Yes, there’s lots of talk about Jim Harbaugh possibly going to the NFL this year, and everyone is guessing which team he would pick. We’ve already discussed where he might go. But, who would come to Michigan if Harbaugh did leave?
A report in 'The Athletic' has everything talking about Harbaugh possibly leaving
A report in “The Athletic” says, “And now, The Athletic is hearing rumblings, both from the NFL side and at Michigan, that Harbaugh might be tempted to leave the Wolverines to return to the NFL. ‘I think it’s real,’ said one source this week when asked about the possibility of Harbaugh being interested in heading back to the NFL.”
Where would he go?
As we previously reported, many speculate Harbaugh could end up with the Bears or Raiders if he leaves.
Who would take his place?
A new report from ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg says there’s one guy at the top of Michigan’s list.
According to ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg...
He says Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien would be the guy to take the job at Michigan. “Would expect Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien to generate some traction for the job,” Rittenberg said. “He would have been a serious candidate after the 2020 season if Michigan and Harbaugh parted ways.” But, there are other options, too…
Rittenberg also mentions two internal candidates for the job
He says offensive coordinator Josh Gattis would be a primary candidate.
One final name
He also said Michigan running backs coach Mike Hart is a potential replacement.
More information
Re: Jim Harbaugh/NFL situation @BruceFeldmanCFB reported, the Raiders are likeliest spot if JH wants to return to NFL. He started coaching career w/ Oak Raiders. Before Michigan, he and his wife lived on West Coast. I'd heard Giants job could have interested him if it was open.
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) January 5, 2022Jim Harbaugh speaks out
Harbaugh is in Houston this week for the Paul “Bear” Bryant Award presentation. He was asked about the NFL rumors.
Harbaugh's response
“It’s a little more enjoyable this year compared to the rumors last year, so,” Harbaugh said when asked about the latest NFL talk. Really, Jim? You’re just going to leave us hanging? Okay, then. Urgh! We’ll keep you posted on this story.
Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl – Georgia v Michigan
ShareMIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: DJ Turner #5 of the Michigan Wolverines looks on during the third quarter of the game against the Georgia Bulldogs in the Capital One Orange Bowl for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium on December 31, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl – Georgia v Michigan
ShareMIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: Nolan Smith #4 of the Georgia Bulldogs forces a fumble by Cade McNamara #12 of the Michigan Wolverines in the fourth quarter in the Capital One Orange Bowl for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium on December 31, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl – Georgia v Michigan
ShareMIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: Stetson Bennett #13 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs with the ball as Vincent Gray #4 of the Michigan Wolverines defends in the third quarter of the Capital One Orange Bowl for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium on December 31, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl – Georgia v Michigan
ShareMIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: Warren Brinson #97 of the Georgia Bulldogs attempts to block a pass by J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Michigan Wolverines in the fourth quarter of the game in the Capital One Orange Bowl for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium on December 31, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl – Georgia v Michigan
ShareMIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: Head Coach Kirby Smart of the Georgia Bulldogs talks with Justin Shaffer #54 in the third quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines in the Capital One Orange Bowl for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium on December 31, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl – Georgia v Michigan
ShareMIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: Head Coach Kirby Smart of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts on the sidelines in the third quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines in the Capital One Orange Bowl for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium on December 31, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl – Georgia v Michigan
ShareMIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: James Cook #4 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines in the Capital One Orange Bowl for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium on December 31, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl – Georgia v Michigan
ShareMIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: James Cook #4 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines in the Capital One Orange Bowl for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium on December 31, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl – Georgia v Michigan
ShareMIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: The Orange Bowl trophy is displayed before the game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Georgia Bulldogs in the Capital One Orange Bowl for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium on December 31, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl – Georgia v Michigan
ShareMIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: James Cook #4 of the Georgia Bulldogs carries the ball in the first quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines in the Capital One Orange Bowl for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium on December 31, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl – Georgia v Michigan
ShareMIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: Stetson Bennett #13 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts after throwing a touchdown pass in the first quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines in the Capital One Orange Bowl for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium on December 31, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl – Georgia v Michigan
ShareMIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: Adonai Mitchell #5 of the Georgia Bulldogs catches the ball for a touchdown as Vincent Gray #4 of the Michigan Wolverines defends in the first quarter in the Capital One Orange Bowl for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium on December 31, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl – Georgia v Michigan
ShareMIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: Cade McNamara #12 of the Michigan Wolverines looks to throw the ball in the first quarter of the game against the Georgia Bulldogs in the Capital One Orange Bowl for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium on December 31, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl – Georgia v Michigan
ShareMIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: Adonai Mitchell #5 of the Georgia Bulldogs catches the ball for a touchdown in the first quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines in the Capital One Orange Bowl for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium on December 31, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl – Georgia v Michigan
ShareMIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: Kenny McIntosh #6 of the Georgia Bulldogs throws the ball for a touchdown in the first quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines in the Capital One Orange Bowl for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium on December 31, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl – Georgia v Michigan
ShareMIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: Donovan Edwards #7 of the Michigan Wolverines is taken down by Lewis Cine #16 of the Georgia Bulldogs in the first quarter of the game in the Capital One Orange Bowl for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium on December 31, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl – Georgia v Michigan
ShareMIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: James Cook #4 of the Georgia Bulldogs carries the ball as Josh Ross #12 of the Michigan Wolverines defends in the first quarter in the Capital One Orange Bowl for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium on December 31, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl – Georgia v Michigan
ShareMIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: James Cook #4 of the Georgia Bulldogs carries the ball as Josh Ross #12 of the Michigan Wolverines defends in the first quarter in the Capital One Orange Bowl for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium on December 31, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl – Georgia v Michigan
ShareMIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: Donovan Edwards #7 of the Michigan Wolverines is taken down by Lewis Cine #16 of the Georgia Bulldogs in the first quarter of the game in the Capital One Orange Bowl for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium on December 31, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl – Georgia v Michigan
ShareMIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: Zamir White #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs carries the ball in the first quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines in the Capital One Orange Bowl for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium on December 31, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl – Georgia v Michigan
ShareMIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: the Michigan Wolverines enter the field before the game against the Georgia Bulldogs in the Capital One Orange Bowl for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium on December 31, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
