Jim Harbaugh’s flirtation with the NFL apparently is over.
ESPN reported Wednesday that Harbaugh informed Michigan he will return to the school as head coach instead of jumping to the NFL. He interviewed with the Minnesota Vikings earlier in the day — his second interview with the club.
Harbaugh told Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel that he intends to stay at his alma mater as long as the school wants him, per the report.
The Vikings now are expected to turn their focus to three other candidates: Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell and New York Giants defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.
Harbaugh guided the Wolverines to the Big Ten championship and College Football Playoff in 2021. They lost to eventual champion Georgia in the semifinals.
ESPN reported over the weekend that Harbaugh “conveyed legitimate interest” in the Vikings and added that team management came away from the first interview “feeling Harbaugh is ready to return to the NFL.”
The Vikings’ head-coaching job is available after the team fired Mike Zimmer on Jan. 10 following an 8-9 season.
Zimmer, 65, posted a 72-56-1 record during his eight seasons at the helm in Minnesota, although the club finished under .500 in each of the past two seasons.
Harbaugh, 58, owns a 61-24 record during his seven seasons at Michigan. That success followed a 44-19-1 run during his stint with the San Francisco 49ers (2011-14). He guided the 49ers to three straight NFC Championship Games and an appearance in Super Bowl XLVII.
–Field Level Media
