FB Dive

February 3rd, 2022 at 2:03 AM ^

It's doubtful we'll ever find out, at least not until Bacon releases his next book. That said, I think it's entirely plausible that Harbaugh simply lost interest after hearing more about their vision of his role/power and the Vikings never formally offered because they knew he would decline.

Just because there was no "offer" doesn't necessarily mean the Vikings were the ones to say no.

BTB grad

February 3rd, 2022 at 2:31 AM ^

Everyone should remember Michigan/Dave Brandon’s pursuit of JH in 2011. The second it seemed like they weren’t going all in on “their guy”, Jim wasn’t interested. As Harbaugh said “I just wasn’t feeling the love”. Meanwhile SF was clear Jim was their plan A B & C as was Michigan/Hackett in 2014.

It’s possible Harbaugh wasn’t feeling the love with Minnesota and took a second look at the aspects of the job (QB situation, roster, cap space, ownership, fan expectations) and said “nah I’m good”. Or the Vikings didn’t offer the job as they started to feel he was having second thoughts. Or they were simply never going to offer. Since he’s so damn weird (I say this lovingly about OUR coach), we’ll never really know unless he tells us himself. I really hope he does tell us in a JUB book as he nears retirement as Michigan’s head man in 10ish years down the road. 

Vote_Crisler_1937

February 3rd, 2022 at 8:10 AM ^

Actually, I have a source (that I shared with Seth and he confirmed he has heard similar) that Harbaugh backed off because of Brandon. 
 

The version I heard was that Jack Harbaugh knew a guy high up at Dominos and Jim called him about what it’s like to work for Dave Brandon. After learning about this guy’s experience Harbaugh, “reversed course” (quote from my source who believes Harbaugh was highly inclined to go to M) and went to the 49’ers instead. Essentially choosing Baalke/York (if they were already there?) over Brandon. 

GoWings2008

February 2nd, 2022 at 9:34 PM ^

A sweet bonus for me, a friend who hosts a Vikings podcast and writes often on Minnesota, who also is a big osu fan, named tonight's podcast the "Jim Harbaugh kicked the Vikings in the nuts" episode. He was really looking forward to having JH as their coach...

Angry-Dad

February 3rd, 2022 at 11:50 AM ^

I know this is naive, but I really like the direction the Lions are going.  They had no quit this season (which has not been the case in awhile).  The o-line looks promising and defense gets some dudes back from season ending injuries.  With a solid draft I could see them being competative next year and making a playoff push in 2023 if they can get some decent QB paly (big if).

Everything from my 46 years tells me to expect disapointment, but dare I have Hope?

Zarkin Frood

February 2nd, 2022 at 9:41 PM ^

We are bragging that our coach wanted to leave and didn’t get offered a position? 
 

*edit: help me understand the negs... he didn’t get offered the job. He wanted to leave and lost out on every position. This job is his fall back. This post is bragging about Vikings fans who feel frustrated. We are the fools.

swn

February 2nd, 2022 at 10:02 PM ^

I feel like there are many on this board that have never gone through interviews and negotiations with another company while employed. It's not uncommon for someone happy with their to position to test the waters and see what they can get. You ask for a lot and if you don't get it, well so be it. You also can use interest from others for leverage, especially if you are underpaid.

What I can guarantee you is Harbaugh was not desperate for just any NFL job, at any organization, for any contract he could get. You know how I know that? He's 49-22-1 in the NFL and has rebuilt Michigan's program. He continues to succeed everywhere he goes. He's an extremely safe hire. But maybe no one wanted to give him a Gruden deal and he didn't want anything less.

BornInA2

February 2nd, 2022 at 10:56 PM ^

I'm with you and you're going to get negged here if you criticize a coach ahead of the curve. I thought RichRod was an a-hole from the get go and got negged any time I mentioned it, right until everybody ran to my side of the boat.

What Harbaugh has done over the last month is plain shitty to the school, the team, and the staff. And anyone who believes he'll be the coach "for as long as the school wants him" is a fool. He may have said that, and I don't see it lasting long. There is nothing that has changed today in Ann Arbor to make it different that it was this morning when he intended to leave.