HOUSTON — Jim Harbaugh certainly has options.
A favorable extension proposal is being considered from the state of Michigan.
Multiple NFL teams have reportedly expressed interest in him returning to the pros.
A powerful agent on his side.
He has a decision to make after Monday night's dominant 34-13 national championship victory over Washington at NRG Stadium.
Should I stay or go?
Will he build on his dominant three years at Michigan or return to the NFL and coach the 49ers to a Super Bowl and two NFC Championship Games in four seasons?
The tea leaves seem to indicate Harbaugh is ready to take action.
He reportedly hired a new agent and signed with NFL agent Don Yee.
The Athletic and NFL Network reported that Harbaugh wants the Chargers' job.
The Raiders are considered another potential landing site.
At Media Day, Harbaugh, 60, was quiet about his future, declining to discuss his plans.
“I have a calendar,” he said. “I'd be happy to talk about the future next week. I'd love to have it. How about that? The future? I'd love to have it.”
He offered nothing else Monday night, saying he just wanted to enjoy the moment.
Coach Harbaugh told his players that if they went 15-0, they would get their first tattoos to represent this accomplishment, as he had promised them.
It's been a whirlwind season for Harbaugh and undefeated Michigan.
He served two different three-game suspensions, one for alleged recruiting violations brought down by the school and the other for the Wolverines' sign-stealing scandal brought down by the Big Ten.
This could be factored in here as the University of Michigan could face further sanctions from the NCAA.
Harbaugh has been offered a significant 10-year, $125 million contract extension by Michigan State, but has not yet signed.
His contract runs through the 2026 season.
Harbaugh slowly but steadily improved his alma mater, going 49-22 in his first six seasons before going 40-3 in his final three years.
He defeated rival Ohio State three times in a row to win the national championship.
“When he left the San Francisco 49ers, I called him and asked him, [his mother] Jackie and I, what should he do? She said her wife has a hard time returning to her home. When you go home, it might not be what you want,” said his father, Jack. “I answered the phone. I said, Jim, you played there and you ran all over the stadium.'' [Schembechler] He rode on your tail and bit you for every little thing you did. We need to come back and see if we can't put Michigan in its rightful place in intercollegiate football. He's still working on it. ”
The elder Harbaugh added, “He fulfilled his wish and desire that he had to come back to make Michigan right.”
Harbaugh has been involved with the NFL before, interviewing twice with the Vikings two years ago and the Broncos last year.
Monday will likely be the tipping point for his return to the NFL.
Winning it all could be proof that Harbaugh has nothing left to accomplish in college.
“We just won a national championship. He can do whatever he wants. He deserves it,” said University of Michigan running back Donovan Edwards, who scored two touchdowns in the first quarter. . “Whatever he chooses, the University of Michigan will be happy, his heart will be happy, his family will be happy, his players and coaches will be happy. .
“If he stays, great. If he goes, great. He deserves it.”
