Michigan's Jim Harbaugh coached Colin Kaepernick with the San Francisco 49ers. Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY 

Coach Jim Harbaugh: Team that signs Colin Kaepernick 'will be very happy'

As quarterback Colin Kaepernick continues to try to make his way back into the NFL, he has received an endorsement from his former coach, Jim Harbaugh. 

The Michigan coach made it clear that he felt his former quarterback deserved another shot in the league and Harbaugh believes that whoever does sign Kaepernick won't end up regretting it.

"My personal opinion and really advice to NFL teams is, there's only one way to answer these questions, one way to find out, and that's Colin signs somewhere," Harbaugh told ESPN. "My advice is he'd be worth your time and that NFL team will be very happy."

Kaepernick, 32, had his best seasons as a pro under Harbaugh, who made the decision to bench Alex Smith in 2012 in favor of Kaepernick, who was virtually unknown. It proved to be a brilliant choice, with Kaepernick leading the 49ers to a Super Bowl in his first season as a starter.

Unfortunately, Kaepernick's career fell apart shortly after Harbaugh left for Michigan in 2014, and by 2016 Kaepernick was out of the league. Kaepernick believes the reason he has not played in the NFL since then is because he kneeled during the national anthem to protest social injustice. And it's a sentiment that has not been disputed by Harbaugh, who spoke highly of his former quarterback's character and abilities on the gridiron.

"Colin Kaepernick is a friend," Harbaugh said. "He's a brother. He's a great teammate. I love Colin. I think he's an unbelievably talented football player."

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Five-time NBA All-Star reveals thoughts on retirement amid rumors
Report: Hurricanes pull extension offer for HC Rod Brind'Amour
Bears GM discusses if he considered trading Caleb Williams pick
MLB hands out multiple suspensions for Rays-Brewers brawl
Insider predicts when Giants QB Daniel Jones could lose starting job
Brittney Griner opens up on arrest, imprisonment in Russia
Saints to sign veteran DB
Celtics provide updated timeline on Kristaps Porzingis injury
Recruit reveals pitch he received from John Calipari
Draft expert thinks unheralded Western Michigan DE is a steal for Cowboys
NHL announces 2024 Norris Trophy finalists
Former Yankees infielder rips team after loss to Orioles
Lightning reportedly extend HC Jon Cooper
Watch: Tyrese Maxey saves Sixers' season with two huge shots
Hurricanes eliminate Islanders with help of third-period rapid-fire goals
Mike Trout's career hits another major hurdle with latest injury
Clippers' Kawhi Leonard to remain out for Game 5
LeBron James takes to social media to address rumors about Lakers future
Watch: Tigers' Jack Flaherty ties AL record by striking out first seven batters
Jaguars make two surprising releases