As the Seattle Seahawks keep their eyes on a potential playoff run and the coveted No. 1 seed in the NFC, there’s a new wrinkle in the background that could impact their coaching staff. Special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh is reportedly drawing interest from the college ranks-specifically, from a place that’s very familiar to him: Ann Arbor.
After Michigan parted ways with head coach Sherrone Moore following troubling off-field issues, the Wolverines are now staring down a major decision. This isn’t just about finding a new head coach-it’s about stabilizing a program that, despite recent success, is suddenly searching for direction. And when a powerhouse like Michigan is looking for a new leader, they don’t aim small.
Enter Jay Harbaugh.
Yes, that Harbaugh. The son of Jim Harbaugh, Jay spent nearly a decade on Michigan’s staff from 2015 to 2023, working under his father in a variety of roles.
Special teams coordinator was his primary title, but over the years, he also took on responsibilities coaching running backs, tight ends, and safeties. That kind of versatility doesn’t just happen-it’s earned through trust, knowledge, and a deep understanding of the game.
Now, with the Michigan job open, Jay’s name is being floated as a legitimate candidate. And it’s not hard to see why.
He knows the program, he understands the culture, and he’s already had a taste of leading the team. When Jim Harbaugh was suspended for a game in 2023, Jay stepped in as acting head coach and led the Wolverines to a convincing 35-7 win over UNLV.
It’s a small sample size, sure-but it’s still a win in the big chair.
Since joining Mike Macdonald’s staff in Seattle, Jay has helped turn around a special teams unit that had its share of struggles early on. The 2025 season has brought noticeable improvement in that phase of the game, and Harbaugh’s fingerprints are all over it. Macdonald, another Michigan alum, clearly saw something in Jay when he brought him on board-and now the folks back in Ann Arbor might be seeing it too.
There’s also some recent precedent here. With Washington Commanders quarterbacks coach Tavita Pritchard making the jump to Stanford, we’ve already seen NFL assistants head back to the college game this hiring cycle. And given the limited pool of available candidates with Michigan ties, Jay Harbaugh might be one of the most logical fits.
As for Jim Harbaugh, a return to college isn’t in the cards anytime soon. He’s under a lengthy show-cause order that effectively sidelines him from NCAA coaching through 2038. His former defensive coordinator, Jesse Minter, is expected to draw NFL interest this offseason, which further narrows Michigan’s options if they’re looking to keep things in the family-or at least in the extended Wolverines coaching tree.
Michigan’s next hire will be tasked with more than just winning games. This is about restoring credibility and stability to a program that’s been through a whirlwind. Jay Harbaugh, with his deep ties to the school and a résumé that’s quietly grown stronger each year, could be the steadying presence they need.
He’s not just a familiar name-he’s a coach who’s earned his stripes, both in Ann Arbor and now in the NFL. If Michigan decides to look to the pros for its next leader, Jay Harbaugh might be the bridge between the program’s storied past and its uncertain future.