The Jim Harbaugh Rumor
December 20th, 2018
Joe is getting bombarded with questions about this, so it’s time to hit the keyboard.
Former Bucs quarterback Chris Simms got Bucs fans’ blood pumping early this morning when he floated a rumor that a team expected to have a coaching opening soon is prepared to throw a vault-load of cash at former Super Bowl coach and current Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh.
The team, Simms claims, is not Cleveland or Green Bay.
Allow your mind to wander.
Joe wouldn’t be shocked if it is Team Glazer, who by many accounts is working behind the scenes and is in the middle of background work to find a replacement for current Bucs coach Dirk Koetter.
But Joe would be dubious on several levels if Harbaugh leaves Michigan at this time.
While it makes sense the Bucs might be that team — Team Glazer loves to make a splash with its hires and Harbaugh would be a tsunami of a splash — Joe cannot imagine Harbaugh leaving Michigan now unless he’s offered something along the lines of an Indian casino.
Harbaugh is making $7 million a year at Michigan. And while his teams have been slightly underwhelming (though playing in big-time bowls like the Orange Bowl), Harbaugh’s biggest road block in the Big Ten has been The Ohio State.
Well, Ohio State coach Urban Meyer just resigned. Harbaugh is raking in top-ten recruiting classes. All the stars are starting to align for Harbaugh at Michigan. So why would he bolt right when a path is being cleared to make a run at a national championship?
It’s not like Harbaugh struggles to pay his light bills (see above). Besides, as we all know, a coach at a preeminent program like Michigan is the king of his castle. In the NFL, a coach always has to answer to someone.
(Yes, even Bill Bellicheat.)
Also, there is the front office factor. Harbaugh clearly would demand full and total control — how did that work out the last time Team Glazer was that naive? When Harbaugh was coaching with the 49ers, he and general manager Trent Baalke despised each other and the friction grew so intense the two were not on speaking terms.
This, in part, led to the implosion of the team and is one reason why the 49ers are a current laughing stock (though not as bad as the Bucs).
Now the obvious likely team here that could be hot in the pants for Harbaugh is Miami. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, like Team Glazer, loves splash too. He also once reportedly made a run at Harbaugh when Harbaugh coached at Stanford.
Also, there were reports Ross is a big reason Harbaugh is at Michigan. Ross is a Michigan alumnus and a significant donor there. He’s dropped nearly $400 million on the university — the business school there is named after him! — and helped bankroll the current financial package that lured Harbaugh back to Ann Arbor where he once played quarterback for Bo Schembechler.
Unless Team Glazer is willing to offer Chucky-money to Harbaugh along with complete and total control of the entire outfit at One Buc Palace, Joe cannot see Harbaugh even entertaining returning to the NFL at this time. Maybe after he wins a national title at Michigan.
But if he did — brace yourself Jameis loathers — Harbaugh is in the camp of America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston.
December 20th, 2018 at 12:07 pm
Of course he is in Jameis’ camp.
Any legit football guy would be.
December 20th, 2018 at 12:10 pm
One more year G’Boy’z….with L&K&J….
Patience Coach Hoppers
Licht would be the one to let go this year out of the 3…let the new GM get a feel for the roster and coaching staff in 2019
December 20th, 2018 at 12:22 pm
Just like the Jon Gruden rumors
LOL
The Bucs HC job is the least desirable job in the NFL
December 20th, 2018 at 12:25 pm
And the rumor mill of every coach in the world is going to fly. Even ones of other teams that have not even been fired yet. So sit back watch and wait. Don’t believe eveything you hear.
December 20th, 2018 at 12:26 pm
perhaps in gooberville, but not among NFL people.
Lots of young talent. Already one of the best offenses in pro football with young guys across the board.
There will be lots of interest.
December 20th, 2018 at 12:29 pm
And don’t believe for a second just because a new coach comes this team will turn around. Because if you do you have not been here very long.
December 20th, 2018 at 12:32 pm
Urban Meyer leaving Ohio State/ retiring gives advantage Harbaugh who couldn’t beat Meyer.
He ain’t leaving Michigan now
December 20th, 2018 at 12:33 pm
Wow.
Post went thru right away (out of moderation jail)?
December 20th, 2018 at 12:36 pm
Seems like the second article this morning on the same topic. Hmmm.
Stephen Ross to Miami does make a lot of sense, and when I watched PFT this morning on NBCSN because of the brilliant Florio, Simms did seem to give some of those inklings away.
JOHN HARBAUGH to BUCS!!
December 20th, 2018 at 12:37 pm
Bucs fans has to torture themselves with this nonsense every 2-3 years.
