John Elway on Jim Harbaugh: 'I think Michigan is back in the picture'
Stanford football coach Jim Harbaugh, who in recent days has been connected to NFL head coaching jobs in San Francisco, Miami and Denver, may choose to remain a college coach, Denver Broncos vice president of football John Elway said today.
That may mean staying at Stanford. Or coming to Michigan.
Speaking on 87.7 The Ticket in Denver, Elway was asked about the Broncos' interest in Harbaugh.
"To me, it’s coming down to Stanford, and I think Michigan is back in the picture," Elway said. "I think he wants to stay in the college level. 'Cause we’ve been in touch with him, and they are aware we’d like to talk to him if he wants to go the NFL route."
The Dolphins and other rumors? Elway said to ignore them.
"In the last 48 hours, I’ve learned that all the rumors you hear, not one of them has been true yet."
ESPN's Adam Schefter says Harbaugh will either remain as Stanford's football coach or land in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers.
The Dolphins are out, Schefter said. The Broncos are out, he says.
Comments
15crown00
Tue, Jan 11, 2011 : 1:04 a.m.
shows u how much Elway knew. i was certain JH would end up in ANN ARBOR but i was wrong.here we r on 1-11 and there is still no coach.
Soothslayer
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 4:42 p.m.
nope, nogonnahappen. see: 49ers
GoblueinNE_PA
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 4:24 p.m.
I kind of agree w/Blu-n-TPA. I think DB has downplayed the entire Harbaugh thing in the media in order to take the pressure off. Not only does it take the pressure off of Harbaugh, but off of Michigan as well. If we land him, it will be a coup for us. If he stays in Stanford or goes to the NFL, we'll we knew he wasn't coming. DB now has the opportunity to put the hard sell on JH in private, w/o prying eyes. No one needs to even know it's going on. That being said, I still think our coach is a name that's not on the radar screen right now. An assistant or a coach somewhere outside the national spotlight right now.
janejane
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 4:18 p.m.
"Come on home, Jimbo" is right! We need you to come home, Jim! Your love for the maize and blue is not questioned, and your family, your friends, your fans and your town want to welcome you home. We've missed you dearly.
rreidannarbor
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 4:11 p.m.
From the Washington Post: He's coaching the 49ers... http://voices.washingtonpost.com/early-lead/2011/01/report_jim_harbaugh_to_coach_s.html
rreidannarbor
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 4:10 p.m.
He's going to the 49'ers.... http://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2011/1/7/1919507/jim-harbaugh-hired-san-francisco-49ers-head-coach-stanford-cardinal
Macabre Sunset
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 4:09 p.m.
We can say this, though: it appears John Elway is already in over his head in his new office. He will have to learn to be more careful with the media if he wants respect from prospective free agents and coaches.
Jaime
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 4:03 p.m.
I would love for JH to come back to Michigan but my bet would be that he stays at Stanford.
Macabre Sunset
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 4:01 p.m.
Remember, kids: a Michigan Man is not someone who went to Michigan, or who grew up in Ann Arbor. It's someone who values Michigan above all else when the time comes. This doesn't mean Harbaugh couldn't be a Michigan Man. It does mean that he doesn't want to be one. So hopefully Dave Brandon always had a good backup plan (or never wanted Harbaugh in the first place). Alex Smith or Blaine Gabbert. I don't envy ol' Hardball in his new gig.
Enforcer
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 3:56 p.m.
Sorry for all the typos
Enforcer
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 3:49 p.m.
It's over (according to ESPN) ladies and gentlemen. Harbaugh signed a 5 year deal with San Fransico
bigblue
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 3:47 p.m.
ESPN says Harbaugh to Niners!
Macabre Sunset
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 3:33 p.m.
That's a bad sign. It means Donna Shalala is the new football coach.
Chad
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 3:25 p.m.
I love how the football job listing is no longer available on UM's site, does that mean something is up?
Blu-n-Tpa
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 3:20 p.m.
It's not over until the fat lady sings! DB is playing this the best way he could. Let JH see what's out there, maintain an open line of communication, continue to seek out other possibilites, and then make the best choice. What's it been, two days? Hello, it takes me longer to decide what to get my wife for Christmas than two days. First he said what he was going to do with evaluating RR and he did just that. Now he's taking as much time as he needs to get the best fit for Michigan. How many of you out there complained about fans wanting "instant gratification" after 3 years of RR? Give DB as least a week before you expect perfection.
bluenuts
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 3:11 p.m.
