Arizona Cardinals should see if Jim Harbaugh would return to the NFL
By Jim Koch
The Arizona Cardinals should be exploring the possibility of having Jim Harbaugh replace head coach Kliff Kingsbury in 2023.
There’s been a ton of discussion lately regarding the head-coaching situation of the Arizona Cardinals. A large contingent of fans have had it with Kliff Kingsbury, due to the squad’s 4-8 record. Will Cards owner Michael Bidwill take heed, and replace the embattled coach in 2023?
Replacement options for Kingsbury have been tossed around, with former New Orleans Saints front man Sean Payton being the most popular choice. That scenario would be fantastic, but there’s another candidate out there who is just as intriguing.
From 2011-14, University of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh held the same position with the San Francisco 49ers. The former NFL quarterback was highly successful, leading the Niners to three-consecutive NFC Championship appearances. There was also a trip to the Super Bowl following the 2012 campaign, but Harbaugh and his team dropped a 34-31 decision to his brother John’s Baltimore Ravens.
Harbaugh’s outstanding coaching abilities are once again on display, but this time it’s in the college ranks with the Wolverines. His 12-0 Michigan squad is ranked number-two in the nation by the Associated Press, and it’s not outlandish to think that the school could claim it’s first National Championship since 1997.
Arizona Cardinals could convince Jim Harbaugh to leave the college ranks
The impressive stint at Michigan has many observers wondering if a return to the pros is inevitable for the 58-year-old Harbaugh. If so, could he have interest in a return to the NFC West as the head coach of the Cardinals?
Arizona signal-caller Kyler Murray has regressed in his fourth year in the league, and is in dire need of some guidance. When he was leading the 49ers, Harbaugh worked wonders with both veteran Alex Smith and young passer Colin Kaepernick.
One potential roadblock in the Cards acquiring Harbaugh is the fact that Kingsbury was signed to a contract extension back in March. The new deal was designed to keep the 43-year-old around for another five seasons. However, Bidwill would have to strongly consider a buyout for Kingsbury if the Redbirds continue their losing ways down the stretch.
Related Story. Cardinals should begin their pursuit of Sean Payton. light
And that’s where Harbaugh comes in. It would certainly take some major money to convince the Ohio native to leave his coveted gig with the Michigan Wolverines. The Cardinals will have to decide if they want to remain a losing franchise, or allow a winner like Harbaugh to elevate the team to elite status in the National Football League.
Want your voice heard? Join the Raising Zona team!