It’s no longer a lock that Michigan football is able to retain the head coach who led them a national championship just a few weeks ago.
As the Wolverines bask in the aftermath of their title run, Jim Harbaugh has reportedly been flirting with a return to the NFL and the Los Angeles Chargers appear to be just as interested. On Tuesday, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported the two sides are in “striking distance” of a deal to bring Harbaugh back to California.
If that happens, Michigan will find itself in a truly tough position as it seeks to replace him.
From The Insiders on #NFLPlus and @nflnetwork: The #Chargers and Jim Harbaugh are now in striking distance of getting a deal done as Harbaugh is in LA today for another meeting with the team. pic.twitter.com/YJhNzRzOcP
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 23, 2024
Anyone who takes this potential job would 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 could Michigan turn to if Harbaugh leaves?
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.
2
Mike Hart
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
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
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
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.
