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Will Jim Harbaugh Coach in the NFL Next Season? See Odds of Coach Leaving Michigan

Brady Trettenero

by Brady Trettenero in College Football

Updated Jan 11, 2024 · 3:48 PM PST

Michigan Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh during College Football press conference
Jan 9, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Michigan Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh during College Football National Championship press conference at JW Marriot Houston by the Galleria. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
  • Will Jim Harbaugh coach in the NFL next season?
  • The updated odds imply Harbaugh could remain at Michigan
  • Below, see the updated odds for Harbaugh to leave for the NFL

Will Jim Harbaugh coach in the NFL next season? DraftKings has released odds for a unique prop bet pertaining to Harbaugh’s immediate future. They are offering odds for which team the National Championship winner will be coaching in Week 1.

DraftKings initially opened their prop by giving Harbaugh +700 odds to not coach in the NFL next season. This implied it was very certain he would leave for the big leagues. However, this market shifted drastically on Thursday.

Let’s dive into the updated Jim Harbaugh coaching odds and break down what it means.

Which Team Will Jim Harbaugh Coach in 2024-25

Team/Outcome Odds
Not the Head Coach of an NFL Team +175
LA Chargers +250
Washington Commanders +700
Las Vegas Raiders +800
Any Other NFL Team +800
New England Patriots +1000
Atlanta Falcons +1000
Carolina Panthers +1500
Chicago Bears Bears +2200
New York Giants +3000
New Orlean Saints +3000
Tennessee Titans +3500
New York Jets +8000
DRAFTKINGS
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Odds as of Jan. 11, 2024, at DraftKings Sportsbook. Make sure to sign up with the DraftKings promo code to bet on Jim Harbaugh coaching props.

Will Harbaugh Stay at Michigan?

Jim Harbaugh has brought Michigan football back to national prominence, leading the Wolverines to the 2024 national championship with a perfect 15-0 record. But will he stick around to defend the title or bolt for the NFL?

DraftKings is offering odds for Harbaugh’s future, allowing customers to bet on where the 60-year-old will be coaching next season. Their initial odds implied Harbaugh was likely leaving for the NFL, but those odds have since shifted drastically.

The DraftKings odds of Harbaugh not coaching in the NFL next season have shifted from +700 to +175. This is a massive swing in the betting market. Over the course of 24 hours, Harbaugh has gone from an 87.5% implied chance of departing for the NFL to a 64% implied chance.

What exactly has caused this shift in the odds? Our best guess is a Sports Illustrated article that went live on Thursday, reporting that people closest to Harbaugh believe he wants to stay at Michigan if he can obtain a specific clause in his new contract.

SI is reporting Harbaugh wants contractual assurance that, if the NCAA comes down hard on him for the sign-stealing scandal (based on existing info), Michigan cannot then fire him “for cause.”

Jim Harbaugh’s NFL Options

Harbaugh, 60, has been linked to several NFL head coaching vacancies since Michigan’s championship win on Monday night. While he has deflected questions about his future, reports indicate multiple teams are gathering information and have serious interest in hiring the former San Francisco 49ers head coach.

The Los Angeles Chargers are the front-runner to land Harbaugh if he returns to the NFL, according to DraftKings. The fit makes sense – the Chargers have a talented roster and a skilled young quarterback in Justin Herbert that could allow Harbaugh to compete quickly. Harbaugh got his NFL coaching start with the Chargers as a quality control coach in 1999-2001.

The Las Vegas Raiders and Washington Commanders have also reportedly reached out to Harbaugh. Both teams have top draft picks and cap space to rebuild around a new coach. Harbaugh began his NFL coaching career with the Raiders and could be enticed by Las Vegas and the lack of a state income tax.

Best Bet on Jim Harbaugh Leaving for NFL

This shift in the DraftKings odds is notable, but they are still implying it’s more likely than not that Harbaugh will leave for the NFL next season. He told reporters he would talk about his future next week, suggesting he’s at least considering NFL options.

Harbaugh had great success in San Francisco, reaching the NFC Championship game three times, including a Super Bowl appearance. But he reportedly clashed with ownership. Would complete control and a mega-contract at Michigan override the NFL?

With so many NFL jobs open, we truly believe this is the year Harbaugh leaves Michigan. Of course, the right NFL job must come along, but Harbaugh has accomplished his mission at college. He’s ready for the next level and to go toe-to-toe with the likes of Sean McVay, Kyle Shanahan, and Andy Reid on the big stage.

 

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