Two things conspired in recent days to add momentum to the rumors that Jim Harbaugh could be headed to the Michigan Wolverines after all.
Les Miles Claims He Won't Be Taking Michigan Job
First, fellow high-profile candidates like LSU's Les Miles and Mississippi State's Dan Mullen seemed to drop out of contention. Miles reportedly told his players and reportes during his Music City Bowl press appearance that he would not be taking the Michigan job offer. Mullen, meanwhile, denied ever exchanging correspondence with the school to begin with, and is expected to sign an extension with the Bulldogs.
The second key event, from Michigan's perspective, was Harbaugh's current San Francisco 49ers team being eliminated from NFL playoff contention. That significantly moves up the timeline of when the Wolverines can try and potentially woo Harbaugh.
Mullen Claims No Contact From UM
Detroit News columnist Bob Wojnowski indicated that the school's pursuit of Harbaugh was gaining traction on Tuesday.
Hmm. Les Miles strongly says he's not going to Michigan, one day after Jim Harbaugh became more "available" with 49ers out of the playoffs.
— Bob Wojnowski (@bobwojnowski) December 16, 2014
Michigan is dealing with unpredictable candidates, "changes of heart," etc. But there's a reason this is entering its third week.... — Bob Wojnowski (@bobwojnowski) December 16, 2014
Jim Harbaugh is 43-18 in his career with San Francisco, including three NFC conference championship appearance between 2011 and 2013. Prior to that he was 58-27 on the college level, coaching at the University of San Diego and Stanford. He was a quarterback at Michigan from 1983-1986.
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