There is plenty of uncertainty about what lies ahead for the Chicago Bears and their head coaching situation. But one thing that has long felt like a sure♏ thing is that Jim Harbaugh would be involved in one way or another. However, that might not be the case.
from sources that the Los Angeles Chargers have an interest in hiring the University of Michigan’s football coach. And while Harbaugh’s interest in the position is unknown, this isn’t the first time we’ve heard his name in connection with NFL teams that aren’t in Chicago. Back in November, the Las Vegas Raiders were reportedly o🔴n a list of teams that would pique Harbaugh’s interest if he were to return to the pros. In short, Harbaugh figures to get a bunch of interest should he choose to explore a return to the NFL.
Which brings us to the idea that a Harbaugh-to-the-Bears reunion isn’t a lock. And for what it’s worth, Schultz expresses doubt about the Bears’ fit with Harbaugh:
“The reason I’ll say the Bears will not happen definitively is because when Harbaugh was at Michigan, Kevin Warren was the Big Ten commissioner. They don’t like each other. In fact, you can say they despise one other based on the comments in the media. So Kevin Warren, who is the president of the Bears, is not going to bring in Jim Harbaugh. … It wouldn’t surprise me at all if Jim Harbaugh was back in the NFL because there’s going to be interest. It will not be with the Chicago Bears.”
Those are some strong words from Jordan Schultz. Not just definitively saying that a Bears-Harbaugh reunion won’t happen. But also that it won’t happen because of prior beef between Harbaugh and Bears President Kevin Warren that dates back to their Big Ten days.
Now, I’m not sure what it’s worth, but I feel as if it is worth pointing out that Warren and Justin Fields were at odds when they crossed paths in the Big Ten. And in some circles, it was believed that it could be a problem for the Bears. Instead, Warren squashed♔ any concerns during his introductory press conference in January 2023:
“My whole goal was trying to keep players safe. I appreciated him to be able to take that leadership role,” Warren said at the time. “So I was ecstatic, I called him on draft day. I was ecstatic when he was drafted by the Bears because that’s what you need from a leadership standpoint. But I have a strong personal relationship with him. He’s talented, he’s a leader. I loved his passion. I would’ve been the same way.”
Given that context, I suppose that if Fields and Warren can let bygones be bygones and let the past stay there, then perhaps Warren and Jim Harbaugh can do the same. That isn’t out of the realm of possibilities, mind you. I won’t put it past two adults to hash things out and make amends for things that were said in the past. Although, Jordan Schultz makes it seem like that would be a long shot. Time will tell, I suppose.
Bears coaching future is murky with or without Jim Harbaugh
Whether a reunion with Jim Harbaugh is in the 𒉰cards or not, it feels as if there is a ton of uncertainty surrounding this whole situation.
Firstly, the Bears job isn’t even open yet. Sure, there has been an uptick of rumors surrounding Harbaugh and the Bears. You can read up on November and October updates at your leisure. There were also reports that Chicago has “had some conversations” about hiring Harbaugh. But the gig isn’t open just yet. Secondly, no one is sure that Harbaugh will even leave Michigan. And that is something I feel as if we, as a Bears community, should be more cognizant of as we approach another offseason of potential change. Michigan higher-ups sound prepared to give Harbaugh a lofty extension.
In other words, the Bears aren’t just battling other NFL teams for his services, they’d also have to stave off a return to Ann Arbor. Completing the process on a Harbaugh homecoming sounds like a taller task than previously believed.
Don’t get me wrong. I expect Harbaugh to kick the tires on returning to the NFL. And I still feel as if Chicago will still find a way to get connected somehow. It’s a tradition unlike any other at this point. Kinda like the Masters, but the weather is colder and I’m spending more time obsessively refreshing my phone for updates. But there is a growing reality that Harbaugh won’t be riding in on a white horse to save the Bears. Maybe that’s a good thing. Or perhaps that throws a wrench in plans.