I think Michigan was always in the picture. I just think he has an incredibly difficult decision that will impact the rest of his career and his family. It would take me a while to piece together what to do.
MjC
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 3:03 p.m.
If Harbaugh decided to come to Michigan he would be establishing a life long legacy that would far outlast any NFL coaching position. No one remembers NFL coaches the way college coaches are remembered. Just say yes Harbaugh!
foobar417
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 3 p.m.
The job posting is pretty funny, if you read it as a real job posting: === HEAD FOOTBALL COACH Job Summary The University of Michigan invites applications for the position of Head Football Coach. The position entails the leadership of all phases of the Football program. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to; coaching, the recruitment of qualified student-athletes, support of the academic progress of student athletes, budget management, and community relations. Required Qualifications* Bachelor's degree required. A thorough knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations is required. Desired Qualifications* Preferred qualifications: Graduate degree. Previous collegiate head coaching experience. U-M EEO/AA Statement The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. === Shouldn't the responsibilities include "beating Ohio State"?
D21
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 2:56 p.m.
Pope THeoCCXII, I have a proposal for you to apply to be the head coach at UM so you can have your "King" back as the OC. Go apply for it at the link posted by treetowncartel: http://umjobs.org/job_detail/54639/head_football_coach Also, I believe you will bring more crystals home to UM than Harbaugh could. GO BLUE!
D21
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 2:52 p.m.
Like I said on the other forum (mlive), Harbaugh is likely pulling an IZZO.
D21
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 2:49 p.m.
Hello Pope TheoCCXII, How is life without "King" RR for you so far? Inquiring minds want to know. GO BLUE!
superbuck
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 2:42 p.m.
Hoke is your #3 #4 choice almost another RR
bigblue
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 2:42 p.m.
I wouldn't be so quick to rule out miles. Especially not if LSU wins the cotton bowl tonight.
Enforcer
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 2:37 p.m.
A good point that was just brought up on ESPN was that Harbaugh stands to lose the most if he goes back to college instead of the NFL. Reason being, if Stanford has a 7-5/8-4 season, he will most likely not be the hottest thing since sliced bread. However, if he does even better next year, then his stock will just blow up.
treetowncartel
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 2:30 p.m.
One question remains, has he visited this link? http://umjobs.org/job_detail/54639/head_football_coach
bigblue
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 2:30 p.m.
If in the end Hoke is the guy he should have already been hired. The longer this plays out and Hoke ends up getting hired anyway, it will look like Michigan had to settle for Hoke because nobody else wanted the job. That would make Michigan look REALLY weak to recruits and could hurt for years if didn't win immediately
Enforcer
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 2:28 p.m.
@bigblue Les Miles would be a good addition to Michigan IMO, and he has mended some fences since the last coaching search. I personally would like him here, as he would give us the big name splash (although not as big as JH)Michigan needs, but I feel that LM coming here is slim and none.
Macabre Sunset
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 2:19 p.m.
So did Tony Dungy, thankfully. Without a doubt, the NFL's most overrated former coach.
BlueGator
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 2:12 p.m.
bigblue, Pelini just nixed any idea of interest in the UM job.
Matt Whale
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 2:12 p.m.
My choice of coaches. 1. Harbaugh 2. Patterson from TCU 3. Leach from Texas Tech
bigblue
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 2:09 p.m.
speaking of recruiting.....I think DB should really take a good look at miles.It seems like he would meet all of DB's criteria as well. I know some people are saying that miles has a sleazy record. But he is doing what he has to do in the SEC to survive. he has a running QB now at LSU so he can run an offense around Denard. he has a strong defensive track record as well. if not miles, then bo pelini would be the next best option. Strong defense and runs a spread type offense. Harbaugh just doesn't seem like he is going to come here. Either way DB has to act fast so this not just another wasted recruiting class.
Dwayne
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 2:07 p.m.
@redcedar...your boys got waxed on January 1 and worse that Michigan. Why are you visiting here? Shouldn't you be ranting over on the Green boards? I'm surprised you guys aren't visiting all of the local area Lansing high schools, in search of a coaching replacement of your own.
Macabre Sunset
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 2:02 p.m.
Funny that when Harbaugh was rumored to be coming here, the AD said he thought Harbaugh was NFL-bound. And when he was rumored to be going to Denver, the GM said he though Harbaugh would remain a college coach. I'm beginning to think Harbaugh is a difficult interview. Adam Schefter has been wrong more times about Harbaugh than he has the entire season on everything else. LSU plays tonight. Tomorrow could be a big day, because if Harbaugh is still on the clock, he's almost out of time.
