Yahoo - Jim Harbaugh open to returning to the NFL

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Buzz is filtering through NFL front offices that Harbaugh is open to return to the league. And that brings into focus the fascinating question of whether an NFL franchise would be tempted by the duality of Harbaugh’s NFL tenure – a track record of winning that came with significant headaches.

“I just don’t hear his name out there anywhere,” said an industry source. “I would be surprised if it happens.”

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The record on the field is as distinguished as the bluster that has accompanied his exits, as his departure from San Francisco was as toxic, divisive and cartoonishly public as any in recent NFL history. The 49ers brass had a potentially generational head coach and openly plotted to undercut him. Does that say more about them or Harbaugh?

It was interesting calling around to front offices, industry sources and former NFL players who played under Harbaugh. There was a distinct division, as the possibility of him returning ranged from virtually no chance to ringing endorsements.

Does Harbaugh deserve another crack at the NFL?

“If Jim Harbaugh is available and he’s willing to coach in the NFL, I’m 1,000% positive there will be a market for him,” said Donte Whitner, the former 49ers safety who is an analyst for NBC Sports in the Bay Area.

Around the NFL, there’s a bit more skepticism.

“It’s a legitimate question,” said a longtime NFL executive. “He can’t quite get it fixed there at Michigan. When you leave a place in the NFL, if you have any scars, they’ll get you. And when he left San Francisco, it was scorched earth.”

So what’s next for Harbaugh at Michigan? It remains unlikely Michigan will fire him, as he has won 71% of his games, just none of the ones that matter as he’s 2-12 against top-10 teams and winless in five games against Ohio State. The most likely option is that he coaches out the final year on his deal in 2021.

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Can Captain Comeback, Harbaugh’s old nickname, make a return to the NFL? Well, it depends on who you ask.

“I thought Jim was amazing,” said Ian Williams, a former 49ers defensive lineman who works now as an NFL analyst in the Bay Area. “I don’t know why you don’t pull the trigger and take a chance and see if he can create the same magic. He can be a spark to the city and the franchise and the fans.”
With Harbaugh, there’s no shortage of opinions. And it’s never boring, which is both the fear and the allure NFL front offices will face in pondering his hire this winter.

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