The Broncos are “doing homework” on potential head-coaching candidate Jim Harbaugh, per NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. But is the Michigan coach the best choice for the downtrodden franchise?
Despite making a Super Bowl XLVII appearance with the 49ers, San Francisco fired him two years later. He then took the Michigan job, guiding the Wolverines to consecutive College Football Playoff appearances (2021 and 2022) and a 74-25 record in seven seasons.
However, Harabaugh’s hiatus from the NFL since the 2014 season should give the Broncos pause. Even great coaches need a couple of years to regain their footing after being out of the NFL for nearly a decade.
Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, who led USC to two national titles in nine seasons, had a 14-18 record during his first two seasons in Seattle. And he wasn’t inexperienced. Carroll took the Patriots to the playoffs twice when he was their head coach from 1997-99.
“(College coaches) are used to guiding five-star players with raw size and speed instead of refined skills. The college game is all about recruiting and stockpiling the roster with elite talent,” wrote NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks.
According to The Athletic’s Chad Graff and Jon Krawczynski, the Vikings didn’t offer Harbaugh the head coaching position after they interviewed him in February. The Vikings reportedly believed he was a poor fit because he didn’t seem prepared to answer questions about his ability to work with others or offer a long-term vision for the franchise.
After flirting with the Vikings, Harbaugh re-commited to Michigan.
Denver (4-12) doesn’t have time to wait on someone who needs time to re-adapt to the NFL.
The Broncos have missed the playoffs for seven consecutive seasons and need immediate results from beleaguered quarterback Russell Wilson, who has posted a career-low 35.6 QBR in 14 starts.
Harbaugh is intriguing, but he might not be a fit for the Broncos.
