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

Jan 16, 2023, 3:34 PM

Senior Broncos Writer

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.

***

Broncos

Andrew Mason

George Paton: Round 1 isn’t the only place where Broncos can find a quarterback

For Broncos general manager George Paton, the draft able answer to the Broncos’ quarterback quandary doesn’t have to come in the first round. “I do think it is a good quarterback class. There’s seven, eight quarterbacks that we like that (we) think can play in the league one day,” Paton said during a pre-draft press […]

6 hours ago

Will Petersen

Sean Payton, George Paton asked directly if Broncos will take QB

"If we had the tip sheets as to who everyone else was taking it'd be easier to answer that question," Broncos head coach Sean Payton said

11 hours ago

Will Petersen

ESPN suggests Broncos could use Courtland Sutton to trade up

This mock is a bit quirky, as Bill Barnwell proposes a trade for every team, but he sees the Broncos with potential to get to No. 4 overall

13 hours ago

Cecil Lammey

The Broncos can bolster their d-line with mid-round picks in 2024

Denver needs to get better in the trenches, something they can do on the defensive side of the ball in the middle rounds of the draft

17 hours ago

Andrew Mason

The Broncos may want to move down in the draft — but they may not have a trade partner to do it

The best Broncos draft plan might be to trade down ... but what if they can't find any partners who want to move up to their No. 12 spot?

1 day ago

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 08: J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Michigan Wolverines answers questions during t...

Cecil Lammey

Is Staying at 12 the right strategy for the Broncos to find their QB?

The Denver Broncos may have to stay at no12 overall in the 2024 NFL draft. Is that the best plan to find a QB? Watch Orange and Blue Today with Cecil Lammey and Andrew Mason! Follow @CecilLammey

1 day ago