Report: Broncos plan to interview Michigan HC Jim Harbaugh sometime this week

The Broncos reportedly "reached out" to Harbaugh first on January 1.

Denver fired head coach Nathaniel Hackett in December after only 15 games, signaling a different direction ahead under a new ownership group. Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Broncos expect to be "ultra-aggressive" to land the coach they want. 

On Thursday, Harbaugh released a statement pledging his commitment to Michigan, but he also left the door open for a return to the NFL. 

"While no one knows what the future holds, I expect that I will be enthusiastically coaching Michigan in 2023," Harbaugh's statement read. 

After interviewing for the open Minnesota Vikings job last February, Harbaugh said it would be the "last time" he'd entertain an NFL job. He also reassured Michigan athletic director Manual Warde that a yearly dance with the NFL wouldn't be a "reoccurring theme." 

Harbaugh, to his credit, seems to be keeping all possible options open. Reports indicate he already had conversations with the Carolina Panthers regarding its head coach opening. But Harbaugh played both sides again. Regarding his discussion with the Panthers, Harbaugh said, "although no one knows the future, I think I will be coaching Michigan next year." 

Despite talk of staying in Michigan, Harbaugh has been well sought after by NFL clubs, and for a good reason. 

Not only has Harbaugh had success at the collegiate level, but he compiled a 44-19-1 mark as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers for four seasons from 2011 to 2014. He went 5-3 in eight playoff games, reaching Super Bowl XLVII in 2013, where the Niners fell to the Baltimore Ravens, 34-31.