Harbaugh reportedly staying at Michigan as Dolphins prepare for second interviews
Despite rumors he could come to Miami, Jim Harbaugh is reportedly staying at Michigan as the Dolphins continue their search for a new head coach.
ESPN reported Wednesday that Harbaugh informed Michigan he will be returning to coach for the 2022 season after interviewing for the Minnesota Vikings’ opening.
There was speculation Harbaugh could be the Dolphins’ next coach; owner Stephen Ross, who like Harbaugh is an alumnus of Michigan, hasn’t hid his infatuation for Harbaugh as a coach. After firing Brian Flores last month, though, Ross said he wouldn’t be the one to take Harbaugh from Michigan.
However, it was no secret leaguewide that Harbaugh desired a return to the NFL after his four-year run with the San Francisco 49ers ended unceremoniously. The ESPN report added that Harbaugh told Michigan athletic director Wade Manuel “that this would not be a re-occurring issue and he would stay at Michigan as long as it wants him.”
The two known finalists for the Dolphins’ opening remain 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel and Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. According to Michael Silver of Bally Sports, McDaniel’s interview has been pushed back from Thursday to Friday.
“Mike, his mindset, the way he creates things, his creativity, his outside-the-box thinking, his ability to communicate with people, he’s as good as they get,” said New York Jets coach Robert Saleh, who coached with him in San Francisco. “He’s been with [49ers coach] Kyle [Shanahan] for longer than any of us have. He’s been there since he and I were [quality control coaches] sitting across from each other with the Houston Texans back in [2006]. He’s brilliant. He’s every bit as deserving to be a head coach. [I] would not like him to come to the division but if it happens, so be it.”