RudeJude
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 2:01 p.m.
All the coverage on Harbaugh's job search shows how willing the media is to spout a headline with only specks of information. Just as the owner of the Dolphins is a UofM alum, Elway is a Stanford alum. No one's word is good at this point, as these NFL executive play a game of chess through the press seeking Jim Harbaugh's service for their alma maters. Wake me up when Harbaugh makes an announcement, or more importantly, when Dave Brandon does. Go Blue
Enforcer
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 2 p.m.
@redceder1 Right on. They postponed this weekends recruiting visit, and if they don't have a coach quickly, they might have to cancel next weekends too. This might go from a bad recruiting class to a lost recruiting class for the new coach because of this. Just my opinion
81wolverine
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 1:58 p.m.
Maybe there's a glimmer of hope here. From a football coaching point of view, he's by far the best coach we could get here. But I agree with others that Stanford probably has the inside track. It all depends whether he wants to coach a team in front of a partially filled stadium with mostly indifferent alumni, or whether he'd like to coach at the packed Big House with 112,000 rabid fans, the best facilities in college football, and an alumni base who love him (mostly). I would think we could outbid Stanford for his services too. Granted, he'd have a bit of a mess to clean up here. But, Harbaugh is more than up to the challenge.
bluenuts
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 1:57 p.m.
Jesus. I just want a decision so all this crap is over. This is exhausting!!!
redwingshero
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 1:56 p.m.
Way to throw more fuel on the slappy's fire Elway.
mrd
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 1:54 p.m.
we're now getting to the point where "I always wanted to coach MICHIGAN to a National Championship" comes into play. He just had his dream season in Stanford. As much as Stanford is his, it will never be Michigan. Come on home, Jimbo. Write your ticket, and come on home.
YpsiLivin
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 1:54 p.m.
And we need to limit game tickets, discussion boards, TV access to the games, etc. to only those who are Michigan fans. Agreed. There's nothing that a good, healthy shot of xenophobia won't fix.
mrd
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 1:50 p.m.
we're now getting to the point where "I always wanted to coach MICHIGAN to a National Championship" comes into play. He just had his dream season in Stanford. As much as Stanford is his, it will never be Michigan. Come on home, Jimbo. Write your ticket, and come on home.
aareader
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 1:49 p.m.
... "another day in the life of".... or "as the world turns"... there will be another story..... "Stay tuned"... this soap opera will be back after a few more commercials. 8+}
mrd
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 1:48 p.m.
we're now getting to the point where "I always wanted to coach MICHIGAN to a National Championship" comes into play. He just had his dream season in Stanford. As much as Stanford is his, it will never be Michigan. Come on home, Jimbo. Write your ticket, and come on home.
blusage
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 1:42 p.m.
I read that Ross had other business out west as well. It may be optimistic, but what if Ross's real intent was to convince Harbaugh to go to Michigan? Otherwise, I don't see why talks would've ended so abruptly. It looks like he'll probably stay at Stanford. Now that Luck's back, Stanford has a real shot at a national championship. The only thing that brings him back to Michigan is loyalty -- and maybe the fact that he'd be revered as almost a god here (much more so than in Stanford or the NFL) which should be appetizing to his undeniable ego.
Enforcer
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 1:41 p.m.
I believe that Harbaugh will remain at Stanford. Some odd things have happened since the conclusion of his bowl game against Virginia Tech, that has since removed him from coming to Michigan. Everyone has said that he would jump at the chance to come back home to coach, but it appears the almighty dollar has won that battle. Or it could be he is just being loyal to Stanford. Maybe a combination of the two. Either way, I don't blame him for looking around to see what his worth is in NFL. Any one of us would probably do the same. Now we must focus our attention on the coaching search, hope we land a coach quickly, and mend any broken fences with the recruiting class.
I love Michigan Football
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 1:16 p.m.
Ross talked to Harbaugh about the Michigan job. He all of sudden didn't offer him a contract, then why would he fly out to Cali to talk to him then? I still don't see it happening, especially with Luck coming back now. I do think that if Elway says something it is worth taking into consideration. I personally think it comes down to Miles or Patterson from TCU, just my opinion.
P U MSU
Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 1:09 p.m.
Odd for Elway to say this if it wasn't true. Maybe there is still hope.