The Denver Broncos head coaching search is the gift that keeps on giving.
Within hours on Monday, Woody Paige of the Denver Gazette reported that San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Demeco Ryans had no interest in going to Denver, and SI.com’s Albert Breer reported that the Broncos had shifted their focus back to Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh.
“With the Broncos circling back with Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, it’ll be interesting to see whether the Walton-Penner group starts to throw its financial weight around to get someone,” Breer wrote. “Greg Penner reportedly traveled to Ann Arbor to meet with Harbaugh last week concerning the franchise’s head coach vacancy, despite the Wolverines coach stating firmly that he would remain with the program on Jan. 16.”
Harbaugh interviewed with the Broncos virtually on Jan. 9, and despite releasing a statement that he was returning to Michigan for the 2023 season, he continued to have discussions with Broncos ownership about their head coaching vacancy.
NFL Network reported over the weekend that Harbaugh to the Broncos is not dead yet.
“[Harbaugh] has told people if he were to return to the NFL, the Broncos’ job is one he’d want,” Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported. “Though Harbaugh has not yet gone back on his stated plans to stay at his alma mater, the door remains open.”
In eight seasons at Michigan, Harbaugh has a 74-25 record with five seasons of double-digit wins. His record in bowl games, however, is just 1-6. Prior to joining the Wolverines in 2015, Harbaugh coached the 49ers to two NFC Championship games and a Super Bowl in four years, compiling a 44-19-1 record.
