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5 NFL teams Jim Harbaugh could leave Michigan for

By Randy Gurzi

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh talks to players at a timeout during the first half of the Orange Bowl on Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh talks to players at a timeout during the first half of the Orange Bowl on Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Florida. /
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Jim Harbaugh
Dec 9, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Mackensie Alexander (24) celebrates with free safety Xavier Woods (23) during the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Jim Harbaugh had a brief, but successful stint in the NFL. He also does well at the collegiate level but could return to the pros with one of these 5 teams

From 2011 through 2014, Jim Harbaugh was the head coach of the San Fransico 49ers. A former NFL quarterback and NCAA head coach, Harbaugh had instant success with the Niners.

He led them to a 13-3 record in his first season and then in year two, he took them to the Super Bowl following an 11-4-1 campaign. He lost to the Baltimore Ravens, who were coached by his brother John Harbaugh, but was still close to winning it all.

He went 12-4 and 8-8 in the following seasons, finishing with a 44-19-1 record — which is a winning percentage of .695.

Now, after seven seasons at Michigan — where he has a record of 61-24 — there are rumors he could be willing to come back to the NFL. If so, here are five teams that could make a play for his services.

Jim Harbaugh landing spot No. 5: Minnesota Vikings

Mike Zimmer has been coaching the Minnesota Vikings for eight seasons but the last two have been rough. They enter Week 18 with a record of 7-9, making it two losing campaigns in a row after going 7-9 in 2020.

Minnesota could end up moving on from Zimmer and if they do, it could become an attractive landing spot for Jim Harbaugh. Minnesota might not be a perfect team but they have Kirk Cousins, who has proven he can win, as well as Justin Jefferson and Dalvin Cook.

Throw in Danielle Hunter, Anthony Barr, and Harrison Smith on defense, and they can hold their own on that side as well. Harbaugh could find quick success should he land there.

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