Minnesota Vikings To Hire Top Big Ten Coach? Rumors Swirl Weeks After Mike Zimmer Firing

There are four finalists to be the next head coach of the Minnesota Vikings.

One candidate is viewed as the clear frontrunner. The latest rumors suggest that Jim Harbaugh will leave Michigan to replace Mike Zimmer, who was fired on Jan. 10 after eight seasons.

The news comes only a few weeks after Harbaugh led the Wolverines to a Big Ten Championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff. Harbaugh’s interview with the Vikings Wednesday is considered to be a formality, according to Chris Balas of TheWolverine.com.

Harbaugh has already said some “goodbyes” at Michigan, sources have told TheWolverine.com. Michigan’s coach is interviewing with the Vikings on National Signing Day, another indication that the 58-year-old plans to make a return to the NFL.

There’s still a chance that the Vikings don’t hire Harbaugh. He spent four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers before returning to college football as Michigan’s coach in 2015. At Michigan, Harbaugh had a 61-24 record but won just one bowl game.

I'm told Harbaugh has not been dragging his feet intentionally on this. He is operating on NFL's timeline, Vikings operating in very business-like fashion. Timing out of his control. Has been very upfront w/ recruits and transparent. Class is already done. Staff off today.
— Heather Dinich (@CFBHeather) February 2, 2022

Harbaugh not only has to convince the Wilf family his approach is sufficiently modern in the midst of a youth movement (which shouldn’t be too hard), more importantly he has to quell the rumors that he’s too difficult to deal with. (2/13)
— John U. Bacon (@Johnubacon) February 2, 2022

Harbaugh went 44-19-1 as the 49ers coach from 2011-2014. He led San Francisco to a Super Bowl appearance and three NFC Championship Game appearances.

The top two assistants for the Los Angeles Rams are among the four candidates that Minnesota is considering. Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell and Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris had their second interviews Monday. New York Giants defensive coordinator Patrick Graham interviewed for the position on Tuesday.

Morris is the only former head coach of the three candidates. He went 17-31 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2009 to 2011.

Minnesota missed the playoffs for a second straight year in 2021. The Vikings never finished with fewer than seven wins under Zimmer.