Jim Harbaugh’s time at Michigan has reportedly reached its end.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Wednesday night that the coach is headed back to the NFL to join the Los Angeles Chargers.
It’s not the most stunning development as rumors of Harbaugh returning to the NFL have persisted for year. While the Wolverines basked in the aftermath of their title run, Harbaugh was reportedly flirting with a few teams and the Los Angeles Chargers appear to be just as interested. On Tuesday, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported the two sides were in “striking distance” of a deal to bring Harbaugh back to California.
Now Michigan finds itself in a truly tough position as it seeks to replace him.
Breaking: Jim Harbaugh is leaving Michigan to accept the head coaching job with the Los Angeles Chargers, sources tell ESPN.
The Chargers get their man while the national champions now have a head-coach opening. pic.twitter.com/e937qd03hP
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 24, 2024
Anyone who takes this job will not only be following the footsteps of the man who brought Michigan its first championship since 1997, but also doing so amid an NCAA investigation into the team’s sign-stealing scandal. More problematic is the timing of the opening.
The coaching carousel has pretty much ground to a halt after the fallout from Nick Saban retiring. So who can Michigan turn to now?
Likely one of these five candidates listed in no particular order.
1
Sherrone Moore
The current offensive coordinator for Michigan did an admirable job filling in for Harbaugh during the latter’s suspension. He infamously wept on the field after beating Penn State, crushed Ohio State and seems to have the support of the players.
This would be an easy choice, if not the right one.
I’d expect Michigan to move fairly quickly to replace Jim Harbaugh, with offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore as the odds-on favorite. AD Warde Manuel may at least assess the external options, but it would be a surprise if Michigan’s next head coach is anyone but Moore.
— Austin Meek (@byAustinMeek) January 24, 2024
2
Mike Hart
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY
Another current staffer on Harbaugh’s staff — and a Michigan legend in his own right from his days as a tailback — Hart was given a chance to serve as interim coach during the beginning of the season when Harbaugh served a different suspension.
If the team wants to stay in house but can’t lock down Moore, Hart makes plenty of sense.
3
Brian Kelly
(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Ok, let’s get weird.
Michigan could certainly drum up enough cash to lure Kelly away from LSU, and it likely wouldn’t be hard to sell the former Notre Dame coach on returning to a marquee program in the midwest. Life as a big fish in the Big Ten looks much easier these days than it does in the SEC, and Kelly wouldn’t have to fake any accents in order to fit in.
4
Chris Klieman
Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports
If anyone can follow the man who won a national title, it’s the man who won the famed Pop-Tarts Bowl.
Klieman is an excellent recruiter with ties all across the midwest and has developed a separate reputation as someone who can develop talent quickly. His Kansas State teams are always among the best in the Big 12 and consistency is key at Michigan.
5
Matt Campbell
Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
If Michigan can look past the fact that he was born in Ohio, Campbell could be a sneaky good hire here. His star has dimmed a tad a recent years, but given Michigan could be facing NCAA sanctions, that might just require the Wolverines to slightly lower expectations for their hire. Campbell also has plenty of ties to the area thanks to a successful run at Toledo and should be able to at least keep the program competitive as it navigates whatever the NCAA may throw at it.
