Big Ten Daily (Dec. 28): Jim Harbaugh Dismisses NFL Question at Rose Bowl Presser

With reports circulating about the Chargers' interest in Jim Harbaugh, the Michigan coach was asked about his plans for 2024. It shouldn't be surprising that he declined to make a comment on the NFL rumors.

Try as they might, reporters aren't going to get Jim Harbaugh's truthful thoughts on leaving Michigan for the NFL — at least not right now. The Wolverines coach eschewed questions about his future plans during this week's Rose Bowl Game press conference.

Recent reports have indicated that the Los Angeles Chargers have interest in hiring Harbaugh. Whether or not that interest is mutual remains a mystery. 

We're not going to have an answer until after Michigan's season concludes, either.

“Right now, we just have a very one-track mind about this game,” Harbaugh responded when asked about his future. “It’s just about having fun with families and the team right now. It’s straight out of the Jackie Harbaugh playbook, just one day at a time and one play at a time.”

The question had to be asked, but Harbaugh's response is not surprising. Regardless of his intentions, there's no reason to cloud the locker room with distractions before the College Football Playoff.

It is interesting that Harbaugh didn't just dismiss the rumors and indicate his plan is to remain the coach in Ann Arbor. That can be a conversation for a different day, though.

Harbaugh and the Wolverines are looking to finally get over the hump in the College Football Playoff this year. Michigan has been defeated in the semifinal round each of the past two seasons.

The Wolverines will have their hands full with an Alabama squad that finished 12-1 and defeated top-ranked Georgia in the SEC Championship Game.

Jay Higgins Returning to Iowa

One of the Big Ten's top defensive players in 2023 plans to return next season. In a social media post this week, Iowa linebacker Jay Higgins announced that he'd be back for the Hawkeyes next fall.

In a brief post, Higgins simply stated, "Run it back." The graphic included in the post also said, "I got more to prove."

Higgins stacked up a huge season for the Hawkeyes in 2023. He tallied 155 tackles, leading the Big Ten and finishing with the second-most nationally among Power 5 players.

The Iowa linebacker was also responsible for four tackles for loss, four pass break-ups, a sack, an interception and a forced fumble.

Iowa finished the year with a 10-3 record, playing in its second Big Ten Championship Game in three seasons. 

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