It’s fair to wonder if Jim Harbaugh used the Broncos as leverage
Jim Harbaugh said Monday he will remain at the Univerity of Michigan After flirting with the idea of returning to the NFL.
Harbaugh had been considered a top candidate for the Denver Broncos’ head coach opening, but he only had time for a virtual interview last week (every other candidate for the job has or will interview in person). Harbaugh’s camp also reached out to David Tepper, the Carolina Panthers’ owner, has spoken out several times over recent weeks. However, no formal interview was held by the Panthers.
Two weeks ago Harbaugh was contacted by someone who knew Harbaugh. The Athletic that Harbaugh returning to the NFL was a “done deal” if he got a job offer.
It’s a little strange that the details of this story are so complex. Harbaugh was supposedly so interested in a return to pro football that — according to one report — he simply needed an offer, any offer, and he’d accept an NFL job. Harbaugh (or his representatives) were also the ones that wanted the Panthers to get in the mix, and the interest apparently wasn’t mutual.
Broncos fans are left to wonder if Harbaugh really wanted to use the NFL teams to hurt the school. Reports of him seriously considering an NFL job were used to show Michigan that he is interested. It is really It could be.
That’s just speculation, of course, and Denver’s front office disagrees with that version of events. The Broncos “strongly believe Harbaugh’s interest in them was genuine,” according to a report from KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis. Harbaugh hasn’t received a new contract from Michigan — yet — so as of now, it’s possible that he truly did seriously consider the Denver job.
It will be simple to connect the dots if Harbaugh is offered a contract extension by the Wolverines in the days ahead.
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