Jim Harbaugh on Colts Coaching Job: ‘Stop. Just Stop Yourself’
According to MLive’s Nick Baumgardner, University of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh emphatically refused to comment on the possibility of becoming the next head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, following his team’s 48-41 double overtime victory against the Indiana Hoosiers in Bloomington, IN, Saturday night:
"As Harbaugh put his hand up and cut him off midway through a sentence.“Stop. Just stop yourself,” Harbaugh said. “No comment.”"
Of course, Harbaugh is no stranger to the Colts organization, having been the team’s starting quarterback from 1994-97. Nicknamed “Captain Comeback” with the Colts, Harbaugh was well known for his ability to come from behind in the 4th quarter and lead his team to victory.
Nov 14, 2015; Bloomington, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh coaches on the sidelines against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
In fact, in during the 1995 season, Harbaugh was just one Aaron Bailey dropped hail mary pass away from having the Colts upset the #2 seed Pittsburgh Steelers and advance to Super Bowl XXX to play the eventual world champion Dallas Cowboys.
Down 16-20 in the closing seconds, Harbaugh heaved a hail mary pass from the Pittsburgh 29-yard line, but Bailey was unable to secure the catch as the football hit the end zone turf in what’s now known as one of the most deflating plays in Colts franchise history.
Still, Harbaugh had significant success with the Colts and was a key player for the team during the mid-90’s–leading them to relevancy highlighted by 2 playoff appearances in 4 seasons. He meant so much to the franchise that he was inducted into the team’s “Ring of Honor” during the 2005 season.
It’s not just that Harbaugh was a successful player; however, as he’s had proven success at both the collegiate and professional levels. During his prior 4 seasons as San Francisco 49ers head coach, Harbaugh’s teams went 44-19-1 (.695), having made the playoffs in 3 of 4 seasons including 2 conference championship appearances, as well as a Super Bowl appearance respectively.
Oct 3, 2015; College Park, MD, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh watches a scoreboard replay against the Maryland Terrapins at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Right now, Harbaugh really has no incentive to leave the University of Michigan, his alma mater from 1983-86. It’s not just that Harbaugh’s a “Michigan man” at heart, but he’s also set to be paid quite handsomely on his new deal–making close to $7 million in his 1st season as Wolverines head coach.
Still, there’s clearly a connection between Harbaugh and the Colts. Not only did Harbaugh play for the Colts and remains a storied member of the team’s franchise history, but he also was the former collegiate head coach of their star quarterback Andrew Luck at Stanford University from 2008-10.
Whether he’s actually a realistic possibility as a coaching candidate remains to be seen; however, Harbaugh clearly has fond memories of Indianapolis–judging from a 2014 conversation :
"“They were the signature years of my life, children that were born here,” said Harbaugh of Indianapolis. “There are people in Indianapolis who were great friends who are now life-long friends because they’re still friends”. “The memories (are special). I made great memories here. That’s why they’re signature years.”"
Regardless of what may happen, Harbaugh clearly has a close connection with the Colts whether he becomes a future head coach of the franchise or not.
Judging by things, it looks like the latter.