Jim Harbaugh could be coming back to the NFL.
Harbaugh and the Carolina Panthers have mutual interest in their head coaching position according to ESPN. Additionally, the Denver Broncos have also reportedly reached out to the Michigan head coach. According to The Athletic, Harbaugh will leave college if he is offered an NFL job.
Harbaugh cannot interview until the NFL season is over. Carolina has one game remaining with Steve Wilks currently in charge as the interim head coach, while the Broncos have Jerry Rosburg in charge.
Harbaugh has “sincere interest” in the Carolina job, according to Queen City News.
Harbaugh signed a five-year extension with Michigan worth $36.7 million and has been coaching the Wolverines since 2015. According to his contract, Harbaugh has a $3 million buyout until Year 2, which starts Jan. 11.
Harbaugh took the Michigan job after what was reported as a “mutual parting of ways” with the 49ers, that Harbaugh later said was closer to a firing. Harbaugh was excellent as the 49ers’ head coach, making three consecutive NFC Championship Games before going 8-8 in his final season.
Harbaugh’s Wolverines just lost in the NCAA Football Playoff semifinal, after going undefeated in the regular season.
Wilks is also considered a strong candidate for the Panthers job, while Sean Payton is reportedly at the top of the Broncos list.