Report: Jim Harbaugh to interview with Los Angeles Chargers this week
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh will interview with the Los Angeles Chargers this week, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Previously, Rapoport reported the two sides would set up a meeting. Now it looks like the interview is officially coming since both parties have mutual interest.
Fresh off a national championship win, Harbaugh could finally return to the NFL.
“His sweepstakes are heating up right now, sources tell me and colleague Tom Pelissero that Harbaugh is set to meet with the Los Angeles Chargers this week,” Rapoport said. “That is his first NFL interview this cycle. Remember over the course of the last couple years he’s met with the Broncos, met with the Vikings.
“My understanding is there’s some mutual interest here between Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers. It would make the most sense for him of any of the openings but obviously we will see that’s where he goes or if Michigan continues their fight to keep him. That is something they are trying to do.”
Santa Ono wants to keep Jim Harbaugh at Michigan
Obviously, Michigan won’t let Harbaugh leave without a fight as president Santa Ono is desperately trying to sign him to a new long term contract.
“I believe he has [made it better], and he’s a Michigan Wolverine through and through,” Ono said, via The Wolverine. “He was a quarterback here, as you know. He learned from Bo Schembechler … didn’t play for the first couple years, broke his arm. But the most important thing for me is him as a human being. He’s guided by Lord Jesus Christ. He’s going to think about what he wants to do with his life. I respect that, support him, love his family. I hope he stays. I’m going to do everything I can to encourage him to stay, but if he doesn’t, the Michigan tradition will move on.
“Some people have said on some of the networks it’s a very, very important, significant, relevant team now in football. What he’s done …my hat’s off to him. It’s a tremendous accomplishment. More important is the transformational effect of what the players have learned about life, how to carry themselves, is priceless. I think that’s probably more important to him than the wins — mentoring and really supporting his players as they developed. That’s what really matters … I’m just so happy for the coach and the team, proud to be associated with a university with scholar-athletes like this.”
The Chargers fired Brandon Staley to open their head coaching gig. Harbaugh had NFL success before with the San Francisco 49ers. Without a Super Bowl title though, it seems like he has some unfinished business.
Harbaugh is 86-25 at Michigan and 144-52 overall in college. While with the 49ers, Harbaugh went 44-19-1, going to three NFC Championship games and Super Bowl XLVII.