Jim Harbaugh as the next head coach of the Vikings? The timing looks right if the money and security are in place.
The 58-year-old University of Michigan head coach has been linked this month to NFL jobs with the Chicago Bears, Las Vegas Raiders and now the Vikings. Authoritative sources report there is preliminary interest between Harbaugh and the Vikings’ ownership and management.
Harbaugh could be more than restless in Ann Arbor where his relationship with athletic director Warde Manuel is suspect. A year ago Manuel cut Harbaugh’s $8 million compensation in half after the Wolverines finished the pandemic impacted 2020 season with a 2-4 record. A legendary coach was reduced to an annual salary among the lowest in the Big Ten Conference.
In 2020 some Wolverines fans were howling for Harbaugh’s dismissal after yet another season ending loss to hated Ohio State. Manuel retained Harbaugh but the message sent by the pay cut seemed clear: get things turned around…or else.
Backed in a corner with presumably a bruised ego, the combative Harbaugh delivered a comeback season in 2021. Michigan won its first Big Ten title since 2004, earned a first-ever spot in the College Football Playoff—and ended a nine-game losing streak to Ohio State.
What about a revised contract now for Harbaugh who has been at Michigan since 2015? Not yet and perhaps talks between Harbaugh and Manuel are less than amicable. Earlier this month Detroitsportsnation.com reported former Detroit radio personality Gregg Henson said the coach and AD had a “heated discussion” because Harbaugh hasn’t signed the contract being offered by Michigan.
Maybe Harbaugh is using NFL rumors as contract leverage, but then again after seven seasons on the job his interest in moving on from his alma mater could be genuine. His record is 61-24 and among the best in school history. He has revived the program at college football’s winningest school.
He has also had a front row seat to the challenges.
Competing in the Big Ten with Ohio State can lead to ulcers. The Buckeyes, along with Alabama, Georgia and Clemson, are in a different league than everyone else in college football. Those schools have a tiresome chokehold on the sport and it starts with monopolizing the best talent.
Recruiting? It’s a safe guess most head college football coaches dislike the 365-days per year grind of convincing pimple-faced teenagers to play for them. It wouldn’t be surprising if Harbaugh, four years away from Social Security eligibility, has had enough of recruiting and its various demands.
Harbaugh might have the energy and will to coach another 10 years, and he could consider a return to the NFL a better fit than staying at Michigan. As head coach of the NFL 49ers for four seasons, he led the team to three NFC Championship games. He had an overall record of 49-22-1 and was 5-3 in the postseason including a Super Bowl loss to his brother John Harbaugh of the Ravens. Competing for a Super Bowl win is the kind of goal that makes the heart race fast in fiery coaches like Harbaugh.
Harbaugh has been a winner wherever he has coached including his first assignment with the San Diego Toreros of the Pioneer League. After three seasons and a 29-6 record, it was on to Stanford. Upon arrival he said: “I vow I will attack this endeavor with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind.”
Wow.
The Cardinal was 1-11 before Harbaugh arrived. In his fourth and final season Stanford finished 12-1 including an Orange Bowl win.
A fallout with then 49ers GM Trent Baalke prematurely ended Harbaugh’s era in San Francisco. It’s an under statement to say Baalke, now the Jacksonville Jags’ GM, doesn’t have a resume to match Harbaugh who soon signed on with Michigan.
In San Francisco there was a young man working in the front office who had the privilege of learning from Harbaugh. That was Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s transitional opportunity moving from Wall Street to the NFL. Now as the new Vikings’ GM, his relationship is presumably an asset in a romance between Minnesota and Harbaugh.
Kwesi is affable. Harbaugh strong-minded. The chemistry could work.
It appears Harbaugh is the best opportunity for the Wilf ownership group and Kwesi to secure a high profile coach who comes with instant credibility for the fan base. And it’s a bonus that Harbaugh is known as something of a “quarterback whisperer.” The former Michigan and Bears QB impacted the careers of Andrew Luck, Alex Smith and Colin Kaepernick.
Anyone ever heard of Kirk Cousins?
Cousins and his teammates don’t collectively offer a Super Bowl worthy roster. But there is talent in place and with the right moves the Vikings could become special in the near future.
There are also world-class practice and game facilities in Eagan and downtown. Ownership has consistently shown willingness to spend money, and there is a salary cap whiz in the front office named Rob Brzezinski.
And then there is this: a source told Sports Headliners the salary-cap challenged Green Bay Packers won’t be re-signing Aaron Rodgers. A Packers team without their magician quarterback will position the NFC North to be a free-for-all race next fall.
The Vikings will have to pony up the big bucks and offer security to get Harbaugh on the sidelines. Maybe it happens. The karma is apparent.
Worth Noting
Gregg Wong is calling it quits after15 years as one of the Twins’ three official scorers at home games. The former Pioneer Press sportswriter told Sports Headliners the assignment just wasn’t “fun anymore” and seemed more like a job because of more detail needed by MLB, lengthy games and the retirement of friends he knew at the ballpark.
The well-liked Minneapolis native will continue working as part of the golf staff at Edina Country Club. “I’ll stay there as long as I live, or as long as they will have me,” Wong said.
Belated birthday wishes to Vikings hall of famer Carl Eller who turned 80 last week.