Raiders to target Michigan HC Jim Harbaugh for head-coaching position?

Don't be surprised if the Las Vegas Raiders target Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh after they fired Josh McDaniels on Tuesday night.

"Clearly, the guys in that locker room have been through a lot over the past three years under Jon Gruden and Josh McDaniels," wrote Sports Illustrated NFL reporter Albert Breer. "Having someone who can galvanize and create a real identity for the team is job No. 1 for owner Mark Davis. Which brings us to the most obvious name — Jim Harbaugh."

Breer also noted Davis tried to lure Harbaugh away from his alma mater in 2015 and considered hiring him again in 2022 before enlisting McDaniels and former general manager Dave Ziegler.

The Raiders named linebackers coach Antonio Pierce as interim HC. Although he might surprise and help them turn things around, that is unlikely.

Pierce — who played LB for the New York Giants and Washington Commanders from 2001-09 — has no head-coaching experience at the NFL level. Plus, it's hard to motivate a team that is 3-5 and only has a three percent chance to make the playoffs, per The New York Times simulator.

Harbaugh might be a good fit for the Raiders. He has an impressive résumé. While he served as San Francisco HC from 2011-14, he won Coach of The Year, guided the 49ers to their sixth Super Bowl appearance and went 44-19-1.

However, the NCAA's investigation into Michigan's alleged sign-stealing scheme is concerning and might make him a less attractive candidate. NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero recently reported the NFL won't make itself a "safe harbor" for the HC.

Yet the Raiders are desperate, as they've only made two playoff appearances since 2013. So don't be surprised if more reports connecting Harbaugh to Las Vegas pop up.