Football fans everywhere have been awaiting the looming decision of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh on whether he will return to the program or leave for an NFL head coaching job in 2024. At this point, even his brother, Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh doesn’t know what he will ultimately do.
We do know that Jim Harbaugh is at least entertaining the idea of accepting an NFL coaching job. He has interviewed with both the Los Angeles Chargers and the Atlanta Falcons for their vacant head coaching gig earlier this week.
Meanwhile, reports earlier this week suggest that Harbaugh and Michigan are currently at an “impasse” on their contract negotiations.
The Harbaugh-Michigan negotiations are at an impasse, at least for now. It isn't money – plenty there – but the clauses: what should be covered by immunity (e.g. cheeseburgers, etc.), and what not?
Therein lies the rub. Stay tuned.— John U. Bacon (@Johnubacon) January 16, 2024
This would obviously lead most to believe that Harbaugh is leaning towards leaving for the NFL. However, John Harbaugh isn’t so sure about that, particularly because of his brother’s “love” for Michigan.
“I don’t know what he is going to do,” said John Harbaugh. “I’m not sure what Jim’s plans are. I think whatever he does will be best for him and his family. I know Michigan has been a joy for him, to go back to his alma mater. His family loves it there. The players love him, he loves the players and the coaches. I don’t know what direction this is going to go.”
John Harbaugh on brother Jim possibly leaving @UMichFootball #Ravens pic.twitter.com/s73I0kqlhX
— Jerry Coleman (@sportswcoleman) January 18, 2024
John did allude to the “impasse” in the negotiations, saying that he believes Michigan’s President Santa Ono and the Board of Trustees should be doing everything in their power to keep his brother.
Only time will tell what Jim Harbaugh ultimately decides to do. But it should be very telling that John Harbaugh doesn’t even know at this point what his brother will do, or at least isn’t into sharing his opinion with the public at this point.
