Report: NFL head coach 'very interested' in Michigan job if Jim Harbaugh leaves

Rumors continue to swirl about Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh’s reported interest in returning to the NFL. While it is unknown if Harbaugh will make the jump to the NFL again, candidates are already being reported on his potential replacement at Michigan, should he leave. One of the top candidates? Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule.

According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, Rhule would be interested in taking the Michigan job if Harbaugh left for the NFL.

“It remains to be seen if Raiders owner Mark Davis can lure Jim Harbaugh out of Michigan to return to the organization where he began his NFL coaching career, but if he does, league sources said several current NFL coaches would have their eye on the opening in Ann Arbor,” La Canfora said.

“Panthers’ embattled head coach Matt Rhule would be at the top of that list, league sources indicated, with Rhule already considering several college options this past season.”

Rhule has spent two seasons at the Panthers’ head coach. In those years, Carolina has gone a combined 10-23. After an incredibly disappointing 2021 season, Rhule’s future with the Panthers seemed uncertain. But he is set to return next season, although the Michigan job opening up would undoubtedly be tempting.

Prior to coming to the Panthers, Rhule served as the head coach at Temple and Baylor. Hopes were high when he took over, and especially so after the Panthers began this season 3-0. But a seven game losing streak to end the season resulted in an overall record of 5-12, which was the worst in the NFC South.

More on rumors of Harbaugh leaving Michigan for the NFL

If Harbaugh does indeed decide to return to the NFL and leave Michigan, the most likely team for him is the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders fired Jon Gruden in the middle of the season, and interim coach Rich Bisaccia led the team to a playoff berth. While the Raiders haven’t let go of Bisaccia, they are still being linked as a strong suitor for Harbaugh in the NFL.

On “Get Up” on Friday, ESPN’s Dan Graziano said that if Harbaugh leaves Michigan for the NFL this upcoming season, it would be to coach the Raiders.

“Look, everybody I’ve talked to have said the same thing: ‘It is very hard to predict Jim Harbaugh.’ But there’s real interest both ways, the question is whether it results in him getting the Raiders job or whether they decide it’s not the right time and they look elsewhere,” Graziano said. “But this is the spot to watch for Jim Harbaugh if he’s coming back into the NFL this year.”