Adam Schefter doesn't see Jim Harbaugh to Chicago Bears in 2024

Jim Harbaugh will likely entertain NFL possibilities based on recent history, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

However, the Chicago Bears might not be the destination, should he go back to the pros. Not only that, Harbaugh’s focus is to bring a national championship to Michigan.

Should Michigan win it all this year, it might free up Harbaugh to explore the NFL freely, but his future involving the NFL is still very murky.

“To me, he’s always wanted to bring a national championship to Michigan, and I think if he brings a national championship to Michigan, I would think there’ll be a part of him that feels like he set out to do what he intended all along,” Schefter said Monday on the Pat McAfee Show. “And I think that that would give him even more liberty to take the jump to the NFL. 

“Now, again, he’s assessed this in each of the last two years. Two years ago, Minnesota came after him. Last year, Denver came after him. And so he’s entertained these possibilities.” 

The last two seasons, as Schefter pointed out, featured a Harbaugh flirtation with the NFL. Both of the last two seasons ended with Michigan losing in the College Football Playoffs.

Jim Harbaugh not going to NFL In 2024?

This year, Michigan could win it all but there’s still the matter of the sign stealing allegations against the program.

Harbaugh was suspended three games at the end of the season after self imposing a three-game punishment to start the year after alleged COVID-era recruiting violations.

If any type of punishment rolls over, it’s unknown if that’ll affect Harbaugh’s thinking. But Schefter believes Harbaugh will at least listen to NFL offers. Whether he goes is a different story.

One spot is unlikely: the Chicago Bears.

“He said before, well, I’m gonna stay in Michigan, but each year these teams come calling and if they come calling again, I would imagine he’ll listen again,” Schefter said. “That’s what he’s done in the past. I don’t know that he’ll listen. And when you look at the teams out there, I think Greeny brought up Chicago. I think you’re more along the lines of the right call there. I don’t see Chicago doing that right now. That’s just my sense. I don’t see it.”

For now, Michigan and Harbaugh have the Rose Bowl against Alabama to worry about, rather than the NFL next season.

Once the season is over, then and only then, will Harbaugh’s future be in the crosshairs again.