Did Michigan HC Jim Harbaugh tip hand to future coaching plans?

The last thing Jim Harbaugh is likely thinking about following the Michigan Wolverines' 34-13 win over the Washington Huskies in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game is his future coaching career. 

However, he may have already made up his mind and accidentally tipped his hand after the game.

"Told them two or three days ago, we're moving spring practice back. We usually start on Valentine's Day, February 14, because we love football. But this year we're gonna move it back," Harbaugh said on Monday night. "We're gonna move it back about a month. It'll be good too. We'll have some nice weather in the spring in Ann Arbor."

Harbaugh talking about Ann Arbor in the spring seems like he's planning to stay at Michigan as its head coach for at least another year, and why wouldn't he with a chance to repeat as champions?

Well, Harbaugh has been subject to NFL head coaching rumors, and many believe he could return to the league after nine years with the Wolverines. 

He last coached for the San Francisco 49ers from 2011-14, leading them to a Super Bowl XLVII appearance where the team lost by just three points (34-31) to the Baltimore Ravens. But he may want another shot in the pros after falling just short the first time.

There are now five head-coach openings (Chargers, Raiders, Panthers, Falcons and Commanders) following the firings of Ron Rivera and Arthur Smith on Monday. 

None are perfect scenarios to jump into, but Los Angeles looks to be the best with its franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert and several other key pieces already on its roster.

Only time will tell if the Chargers or any others are intriguing enough to pull Harbaugh away from college football. But for now, his mind seems to be set on returning to coach the 2024 national champion Wolverines.