Getty Image / Christian Petersen
Jim Harbaugh has been on fire at Michigan for the last two seasons. The Wolverines have gone 25-3 the last two seasons, smacked Ohio State twice, and captured two Big Ten championships in that time frame.
The former 49ers coach was very much on the hot seat coming into the 2021 season in Ann Arbor, but they turned it around in the nick of time for the Michigan alum. That made him quite the target for NFL teams, as he was just a few yards away from a Super Bowl as the coach of the 49ers.
Harbaugh openly flirted with jobs after the 2021 season, especially the Minnesota Vikings. And, this offseason, he interviewed multiple times with the Denver Broncos. But, Harbaugh ultimately decided to return to Michigan as the two sides continue to work on an extension.
On Thursday, he spoke at a press conference, and had some comments on his future. This quote is courtesy of On3.
“Like we’ve said, it’s an ongoing thing, something we treat as a really positive thing that NFL franchises and teams have a lot of interest in all of our personnel — coaches, players, and staff,” Harbaugh said. “And if someone in our organization feels like that’s going to benefit them professionally and personally, then we say, ‘have at it.’ We don’t hold anybody back.
“I think the players, it’s got to be so many over the last eight years — in the 80s or 90s over eight years. Coaches, I think I’ve lost count how many coaches have gone to the NFL from here. Staff members … same. Right now, [defensive coordinator] Jesse Minter is considering that. We just don’t hold them back.”
Minter recently interviewed with the Philadelphia Eagles for their vacant D.C position.
“I can’t even tell you all the ones. Calls come in … calls are taken,” Harbaugh continued. “Those conversations are had. There are a few coaches on our staff those calls came in and they decided to stay here at Michigan. I’m one of them. There’s another.
“People do what they think is best for them professionally and personally. [But] I’m always … I’m here as long as Michigan wants me here. You would have had a story if I wasn’t here. But I’m here, and this is where I wanted to be.”
Should Michigan fans believe him? Who knows.