REPORT: Jim Harbaugh Set To Leave For NFL And Gut Michigan Coaching Staff

Jim Harbaugh is reportedly headed back to the NFL, and he’s not going alone.

The Michigan Wolverines head coach is said to be close to a deal with the Los Angeles Chargers.

The same report claims that Harbaugh is taking Michigan defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and running backs/assistant special teams coach Jay Harbaugh (his son) with him to the NFL.

“My understanding is that this is an extremely strong offer that they have made to him financially,” NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo said. “They’re now in the point where they’re going to discuss staffing when it comes to the general manager and, obviously, the coaching staff who is going to work alongside Harbaugh, as well.

“This feels like advancing to the point where if everybody’s comfortable with a lot of the principal factors at play, this team could move on Jim Harbaugh and try to get him under contract here in the near future.”

Jim Harbaugh Reportedly Taking Key Michigan Coaches With Him To NFL

Harbaugh leaving Ann Arbor isn’t a huge surprise.

He had flirted with the NFL each of the last two offseasons. And the NCAA is still investigating he and the Wolverines for illegal sign stealing.

But the report makeup of his staff may surprise some Michigan fans.

Michigan offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore is the likely replace should Harbaugh leave. But Minter was a similarly integral part of the coaching staff. And Jay Harbaugh was one of the Wolverines’ top recruiters.

Losing all three at one time could be a big blow to Michigan’s efforts to sustain success after its first national championship in 26 years.

Particularly given rival Ohio State’s recent commitment to NIL funding.

Should Harbaugh leave, it’s hard to imagine Wolverines fans would have any hard feelings.

He helped return his alma mater to the mountaintop of college football.

But he’s certainly not leaving it in the best stop if Minter and Jay Harbaugh follow him out the door.