Denver Broncos ‘plan to interview Jim Harbaugh next week’ as the head coach faces a Level I violation from the NCAA… but a new big-money contract from Michigan ‘could stop him making an NFL return’
- The Denver Broncos fired Nathaniel Hackett after Christmas Day defeat in LA
- The franchise will reportedly interview Jim Harbaugh virtually in coming days
- The organization is also considering other candidates, including Sean Payton
- Harbaugh recently said he will be ‘enthusiastically coaching’ Michigan this year
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The Denver Broncos plan to interview Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh to fill their vacancy early next week, according to a report.
There has been speculation over the coach’s future with Michigan since the team lost the Fiesta Bowl to TCU but it came under further scrutiny this week after it was reported that he faced a Level 1 violation from the NCAA.
Harbaugh had insisted earlier this week that he will be ‘enthusiastically coaching’ Michigan this year but had been weighing up his NFL options in recent weeks.
Denver Broncos reportedly plan to interview Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh next week
The 59-year-old is now set to interview virtually with the Denver Broncos, among other candidates, in the coming days, according to NFL Insider.
The Broncos fired head coach Nathaniel Hackett with just two games remaining of his first regular season on December 26.
The Broncos ownership group reportedly promised to be ‘ultra-aggressive’ in doing whatever it takes do secure their preferred candidate.
And, Harbaugh could fit the bill having 44-19-1 as the 49ers’ head coach from 2011-14, leading San Francisco to the NFC Championship Game three times and to an appearance in Super Bowl XLVII where they lost 34-31 to the Baltimore Ravens — led by his brother, John.
The Broncos fired head coach Nathaniel Hackett with two games remaining of regular season
Harbaugh left the 49ers after going 8-8 overall in 2014 – the only season San Francisco didn’t make the postseason under his direction – to take the job at Michigan.
However, Harbaugh isn’t the only candidate as the Broncos have reportedly also received permission to interview Sean Payton.
Payton remains under contract with the New Orleans Saints and would have to be acquired in a trade.
Meanwhile, Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is also said to be among the targets, while Denver has also said it intends to interview its own defensive coach, Ejiro Evero.
Harbaugh may have a slight boost in the race, however, as he has connections within the Broncos organization.
Former Saints coach Sean Payton could engage in talks with the Broncos about the vacancy
Condoleezza Rice, a member of the Broncos’ ownership group and search committee, has deep ties to Stanford University, where Harbaugh coached before his first NFL stint, while co-owner and CEO Greg Penner got his MBA from the college.
Harbaugh entertained a return to the NFL last year, when he interviewed with the Minnesota Vikings. But, after he failed to secure the head coach job with the Vikings hiring Kevin O’Connell, Harbaugh said he would not consider retuning to the league.
He also appeared to pour cold water on any rumors of him returning to the NFL earlier this week when he released a statement insisting he will coach Michigan for a ninth season.
And Michigan could ensure that happens by reciprocating his love for his Alma Mater with a new contract that could make him one of the highest paid coaches in college football.
Harbaugh has been reportedly approached by NFL teams since Michigan’s Fiesta Bowl loss
Following the team’s first Big Ten title since 2004, he had his pay restored – after taking a cut in January 2021 off a Covid-shortened season – but it is still less than Penn State’s James Franklin and Michigan State’s Mel Tucker.
Harbaugh still earned $8.05 million in 2022 but there reportedly have been discussions with Michigan in recent weeks about a raise, however, nothing concrete as yet.
However, just hours after appearing to commit to the college program, reports broke the coach was expected to be served with a Level I violation for lying or misleading NCAA investigators.
The Wolverine revealed that the charge comes from taking already-committed recruits on ‘impromptu visit[s]’ to a local burger spot, and saying during deposition that he ‘didn’t recall’ those events.
However, one source that spoke to the publication said there was evidence that he did in fact remember.
The meals reportedly took place at Ann Arbor staple the Brown Jug.
Harbaugh faces a Level I violation for lying or misleading NCAA investigators
The meal reportedly happened at the Brown Jug in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Harbaugh and his staff are also facing four Level 2 charges, with athletic director Warde Manuel confirming Friday the school had received a notice of allegations from the NCAA.
The 1995 NFL Comeback Player of the Year has a 74-25 overall record in eight seasons with the Wolverines, who were 13-0 this season before getting beaten by Texas Christian University (TCU) in a College Football Playoffs semifinals.
Harbaugh also spent four seasons as head coach of Stanford and three more at San Diego.
Harbaugh was the AP NFL Coach of the Year in 2011 and AP College Coach of the Year in 2021.