Michigan football: Jim Harbaugh interviewed with Denver Broncos on Monday
Michigan football head coach Jim Harbaugh interviewed with the Denver Broncos for their head coaching position on Monday, according to a report from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. This was not a surprise given various other NFL insiders reported over the weekend a virtual discussion would take place between the two sides.
Harbaugh appears to be more than just “a” candidate for the job. Reports indicate he is one of the leading candidates, along with former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton for the position. He and the Broncos met for 2 hours on Monday, per the NFL Network report.
“The Broncos conducted a virtual interview Monday with Jim Harbaugh for their head coaching job, per sources,” Pelissero said on social media. “Denver also has requested interviews with Dan Quinn, DeMeco Ryans and Raheem Morris. Ejiro Evero interviews today. Harbaugh, and Sean Payton, continue to loom large.”
The Indianapolis Colts have also been a rumored destination, but no media reports have publicly linked him to the job this week. The Carolina Panthers received calls from Harbaugh’s camp, but have elected to not pursue him as a candidate. Other openings across the NFL include the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals.
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.
