Report suggests Michigan's Jim Harbaugh could pick Colts over Broncos

It appears Jim Harbaugh may not "expect" to be the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines next season, after all. 

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Wednesday that an official "from a team searching for a head coach believes Harbaugh" wants to accept the Indianapolis Colts' opening if it's offered. 

"No word yet on whether Harbaugh plans to speak with Indy brass, but the connection is obvious for the former Colts quarterback," Fowler added. Harbaugh spent several seasons on the Indianapolis roster during the 1990s. 

While the Colts likely need an upgrade at the sport's most important position over Matt Ryan, Dan Graziano of ESPN pointed out that "Harbaugh did a lot of winning" as San Francisco 49ers coach without having a Hall of Famer at quarterback. Specifically, Harbaugh guided the 49ers to Super Bowl XLVII, where they fell to the Baltimore Ravens. 

The ESPN piece assumes former New Orleans Saints coach and current Fox Sports NFL analyst Sean Payton is the first choice of the Denver Broncos. ESPN also said "Denver might want Payton more than he wants them" this offseason. 

"If Payton says no to Denver, then Harbaugh will be the lead candidate," Fowler said. Harbaugh reportedly had a virtual interview with the Broncos on Monday that spanned "over two hours." 

After the TCU Horned Frogs stunned the Wolverines in the semifinal round of the College Football Playoff, Harbaugh suggested on multiple occasions he expected to remain with Michigan through this NFL offseason. That, however, was before ESPN's Adam Rittenberg and Mark Schlabach reported last week that the NCAA is investigating the Michigan football program regarding alleged violations during the COVID-19 recruiting dead period that potentially could result in Harbaugh facing some sort of suspension. 

Harbaugh signed a "reworked" contract with Michigan last winter that runs through the 2026 campaign but contains relatively inexpensive buyout clauses if he wishes to make a return to the NFL. The second year of that deal officially began on Wednesday.