"They're taking Jim Harbaugh's interest very seriously" - NFL analyst believes Michigan has begun search for new HC

Could Michigan Wolverines football head coach Jim Harbaugh make a return to the NFL?

There has been growing speculation that the former San Francisco 49ers head coach could leave Michigan this off-season and join one of the vacant head coaching positions in the NFL.

Harbuagh has been linked to the Denver Broncos and has an interview set up with them.

According to NFL analyst Albert Breer, the people at Michigan are taking Harbaugh's interest in returning to the NFL very seriously. Via The Rich Eisen Show, Breer claimed that Michigan is already looking at candidates to replace Harbaugh.

"The Michigan people are taking it seriously like I talked to a couple people last night, you know, who are connected in these circles and everything else, that you know, Michigan is already doing, you know, research on potential candidates, should he leave that, shouldn't you know, sound any alarms at Ann Arbor or anything?"

"It's the smartest thing that you would do, you know, you would naturally get yourself ready in the case that something could happen, but it is a sign that they're at least taking Harbaugh's interest in NFL jobs very seriously."

Harbaugh had an interview last season with the Minnesota Vikings, but the two never agreed on a deal.

Jim Harbaugh claims he expects to be coaching the Michigan Wolverines in 2023

Jim Harbaugh

Amid speculation that he may return to the NFL, Harbaugh addressed the rumors on Twitter last Thursday. He claimed that he expects to coach at Michigan this upcoming season.

Harbaugh said in a statement released on Twitter on Thursday:

"While no one knows what the future holds, I expect that I will be enthusiastically coaching Michigan in 2023.

"I am aware of the rumors and speculation over the past few days. College and NFL teams have great interest in all our personnel, from players to coaches to staff, and I truly believe that is a testament to the strength of our University of Michigan football program."

Jim Harbaugh has been with Michigan since 2015 and has seen a ton of success with the team.

He has a record of 74-25 with the side, having his most impressive season this past year with a 13-1 record.

If you use any of the above quotes, please credit The Rich Eisen Show and H/T Sportskeeda