The Los Angeles Rams have started the professional edition coaching carousel today by firing head coach Jeff Fisher. With a vacancy now open in the National Football League, we are bound to hear a few names from the college coaching fraternity have their names connected to a few rumors here and there. Once coach already having his name in the conversation to some degree is Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh.
The Harbaugh to the NFL topic picked up some steam in the last few days thanks to an interview with Albert Breer of Monday Morning Quarterback with Colin Cowherd on Friday. After an interview on the radio show, Cowherd shared a tidbit from Breer that was not aired live. Cowherd claimed Breer said a rumor about Harbaugh coaching the Rams was “a very real thing.” Of course, that is not much to go on. I can just as easily start a rumor that Bon Jovi is in the next Star Wars film, and while there may be no truth to it, the rumor itself is very real. So what does the whole “Harbaugh to Rams” rumor being “a real thing” mean, exactly?
Well, for starters, let’s also consider the other two names Cowherd resorted to attaching to the Rams discussion; Jon Gruden and Mike Shanahan. These two names get recycled so often, they have lost all meaning in the coaching rumor world and immediately take away any merit of legitimacy in coaching change discussions they may appear. Harbaugh’s name is already feeling like it will be in that same bunch in the years to come the longer he sticks around at Michigan.
Breer later took to Twitter to say he was merely referring to Harbaugh being a potential target for NFL teams in need of a coach, which is true. Odds are Harbaugh could be contacted given his previous experience in the league with the San Francisco 49ers and his success in a short period of time at Michigan.
To be clear ... I never said Harbaugh was going anywhere. I believe he'll eventually be back in the NFL. Until then, teams will pursue him. https://t.co/f67iLlwmSo
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) December 11, 2016
As with any rumor right now, there is far more speculation going on than actual facts. Does that mean Harbaugh won’t pack up and leave his alma mater behind for another tour of the NFL? No, because we can never say “never” when it comes to the coaching carousel. But keep in mind Harbaugh is a so-called “Michigan Man” and he is being paid quite handsomely by Michigan (and likely more than he’d make in the NFL). Harbaugh does have a competitive fire, and there is a chance to build something with the Rams for whatever coach comes in to take the job. Will it be Harbaugh? Who knows for sure, but let’s just keep in mind Harbaugh is just the latest college coach to have his name be tied to any number of coaching rumors for as long as he’s coaching, joining the likes of Chip Kelly, Brian Kelly and more.
So hang in there, Michigan fans. This may just be the new norm for the Wolverines, but it is one that comes with success.