NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 03: Head coach Jim Harbaugh (R) of the San Francisco 49ers congratulates his brother head coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens after the Ravens won 34-31 during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is fine with a little competition, even if that means letting his brother Jim Harbaugh back into the professional ranks.
Jim Harbaugh is the favorite to land the Minnesota Vikings head coaching job, replacing Mike Zimmer and thus inheriting a team ripe with talent on both sides of the ball. Minnesota isn’t far removed from playoff contention, and with the ride changes can certainly reach that goal as early as next season.
Harbaugh’s brother John, who also happens to be the head coach of the Ravens, believes Jim is the right man for the job.
“If the Minnesota Vikings are smart enough to hire him, it would be a wise choice,” Harbaugh said.
Will Minnesota Vikings hire Jim Harbaugh?
Harbaugh took less money to bet on himself at Michigan, and that’s paid off immensely. It also allowed him the opportunity to take one last shot at the NFL.
The Dolphins were thought to be the early favorite to hire Harbaugh, as he had connections with Miami owner Stephen Ross, who himself is a Michigan Man. But when Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was hired as Vikings general manager, Minnesota became an instant contender.
Adofo-Mensah worked with Harbaugh when the two were in the 49ers organization, and they remain good friends. The chance to build a contender together could be too good to pass up, and Harbaugh wants a team ready to win now. One glance at the roster suggests the Vikings are his best shot at a Super Bowl.
Harbaugh reportedly is not seeking complete roster control, thus allowing Kwesi to build the team in his image. If anything, a pleasant reunion between the two and the right dollar amount could help get this deal done as soon as the next few hours.
For now, the wait is on.