5 Mike McCarthy replacements the Cowboys should have on speed dial
By Mark Heaney
4. Jim Harbaugh, Michigan Wolverines
This would be a major throwback for the organization, as they have strayed far away from practically any blockbuster moves for years now. It also probably would only work as a postseason hire since Harbaugh will at least stay with the Wolverines through this CFB season. But if the safe, reliable, and steady philosophy behind the McCarthy hiring goes badly, they could revert to catching the big fish.
It would certainly not be easy to pry Harbaugh away from his alma mater, but he did show a strong interest in returning to the NFL this off-season and has quite literally done it before (with resounding success).
The biggest issue for Dallas is the freshly signed extension Harbaugh agreed to this winter, as it shows he may be willing to stay put in Michigan regardless of NFL interest.
Jim Harbaugh’s new extension now runs through the 2025 football season. Harbaugh signed a four-year extension with revised financial terms effective Jan. 11, 2021. https://t.co/zqOUT18dTk
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 8, 2021
There may be one thing though that could get Harbaugh to jump ship after this year: a National Championship.
After beating Ohio State, winning their conference, and making a CFB playoff appearance in 2021, if Michigan can bring the big trophy to Ann Arbor, Harbaugh could feel satisfied and look for his next opportunity. Certainly, a big payday from the Jones family could incentivize him even more.