Could the Carolina Panthers set their sights on Jim Harbaugh?

Could the Carolina Panthers set their sights on Jim Harbaugh as their next head coach if David Tepper decides not to move forward with Steve Wilks?

There is a significant amount of momentum being generated by Steve Wilks as he looks to become head coach of the Carolina Panthers beyond 2022. The interim has led a complete cultural reset within the organization following Matt Rhule’s disastrous tenure, which is giving team owner David Tepper plenty to think about before a final conclusion is made.

After flopping badly with the Rhule appointment, Tepper cannot afford for his next move to be incorrect. His ownership has been severely criticized for a lack of success on the field, with the ongoing fiasco surrounding Carolina’s abandoned headquarters in Rock Hill the center of a criminal investigation relating to public money.

Much will depend on how Wilks fares over the final five games. But the calls to remove the interim tag would be deafening if he managed to get Carolina to around 7-8 victories.

Carolina Panthers could be doing homework on Jim Harbaugh

If Tepper isn’t entirely convinced, then he could turn his attention elsewhere. And despite Rhule’s move from the college ranks, Jim Harbaugh is not cut from the same cloth as the newly appointed Nebraska head coach.

In a joint report from Ian Rappaport and Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, multiple teams are doing their homework on Harbaugh, who’s led Michigan to another unbeaten campaign and into the college football playoffs. The two insiders also heard from sources that despite a last-minute change of heart last year when targeted by the Minnesota Vikings, the respected coach is willing to consider moving back to the pros.

"“Sources say multiple NFL teams have been doing background work recently on Harbaugh. One NFL source plugged into the situation said they believe Harbaugh would consider a return to the NFL, and a source with another team that could be running a head-coaching search said they believe Harbaugh would discuss an opening if asked and weigh the right situation.”"

This is the big splash normally associated with Tepper. He also has the money to make Harbaugh an offer he couldn’t refuse.

Carolina has some nice pieces to build around for future success. They’ve also got a significant amount of draft capital in the first 150 selections after trading Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers.

Harbaugh’s credentials are proven no matter where he’s been. He would command instant respect within the locker room and although it’s been a while since the former Pro Bowl quarterback has coached in the NFL, that shouldn’t put teams off from making inquiries when permitted.

Tepper is unpredictable at best when it comes to his decision-making. Leaning on football people like general manager Scott Fitterer and Dan Morgan would be prudent, but Harbaugh might take some convincing given how things have unfolded since the billionaire bought the Panthers from Jerry Richardson.

Harbaugh would be a major coup. Someone that could take them back to relevancy far quicker than Rhule’s grand seven-year plan that was cut short after three.

There will be plenty of tests and turns to come. Wilks remains the frontrunner until further notice, but Tepper would be wise not to rule anything out at this juncture.

If Harbaugh is receptive to any Carolina advances, then it’s a different story.