The rumors about Jim Harbaugh making a return to the NFL never seem to stop. They’ve also never seemed louder than over the last few months.
Between a pending NCAA investigation into Michigan’s sign-stealing scheme and the Wolverines’ reported desire to include contract extension language stopping Harbaugh from bolting for the pros in 2024, it seems the idea of the 60-year-old coach returning to the NFL is as real as ever.
And that’s before you consider he could leave Michigan on a high note after delivering the school its first national championship since 1997.
Oddsmakers certainly believe the hype. At DraftKings Sportsbook, a market is now available to bet on where Harbaugh will coach next season — and returning to Michigan is listed as a bit of a (surprising) long-shot.
Where will Jim Harbaugh be coaching next season? 👀
(odds via @DKSportsbook) pic.twitter.com/yOhtw9Zo2J
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) January 10, 2024
The Los Angeles Chargers opened as the clear favorite at +140, but the shock was seeing Harbaugh listed +600 to not coach an NFL team next year — ostensibly meaning he’s still at Michigan. By comparison, Bill Belichick opened +300 to return to the New England Patriots in 2024, though his overall odds also favor joining the Chargers.
Bettors must have immediately pounced on these numbers because Harbaugh not coaching in the NFL next season dropped to +350 shortly after the odds were publicized.
Will Michigan Man run it back at his alma mater or move onto his next challenge? We can only wait and see for now.
