Jim Harbaugh and Chargers 'now in striking distance' of getting deal done to become coach

Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh is reportedly "within striking distance" of reaching a deal with the Los Angeles Chargers.

NFL Network reporter Mike Garafolo said Tuesday, "We're now in the zone where something could happen between the Chargers and Jim Harbaugh in the near future," as the two sides are set to meet for a second time.

Garafolo also added the Chargers have made an extremely strong financial offer to Harbaugh and are at the point where they are discussing staffing issues like who the general manager might be and who would join Harbaugh on the coaching staff.

This is not the first report of Harbaugh potentially having interest in an NFL gig while at U-M. After the 2021 season in which Harbaugh got the Wolverines to the College Football Playoff for the first time, the former Michigan quarterback flew to Minnesota to meet with the Vikings, but couldn't come to an agreement. Then after the 2022 season and a second straight loss in the CFP, Harbaugh reportedly interviewed virtually with the Denver Broncos and also drew interest from other teams, but ultimately decided to run it back in Ann Arbor.

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Now after winning the national championship with the Wolverines, Harbaugh's interest in jumping back to the NFL has seemingly hit a fever pitch.

Harbaugh joined Michigan in December 2014 after a successful run with the San Francisco 49ers, leading the franchise to the Super Bowl in his second season. He followed the Super Bowl appearance with another 12-4 season but went 8-8 in his fourth year and parted ways with the 49ers and signing with Michigan, his alma mater.

Since winning the national championship, Harbaugh has made a couple of different public appearances outside of Ann Arbor, first attending a March for Life rally in Washington and then going to his brother John Harbaugh's playoff game and watching him coach the Baltimore Ravens while sporting a Ravens hat.

While we've seen Harbaugh flirt with returning to the NFL before, Garafolo's report indicates this time he has received an offer.

"This has felt like Harbaugh has had his eyes locked on returning to the NFL and this could be the move in the near future — to Los Angeles, back to California where he's coached before, where he's played before, where he'd be comfortable," Garafolo said.

Harbaugh spent two of his final NFL seasons in 1999-2000 with the Chargers when they were in San Diego, appearing in 21 games and starting 17 at quarterback.

He has extensive California ties, serving as Oakland Raiders quarterbacks coach (2002-03), San Diego Toreros head coach (2004-06), Stanford head coach (2007-10) and 49ers head coach (2011-14).

The Chargers went 5-12 this past season and own the No. 5 overall pick in the 2024 draft. They already have their franchise quarterback in place with Justin Herbert.

Michigan fans! Celebrate the national title with our two commemorative books: "Blue Reign: The Story of the 2023 Michigan Wolverines' Legendary Run to the National Championship" and "Maize & Grand: Michigan’s Epic March to the 2023 National Title" — preorder now to save! You can also buy a commemorative copy of the front page of the Detroit Free Press from the morning after U-M's historic championship victory, and purchase our four-page special Stadium Section. 

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Jim Harbaugh given 'extremely strong offer financially' by Chargers