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Jim Harbaugh is on the verge of embarking on considered one of sports activities’ proudest traditions: Bolting a school job when the warmth is on to just accept a brand new one within the execs. It’s constructed off one other proud custom: Wealthy folks not struggling the implications of their actions.
The College of Michigan soccer staff is about to have its hand slapped by the NCAA, with the expectation that this system might be hit with 4 Stage II violations stemming from exceeding observe limitations throughout Covid, and even assembly recruits in breach of NCAA guidelines throughout the identical time. Harbaugh himself is predicted to get a Stage I violation — which might see the Wolverines coach fined or suspended for deceptive NCAA investigators when requested in regards to the staff’s conduct main as much as the Stage II violations.
This comes at a time the place Harbaugh’s identify is as soon as once more being linked to a number of jobs within the NFL. Final 12 months it was reported that Harbaugh was near leaving Michigan to affix the Minnesota Vikings, earlier than the Vikings finally determined to rent Kevin O’Connell. Now it appears much more possible that Harbaugh will go away with quite a few groups reportedly being involved in hiring him, Harbaugh privately saying he’d settle for an NFL head teaching job, whereas publicly declaring it’s his plan to return to Michigan — with the caveat “nobody is aware of what the long run holds.”
A significant NCAA violation is exactly the form of factor that might push Harbaugh out of Michigan and again to the NFL, and that’s after contemplating that he might have left regardless. At this level it’s secure to suppose that there’s a particularly good probability we’ll see Harbaugh again on an NFL sideline in 2023 — however the place?
Carolina Panthers
Proprietor David Tepper is determined to make an enormous rent and has reportedly already approached Harbaugh about his curiosity within the job. A proper interview gained’t be carried out till after the staff’s ultimate recreation towards New Orleans, however evidently Carolina is able to make this official — if Harbaugh is.
For what it’s forth, I feel this could be actually unfair to interim head coach Steve Wilks, who squeezed a exceptional quantity of blood out of a stone this season when he took over for Matt Rhule. Wilks primarily fastened Tepper’s failure and confirmed what an atrocious NFL head coach Rhule was in lower than a season, however all indicators are pointing to the staff wanting a splashy rent.
It’s a fairly enticing scenario for those who’re Harbaugh. Wilks confirmed that this staff can compete and win video games, no matter its horrific QB scenario. The Panthers could have a Prime 10 decide, they’ve extra draft ammunition to maneuver up if the necessity arises, and the offensive line is in pretty fine condition. Defensively the staff is kind of set, with some minor tweaks wanted, reasonably than a full overhaul.
Denver Broncos
One other potential touchdown spot for Harbaugh is Denver, the place he’d be tasked with a really totally different form of rebuilding job. The first concern right here is discovering a solution to reconcile the previous with a future. This implies restoring Russell Wilson’s confidence and making an attempt to show him again into an MVP-caliber quarterback, if it’s potential — and maximizing the expertise on the roster.
Nathaniel Hackett was woefully incapable of doing something with this staff. Harbaugh would undoubtedly be an enormous step up, which is why Mile Excessive Report is all in on the concept of spending no matter it takes to safe him as head coach.
How interesting the Denver job could be solely hinges on whether or not you consider Wilson continues to be a top-tier NFL quarterback or not. For those who don’t suppose he has it anymore, or for those who doubt his talents exterior of Pete Carroll’s system it change into much more troublesome to think about Harbaugh taking one other stint within the NFL in this type of scenario. Denver nonetheless owes picks to Seattle within the Wilson commerce and their wage cap scenario isn’t nice due to how a lot assured cash they owe Russ.
Nonetheless, there’s undoubtedly a state of affairs the place Harbaugh sees the defensive expertise, and thinks Russ continues to be the man, and if that comes collectively then there’s no job which might be extra enticing.
Indianapolis Colts
There’s organizational familiarity right here, and we all know how Jim Irsay likes to rent individuals who have beforehand been part of the Colts previously.
Because it stands there’s actually nothing concrete about Harbaugh to the Colts exterior of seeing a gap and studying the tea leaves. It’s a curious match when you consider it. Of the three potential touchdown spots Indianapolis is the blankest canvas. It could be a real rebuilding effort with a possibility to actually form the staff in his picture, and he’d possible get loads of rope by selecting the Colts.
This is a crucial angle due to how ego performs into this. Harbaugh has no scarcity of it, and he loves getting acknowledgment for his successes. In Indianapolis he’d be placed on a pedestal and celebrated, which when paired with how a lot alternative there’s to make the Colts his personal, may very well be sufficient to lure him to Indy.
So, the place does Harbaugh find yourself?
No matter occurs with the NCAA appears central to this. If the penalties for each the college and Harbaugh are small, then it’s solely potential he’ll stick with the Wolverines. Nonetheless, if he does leap to the NFL then it appears the Carolina Panthers are probably the most logical touchdown spot.
The actual fact Harbaugh has even mentioned the job with David Tepper is large. That is additionally an proprietor who has no downside throwing cash at one thing he believes in. The mix of things in play offers the staff an amazing foundation for Harbaugh to construct off, with loads of latitude to make his mark.
Both means, Harbaugh’s standing goes to be a significant story to look at this offseason — whether or not it adjustments the complexion of faculty soccer, or the NFL.
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