The Raiders still remain very interested in obtaining Jim Harbaugh to be their next season coach, NFL sources said, even though Harbaugh has told friends that he plans to take the Michigan job. Oakland owner Mark Davis plans to discuss the matter with 49ers ownership as soon as the season concludes. Davis would be willing to engage in a trade for Harbaugh if necessary, while the University of Michigan continues to court Harbaugh.
Harbaugh, while still under contract to the 49ers through 2015, is not allowed to talk to other NFL teams, but the 49ers can grant that permission if they choose. Michigan is under no such restrictions and its boosters and representatives continue to pursue Harbaugh, though sources maintain its very likely Harbaugh wants to engage in some discussions with NFL teams first.
Harbaugh has turned down the Michigan job before, and, sources noted, he turned down the chance to make upwards of $10 million to coach the University of Texas a year ago -- seen as a better job with more potential to win national titles. Obviously Michigan has a unique place in Harbaugh’s heart as a former star quarterback there, but he’s told friends in recent years he vastly prefers the pro game. Davis is willing to woo him as eagerly as the school is.
Harbaugh is also handling much of the process on his own, sources said, with agent David Dunn more on the periphery and the coach prepared to deal directly with interested entities and secure much of a deal on his own before requiring the services of an agent to review and write a contract. He has said very little to fellow coaches and those in the 49ers organization about his intentions, trying to get through the disappointing season there before turning his attention to his future.
His next job is expected to materialize quickly with interested parties aware of the timetable and the types of financial parameters required, as well as the degree of autonomy necessary to land him.
