Jim Harbaugh set to interview with Chargers in major step toward NFL return

Jim Harbaugh is taking a large step toward a potential return to the NFL. The controversial Michigan coach is set to interview with the Chargers next week for their head coaching vacancy, according to NFL Network . The Chargers fired head coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco midseason, and have yet to hire a replacement for either.

Harbaugh, 60, recently led Michigan to a national championship — beating Alabama and Washington in the College Football Playoff — and a perfect 15 0 record. He was suspended a total of six games , however, first for recruiting violations and then for an alleged sign stealing scheme the team conducted.

Michigan is reportedly still attempting to convince Harbaugh to sign a contract extension. NFL Network previously reported last month that Michigan had already offered Harbaugh a 10 year, $125 million contract extension , which would come with the caveat that he could not entertain any NFL offers for the 2024 season.

Harbaugh in December hired influential agent Don Yee to represent him . Yee has deep NFL ties and represents Tom Brady and Sean Payton among others. Harbaugh previously coached in the NFL with the 49ers, winning nearly 70 percent of his games in four years with the team. He led them to three straight NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl appearance, where they fell to the Ravens in 2013.

Harbaugh has long flirted interest in returning to the NFL, interviewing with the Vikings and Broncos the last two offseasons, respectively. He’s given very little away publicly. “I just want to enjoy this. I hope you give me that. Can a guy have that?” Harbaugh said after the national championship game.

“Does it always have to be, ‘What’s next, what’s the future?’” The Raiders are also weighing a potential pursuit of Harbaugh, according to the report. But interim head coach Antonio Pierce has emerged as the leading candidate to get the team’s head coaching job, according to ESPN..