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Who Will Michigan Hire If Jim Harbaugh Goes to the NFL?

By Anne Erickson
(Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)

Yes, there’s lots of talk about Jim Harbaugh possibly going to the NFL this year, and everyone is guessing which team he would pick. We’ve already discussed where he might go. But, who would come to Michigan if Harbaugh did leave?

  • A report in 'The Athletic' has everything talking about Harbaugh possibly leaving

    A report in “The Athletic” says, “And now, The Athletic is hearing rumblings, both from the NFL side and at Michigan, that Harbaugh might be tempted to leave the Wolverines to return to the NFL. ‘I think it’s real,’ said one source this week when asked about the possibility of Harbaugh being interested in heading back to the NFL.”

  • Where would he go?

    As we previously reported, many speculate Harbaugh could end up with the Bears or Raiders if he leaves.

  • Who would take his place?

    A new report from

    Re: Jim Harbaugh/NFL situation @BruceFeldmanCFB reported, the Raiders are likeliest spot if JH wants to return to NFL. He started coaching career w/ Oak Raiders. Before Michigan, he and his wife lived on West Coast. I'd heard Giants job could have interested him if it was open.

    — . (@ESPNRittenberg) January 5, 2022" rel="noopener" target="_blank">ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg says there’s one guy at the top of Michigan’s list.

  • According to ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg...

    He says Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien would be the guy to take the job at Michigan. “Would expect Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien to generate some traction for the job,” Rittenberg said. “He would have been a serious candidate after the 2020 season if Michigan and Harbaugh parted ways.” But, there are other options, too…

  • Rittenberg also mentions two internal candidates for the job

    He says offensive coordinator Josh Gattis would be a primary candidate.

  • One final name

    He also said Michigan running backs coach Mike Hart is a potential replacement.

  • More information

  • Jim Harbaugh speaks out

    Harbaugh is in Houston this week for the Paul “Bear” Bryant Award presentation. He was asked about the NFL rumors.

  • Harbaugh's response

    “It’s a little more enjoyable this year compared to the rumors last year, so,” Harbaugh said when asked about the latest NFL talk. Really, Jim? You’re just going to leave us hanging? Okay, then. Urgh! We’ll keep you posted on this story.

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