Sam Webb of The Michigan Insider stopped by CBS Sports HQ this morning to discuss Jim Harbaugh’s most recent NFL fling. After interviewing with the Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Chargers, how serious is the threat that he will leave?
Sam Webb of The Michigan Insider joined CBS Sports HQ this morning to discuss Jim Harbaugh’s most recent NFL flirtation. Three questions dominated host Brandon Baylor’s questions: 1.) After interviewing with the Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Chargers, how serious is the threat that Harbaugh will leave? 2.) In order for him to stay at Michigan, does his contract need to include a “immunity clause”? And 3.) If he joins the league, who will take his place in Ann Arbor?
The most recent episodes of “The 3R Report” included information on Harbaugh’s salary requirements as well as insights into the kinds of NFL front office situations that he might find interesting. Webb determined how worried Michigan should be about losing its coach to the pros based on that and other information.
According to Webb, “I think the threat level is higher than it was last season.” It’s comparable, in my opinion, to the Minnesota year. That was thus following the 2021 season. I believe that (Harbaugh) went into that interview believing he would be hired. After all, it turned into a real interview, and for whatever reason, things didn’t work out.
However, I believe that at that moment, he was genuinely considering leaving. And I believe that the fact that he won a championship is the reason behind his desire to rejoin the NFL. He fulfilled all of his commitments while at Michigan, and he also pursued his side goal of becoming a Super Bowl champion.
“I believe that Michigan fans—possibly even some administrators—are caught in a cycle of believing that there was something they could have done to force him to drop his NFL consideration going forward. Simply put, I don’t think that will occur.
Even if Jim Harbaugh stays at Michigan and signs a big contract that puts him at the top of the college football pay scale—which is on the table—I believe we’ll be back here next year discussing, (assuming) the NFL is interested in having him listen. since he has demonstrated his ability to compartmentalize and because he has a parallel dream.
This would be such a distraction in many situations and with many coaches that it would reduce your performance and take you away from reaching the bottom line. It’s obvious that Jim Harbaugh hasn’t. Following the final three seasons, he has flirted with the NFL.
In that time, they have only defeated Ohio State three times in a row, captured three consecutive Big Ten titles—a first for the program—and won a national championship. He has thus demonstrated that he is capable of succeeding at Michigan despite his NFL dalliance, his parallel dream, and the possibility of it.
Therefore, Michigan should undoubtedly be concerned. Although I still believe they have a good chance of keeping him, there is a real threat. And I believe he will leave if an NFL team is prepared to offer him both the financial compensation he is requesting and the degree of control he likely desires.
