Jim Harbaugh is a “Michigan Man” for now, but oddsmakers are telling you not to expect that to last long in the aftermath of his national championship victory.
DraftKings Sportsbook released odds on whether Harbaugh will return to the NFL’s coaching ranks this upcoming season, and their odds suggested there’s an 87.5 percent chance he will leave Michigan.
After months of speculation, DraftKings proposed +700 opening odds on Harbaugh to stay at Michigan. That provides a 12.5 percent implied probability that he stays.
The public has since pushed back on the oddsmakers projections, pouring in money on Harbaugh to remain a Wolverine.
His odds shifted dramatically from opening, moving from +700 to +350 in a concise time span.
The sportsbook projects the Chargers (+150) have the best chance to land Harbaugh, as they are big-game hunting since firing Brandon Staley during the season.
| Jim Harbaugh next team odds (opening) | Jim Harbaugh next team odds (current) |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles Chargers +125 | Los Angeles Chargers +150 |
| Las Vegas Raiders +650 | Not the head coach of any NFL team ( i.e. stays at Michigan) +350 |
| Carolina Panthers +650 | Washington Commanders +600 |
| Washington Commanders +700 | Las Vegas Raiders +650 |
| Not the head coach of any NFL team (i.e. stays at Michigan) +700 | Carolina Panthers +800 |
| Atlanta Falcons +900 | Atlanta Falcons +900 |
| New England Patriots 16/1 | Any other NFL team 10/1 |
| Chicago Bears 16/1 | Chicago Bears 16/1 |
| New Orleans Saints 16/1 | New Orleans Saints 16/1 |
| New York Giants 20/1 | New England Patriots 18/1 |
| Any other NFL team 25/1 | New York Giants 20/1 |
| Tennessee Titans 30/1 | Tennessee Titans 35/1 |
| New York Jets 65/1 | New York Jets 65/1 |
DraftKings also priced the Chargers as favorites to bring in Patriots coach Bill Belichick in odds that were released earlier in the week.
Los Angeles is followed by distance seconds in the Washington Commanders +600, Las Vegas Raiders (+650) and Carolina Panthers (+800).
Of course, this speculation comes after Harbaugh was in the middle of a sign-stealing scandal during the team’s undefeated, national title-winning season.
That speculation was fueled when Harbaugh hired an NFL agent with deep ties to other coaches and, notably, quarterback Tom Brady.
However, Harbaugh has flirted with the NFL for a few years now, constantly negotiating with the Wolverines for more money.
He was offered a 10-year $125 million deal by the Wolverines before the new year, likely more than he will make from any NFL team.
Betting on the NFL?
As part of the deal, Harbaugh would agree not to negotiate with any NFL teams during that time, as his NFL flirtation has become a yearly occurrence.
Harbaugh has the opportunity to stay where he is already dominant and make more money.
His past suggests that this is a great betting spot to target at +350 odds.
Bet: Jim Harbaugh does not coach in the NFL in 2024 (+350, DraftKings)
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