Who will be the next HC?
Who will be the next GM?
He will be the next HC, he will be the next GM
At the end of the day
They will get another Jason Licht, another Mark Dominik
Another Greg Schiano, another Lovie Smith
And the cycle continue, never ends
Another losing season
Another year without a playoff berth
Why do Bucs fans torture themselves so much?
December 20th, 2018 at 12:38 pm
Urban Meyer would get chewed up and spit out in the NFL…easy to coach and poach in college with 100 man rosters…
December 20th, 2018 at 12:39 pm
I agree he’s not leaving Michigan.
December 20th, 2018 at 12:39 pm
Thanks for the scoop and the rumor mill is nice and all but that should be reserved for trades and offseason talk. I like to hear the rumors but I won’t be swayed by the guessing games about everything. Wanting to talk to Harbaugh ok yea I think all the teams in the head coaching search can say that. Get back to me when he’s signed and waiting to do a press conference
Glazers have failed to seal a deal plenty of times before so nothing to see here for now
December 20th, 2018 at 12:42 pm
“LOL! Of all the other better teams, He chooses the Bucs…
Let me guess, he wants to build his muti million dollar home in lakeland, polk county”
Kobe Faker
December 20th, 2018 at 12:47 pm
The Bucs coaching job is no different than any other job. If they are willing to pay top dollar they can get any coach that’s available! Most players and coaches of all Tampa Bay sports teams that have moved on still live here, it’s a beautiful area. Cracks me up when people say that player is only here for the money, well no sh*t that’s how jobs work?
December 20th, 2018 at 12:51 pm
we Know who he would bring back as qb .. a lot of military here would be against that but wins would take care of that.
December 20th, 2018 at 12:51 pm
Kobe,
Yeah the Bucs sign Jim Harbaugh
And Harbaugh build his huge mansion in Lakeland
On Wasbash Ave, next to the trailer parks
LOL
December 20th, 2018 at 12:53 pm
NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 20th, 2018 at 12:53 pm
How much $ did the Bucs offer Chip Carter and he said NO!
Tells you something doesn’t it?
December 20th, 2018 at 12:54 pm
I still say Mike McCarty – he likes to build winners from drafting and grooming players. With all the good draft picks it makes the Bucs attractive
December 20th, 2018 at 12:56 pm
“Lake,
That would mean kobe and jimbo will be neighbors”
Kobe Faker
December 20th, 2018 at 12:59 pm
Ya Kobe, right next to Derek Jeters and Hulk Hogan’s double wides
December 20th, 2018 at 1:03 pm
I’ll tell you right now who will be the bucs next coach and that will be the coach without any other options… it’s a bucs life… and you know I am right no matter how much that hurts….
December 20th, 2018 at 1:06 pm
LakeLand Says:
December 20th, 2018 at 12:22 pm
Just like the Jon Gruden rumors
LOL
The Bucs HC job is the least desirable job in the NFL
**THIS**
Jim Harbaugh looks at the roster breakdown including QB and he never picks up the phone. His salary would have to be north of 15 million per year over 10 years. The Bucs job is bottom 4 in the league.
December 20th, 2018 at 1:12 pm
i know it’s not going to happen, but i wish the bucs could get mike tomlin
December 20th, 2018 at 1:12 pm
Harbaugh isn’t going anywhere. All signs are pointing up for him, and besides, if they were going to fire him, they would’ve done it before NSD. Harbaugh isn’t leaving Michigan for at least another year.
December 20th, 2018 at 1:15 pm
things were just as dire before we hired Dungy.
And bang, the thing turned around.
December 20th, 2018 at 1:16 pm
Urban Meyer as a GM wouldn’t be a bad idea. The guy clearly knows how to evaluate talent. Meyer could then hire a Head Coach to deal with the day to day headaches.
December 20th, 2018 at 1:17 pm
FYI Joe, Harbaugh isn’t leaving Michigan unless he gets fired for not being able to beat the Ohio State University.
December 20th, 2018 at 1:40 pm
College football is tough because you are constantly on the recruiting trial and having to deal with PIA boosters and whatnot.
What’s so great about Michigan? Tampa Bay is pretty dang nice.
Besides dreaming of head coaching hires and turning things around is the only fun we have around here….
December 20th, 2018 at 1:52 pm
Why the hell not, LakeLand? Why shouldn’t fans have any sense of hope? What would be the point? Just showing up year after year saying “oh well, we will suck for eternity.” — No thanks. Nothing wrong with hope and belief that things will get better. They will. They always do.
