Cross him off the list: Jim Harbaugh staying at Michigan, will not coach Denver Broncos

Jim Harbaugh will not return to the NFL this year — and will not become the Denver Broncos’ next head coach.

University of Michigan president Santa Ono tweeted Monday afternoon that Harbaugh informed him that he will remain at his alma mater for a ninth season.

“I just got off the phone with Coach Harbaugh and Jim shared with me the great news that he is going to remain as the Head Coach of the Michigan Wolverines,” Ono tweeted. “That is fantastic news that I have communicated to our Athletic Director Warde Manuel.”

I just got off the phone with Coach Harbaugh and Jim shared with me the great news that he is going to remain as the Head Coach of the Michigan Wolverines. That is fantastic news that I have communicated to our Athletic Director Warde Manuel. #GoBlue! pic.twitter.com/3LJzsv4zN9

— Santa Ono (@SantaJOno) January 16, 2023

KUSA-Ch. 9’s Mike Klis reported that Harbaugh called Broncos CEO Greg Penner on Monday morning to share his decision. Harbaugh had a virtual interview with the Broncos’ search committee seven days earlier. He was the first coach interviewed by the Broncos this year.

Source: Jim Harbaugh called Broncos CEO Greg Penner this morning to notify him of decision to stay at Michigan. The two had several productive conversations in recent weeks but never got close to talking contract. (more) #9sports

— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) January 16, 2023

In subsequent days, the Broncos interviewed defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, former Colts and Lions head coach Jim Caldwell and former Stanford head coach David Shaw. Shaw succeeded Harbaugh at Stanford and served as an assistant under him for four college seasons.

Former Saints coach Sean Payton, Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans are on the docket this week.

Of the remaining coaching candidates, only Evero and Ryans do not have prior head-coaching experience on at least a major-college level.

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