At the end of each season, some teams prepare to start afresh by showing the door to their head coach. Among the potential candidates to revive a faltering franchise, the name of Jim Harbaugh resurfaced.
Harbaugh caused a stir with the 49ers from 2011 to 2014, posting a 44-19-1 record. After a last season punctuated with confusion, in particular with the general manager at the time Trent Baalke, he had set course for the University of Michigan, his alma mater.
The Wolverines’ season just ended in a crushing national semi-final loss to the Georgia Bulldogs, but Harbaugh was crowned Coach of the Year after finally getting the better of arch-nemesis Ohio State to win. the Big Ten Conference Championship.
According to journalist Bruce Feldman of The Athletic, Harbaugh would be tempted by the idea of ​​returning to the NFL, now that he has finally helped restore the Michigan program to its former glory.
Potential destinations
It should be specified that Harbaugh has not commented on the rumors and that he could very well decide to stay in place. This leak in the media could also turn out to be a bargaining trick, he who accepted a substantial drop in salary to remain in post after a difficult 2020 season.
However, if Harbaugh really wants to return to the NFL, two potential destinations will be worth watching: Las Vegas and Chicago.
After all, it was with the Raiders that Harbaugh got his start in coaching, as a quarterbacks coach, in 2002 and 2003. He would inherit a team that is having an interesting season despite a lot of adversity and setbacks. an established quarterback in Derek Carr.
The position is vacant with the Raiders. Interim coach Rich Bisachia is doing an impressive job and the Raiders are knocking on the playoff door, but Mark Davis will likely be aiming for the fence on his next swing.
Otherwise, the Bears could become a logical choice, if they cut ties with Matt Nagy. Harbaugh quarterbacked with that organization from 1987 to 1993. He would end up with an exciting draft in Justin Fields, a rookie quarterback who, ironically, brought rain and shine to Ohio State.
Disputed style
Harbaugh can unquestionably revive a lame duck very quickly. In his first season in San Francisco, he guided the 49ers to a Conference Finals appearance and a 13-3 record. All this after eight seasons without a winning record for the team.
However, when he left, many players claimed that his abrasive style quickly generated friction in the dressing room. Have the past few years brought him wisdom?
This will be an interesting file to follow in the weeks to come.
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