December 20th, 2018 at 1:54 pm
ben, i know you dont like JW, but you are crazy if you think he would bring Kap here. No one wants that loser.
December 20th, 2018 at 2:03 pm
Eric Says:
December 20th, 2018 at 1:15 pm
things were just as dire before we hired Dungy.
And bang, the thing turned around.
stop rewriting history sir… dungy the clown failed with whyce’s team… you can not rewrite history because you love 500 football with NO CHANCE in post season…. the legend of dungy the clown surpassed his actual accomplishments years ago. dungy won nothing in Tampa. he coached a bad team with a great defense that was built for him. he failed…
December 20th, 2018 at 2:12 pm
Tampa Bay Demon
if this team was on a 4 or 5-year slump there might be a reason for hope that being said this franchise has NOT won a single meaningful game in 16 years. Not to mention under the glazer kiddies this franchise is closer to a jerry spring show than a professionally run sports franchise.
December 20th, 2018 at 2:24 pm
Jim Harbaugh woukd have BUCS in the NFC championship in two years
December 20th, 2018 at 2:30 pm
haha why in the world would he come to Tampa
December 20th, 2018 at 2:40 pm
I see nothing changing. The players know they w ONT be bumping into the owners in the halls at one buc..Everyone knows that nobody is held accountable.
December 20th, 2018 at 2:49 pm
Michigan is also a highly acclaimed academic school with standards that make it hard to compete with the Alabama’s of the world and win the National Championship.
Not sure there is a way to get there.
December 20th, 2018 at 2:53 pm
Chiefs haven’t won the Super Bowl since the 60’s, Eagles one their first last year.
A lot of the current top teams have just emerged from long stretches of futility.
It can happen to us.
December 20th, 2018 at 3:04 pm
he’s not leaving….and if he does it’ll be the jets or dolphins….
#REALISTKNOWSNOTHING!!!!…#ADIOSDIRK!!!!…GO BUCS!!!!
December 20th, 2018 at 3:05 pm
I see a lot of pro’s and very few con’s in wanting to be the next Bucs HC.
1) Good draft position
2) low expectations – so any success will be magnified
3) There are some very good players on this team, just not every position.
4) IF you are successful and get 10 or more wins you will be hailed as the second coming of Lomnbardi.
5) Lots and lots of Glazer loot
6) no state income tax
7) CAP space
8) Mons Venus
9) Bound to find a kicker eventually
10) The Challenege of it
December 20th, 2018 at 3:07 pm
Oh, I almost forgot…just for TMAXCON
11) McCoy has to retire sooner or later.
December 20th, 2018 at 3:14 pm
GhostofSchiano
nice list I’d put number 2 as number 1 and number 8 as number 2…. that’s more realistic.
December 20th, 2018 at 3:18 pm
far more likely he goes to Miami…more connections there between the owner and Michigan…
December 20th, 2018 at 3:24 pm
“Also, there is the front office factor. Harbaugh clearly would demand full and total control…” – J0E
Not really. Trent Baalke was a real problem, even after Jim left. Jason Licht would not be.
And why would Jim come to Tampa? The Number One Offense most of the season, still a top 5 offense. A high draft pick. JPP, Nassib and a number of rookies who show promise on defense.
And, of course, Jameis Winston. If he could make his last NFL QB (Mr Kneel) good enough to get to a super bowl, he can take Jameis all the way.
Harbaugh was the head coach at Stanford from 2007-2010 before making the big jump to the NFL. He took over the San Francisco 49ers and led them to a Super Bowl birth in 2012, but did not have enough success after that for people to put up with his reported antics and style of managing a team. So back to college he went as he has been the head coach for the Michigan Wolverines since 2015. He has a college head coaching record of 95–39, and an NFL record of 44-19.
Let’s consider his NFL run with the 49ers:
Year 1 – 13-3. Lost to New York Giants in NFC Championship Game.
Year 2 – 11-4. Lost to Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII
Year 3 – 12-4. Lost to Seattle Seahawks in NFC Championship Game
Year 4 – 8-8. Left the NFL.
In the eight seasons before Harbaugh arrived in 2011, the 49ers hadn’t had a single winning season and were a cumulative 46-82. In the two seasons after he left, the 49ers went 7-25. Successful and dynamic head coaches don’t come along all the time. The 49ers chose to boot Harbaugh and run with GM Trent Baalke, who they ended up firing 2 years later. Clearly they backed the wrong guy. Some Tampa fans might look at the situation he had with the 49ers and imagine he is hard to work with, much like people said Greg Schiano was hard to work with. But the difference of opinion was between he and Baalke, and doing it Baalke’s way was the wrong way. The 49ers fell apart after Jim Harbaugh left.
