Jim Harbaugh, head coach of Michigan football, has set his sights on winning a national championship in college football. But two NFL teams are also looking forward and have their eyes on Harbaugh.
Harbaugh coached the San Francisco 49ers in 2014 before moving to Ann Arbor in Michigan.
He has now the No. 2 Michigan Wolverines are 12-0, in their third consecutive Big Ten championship game, and have defeated Ohio State for the third time in a row. Many believe that this team could win its first national title since 1997.
Harbaugh-NFL rumors have resurfaced, and according to reports, two NFC clubs are interested.
Dianna Russini, The Athletic’s Dianna said on “The Herd”, that the Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers are looking at Harbaugh.
“[Panthers’ owner David] Tepper had conversations with Harbaugh last year. They discussed it, and although the plan didn’t work out, they did discuss it. “That’s the name I keep hearing,” Russini replied.
The Chicago Bears, I’ve heard, are also a team that has talked about it, depending on the decision that they make regarding this coaching staff in place, and what they decide to do with their quarterback situation.
Harbaugh met with the Minnesota Vikings in 2011, which he called a “one-time thing.”
Last year, the 59-year old said he would not seek a head coaching position in the NFL.
Carolina fired Frank Reich recently after he went 1-10 in his debut season with the team. Chris Tabor, the special teams coordinator, is now serving as interim head coach.
The second time in a row, Reich was fired mid-season. Last year, the Indianapolis Colts let Reich go after Week 9.
Chicago will likely own two of the top five picks at next year’s NFL Draft. After trading for last year’s No. 1, they now own Carolina’s current first-round pick. The Panthers traded their No. 1 pick so that Carolina could select Bryce Young.
Harbaugh is back in the stands this weekend, facing Iowa. He was barred from the Michigan team’s last three matches due to the alleged theft of signs. He was also suspended for the first three games this season due to recruiting violations.