Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh might just switch blue tones in his rumored NFL return.
Harbaugh reportedly has discussed the head coaching vacancy for the Carolina Panthers with team owner David Tepper.
While teams like the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts have been thrown around, Harbaugh might be considering the Panthers opening for a variety of reasons.
For starters, that team has a higher 2023 first-round NFL Draft pick. If Harbaugh wanted a rookie quarterback at his next spot, teams like Houston and Carolina could give him that. It might take a trade to jump up the board, but Carolina has the ammo for a move like that.
Another drawing point to Carolina could be its defense. Bolstered by stars such as defensive end Brian Burns, defensive tackle Derrick Brown and cornerback Jaycee Horn, Harbaugh could inherit one of the league’s more underrated defenses.
It would make his life easier as he restructures Carolina’s offense to have one side of the ball already going in the right direction.
Harbaugh might also be swayed by competing in a fledgling NFC South, one that interim head coach Steve Wilks helped keep Carolina in after the firing of Matt Rhule.
If Harbaugh feels like he could get the offense going sooner than later, he might think that the Panthers aren’t far away from contending for an NFC South title. The Saints and Buccaneers have uncertain futures with cap issues, and the Falcons could still be figuring out their rebuild next season.
If he wants to return to the NFL, Harbaugh should have his fair share of suitors. Carolina is just one of the destinations that could appeal to him, but it provides a legitimate upside.