What would be the benefits though? Outside of a total Head Coaching record of 139-58? The front office did not like him, but his players swore by Jim Harbaugh. He helped a young QB make a Superbowl run…a QB who has proven out to be not so good. Yet Harbaugh made him play well for him. Buccaneers players would love him, respect him, and he would not let them get away with anything less than 100%.
He’s worth Gruden Money…so long as it is a shorter contract. The truth is, Tampa is more attractive than Miami because of our offense…which is what Jim likes.
December 20th, 2018 at 3:26 pm
@LakeLand
“Bucs fans has to torture themselves with this nonsense every 2-3 years.
Who will be the next HC?
Who will be the next GM?
He will be the next HC, he will be the next GM
”
——————————————–
Is not torture, is called HOPE; this team as is now is not watchable any longer.
You missed a very important component though QB.
JW got to go too.
Go Bucs!
December 20th, 2018 at 3:26 pm
Ghost
Agree with your observations…maybe not their order but you hit most of the nails on the head.
December 20th, 2018 at 3:27 pm
Urban Meyer is retiring but until Saban and Dabo retire, he still has a hill to climb to talk about a national title, especially with the QBs both these programs have for at least three more years. Even if Alabama and Clemson were blown out in the playoffs this year (won’t happen) they’d still be a big hurdle with their kid QBs another year older.
Regardless, he should stay in Michigan and I don’t see him coming here.
December 20th, 2018 at 3:29 pm
The best thing about Jim Harbaugh is that the Glazers can talk to him before the fire Koetter.
Heck…they might even consider keeping Koetter and making Harbaugh the President…giving him full control. And John Harbaugh might eventually come to Tampa too.
December 20th, 2018 at 3:35 pm
It’s a year too late but hot damn would this be a tremendous Hire. Jim Harboughs winning percentage as an NFL HC is nothing less than Elite.
December 20th, 2018 at 3:54 pm
Miami
December 20th, 2018 at 3:56 pm
tmax,
I am not saying that you are wrong in your points and I understand them.
My point (and maybe i could do better at expressing it)….. is that I don’t understand the mentality of a “fan” just coming into every season (or offseason) saying “Well there is no point. We suck. Nothing will ever get better.”
Its like just banging your head against the wall. — As a METAL musician of many years, that is not the kind of headbanging I want, lol.
Why would anyone put themselves through that? You have to have some kind of hope just to even enjoy it, dont you?
Anyway, appreciated tmax, and enjoy your Christmas if we dont shout again.
December 20th, 2018 at 4:18 pm
cw_bucs,
That’s up to the new regime to decide on the QB
Me personally, no job is safe
I don’t see a safe player on the roster
December 20th, 2018 at 5:56 pm
I can’t get excited about any new potential coach hire until the Bucs do their “token” interview aka the Rooney rule. I say that because I find the Rooney rule racist and offensive. If a team has its sights on a coach, that’s not black, it’s insulting to interview a black coach just to satisfy that ridiculous rule. It’s insulting to the interviewee, and all involved. I’m surprised the NFL doesn’t have a black man on staff just to be interviewed during coaching vacancies. What a crock.
December 20th, 2018 at 6:32 pm
Tampa Bay Demon
when dealing with the bucs my only hope is medical marijuana. merry xmas sir… i worked with a bunch of metal labels back in the day. napalm records, noise records, metal blade and earache..
December 20th, 2018 at 6:40 pm
Aceofaerospace
Trust me
A black coach has to be stupid beyond stupid
To even interview for the Bucs HC job
December 20th, 2018 at 7:29 pm
An odd comment. Why?
December 20th, 2018 at 9:58 pm
Lakeland??
Why cause we had three already , think more than any other team.
Glazers don’t see color my man and they hold back on spending money either.
Look how many coaches they had to pay out for years after firing them. FA with big contracts have been signed. (Lovie blew it in all 5 he signed for one Regis contract)
Jim H would need full power to lure here or have mad licked GM. Maybe his brother becomes GM
December 20th, 2018 at 10:09 pm
Jim Harbaugh is not going any where. He has not accomplished what he set out to do in Michigan and with Urban Meyer gone, it just makes things a lot easier.
December 20th, 2018 at 10:25 pm
Keep kotter in Tampa !!! Give him the USF job
December 21st, 2018 at 7:11 pm
tmax,,
Sweeeeet man. Thx for sharing that! Some epic labels that you worked for. Metal’s heyday