[Nick Baumgardner] Miami (Dolphins) could be a Harbaugh landing spot.
Per Nick Baumgardner:
Have heard similar — Miami could be a Harbaugh landing spot. If in fact he gets an offer. He’s clearly interested in NFL reentry, as we’ve written for a while now — and we’ll see what comes/what he does. https://t.co/TeA9ruN9cr
— Nick Baumgardner (@nickbaumgardner) January 30, 2022
and Mark Carman (Chicago sports beatwriter):
Hearing from a reliable source Jim Harbaugh will tell the team today / tomorrow he is leaving to be the head coach of the Miami Dolphins. Could have taken the Minnesota job. Preferred Miami. ( outside chance Michigan pays over the top and he stays ) but bet on Miami.
— Mark Carman (@thecarm) January 30, 2022
and Armando Salguero (Miami sports beatwriter):
Had plugged in (former) #Dolphins employee who retains connections to the team tell me last nite he expects Steve Ross will do what he can to hire Jim Harbaugh if the Michigan coach is indeed considering leaving Michigan for NFL. We'll see.
— Armando Salguero (@ArmandoSalguero) January 30, 2022
It would seem to be a complete-180 for Miami Dolphins's owner, and Michigan alum, Stephen M. Ross's previous statement of not hiring Harbaugh away from Michigan. I guess if Harbaugh is dead-set on leaving for the NFL, Ross feels that he might as well throw his team's hat into the ring as well.
January 31st, 2022 at 9:35 AM ^
I don't think this scenario will repeat itself too many times going forward. As I noted in another post, JH is 58, the NFL has been trending towards hiring guys in their 40's. While nothing is for certain hitting 60 would be a strike against him, even with the credentials that JH has.
He could very well be seeing his window closing on any opportunity to go back the NFL. This has zero bearing on his love for Michigan. If a NFL offer does not materialize, fine he continues as the Head Coach at Michigan.
As for the "Damage" it has done, that is such horse crap. Yes, every rival coach will make claim about "instability" of the program. Jim only has to counter with "The 'program' is stable, yes because of my success, people will be interested in me, but I am committed to Michigan and I want you to come." Those who want to come to Michigan will listen to which ever statement they want to believe......
January 31st, 2022 at 9:49 AM ^
Agree M. JH is no dummy. While last year probably pushed his stock as high as it has been for a while, he will have some major obstacles to overcome to be able to repeat that in the next few years. A loss of key players and coaches, uncertainty with the transfer portal and NIL are contributing factors. I'm not saying he can't do it, but he will have an even larger target on his back going forward and may feel like his stock may never be higher.
January 31st, 2022 at 8:47 AM ^
JFC, give it a goddamned rest already. not every goddamned twitter post needs a goddamned board post.
January 31st, 2022 at 8:53 AM ^
Yep, Harbaugh is leaving for the Dolphins. Vikings will announce Today that they hired DeMeco. I guess that's why there is a big team meeting Today. Harbaugh saying he will be leaving for the NFL. So, who does Michigan hire next as their HC?
January 31st, 2022 at 9:21 AM ^
Sam Webb just wrote there is no Team Meeting planned today.
January 31st, 2022 at 9:28 AM ^
No, I believe this all hinges on the Vikings. If the Vikings go with DeMarco, the Miami withdraws (Ross sticks with his original statement) and Harbaugh returns....
January 31st, 2022 at 8:58 AM ^
We are all looking for resolution on our timeline. Harbaugh is looking for a job in the NFL and that depends on their hiring timeline. I agree with most posters, I am getting tired of this, but when I step back and look at it rationally, I come to the conclusion that we simply need to let this play out and then move on.
In the mean time... I am grateful for not only his results but also for Jim's genuine concern for Michigan and the Student Athletes, he may be quirky as hell but its been nice not having to deal with off field issues the last few years...
January 31st, 2022 at 8:58 AM ^
This whole saga is so tiresome. Just make a decision one way or the other so we can move on with our lives. FFS.
January 31st, 2022 at 9:42 AM ^
He made his decision he wants the nfl, he just hasn’t gotten an nfl offer yet. The problem isn’t harbaugh, it’s that our timeline right now is the coaching search of the last team with a job opening.
January 31st, 2022 at 9:01 AM ^
Where is ESPN Michigan alum who broke news on another Michigan alum this weekend on this?
January 31st, 2022 at 9:02 AM ^
As UMBIG11 would say:
"expect to hear more news shortly, there will likely be another departure or two"
in other words.
