Michigan HC Jim Harbaugh Included In Advisory Panels List Of HC Candidates

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports that the NFL’s Career Development Advisory Panel list of recommended coachings candidates includes Michigan HC Jim Harbaugh, among other notable assistants.

A source tells Florio that Harbaugh being included in the list is simply because he’s proven to be a good coach in both college and the NFL. Florio says that even with Harbaugh’s name included by the advisory panel, there’s still no reason to think he’s returning to the NFL.

Other names included in the list, according to Florio, are: Lions DC Teryl Austin, Cowboys OC Scott Linehan, Cardinals OC Harold Goodwin, Patriots DC Matt Patricia and Dolphins DC Vance Joseph.

Interestingly enough, Florio says that Patriots OC Josh McDaniels is not included in the panels list, despite being a hot head-coaching candidate the past few years.

As for GM candidates, Florio reports that the list includes: Dolphins GM Chris Grier, Chiefs director of football operations Chris Ballard, Cowboys assistant director of player personnel Will McClay, Raiders director of player personnel Joey Clinkscales, Ravens assistant GM Eric DeCosta, Giants director of football operations Martin Mayhew, and Vikings assistant GM George Paton.

A few weeks ago, Mike Freeman of B/R mentioned that he has heard NFL teams are expected to extend “mega-offers” to Harbaugh to return to the NFL. However, Freeman says that Harbaugh isn’t going anywhere.

“Harbaugh isn’t going anywhere anytime soon,” Freeman writes. “I don’t care if he’s offered a trillion dollars, a starship and a Cuban cigar. Harbaugh. Is. Not. Leaving.”

Even so, Freeman says that it won’t stop teams from trying to lure him back to the NFL.

Harbaugh signed a seven-year, $35 million contract with Michigan that includes 10 percent increases after the third and fifth year of his contract and a $2 million signing bonus. He also receives incentive bonuses for Big Ten championships, bowl appearances, coaching awards and team academic performance.

During his four years with the 49ers, he led them to a record of 44-19-1 (69.5 percent), which included three playoff appearances and an NFC Championship.

We’ll have more regarding Harbaugh possibly returning to the NFL as the news is available.