Sources told NFL.com last month that Harbaugh, who is under contract with Michigan through 2026, received a 10-year, $125 million contract offer from the school, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in college football but would also oblige him not to take an NFL job for the 2024 season. If he does move to the NFL, Harbaugh wouldn't come cheap, with some top coaches' salaries now topping $17 million per year.
Many around the league believe Harbaugh's preferred landing spot would be the Chargers, who are looking to simultaneously search for a new coach and GM after firing Brandon Staley and Tom Telesco on Dec. 15. However, sources say Harbaugh is just one of many names I'm currently doing my homework. While there are some tough decisions to make with older, expensive players like Keenan Allen, Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa, the presence of 25-year-old quarterback Justin Herbert is a big reason why the LA job is attractive. The Chargers will also soon open a new $250 million training facility in El Segundo, California.
The Raiders fired Josh McDaniels and general manager David Ziegler on Oct. 31 and were impressed by interim coach Antonio Pierce, who scored a 4-4 upset win over the Chiefs on Christmas Day. Pierce is expected to interview for the full-time position. But owner Mark Davis has also been telling people for years that he believes he wants a big name at the top of the marquee in Las Vegas, and Harbaugh would certainly fit the bill. The Raiders are without a franchise quarterback and owe Jimmy Garoppolo another $11.25 million guaranteed in 2024. But they have an excellent stadium and training ground, an iconic brand and some superstar players. (Harbaugh also began his coaching career with the franchise as an assistant under Bill Callahan.)
The Panthers job is also currently vacant, but sources say it's unlikely Carolina will pursue Harbaugh. Other NFL head coaching positions, including in Washington, DC, could also open in the coming days and weeks.
In previous interviews, it was assumed that Harbaugh would only take a job that included hiring his preferred GM. Sources now say Harbaugh isn't thinking about that. He's much more flexible than in previous years, open to a variety of structures and acknowledging that the structure of NFL buildings has changed since he last coached in the league.
It also remains to be seen whether Harbaugh will be on the sidelines at the start of the 2024 season, regardless of level. Harbaugh served a school-imposed three-game suspension this season for alleged recruiting violations during the COVID-19 dead period and for failing to cooperate with investigators. In that case, he could be disciplined even further by the NCAA, as well as allegations against his program for an elaborate sign-stealing scheme. Sources told NFL.com in October that the NFL was unlikely to be a safe haven for Harbaugh and could enforce some or all of the discipline imposed by the NCAA. However, as of this writing, the NCAA has not yet ruled on either case and generally moves at a glacial pace on such matters.