I'm predicting rain...... not saying it will rain today, tomorrow, or the next day. Just saying it will rain, you just wait and see.
January 31st, 2022 at 10:24 AM ^
Then he would have his Chernobyl burner account argue with people who doubted his “insider” credentials. Lol, what happened to that guy.
January 31st, 2022 at 9:12 AM ^
Mark Carman? Let me get this straight - "outside chance Michigan pays over the top and he stays"? So UM might outbid their biggest donor? Would they get the $ to outbid Ross from......Ross?
January 31st, 2022 at 9:25 AM ^
Warde calls Ross...... "hey, are you paying Jim to stay here or come down to Miami? which is it going to be, you can't have both!"
January 31st, 2022 at 9:19 AM ^
Each passing day this goes on Harbaugh hurts Michigan in recruiting. Even if he stays trusting he will stay put by recruits and their families will be a tough sell!
January 31st, 2022 at 9:28 AM ^
i don't agree..... most of the kids that signed are already enrolled. Since the remaining targets are announcing on signing day, as long as JH signs a new contract before then, it will have little to no affect.
January 31st, 2022 at 9:52 AM ^
Isn't signing day on Wednesday? Two days from now?
January 31st, 2022 at 9:56 AM ^
I’m talking about the next class and beyond. You still might have some ask out of letter from this class!
January 31st, 2022 at 9:22 AM ^
Been pretty quiet on this topic even though this has been dominating the board for the last two weeks. What I see is a 58 year old coach with a proven track record seeing a window closing at an opportunity to coach at the NFL.
While nothing is every for certain, and this is ageism but when he hits 60, that would be a strike against him landing a spot in the NFL. He only has ~10 years left in his coaching career and I could see that he is exploring possibly his last chance to go to the NFL.
I see some parallels between this situation and when Bo was flirting with Texas A&M in the sense that both Bo and Jim love Michigan, but there was/is another opportunity that certainly has to be explored. Bo decided to stay at Michigan and become a lifer.
Jim.......Its his decision, and if he decides to come back, it pretty much means that he will become a lifer at Michigan as well. And yes, just like Bo, I believe that Jim will continue to be fully committed to Michigan.
January 31st, 2022 at 9:28 AM ^
Yes, I don't see this as being an every year thing either. He got renegotiated last year so he could leave, or be let go easier, probably not as his choice. This is his one shot to look around before he signs a contract with Ferentz type buyouts and he's doing his due diligence.
January 31st, 2022 at 9:56 AM ^
This will be an every year thing whether Jim wants it to be or not.
January 31st, 2022 at 10:21 AM ^
I'd rather be Michigan than Nebraska any day! Do I agree with how things are unfolding, no. Having said that, the sun will rise again tomorrow and everything will be alright
January 31st, 2022 at 10:46 AM ^
No, this will be an every year speculation thing in the media, just like it was every year before this. One would think people would stop listening to these nitwits when they are proven to be nitwits time after time.
January 31st, 2022 at 9:26 AM ^
I seem to be in the minority, but if Jim goes, I will say thank you very much for the incredibly hard work, for saving the program from the massive damage done during the RR-Hoke years, and most recently for a great season, the first Big Ten championship in 17 years, and the first win over OSU in 10 years, the latter accomplished in a satisfying and dominant fashion.
To our next coach, I will say good luck, you're going to need it
January 31st, 2022 at 10:03 AM ^
I don't have much to add to that Shoes-very well said and it definitely captures my feelings about the matter perfectly.
January 31st, 2022 at 9:50 AM ^
I'm not adding anything, but I am wondering if there is even a tiny possibility of a buyout or at least something to quiet the NFL noise in his next contract. I absolutely want him to stay, but if he really wants the NFL, I don't see this itch getting scratched after this year. I know the NFL is trending towards younger coaches, but all it takes is one disaster and an owner would love to bring in a guy like Harbaugh to "clean up the mess". It is inevitable that it will happen to at least one team next season. So what then? Are we doing this again? JH gives no shit about time lines and the NFL has a timeline that can't be adjusted for the most part. Again, I'm not saying fire him at all, I just don't see this ending after this year if he doesn't get the MN or Miami job.
January 31st, 2022 at 9:57 AM ^
JH may have some issues working against him but I still think he has a few years left to go to the NFL if he wishes. Corporations/NFL teams at times need a turnaround CEO and that is what Harbaugh is. You may not want him long-term, but to right the ship, he could still be very valuable. So playing it out like this, I think, is really just him doing his due diligence. He is also in a position that his stock may never be higher than it is right now so I think this is a wise move on his part.
