Reports: Dolphins Won't Pursue Jim Harbaugh; Sean Payton 'Intrigued'
Buzz continues to hover above the Miami Dolphins head coaching position.
Days after Dan Campbell replaced Joe Philbin as interim head coach, new reports have surfaced regarding the potential for a big name to take over next season, though Campbell could convince Stephen Ross he's the long-term solution with a strong finish to the season.
The one not expected to be pursued by the Dolphins is Michigan's Jim Harbaugh, notes Pro Football Talk. The reason for not taking another stab at the former Niners coach may irk Dolphins fans.
Peter King of TheMMQB.com said during NBC's Football Night in America that the Dolphins will not pursue Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh.
The key word is "Michigan." Dolphins owner Stephen Ross went to Michigan, and he has been a major financial supporter of the university.With Harbaugh in his first year with the Wolverines and, to no surprise, doing very well, Ross won't try to disrupt that vibe.
Of course, any interest from Ross or another owner won't matter if Harbaugh isn't interested in leaving. While a sufficiently large pile of money could get Harbaugh's attention, it's unlikely any NFL team would offer the kind of money it would take to get Harbaugh away from Ann Arbor.
Although one wouldn't think being a huge booster for a college would provide a conflict of interest for an NFL owner, it's clearly the case here.
As for a more realistic possibility, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report reported earlier today that Sean Payton would be "intrigued" with either the Colts or the Dolphins pursuing his services. He didn't say which team he was talking about with both linked to Payton over the weekend. Making matters potentially messy is Payton has two years remaining on his contract after the season, so Miami would have to trade for his services.
Follow Josh on Twitter @JoshBaumgard
