The entire process of an offseason for any NFL team is fluid. Especially when it comes to making changes at the top. The Chicago Bears knew two weeks ago they had to find a new GM and a new head coach. Rumors that surfaced early on were that George McCaskey and his team were interested in “big-game hunting.” In other words, a top name that would generate buzz and improve the odds of success. Among the most obvious of those names was Jim Harbaugh.
It is such low-hanging fruit. Harbaugh was a former 1st round pick of the Bears in 1987 and quarterbacked the team from 1989 to 1993. He was a great admirer of Mike Ditka and many believed Chicago was his dream coaching job in the NFL. When reports surfaced that he might consider leaving Michigan for the pros earlier this month, there was a strong belief that the Bears were high on his list.
The interest it appears was mutual.
George McCaskey was intrigued by the idea of Harbaugh for obvious reasons. What nobody could determine was whether the two sides ever got close to making something happen. The answer is yes. Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog, who has dropped a flurry of big scoops since the offseason began, revealed some major news on the Irish Bears Show. It seems Harbaugh came close to discussing a deal to become Chicago’s next head coach.
Then things fell apart. It had nothing to do with Harbaugh’s personality or plans for the organization. As with most things, it came down to the bottom line. Money. Hughes explained that Harbaugh was looking for a $100 million contract for 10 years. In essence the Jon Gruden deal from Las Vegas. While some at Halas Hall were willing to make the offer, the McCaskeys were not. Both because they weren’t confident Harbaugh would be around that long and also remembering how the Raiders were burned by that Gruden contract.
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Jim Harbaugh likely overestimated his worth to the McCaskeys
His reputation isn’t anywhere near what it was seven years ago. Back then he’d just led San Francisco to three NFC championships and a Super Bowl appearance. While he did manage to deliver a terrific 12-2 season for Michigan in 2021, it doesn’t feel like his star shines quite as brightly as it once did. While Bears ownership may like the idea of him as the head coach, they weren’t in love with it. Not like Raiders owner Mark Davis was with Gruden back in 2018.
So when Jim Harbaugh came in demanding $10 million per year for a decade, that killed what little momentum he may have had. This organization has never offered such a contract to a head coach. For all the success the man has enjoyed over the years, he also has a reputation for coming up short in big games.
It isn’t like he had Super Bowl or national championship rings to flash.
Some people might’ve been willing to make the offer, but most owners would never have done something so reckless. Given where things stand, it is likely Harbaugh will end up staying at Michigan. The Bears and new GM Ryan Poles will conduct their search elsewhere for the next head coach. It’s a shame because this was the last, best chance Harbaugh had of getting the job.
