The John Harbaugh sweepstakes is getting serious. Rumors are flying around as to who will hire the former Super Bowl winner as their next head coach after shockingly being fired from Baltimore after 18-seasons.
His hometown Cleveland Browns are definitely contenders, but the 63-year old isn't just looking for a job--he's looking for a legacy defining second act. While many teams are calling his agent, The Athletic's Ian O'Connor lists the five front-runners to land Harbaugh.
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1. New York Giants: The "Big Apple" allure is real. With rookie Jaxson Dart showing franchise quarterback potential, Harbaugh could skip the rebuild (after an offensive line upgrade) and jump straight into a title window in the nation’s biggest market.
2. Atlanta Falcons: Ownership is hungry, the roster is "quarterback away," and the NFC South is wide open. The announcement of team legend Matt Ryan taking over as president gives the organization a jolt of energy with a clean slate and high ceiling.
2. Miami Dolphins: High-octane talent meets a coaching vacancy. Miami offers the weapons and the weather, making them a "serious threat" if he wants to stay in the AFC, but trade snow for sunshine. Owner Stephen M. Ross also has connections to the Harbaugh family.
4. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward is in place as QB entering his second season, plus a front-office connection to Andy Reid. If Harbaugh desires a stable, football-first environment, with high draft capital to continue the rebuild, then Nashville is the call.
5. Cleveland Browns: Don't let the "No. 5" spot fool you--the Browns are the ultimate top threat to hijack this search. Why? Because Jimmy Haslam doesn’t play for second place.
From the $230-million Deshaun Watson gamble to forcing the Johnny Manziel pick, Haslam has proven he is willing to set the market on fire to get his man. Cleveland offers Harbaugh the ultimate "revenge tour" opportunity: staying in the AFC North to punch the Ravens in the mouth twice a year. Add in Harbaugh’s deep Ohio roots, a young nucleus with 10-draft picks this year, an "all-world" defense, and the Browns have the financial muscle and personal motivation to outbid anyone in the building.
The big hold up could be the question marks surround starting quarterback.
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