Insider believes Jim Harbaugh still has 'itch' to coach in the NFL

The Michigan cheating scandal and its aftermath have led to whispers that head coach Jim Harbaugh would jump to friendlier waters and return to the NFL. However, one insider believes the recent saga won't impact his decision one way or the other and that a move back to the pros is imminent.

Appearing on "The Dan Patrick Show," Andy Staples of On3 said he thinks Harbaugh is "going to try and go to the NFL, anyway." 

"I think he's wanted to. I think there's still an itch there," Staples said. "Remember, he was a really good NFL coach." 

The latest uptick in rumors about Harbaugh's future comes after the program received more bad news. On Dec. 20, the NCAA sent a formal notice of allegations against Harbaugh for providing false information regarding an investigation into recruiting violations during the COVID-19 dead period. After the NCAA rejected a four-game suspension proposal, Harbaugh served a self-imposed three-game suspension for the infraction at the beginning of the 2023 season. However, it appears the NCAA was finally ready to revisit the matter on National Signing Day, no less. 

Before joining Michigan in 2015, Harbaugh looked like the next up-and-coming NFL coach with the San Francisco 49ers. Over four seasons, he compiled a 44-19-1 regular season mark and a 5-3 record while leading the Niners to Super Bowl XLVII in only his second season. However, his souring relationship with general manager Trent Baalke and CEO Jed York resulted in a mutual parting of ways following the 2014 campaign. 

It's safe to say that Harbaugh's first taste of the NFL made the power available at Michigan look too good to pass up. Now, after nine seasons with the program, he might feel he has nothing left to prove and is ready to give the show another shot. If that's the case, Staples sees two teams that would fit the bill nicely: the Chicago Bears and the Los Angeles Chargers. 

"If Chicago fires Matt Eberflus, you put Jim Harbaugh there with a No. 1 draft pick quarterback," Staples said. "The Chargers job is open. You want Jim Harbaugh working with Justin Herbert? That'd probably be a pretty good thing."