The latest round of Jim Harbaugh-to-the-NFL rumors has begun.
At least two teams are reportedly eyeing Harbaugh as a potential head coach as he leads Michigan into the Big Ten championship game and likely the College Football Playoff for the third year in a row. Michigan is 37-3 and 26-1 in the Big Ten over the last three seasons.
Diana Russini said this week on Fox Sports that Harbaugh is "absolutely" a target among teams with potential head coaching vacancies this offseason. That includes the Panthers, who fired Frank Reich last week and with whom Harbaugh had conversations last offseason. The Bears are said to be another team to watch.
Panthers owner Dave Tepper initiated those talks with Harbaugh last winter and while it "didn't pan out, that's a name I'm hearing again," said Russini.
"The Chicago Bears are another organization I have heard has had some conversations about that, depending on what decision they make with this coaching staff that’s in place, and of course what they do with that quarterback situation," Russini said.
The rebuilding Bears aren't a sure bet to be searching for a head coach, but Matt Eberflus could be on the chopping block if they don't finish strong. They are 4-8 this season and 7-22 during his tenure and have yet to get the most out of QB Justin Fields, the former 11th overall pick in his third season.
And that job could appeal to Harbaugh, who was drafted by the Bears in 1987 and spent his first seven seasons with the team. Chicago could also have two top-five picks in next year's draft, including first overall thanks to last year's trade with the Panthers by which Carolina traded up for Bryce Young.
“Jim is certainly a name that is respected in league circles," Russini said. "(NFL) ownership is definitely interested in what he could bring back to the NFL."
Harbaugh went 44-19-1 as head coach of the 49ers from 2011-14, leading the team to two division titles, three conference championship games and a Super Bowl appearance over four seasons.
Of course, he's also signed to a lucrative contract at Michigan, with a possible extension coming this offseason. His current deal, which runs through 2026, comes with a salary of $8.25 million, 12th highest in the country this season, per, USA Today.
Alabama's Nick Saban leads the way at $11.4 million, while Ohio State's Ryan Day tops the Big Ten at $10.3 million. Harbaugh's Wolverines have beaten Day and the Buckeyes each of the last three seasons, but the coach has been suspended twice this season for various NCAA violations in his program, and could face further discipline next season with the NCAA still investigating Michigan for its sign-stealing scandal.
When Harbaugh, 59, was asked earlier this season about a potential extension at Michigan, and what could be holding up a formal agreement, he said, "I’m like anybody, you want to be somewhere where you’re wanted and they like how do you things and what you do, and that gets reflected into a contract. We’re in the middle of the season and I’m very focused on that."
Until he signs a new deal -- and likely even after he does -- the NFL rumors will persist.
