Report: Jim Harbaugh set for virtual interview with Denver Broncos this week

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh has stated several times he expects to be in Ann Arbor well into the future, but “no man knows the future.” His immediate future appears to include another dance with an NFL franchise.

According to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, the Denver Broncos are set to meet virtually with Harbaugh this week to interview for their head coach opening. He is in the mix with several other candidates, the report says.

“There are connections in Denver for Harbaugh. Condoleezza Rice, a member of the Broncos’ ownership group and search committee, has deep ties to Stanford University, where Harbaugh coached before his first NFL stint. Greg Penner, the Broncos’ co-owner and CEO, got his MBA from Stanford,” Rapoport and Pelissero reported early Sunday morning.

They also say that there is still time for Michigan to show the same commitment and devotion he has publicly stated for the program.

“While Harbaugh is listening to NFL teams, those close to him consistently speak of his love for Michigan and how much that job still means to him,” the report says. “There’s still time for the school to reciprocate that love contractually, and with the Broncos interview looming, the clock might be ticking to make it happen.”

Rapoport and Pelissero also say the conversation with the Carolina Panthers and owner David Tepper ultimately did not amount to anything or go anywhere. A separate story from CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones claims the Panthers’ interest was one-sided.

“Sources tell CBS Sports that Harbaugh — or his representation — had been calling Tepper with some regularity in recent weeks,” Jones said. “Tepper eventually held a conversation with Harbaugh, but it was never characterized as a job interview for the permanent head coaching job in Carolina.”

Jones also insinuated there was some hesitance from Tepper based on how his reported interview with the Minnesota Vikings last offseason went.

“Reports out of Minnesota about Harbaugh’s interview last year with the Vikings made Tepper wary, sources say,” Jones wrote. “A lengthy interview between the Vikings and Harbaugh last January didn’t result in an offer, and sources describe Harbaugh’s behavior during the interview as ‘odd.'”

Jim Harbaugh publicly states plans to return to Michigan

Harbaugh has been the subject of NFL rumors since arriving at Michigan in December 2014, but has mostly rebuffed advances and rumors. They have been widespread in recent weeks with Denver, Carolina and potentially the Indianapolis Colts getting in line to speak with him. Harbaugh released a statement last week stating his intention to stay in Ann Arbor in 2023.

“I am aware of the rumors and speculation over the past few days. 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,” he wrote.

“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 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.’”

Harbaugh is 74-25 in 8 seasons at Michigan, leading the team to a pair of Big Ten Championships and trips to the College Football Playoff over the last two seasons. He signed a a 5-year, $36.7 million contract that links him to Michigan through the 2026 season. Harbaugh’s base salary was $7.05 million in 2022, but he earned nearly $2 million in contract incentives, pushing his compensation for this year towards $10 million. He and Michigan are in conversations about a raise and it looks like that could reach a fever pitch this week.

Harbaugh and Michigan received a notice of allegations from the NCAA last week regarding recruiting violations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Harbaugh is facing the most serious charge – a Level I violation centered around not cooperating in the investigation. Sources believe this is one of his bigger reasons for considering a move back to the NFL.