Report: Jim Harbaugh notified Broncos he would be staying at Michigan

For the second consecutive offseason, the Jim Harbaugh drama seemingly is over. Michigan president Santa Ono announced the head coach would be returning, putting to bed any interest he had in moving back to the NFL. Despite multiple teams scheduling an interview with Harbaugh, he will be returning for another go with the Wolverines.

Denver was one who was trying to lure Harbaugh away from the college game. He was on a shortlist of candidates after Nathaniel Hackett was fired after just one season. Getting to work with Russell Wilson was possibly viewed as attractive, even if the AFC West is a tough division.

Because of that, Harbaugh was interested in the job as well. However, according to Mike Klis of 9News, there was a phone call between the two parties, with Harbaugh letting the Broncos know he would remain at Michigan.

“Source: Jim Harbaugh called Broncos CEO Greg Penner this morning to notify him of decision to stay at Michigan,” Klis said. “The two had several productive conversations in recent weeks but never got close to talking contract.”

Klis is also reporting that Harbaugh was not using the open Denver job as any kind of leverage over Michigan for a new contract. The Broncos believe the interest was “genuine” from the two-time Big Ten champion but ultimately, he decided to stay in Ann Arbor.

Harbaugh will be walking back into another loaded Michigan team, with some notable names returning for the 2023 season. Quarterback JJ McCarthy and running back Blake Corum are the two biggest, as they all attempt to finally break through in the College Football Playoff.

A few years ago, Michigan fans may have been okay with Harbaugh leaving in favor of the NFL. However, two wins over Ohio State, Big Ten championships, and playoff appearances have changed their opinion. Success has come into the program in a drastic way over the past season seasons.

As for Denver, there are still plenty of top candidates out there for them to choose from. Sean Payton is most likely viewed as the top available, while current Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn will be interviewed on Friday.

If Harbaugh is ever going to make his way back into the NFL, he will wait at least another season. After all, head coaching roles are consistently open. This time next year, we could find ourselves wondering where Harbaugh will flirt with once again.