January 31st, 2022 at 10:03 AM ^
Agree, that is my issue I guess. I don't think this is going away after this year. Can you imagine how freaking fast people are going to turn on him here if he stays and UM loses a game they shouldn't or OSU steam rolls them? Its going to be a nightmare around here.
January 31st, 2022 at 10:16 AM ^
There isn’t a buyout big enough to deter an aging NFL owner who wants to win before he dies. You think if Harbaugh stays but next year Jerry Jones thinks Harbaugh can take him to the Super Bowl Jones would be deterred by a buyout?
January 31st, 2022 at 10:06 AM ^
Having followed the last three coaching searches, the thing I dread the most isn't losing Harbaugh but going through another coaching search and possibly ending up with a dud. I'm a Chicagoan so my PTSD isn't just Michigan coaching search related (see: Bears, Cubs).
January 31st, 2022 at 10:47 AM ^
This is where I am at. I have been a big Harbaugh critic over the last 5 years, but I'd prefer that he been 100% invested and trying to build on the momentum he gained by finally beating OSU. If he leaves, that all goes out the window and we have no good choices to replace him this off season.
Of course, he appears far less than 100% invested and so we are likely headed for a painful off season either way.
January 31st, 2022 at 10:07 AM ^
He wants to be in the NFL, obviously. Just let him go. He did the best he could given the current paradigm in CFB (SEC/OSU football factory), and doesn't look like UM will go all in on that.
Recruiting against that will only get more competitive and exhausting with straight up pay to play type NIL schemes being set up by more and more schools, which UM is unwilling or unprepared to engage in.
I completely understand where Harbaugh is coming from on this, especially with a fanbase expecting Bama or even OSU level results, but an admin seemingly not interested in going down the football factory route. He wants to win and compete on an equal playing field.
UM is in for a rude awakening if they think they can keep packing the stadium in with 100K+ and selling branded merchandise with a 7-5 type team. We already saw what happened with Hoke and revenues, and now, no matter the coach, without an acceptance that the competitive landscape has changed, UM will get left behind.
January 31st, 2022 at 10:18 AM ^
Everyone needs to just chill about the "NIL" thing...
We aren't going to get left behind...
Most schools are in a "wait and see" stance when it comes to buying players.
Our roster is is good shape and its not going to shit overnight.
Another thing everybody seems to be not acknowledging....If everyone goes bonkers and starts buying recruits - the balance of power doesn't change all that much...We still end up in the 10 range...We finished 8th this year. Michigan is still in the midwest and not a desirable location for a lot of warm weather recruits.
Unrealistic expectations in the wild west...
If we decide to turn on the faucet and start buying players, it takes about 5 minutes to do that.
The bigger issue to me is the portal. First, the tampering, and secondly, not being on a level playing field there while guys like Tucker go nuts.
January 31st, 2022 at 10:20 AM ^
I don't know why the down votes. This is 100% truth. Michigan wants to have it's cake and eat it too. You can't be the "Harvard of the West" and be a powerhouse in CFB anymore.
January 31st, 2022 at 11:29 AM ^
Notre Dame has strict admission policies and they’ve been in the playoff multiple times. Quit making excuses, Michigan has a ton of built in advantages that should still have them at the top tier of CFB
January 31st, 2022 at 5:08 PM ^
UM would have made the playoff multiple times and gotten stomped by an SEC team as well with Notre Dame's schedule. They don't play in the B1G and don't play OSU every year.
Notre Dame and UM under Harbaugh have essentially performed at the same level, ND just plays a joke schedule with 1 or 2 teams that can upset them any given year. Will be interesting to see them play OSU next year.
January 31st, 2022 at 12:22 PM ^
Lol, he was just got one game away from the title game— a few plays from beating MSU, playing Cincy, and making the title game. But now he’s convinced NIL and recruiting are making the road too hard? Now, not after OSU teams of Uber recruits stomped his face in in years past?
Please. He wants the NFL. He wanted them last season but nobody there wanted him. Now he had a great season and is a more attractive candidate and wants to try again. And that’s fine: he’s got a right to get a different job; nearly every coach is at least looking around every year.
January 31st, 2022 at 5:05 PM ^
1 year does not a trend make.
Been here 7 years, he's 1-5 against OSU.
