Michigan's "Hot Board" of Coaching candidates (including Miles)

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Top Target

Jim Harbaugh, head coach San Francisco 49ers

Why it makes sense: Theoretically, there is nothing about Harbaugh-to-Michigan that doesn't make sense. He's been a big winner at both the college and NFL levels, has incredibly deep Michigan roots and is arguably one of the two or three best coaches in football right now regardless of level. He would have taken the Michigan job in 2007 and would have considered it in 2011 according to the reports we've heard. He is the big fish in the pond for the Wolverines and their fans. A Harbaugh hiring would reinvigorate the fan base and would give them the best opportunity to competing for Rose Bowls year-in and year-out.

Another relatively major plus is that Harbaugh's schemes tend to fit with the type of roster Michigan currently has. The roster is full of talent that hasn't turned the corner; he may be the guy to get the most out of them.

Why it doesn't make sense: The only downside is that the NFL would come calling again. Otherwise, there is no better hire out there for Michigan.

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Other Major Targets

Bob Stoops, head coach Oklahoma Sooners

Why it makes sense: Stoops has won in a big way at Oklahoma for a long time, winning 10 games or more in 12 of the 15 full seasons he's been in Norman. He's one of the most recognizable coaches in college football, and is an Ohio native that knows the area (and the rivalry) really well. In fact, all of his major roots are of the Big Ten variety as an Iowa alum, so despite being a long-term Big 12 coach, he knows what Big Ten football is.

Why it doesn't make sense: Stoops has been linked to the open job at Florida, although our sources have told us in the past that he would prefer to not coach against his brother at Kentucky in the SEC. He's already built a perennial power at Oklahoma and despite some slight struggles this season, may not want to leave what he's built.

Les Miles, head coach LSU Tigers

Why it makes sense: Miles is another proven coach who has won big at both Oklahoma State and LSU. He's won a national championship and has won ten or more games in seven of the nine full seasons he's coached in Baton Rouge. What separates him from Stoops are his strong connections to the Michigan program. He played under Bo Schembechler and was an assistant coach in Ann Arbor from 1987 to 1994. He's another Ohio native who is familiar with the area and would not miss a beat on the recruiting trail.

Why it doesn't make sense: Miles is already 61 years old. Maybe he would come to Ann Arbor to work towards fixing things and ride off into the sunset, but he's built a great thing at LSU. The Tigers are fielding their youngest overall team of his tenure this season, and the future remains bright there for them to make another national championship run in the next couple seasons. He may view Michigan as a rebuilding project in comparison and not want to get involved.

John Harbaugh, current head coach Baltimore Ravens

Why it makes sense: Harbaugh is one of the most respected coaches in the game, and like his brother, has deep roots in the area despite not playing football at Michigan. He's won a Super Bowl in Baltimore and has found consistent success in the NFL. There are rumors he wasn't appreciative of the way the Ray Rice situation was handled, and may get a phone call.

Why it doesn't make sense: As is the case with Jim, there will always be a fear that if the right NFL job opens up, he will return to the league. Besides that, John would be a home-run hire as well.

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