Jim Harbaugh is making inroads toward a return to the NFL.
The Michigan head coach interviewed for the same position with the Minnesota Vikings over the weekend, and the Vikings will fly Harbaugh in for a second interview Wednesday, according to a report in The Athletic that listed him as a finalist for the job.
Three other candidates who have interviewed in person for the Vikings’ head-coaching position are Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell, Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris and New York Giants defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, according to The Athletic.
ESPN reported Harbaugh “conveyed legitimate interest” in the club and added the Vikings’ management came away from the first interview “feeling Harbaugh is ready to return to the NFL.”
The Vikings head-coaching job is available after the team fired Mike Zimmer on Jan. 10.
Zimmer, 65, posted a 72-56-1 record during his eight seasons at the helm in Minnesota, although the club finished under .500 in each of the past two seasons.
Harbaugh, 58, owns a 61-24 record during his seven seasons at Michigan, his alma mater. That came following a 44-19-1 run during his stint with the San Francisco 49ers (2011-14). He guided the 49ers to three straight NFC Championship Games and an appearance in Super Bowl XLVII.