Jim Harbaugh is “torn” between returning to his alma mater Michigan to take over as head football coach and remaining in the same position in the NFL, several media outlets reported late Friday.
ESPN reports, Harbaugh’s family and friends are encouraging him to “return to Michigan,” but the veteran San Francisco 49ers coach’s “heart remains in the NFL.”
The 7-7 Niners were recently officially eliminated from NFC playoff contention and despite posting a 43-18 coaching record over his four seasons there Harbaugh is rumored to be on the hot seat. The soon-to-be 52-year-old coach led the 49ers to the Super Bowl in 2013.
“If he wants to stay in the NFL, who will pay him $8 million per year?” ESPN added one source close to the Michigan program openly wondered on Friday of the offer the Wolverines are rumored to have extended to Harbaugh.
It all has family and friends encouraging Harbaugh to return to Ann Arbor. Meanwhile, the coach is rumored to be in favor of waiting until the NFL regular season officially ends before making any determinations.
Harbaugh starred at Michigan as the team’s quarterback and is still revered in those parts. His father, Jack, also once coached there alongside Jim Hackett, the man now installed as the university’s interim athletic director.
Harbaugh is expected to formally decide if he will return to his alma mater as coach by the start of the New Year. Though some have pointed out the college game and having to recruit again would pose a new challenge to him, sources indicate Harbaugh remains confident he can again be successful in that arena.
Harbaugh previously coached at the college level at Stanford and San Diego for a combined six seasons. He also served as an assistant under his father at Western Kentucky from 1994 to 2001. Harbaugh’s brother, John, is coach of the Baltimore Ravens.
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