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ESPN tabs Jim Harbaugh as potential candidate to coach the Indianapolis Colts in 2018
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‘Tis the season for the “Jim Harbaugh is leaving for the NFL” rumors.
It doesn’t matter how many times Harbaugh dismisses the rumors, his name as a potential candidate to return to the NFL always surfaces this time of year. Most recently, ESPN reporter Mike Wells has tied the Michigan head coach’s name with a possible opening with the Indianapolis Colts.
The Colts have had their struggles since the end of the Peyton Manning era, bringing about some questions regarding Chuck Pagano’s job security. As Indianapolis sits with a 3-12 record heading into the final weekend of the season, it seems almost certain that the franchise will be searching for a new leader.
Could that be Harbaugh? Wells offered his opinion as to why he might be an excellent candidate for the job.
He spent four seasons as coach of the San Francisco 49ers and led them to a Super Bowl appearance. Harbaugh knows Luck well after coaching him at Stanford, and familiarity with Luck would help if the quarterback is adjusting to another offensive coordinator. Harbaugh, who played four seasons at quarterback in Indianapolis, is also the type of flashy name who would draw [Jim] Irsay’s attention.
Harbaugh to Indianapolis isn’t as ridiculous as some of the other potential NFL rumors. Having familiarity with Indianapolis, Andrew Luck and the league would definitely serve as a benefit for the Colts. It would also be a relatively easy transition for the head coach.
But Harbaugh seems happy in Ann Arbor and a change seems unlikely.
Just don’t expect this to be the last NFL rumor that includes Harbaugh’s name.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB