Harbaugh Now One of the Favorites to be Next Lions Head Coach

A week ago FanDuel Sportsbook posted the odds for the next head coach of the Detroit Lions. It took just a matter of days before a major line shift, and if the change in odds is an indication, there might be a new frontrunner for the Detroit head coaching position.

Current Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh is now tied with San Francisco defensive coordinator Robert Saleh to be named the Lions’ next head coach. Harbaugh opened at +1100 but moved to a tie with Saleh at +200 just days after the opening odds were posted on FanDuel.

There’s been nothing concrete to warrant Harbaugh rising up Detroit’s list of candidates — just speculation in the media. Some media outlets are reporting that “sources” believe Harbaugh is eyeing a potential return to the NFL.

An update on Harbaugh’s future could be coming soon. The early signing period for the 2024 class begins on Wednesday, and Michigan’s top recruits might want to know who their head coach will be before committing to play for the Wolverines.

Fox Sports reported that Harbaugh and Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel have begun discussions about a contract extension. Harbaugh’s new contract would include a lower base salary with larger incentives, according to Fox Sports. Currently, Harbaugh has the fourth-highest base salary in 2023 at just over $8 million.

Given his career history, a move could be a possibility for Harbaugh. He’s in his sixth season at Michigan and has never held another coaching position longer than four years at the NFL or college level. Harbaugh spent four years as an Oakland Raiders assistant, and four years each as the head coach at the University of San Diego, Stanford and the 49ers.

Strong NFL Record

Despite the disastrous 2-4 season and having never won as an underdog at Michigan, Harbaugh’s NFL coaching resume is what makes him an appealing candidate for the Lions’ head coaching job. In four years at San Francisco, Harbaugh compiled a 44-19-1 record, including a 13-3 season in 2012 where he led the 49ers to the Super Bowl.

Behind Harbaugh and Saleh, Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy stays at +700, while Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley are at +1100 in sports betting odds.

There are four new additions listed as potential candidates for the Lions head coaching position. Current interim coach Darrell Bevell is at +1200. Next, is Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady (+1400), Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll (+1600) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich (+1600).