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Jim Harbaugh, the former head coach of the San Francisco 49ers and current coach of the Michigan Wolverines, is reportedly drawing interest from NFL teams as potential head coaching vacancies loom for the 2024 offseason. Despite recent allegations of a sign-stealing scandal at Michigan, Harbaugh's track record has captured the attention of at least two NFL franchises.

According to a report by Dianna Russini on Fox Sports, Harbaugh is an "absolutely" targeted candidate for teams looking to fill coaching positions. The Carolina Panthers and the Chicago Bears have emerged as early suitors for Harbaugh, with Panthers owner David Tepper having had conversations with Harbaugh last year. Although nothing materialized at that time, discussions seem to have resurfaced.

The Panthers, in particular, gained attention after firing coach Frank Reich just 11 games into his first year with the team. Meanwhile, the Bears have struggled under current coach Matt Eberflus, posting a disappointing 7-22 record since his hiring in 2022. Harbaugh's ties to the Bears organization, having played seven seasons as an NFL quarterback for Chicago, make him an even more intriguing candidate for them.

"(NFL) ownership is definitely interested in what he could bring back to the NFL," Russini commented, highlighting Harbaugh's respected reputation within league circles.

Despite lingering controversy surrounding alleged NCAA violations that led to Harbaugh serving suspensions at Michigan this year, his coaching success cannot be denied. Spending a total of nine seasons with the Wolverines, Harbaugh achieved an impressive 83-25 record. Similarly, during his tenure as 49ers coach from 2011-2014, Harbaugh led his team to a solid 44-19-1 record.

Harbaugh's potential return to the NFL has been a topic of discussion in recent years, with rumors linking him to vacancies with the Denver Broncos and the Minnesota Vikings.

As the 2024 offseason approaches and NFL teams begin their search for new head coaches, the allure of Jim Harbaugh's coaching acumen entices prospective suitors, despite the cloud of controversy hanging over the alleged sign-stealing scandal at Michigan. Only time will tell if Harbaugh will make the leap back to the pros, but his name remains in the conversation as teams consider the potential impact he could have on their organizations.