Jim Harbaugh dodges questions on future, Chargers head coaching job

Jim Harbaugh’s primary focus is coaching his team in the Rose Bowl against Alabama on New Year’s Day.

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh’s primary focus is coaching his team in the College Football Playoffs against Alabama on New Year’s Day.

But for most football fans, their focus surrounding Harbaugh is his future and whether he will stay to coach the Wolverines or make the jump back to the NFL.

At Michigan’s media availability at Disneyland on Wednesday, Harbaugh was asked about his interest in returning to coach at the professional level.

Such a one-track mind. That’s the way we’ve gone about things. It’s literally whatever day we’re in, looking to get the most out of it. Dominate the day. Then we’re going to sleep tonight, and wake up tomorrow and see if we can’t dominate that day. It’s a single-minded group. It’s very focused on just taking care of business today and see if we can’t do the same tomorrow.

Despite making it clear that his center of attention is on preparing his team for the Rose Bowl, the next question was specifically related to the Chargers, as they’re a possible landing spot for Harbaugh if he were to return to the pros.

His answer was no different than the first one.

Yeah, just a very one-track mind about this game. Right now, just have fun with the family and the team and the players. . . . We’re gonna enjoy ourselves. And then get back to business, see if we can’t dominate the day. Got some good meetings tonight. We’ll wake up tomorrow and practice, see if we can’t dominate that day. . . . One day at a time, one play at a time, and that’s how we’re approaching each day.

Soon, Harbaugh will have to make a decision, however.

It’s reported that Michigan has an offer on the table worth $125 million, which would make him the highest-paid coach in college football. But it would preclude him from pursuing an NFL job for the 2024 season.

Meanwhile, the Chargers are interested in Harbaugh for their head coach position. It is unclear how much they would be willing to pay for the coveted coach. But if they want to make a splash hiring, Harbaugh would be worth the investment.