Michigan Sources Claim Jim Harbaugh Will Take Las Vegas Raiders HC Job
The NFL media is buzzing around seven vacant head coaching spots currently available in the NFL.
One gig that isn't receiving as much speculation is the Las Vegas Raiders head coaching vacancy, which many think is on a golden platter for Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh.
The Harbaugh-Raiders rumor then heated up Wednesday when The Athletic's Bruce Feldman reported from sources at Ann Arbor that the coach is eyeing the Raiders role and will accept, if offered.
Harbaugh's fit with Las Vegas seems to have all the pieces for a successful NFL comeback; however, some have also speculated that the rumors are also artificially pumping up his own stock as Michigan sits on giving him a contract extension.
After earning an $8 million salary in 2020, Harbaugh's base salary was cut down to $4 million in 2021. He is in the second season of a five-year deal.
"Harbaugh led the Wolverines to a 12-2 record and the program's first Big Ten title in 17 years," adds Turner.
Harbaugh's pay has been a discount based on Michigan's recent success — making his suitors in the NFL make their pitch against Michigan's discounted rate.
OutKick's Meg Turner noted that the Raiders have expressed significant interest in signing Harbaugh.
The organization will have a few carrots to offer, including a rekindled association with the Davis family ownership, potential influence in the general manager search after former Raiders GM Mike Mayock's ousting and a capable starting quarterback in Derek Carr.
The Wolverines head coach underwent a necessary respite from the NFL by joining Ann Arbor as HC in 2015.
His signing was a bid at resurgence for Michigan's football program, which finally upset Ohio State last November 42-27 to snap an eight-game losing streak against the Buckeyes, stemming from 2011.
Harbaugh's zenith came as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers: producing three straight years of 11 or more wins (13, 11, 12) and leading the Niners to the Super Bowl in 2012-13. However, San Fran's leash was short with Harbaugh, and they nixed the HC in his fourth season after going 8-8.
Harbaugh is also rumored to be in contention for the Chicago Bears head coaching role.
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