley. However, other teams could also go after Harbaugh should he chose to return to the league.

“Jim Harbaugh, this is a name that is buzzing in league circles as a potential head coaching candidate,” Fowler said on SportsCenter. “Asking around I do believe the Chargers have at least put out feelers, done some preliminary work on Harbaugh. So that could be an option for him too. Of course, Chicago, he’s got ties there if that job does open.”

Rumors of Harbaugh and the NFL have swirled the last couple offseasons. After the 2021 season, he interviewed for the Minnesota Vikings job that ultimately went to Kevin O’Connell. Then, following the 2022 campaign, he was rumored to be in consideration for the Denver Broncos opening before they hired Sean Payton.

Late Saturday night, though, ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Pete Thamel reported Harbaugh hired agent Don Yee to represent him. Yee is an NFL agent who also represents Payton and Tom Brady.

Harbaugh has a close connection to the Chargers, playing for the organization from 1999-2000 as he wrapped up his career. He also got his first head coaching opportunity in their backyard when they were in San Diego, where he coached the FCS Toreros from 2004-06.

Nick Schultz contributed to this report