Report: The real reason behind the Jim Harbaugh-to-the-NFL rumors

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh and his potential interest in leaving the college ranks for a return to the NFL have been well-publicized over the last week. There could be very genuine interest there or, as Mike Florio reports, it could be a big ploy to get Harbaugh his next big contract.

The key to scoring the big deal for Harbaugh is how realistic his potential departure seems to the decision-makers at Michigan. Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross told reporters on Monday that he won’t be the man to take Jim Harbaugh away from Michigan. However, Florio says the two have been in discussions about a possible extension with the Wolverines. Ross is a Michigan alum and donor.

“Harbaugh is actively talking to the powers-that-be about a new contract,” Florio wrote. “It’s smart for Harbaugh. On the heels of his best year at Michigan, why not cash in? Especially if he can convince the school that he’s willing to cash out.”

The CFP semifinalist head coach received an extension to his contract in January of 2021 through 2025. His new contract actually reduced his salary while boosting his incentives. Harbaugh’s base salary in 2021 was $4.1 million.

Using open jobs with the Las Vegas Raiders and Chicago Bears could net Jim Harbaugh a pretty nice raise. His counterpart at Penn State, James Franklin, received a 10-year, $70 million deal after rumors swirled about his potential interest in LSU, USC or Miami.

Jim Harbaugh just wrapped up his seventh year at Michigan after taking over at his alma mater in 2015. In 14 seasons at the collegiate level, he has a 119-51 record, including a 61-24 mark with Michigan.

The Wolverines went 12-1 this year before losing to No. 3 Georgia in the Orange Bowl last week.

Jay Glazer adds tidbit to Harbaugh-to-NFL conversation

Fox Sports analyst Jay Glazer dropped a little scoop on Jim Harbaugh ahead of Week 18 NFL action.

“Jim Harbaugh, I can tell you this, has been calling around, asking for people, in case he gets an NFL job, if they would join his staff,” Glazer shared. “So, he is interested in possibly returning to the NFL.”

Things appear to be getting more and more serious as NFL teams begin looking beyond the 2021-22 season.

Harbaugh has previous NFL coaching experience. He was with the San Francisco 49ers from 2011-14. In those four years, he had a 44-19-1 record and led the 49ers to the Super Bowl in 2012.