Should the Minnesota Vikings transform Jim Harbaugh’s candidacy into a potential coronation as their new head coach, they’ll be making a smart move — at least, in the opinion of someone who knows him very well and has competed against him since their childhood.
That’s the position of Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh, Jim Harbaugh’s older brother who defeated his former San Francisco 49ers squad in the only sibling rivalry Super Bowl in NFL history.
Update: Jim Harbaugh has informed the University of Michigan that he’ll return for the 2022 season. Here’s more on the developing situation, with Kevin O’Connell now expected to be the next Vikings head coach.
Jim Harbaugh is a serious candidate to become the Minnesota Vikings’ head coach
Jim Harbaugh is interviewing for the Vikings’ head coaching vacancy Wednesday and is regarded as a legitimate candidate for the job.
Of course, John Harbaugh is admittedly biased. That said, Jim Harbaugh went 44-19-1 with the 49ers. That’s the top active winning percentage among active NFL coaches. Additionally, he went to three consecutive NFC Championship Games before an 8-8 season led to his dismissal. He clashed with general manager Trent Baalke, who has been a controversial figure in the Jacksonville Jaguars’ head coaching search.
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“I think he’s in Minnesota unless the plans changed in the last few hours,” John Harbaugh said during a press conference. “If he’s in Minnesota, I’d be happy to play him in the next three years. If anybody knows how the schedule in the NFL works, they understand what that means.
“That would be awesome, that would be great. I’ll sing his praises, I always do every time someone asks. I’m happy to do it. I think he’s one of the very best coaches in the National Football League — maybe even ever — and college football. I think he’s the best. If the Minnesota Vikings are smart enough to get that done, then they’ll be making a wise choice.”
Harbaugh’s interview process with the Vikings
First, Harbaugh interviewed for the Vikings’ job on Zoom. Now, he’s in Minnesota to meet with the Vikings’ ownership group and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, a former 49ers colleague.
Adofo-Mensah has been making a strong case for Harbaugh to be considered for the job, even though the Wilf family was initially apprehensive about the veteran head coach, according to league sources not authorized to speak publicly. League sources emphasized that Harbaugh is not difficult to work for and has a positive demeanor with players and staff.
Harbaugh has a 61-24 record at Michigan. He had a resurgent campaign for the Wolverines this past season, defeating Ohio State. He was 29-21 at Stanford.
The other finalists for the Vikings’ job: Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell, Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, and New York Giants defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.
