Jim Harbaugh Discusses the Vikings Interview and Why It Didn’t Work Out

Earlier this week, rumors were swirling that Jim Harbaugh would be the next coach of the Vikings. Then, that simply didn’t happen. Outlets are reporting that Harbaugh thought it was…

Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl - Georgia v Michigan

2MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 31: Head Coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines looks on before the game against the Georgia Bulldogs in the Capital One Orange Bowl for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium on December 31, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Earlier this week, rumors were swirling that Jim Harbaugh would be the next coach of the Vikings. Then, that simply didn't happen. Outlets are reporting that Harbaugh thought it was a done deal, but it wasn't, and the team went with someone else. But, what's the real story?

Harbaugh is opening up about the Vikings interview and why it didn't work. “In a nutshell, I love Michigan,” he told Mitch Albom of the Detroit Free Press. “I love every player. I love every family.”

Harbaugh also admitted that if he had received an offer from the Vikings, he would have taken it. He wants to win a Super Bowl. “There was a tugging at me that I was once that close to a Super Bowl and I didn’t get it,” Harbaugh said. “Some NFL jobs came open. I was contacted by the (Minnesota) Vikings.

He added, “For better or for worse, it was something I wanted to explore. I went in thinking, ‘I’m gonna have 100 percent conviction on this, and if they (Minnesota) have 100 percent conviction on this, then it’s something I’m gonna do.... I’m an honest person. There was a large pull there (for the NFL). But I didn’t feel it was that way for both parties. And that’s it. That’s my mindset now.”

In the interview, Harbhaugh also said that his players understood his desire to get back to the NFL. “They said ‘Coach, we all want to go to the NFL, too. And whenever one of us wants to explore going to the NFL, you support us and wish us well. And if we look at it and we come back, you’re thrilled and we get right back to work." Read the full interview here.

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.