Jim Harbaugh is returning to the NFL as he accepts the head coaching position of the Los Angeles Chargers, according to multiple reports.
The Chargers' pursuit of Harbaugh has intensified in recent days, as NFL Network previously reported they were reaching the final stages of a deal.
After nine years as head coach of the Michigan Wolverines, where he recently won a national title, Harbaugh returns to the West Coast to lead a Chargers team that went 5-12 during the 2023 regular season.
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Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh celebrates after the CFP National Championship against the Washington Huskies on January 8, 2024 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Chargers haven't made it official yet, but their latest social media post hints that something is being done, as they posted a chimney giving off smoke.
It's a sign that one of the biggest names on the head coaching market has arrived.
NFL Network reported Tuesday that the Chargers were “in the zone where something could happen” soon. The Chargers' deal with Harbaugh was expected to be an “extremely strong” financial offer.
The Chargers weren't the only team to interview Harbaugh for their head coaching vacancy, as the Atlanta Falcons hired him for an initial interview. They reportedly wanted him back for a second interview, but the Chargers clearly wanted to lock him up for 2024 and beyond.
SEARCH FOR JIM HARBAUGH CHARGERS ADVANCES TO FINAL STAGES: REPORT
Harbaugh was among the leading candidates for head coach, including Bill Belichick and Mike Vrabel.
However, there has been speculation that Harbaugh will be the Chargers' next head coach since Brandon Staley was fired after a mediocre season without a playoff berth.
Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh celebrates winning the 2024 CFP National Championship game at NRG Stadium on January 8, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (CFP/Getty Images)
This isn't the first time in recent years that Harbaugh was interested in a possible return to the NFL. He had serious talks with the Minnesota Vikings two years ago before Kevin O'Connell was hired as head coach.
Last year, the Denver Broncos also entered into talks with Harbaugh before Sean Payton was their choice.
Now the Chargers, a team desperate for a change after a star-studded roster underperformed to a 5-12 record in 2023, get a head coach with a winning pedigree at both levels.
It's also a team Harbaugh knows well, having played the final two years of his NFL career with the team in San Diego from 1999-2000.
Harbaugh is coming off a national title season with the Wolverines, winning the school's first championship since 1997. But there are ongoing NCAA investigations into Harbaugh and the Michigan program, leading some to believe he would return to the NFL. to avoid complications that investigations could cause.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines greets fans after the Michigan Wolverines' National Championship football celebration on January 13, 2024 at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
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Harbaugh previously served as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, going 44-19-1 between 2011 and 2014, before heading to his alma mater.
