Browns agreed to send two 3rd round picks to 49ers for Jim Harbaugh in 2014, per report

The 2017 college football season is fast approaching its close, and naturally that means coaching rumors are starting to percolate. And of course, we will hear plenty of Jim Harbaugh rumors.

Jason La Canfora has the latest report from sources regarding Harbaugh. We take La Canfora with a grain of salt, but some of what he says does add up. He said sources told him plenty of NFL teams might make a run at Harbaugh this offseason. He reported the Indianapolis Colts made a pitch to him a year ago, and expects more teams to do that this year.

The most interesting part was his mention of rumored trade compensation back in 2014 when the 49ers and Browns reportedly discussed a deal. That October, Pro Football Talk reported the 49ers and Browns had discussed a deal involving two third round picks. They reported Harbaugh was not interested because he wanted to remain in the Bay Area. La Canfora reported the deal was done, but Harbaugh nixed it because he thought better options would present themselves once he coached out his contract.

Harbaugh and the 49ers “mutually agreed to part ways” that fall, and Harbaugh returned to his alma mater. In his 2+ seasons there, he has records of 10-3, 10-3, and currently 8-2. Michigan is tied for second in the Big Ten East, and they have a shot at winning their division. They will need to beat Ohio State and it looks like get some help with Penn State and Michigan State.

Michigan has yet to finish better than third in the Big Ten East under Harbaugh. It’s a big step forward compared to the last three seasons of the Brady Hoke era, but some have described it as under-performing given Harbaugh’s high profile nature.

I think at some point Harbaugh ends up back in the NFL, and there could be some intriguing opportunities this offseason. The Cleveland Browns could fire Hue Jackson, and while they remain a dumpster fire, they also could have a pair of top ten picks, including the No. 1 overall pick. The New York Giants could end up with a high draft pick and a need for a head coach. What about the Oakland Raiders? They’re 4-5, and most would say they’re under-performing. I don’t think they’ll fire Jack Del Rio yet, but if Jim Harbaugh made it known he would like to come back to the Bay Area (until they move to Las Vegas), maybe that happens.

When, if at all, do you see Jim Harbaugh coaching again in the NFL? He is signed to a contract through 2021.