With the head coach search continuing for the Minnesota Vikings, an intriguing candidate appeared lately following the organization hiring Kwesi Adofo-Mensah as its new general manager.
With other known finalists being Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell, Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris and New York Giants defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, former NFL and current University of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh also emerged as a candidate.
On Wednesday, Harbaugh conducted a second interview with the Vikings front office, appearing to be a serious candidate to land the vacancy while jumping back into the professional game. Although the move would have been a win-now decision for Minnesota, it reportedly will go with another candidate with O’Connell appearing to be the frontrunner to become hired.
I just got a text from Jim Harbaugh, returning to Michigan job after #Vikings interview: “The Wilf family and organization are first class all the way and in every way and Kwesi (Adofo-Mensah) is a shining star! The team is poised for greatness.” Classy comments from Harbaugh.
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) February 3, 2022
Even with his history of success in both the NFL and in college, there are a few reasons why the Harbaugh hire didn’t ultimately work out in Minnesota with him now returning back to Michigan in 2022.
Jim Harbaugh Wasn’t Going to Work Out as Minnesota Vikings Head Coach
Risky Personality
The first thing that you think of when it comes to Harbaugh is his unique style of conducting business and the outspoken personality that he possesses. Whether you are a fan of Harbaugh’s personality or not, it might have been a factor in Minnesota’s desire to look elsewhere for a new head coach.
We were first introduced to Harbaugh’s unique and somewhat risky personality when he was head coach of Stanford from 2007-10, then to a larger extent when he took over as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers from 2011-14. Harbaugh is an amped-up, energetic individual which has drawn some unwanted attention for some.
That personality has followed Harbaugh to Michigan, where he has led the Wolverines since 2015, and odds are it would have also followed him to Minnesota if he would have been hired as Vikings head coach. Even with his personality, success has corresponded with it, which is why his name keeps popping up in head coaching searches. For Minnesota, that might have been just too much of a risk to take to fill its open vacancy.
Questions of Longevity in Minnesota
Outside of his personality, another question when it comes to Harbaugh taking over at the helm of the Vikings is just how long he would serve in that role moving forward. Not that Harbaugh would’ve had a desire to stay specifically in Minnesota for just a few years, but he might not be serving as a head coach anywhere for too terribly long.
At 58 years old, Harbaugh isn’t necessarily a young candidate to take over the Vikings job or another job. For an organization that is trying to press the refresh button both in the front office and on the sidelines, Harbaugh’s age could have played a factor in Minnesota looking elsewhere.
Adofo-Mensah is 40 years old and is a young-minded general manager who could be looking for a head coach that goes in step with his timeline and mindset with the Vikings more than Harbaugh would. We have also seen Harbaugh’s willingness to keep a constant eye on the job market, often looking at other opportunities to leave for. That obviously brings the longevity of him staying in Minnesota into question.
Going With a Younger Option for Minnesota Vikings Head Coach
With the reported choice of O’Connell, Minnesota is clearly looking for a young option to lead the franchise as its 10th head coach. It might be more of a risk and taking a chance with hiring O’Connell, given he doesn’t have any NFL head coaching experience, but it could be a chance that pays off.
O’Connell is a 36-year-old offensive mind that has gained a lot of praise around the league for his role in helping the Rams offense become one of the more feared units in the NFL. He has a ton of potential, which perhaps persuaded Minnesota into hiring him rather than Harbaugh, who is set to turn 59 in December.
The idea of Harbaugh and who he might have brought with him to the Vikings as head coach is an intriguing one and would certainly make some headlines. But it looks like Minnesota has decided to not take the risk on Harbaugh in choosing a new leader on the sidelines in 2022 and beyond.
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