If Jim Harbaugh was trying to quell rumors of him potentially jumping ship to the NFL, the Michigan coach’s non-answer on Wednesday did just the opposite.
During a media availability at Disneyland ahead of the College Football Playoff semifinal, Harbaugh, 60, comically sidestepped reporters’ questions about the ongoing rumors that he could go back to the pros.
“Such a one-track mind, that’s the way we’ve gone about things,” Harbaugh responded when asked about it. “It’s literally whatever day we’re in, looking to get the most out of it. Dominate the day then we’re gonna go to sleep tonight and wake tomorrow, and see if we can’t dominate that day. It’s a single-minded group and just very focused on taking care of business today and see if we can’t do the same tomorrow.”
Harbaugh’s name has continued to pop up in discussions about coaching vacancies in the NFL, and there are already a few teams that might be looking to make a hire before the start of next season.
The Raiders, Chargers and Panthers are all teams being led by interim coaches, and there could be other openings after the regular season concludes.
The idea of Harbaugh potentially coaching the Chargers is a thought that might excite some fans, and the Michigan coach has a connection there, suiting up for the organization in the twilight of his playing career (1999-2000).
But even just a question about what it was like playing for the Spanos family — which owns the organization — got a response that had nothing to do with what was asked.
Ten Championship game against Iowa at Lucas Oil Stadium. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
“Yeah, just a very one-track mind for this game. Right now, just have fun with the family and the team and the players. We’re at the happiest place on Earth,” Harbaugh said with a big grin and chuckle as Michigan prepares to face Alabama in the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day.
Harbaugh was trying to keep the focus on the game despite the coach reportedly receiving an offer for a massive contract extension with Michigan that would make him the highest-paid football coach in the Big Ten.
He has expressed a desire to sign an extension and has three years left on his current deal, but the allure of the professional ranks has remained for Harbaugh.
Harbaugh led the 49ers from 2011-14, helping them to three conference title games and one Super Bowl appearance.
He previously interviewed for the Vikings head coaching job in 2022 and had been in talks for the Broncos job earlier this year.
During an appearance on “The Herd” on Tuesday, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported Harbaugh wants to come back to the NFL.
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