Yes, one game from the championship game...did you not realize the talent difference between UGA and UM on the field that day?
Are you unaware that BAMA and OSU (a team we play every year) field teams that talented every year? More SEC powerhouses soon to come.
Not sure why it's so hard to accept that maybe the guy wants to compete on an equal playing field.
I'm sure there are things he misses about the NFL...like coaching the best of the best, not having to recruit year round, etc, etc - and perhaps he's happier there. But if you don't think the uneven playing field goes into the his decision you're not being intellectually honest.
January 31st, 2022 at 10:10 AM ^
He's about to finish his senior years coaching the Orlando Breakers. Seen this show already.
January 31st, 2022 at 10:13 AM ^
Tired of it all - be gone, Harbaugh. We need to focus on our team and the 2022 season.
January 31st, 2022 at 10:17 AM ^
Ross has said he won’t take Harbaugh from Michigan. However he may be looking at it as if he is taking Harbaugh from the Vikings or another NFL team.
Its looking more likely Harbaugh is gone to me. Its possible a gentleman’s agreement is already in place for Gattis pending the results of Harbaugh’s NFL search.
January 31st, 2022 at 10:29 AM ^
There is no reason to believe Ross has changed his mind on this. The Carman fellow is just wrong.
January 31st, 2022 at 11:04 AM ^
Completely agree. And I think the Vikings job is probably the better one, honestly. You have Jefferson, and the defense isn't too bad. The Dolphins have Miami, but that division, with Buffalo and the Patriots...I'd take my chances against the Packers, Bears, and Lions.
January 31st, 2022 at 11:12 AM ^
Vikings are a better job by a mile.
January 31st, 2022 at 11:11 AM ^
Gattis will NOT be the HC at Michigan. Rich Rod and Hoke were 2 epic failures to reflect back upon for a point of reference
January 31st, 2022 at 10:19 AM ^
When coach Harbaugh gets some NIL concessions from the Admin, then what? When coach Harbaugh has a 10+ win year in 2022, then what? I have been as critical as the next guy but to see all of this vitriol for a man doing something we all wish we had the chance to do and that is to be wanted and to be paid?!
Relax, back away from the ledge, breathe and get ready for old #4 to lead Michigan football again in 2022
Go Blue!
January 31st, 2022 at 10:19 AM ^
Many things about how this saga has played out and continues to play out make no sense. Otherwise, Jim is a loyal and principled person who loves his alma mater. Here, nothing that has transpired in this regard precludes the possibility that Jim Harbaugh remains at the University of Michigan and is strongly associated with the football program-but not as the HC.
Except for very few outlier juggernauts, the coaching of this game has become a young man's game. I believe there will be an announcement this week-after Wednesday's signing date has passed...though I'm not sure what signing day has to do with it...it's just arbitrary-like the rest of this matter...and it's how Jim does things.
January 31st, 2022 at 10:20 AM ^
I see people getting mad at Harbaugh here but all of these reports seem to be coming from just shitty reporters who are desperate to get ahead of a story and know nobody will hold them accountable when they're wrong. Nick B in particular has been incredibly shitty this whole time with the laziest writing possible, just a bunch of weaseling suppositions and half-rumors that he knows will "drive engagement" while not actually telling people anything useful.
Anyway, Harbaugh is doing his due diligence. A majority of people here wanted him shit-canned last year, so save me this whole "oh he's playing this out and is hurting the team and school" bullshit. If he leaves he leaves, if he stays he stays. Michigan will survive either way.
January 31st, 2022 at 10:38 AM ^
Depressing. I wouldn't blame Harbaugh though. So hard to be in this division, let alone having to compete with the shady practices and lower standards of other national powers.... Hard to blame a guy for wanting to go play on an even field in the NFL vs the chaos and institutional disadvantages (i.e., actually having integrity) here in college...
January 31st, 2022 at 10:41 AM ^
I can get what Ross was saying with the idea that, he, himself, would not be the guy taking Harbaugh away from Michigan. However, if Harbaugh was the one who was getting ready to leave and it's the Vikings, then of course I could see Ross coming in and being like, "well, shit, if you're leaving Michigan anyway, then come here". Ross doesn't "take" Harbaugh away in that circumstance.
All that said, I think it would be pretty shitty for Harbaugh to leave after the great year he just had, but I also get it in the way that this is a business decision. I just always thought Michigan was more than business to him, but this happens so often that I really shouldn't be surprised.