There were a number of teams suggested when a group of NFL coaches and agents were polled about where they think that Jim Harbaugh could end up coaching next season. The San Francisco 49ers weren’t one of them.
The fact that no one thinks Harbaugh will finish out the remaining year of his contract in San Francisco is very telling about how the situation has played out to this point. There has been plenty of talk about how the 49ers plan on heading in a different direction despite Harbaugh leading the franchise to the NFC Championship game in three consecutive seasons, including a Super Bowl appearance in 2013.
There are a number of teams that would undoubtedly line up for a chance to acquire Harbaugh’s services moving forward. The Oakland Raiders have been paired with Harbaugh. But at this point, it’s a guessing game. Here’s our four best guesses:
Oakland Raiders
The Raiders are another team that has expressed interest in Harbaugh’s services as the organization looks for a head coach that can develop franchise quarterback Derek Carr and return the franchise to respectability. Remaining in the California area certainly seems like another reason Harbaugh might end up in Oakland, but how far away the Raiders are from contending could play a major role in his decision. Harbaugh might not be as attracted to a reclamation project as he would be if he had the chance to win immediately. And that just is one reason why Oakland may not be the best fit.
New York Jets
Rex Ryan is as good as gone in New York and there’s a good chance that Gang Green will do a full housecleaning and fire their general manager too. That means Harbaugh would be the ideal candidate to step in and get complete control of the team. Although Harbaugh would likely prefer to stay in the warmer climates out in California, the reality is that the Jets offer him a more talented roster. He’ll have some pieces like Percy Harvin and Eric Decker on offense, as well as a defense that boasts guys like Mohammed Wilkerson and David Harris. Sure, the Jets are a mess, but they are less of a mess than the Raiders.
Atlanta Falcons
So if Harbaugh wants to remain in the NFC and take over as the head coach for a team that is capable of winning now then where is the best fit? The Atlanta Falcons. Owner Arthur Blank made it clear earlier in the season that he felt his team was far more talented than their record indicated and that they had underachieved under Mike Smith. With Matt Ryan under center, plenty of weapons to build around on offense, and in a relatively mediocre division, the Falcons could easily be a playoff team with the right guidance. With the 49ers likely to head in a different direction following this season, don’t be surprised if Harbaugh somehow ends up in Atlanta.
Michigan Wolverines
Is it possible that Harbaugh is sick and tired of the NFL? It seems as if he’s been fighting uphill ever since he got to the big leagues, so maybe a return to the college ranks is where he’s destined to go. On the college level, he could get a bigger payday and have complete control of the team. He won’t have to worry about a meddlesome owner or general manager looking over his shoulder, and he’ll also get a longer contract with more security.
Harbaugh played quarterback at Michigan, so you can rest assured that the Wolverines will be backing up the Brinks truck to try and attract Harbaugh’s services. They’ve been a mess for a while and Harbaugh would surely turn them around. One would have to think that a return to his Alma mater, complete autonomy, and a huge payday could lure him back to the college ranks.