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Jim Harbaugh closing in on NFL return as new Vikings HC?

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 1/31/22

The saga surrounding Jim Harbaugh and a potential return to the NFL got more interesting on Monday as reports surfaced that the current Michigan coach showed "legitimate interest" during his interview with the Minnesota Vikings.

Jim Harbaugh conveyed legitimate interest in the Vikings' head-coaching job during his interview with the team, per source, with Minnesota coming away feeling Harbaugh is ready for a return to the NFL. As of now, he's still considered in the mix for that job.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 31, 2022

Of course, as Fowler tweets, all that means at this point is that Harbaugh has remained a candidate for the open HC position in Minnesota and hasn't been offered a job just yet. According to CBS Sports, the Vikings are still interviewing candidates and plan to meet with Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell and defensive coordinator Raheem Morris as well as 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans.

It also has to be kept in mind that Harbaugh has reportedly had conversations with Michigan about amending his current contract ahead of the next college football season.

All that being said, this is the closest Harbaugh has come to actually making a heavily anticipated return to the NFL stage.

The Vikings fired head coach Mike Zimmer following the conclusion of the 2021 regular season and have been very actively interviewing prospective replacements ever since. Minnesota ended the season with an 8-9-0 record.

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