NFL Rumors: Jim Harbaugh Interview Hasn’t Been Requested by Any Team with HC Vacancy

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University of Michigan head coach Jim
Harbaugh reportedly hasn’t officially interviewed for any of the NFL
head coaching vacancies despite rumors about a potential return to
the pro level.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk
reported Friday no Harbaugh interviews were confirmed to the league
office as required by rule, which suggests he could be using NFL
interest as leverage in contract talks with U-M or the discussions happened “off the books.”

The Harbaugh buzz started before the
NFL coaching carousel even started spinning, and it kicked into
overdrive after the Miami Dolphins surprisingly fired Brian Flores on
Monday.

Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, a major
Michigan donor, quickly shot down speculation Flores’ departure was a
way to clear the way for the Wolverines head coach, though.

“I’m not going to be the person
that takes Jim Harbaugh from the University of Michigan. I hope he
stays there. He’s a great coach,” Ross told reporters.

Instead, the pair have been talking
behind the scenes about ways to keep him in charge of the UM program
with the coach “actively talking to the powers-that-be about a new
contract,” per Florio.

That hasn’t materialized so far,
however, which leaves open the possibility he could return to the
NFL.

Harbaugh compiled a 44-19-1
record across four years with the San Francisco 49ers from 2011
through 2014. The Niners made the playoffs in three of those seasons,
highlighted by a trip to Super Bowl XLVII, where they lost to Jim’s
brother, John, and the Baltimore Ravens.

CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora reported
the Las Vegas Raiders were a team to watch if Harbaugh decided on a
second NFL stint as he’s “very well liked” by team owner Mark
Davis.

The Raiders qualified for the playoffs
under the guidance of interim head coach Rich Bisaccia, but have yet
to make any coaching decisions for next season as they prepare for
Saturday’s playoff game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

All told, the fact Harbaugh hasn’t
formally interviewed for an NFL job despite eight vacancies suggests
the rumors are merely a leverage play to secure a new deal from
Michigan after leading the Wolverines to the College Football Playoff
this season.

If a new contract doesn’t get done in
the near future, then perhaps his look toward the pro game will
become more intense.