Jim Harbaugh reportedly speaks to David Tepper, Panthers owner, about HC job
Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan team made it to the College Football Playoff for the second consecutive year. The coach is also reportedly flirting with the possibility of returning to the NFL for the second consecutive year.
Harbaugh is currently in talks with David Tepper, the owner of Carolina Panthers. the Associated Press And ESPN. Both reports stress that it wasn’t a formal interview.
After firing Matt Rhule (ex-Baylor coach), the Panthers are now searching for a new head coaching position. ESPN reports that Panthers interim head coach Steve Wilks has one year experience as a head coach with the Arizona Cardinals. He is an excellent candidate after taking over a roster that finished the year at 1-4 under Rhule.
Tepper indicated that he doesn’t want to hire another college head coach, but Harbaugh is different in that he has more NFL head coaches experience and has been a successful head coach. most of the other top candidates in the pros.
Will Jim Harbaugh return to the NFL?
Harbaugh led the San Francisco 49ers to an overall record 44-19-1 in Harbaugh’s first year as a head coach. They reached Super Bowl XLVIII his second season, losing to John’s Baltimore Ravens.
The Niners finished with an 8-8 record after reaching the NFC championship for three consecutive seasons. After a power struggle with Niners management, Harbaugh left Michigan to return to Michigan.
Harbaugh was not successful in Ann Arbor for some time, but they finally beat Ohio State in the final round of the College Football Playoff after six straight losses. They lost in the semifinal to eventual champion Georgia. Harbaugh applied for the Minnesota Vikings head coaching position, but was rejected. Kevin O’Connell, the Los Angeles Rams’ offensive coordinator, was hired instead.
This season, history was basically repeated. After another strong regular season, Michigan beat Ohio State convincingly. They reached the College Football Playoff, where they lost in the semifinal. this time to TCU in a 51-45 thriller. Harbaugh may now be available for interview with an NFL team.
Following the Vikings interview last offseason, Harbaugh signed an extension to his contract with Michigan for five years worth $36.7 million. The deal holds a $3 million buyout It was $2.25 Million until January 11, according to ESPN.
He already has denied having interest in an NFL job In December, he added that “no man can predict the future”.
Despite his many conversations with Harbaugh about the job, Tepper must interview at most two minority candidates before he makes a hiring decision. The AP says he can’t until after the wild card weekend.