Jim Harbaugh

Born in Toledo, Ohio, on December 23, 1963, Harbaugh is the son of Jacqueline M. "Jackie" (née Cipiti) and Jack Harbaugh.{{Cite web |last=Hoffman |first=Benjamin |date=January 25, 2013 |title=Staying Supportive as Brothers Face Off |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/25/sports/football/parents-of-jim-and-john-harbaugh-talk-about-sons-inherited-traits.html |access-date=April 22, 2023 |work=The New York Times}} His mother is of half-Sicilian and half-Polish ancestry and his father is of Irish and German ancestry.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}} Both Jim and his brother John were born in Toledo, while his father was an assistant football coach at nearby Perrysburg High School in Perrysburg.{{Cite web |last=Snyder |first=Mark |date=December 30, 2014 |title=Jim Harbaugh timeline: From Toledo to Michigan |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2014/12/30/jim-harbaugh-timeline/21042249/ |access-date=April 22, 2023 |work=Detroit Free Press}}

During Harbaugh's childhood, the family moved frequently, as his father held assistant coaching positions at Morehead State (1967), Bowling Green (1967–1970), Iowa (1971–1973), Michigan (1973–1979), Stanford (1980–1981), and Western Michigan (1982–1986). Harbaugh played for the junior league Ann Arbor Packers and then for Tappan Junior High before moving on to Pioneer High School. When his father became defensive coordinator at Stanford, he transferred to Palo Alto High School, graduating in 1982.{{Cite web |title=Jim Harbaugh |url=http://www.gostanford.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/harbaugh_jim00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120104526/http://www.gostanford.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/harbaugh_jim00.html |archive-date=January 20, 2013 |access-date=January 20, 2013 |work=Stanford Cardinal}}{{Cite web |last=Emmons |first=Mark |date=December 29, 2010 |title=Cardinal coach's energy, intensity level always in the red |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_16968020 |access-date=April 22, 2023 |newspaper=San Jose Mercury News}}

Harbaugh received a Bachelor of Arts with a major in communications from the University of Michigan in 1986.{{Cite web |title=Jim Harbaugh – Football Coach |url=https://mgoblue.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/jim-harbaugh/5514 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20221031180539/https://mgoblue.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/jim-harbaugh/5514 |archive-date=October 31, 2022 |access-date=October 31, 2022 |work=University of Michigan Athletics}}

File:Maryland Terrapins at Michigan Wolverines 20181006 130811.jpg

In February 1982, Harbaugh committed to play football for Bo Schembechler's Michigan Wolverines football team.{{Cite news |last=McCabe |first=Mick |date=February 11, 1982 |title=Open season on preps |page=3F |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6722128/open_season_on_preps/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} He came to Michigan with a "high school reputation as a slick California passer."{{Cite news |date=September 1, 1983 |title=The 1983 Wolverines |page=9D |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6722614/the_1983_wolverines/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}

As a freshman in 1982 Harbaugh, age 18, and junior Dave Hall were backups to quarterback Steve Smith who had broken Michigan's single season record with 2,335 yards of total offense in 1981.{{Cite news |date=September 9, 1982 |title=U-M's veterans have Bo smiling |page=10 |work=Lansing State Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6722342/ums_veterans_have_bo_smiling/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} In the 1982 season, Smith started all 12 games, and Hall handled the limited backup role.{{Cite web |title=1982 Football Team |url=https://bentley.umich.edu/athdept/football/fbteam/1982fbt.htm |access-date=September 21, 2016 |publisher=University of Michigan, Bentley Historical Library}}{{Cite web |title=Michigan Football Statistic Archive Query Page |url=http://statsarchive.ath.umich.edu/VS-Football/footstart.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402151629/http://statsarchive.ath.umich.edu/VS-Football/footstart.php |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |access-date=September 21, 2016 |website=Mgoblue.com |publisher=University of Michigan}}(enter "1982" in the "Enter Year" box to retrieve 1982 team statistics; Hall completed 20 of 38 passes with three interceptions) Even as Smith struggled, coach Schembechler expressed a reluctance to play Harbaugh, saying, "To suddenly pull some freshman out of the bag, I don't think you can do that in today's football."{{Cite news |date=September 21, 1982 |title=Bo says Smith will keep starting |page=5D |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6722391/bo_says_smith_will_keep_starting/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} Harbaugh did not see any game action in 1982, registered no statistics, and retained four years of eligibility under the NCAA's redshirt rule.

Harbaugh performed well in the annual spring game in April 1983, completing 10 of 15 passes for 116 yards. After the game, coach Schembechler noted, "Harbaugh is a fresh talent who'll be all right, but he has a lot to learn."{{Cite news |last=George |first=Tommy |date=April 17, 1983 |title=Mystery quarterback shines in Wolverines' scrimmage |page=3F |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6722547/mystery_quarterback_shines_in/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} While Harbaugh was touted as the team's "pass-oriented quarterback of the future,"{{Cite news |date=September 2, 1983 |title=Hall may start at QB for U-M |page=1D |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6722657/hall_may_start_at_qb_for_um/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} he spent the 1983 season as Michigan's No. 3 quarterback behind Steve Smith and Dave Hall. Smith started 11 games, and Hall started one game, while Harbaugh completed two of five passes for 40 yards in limited action.{{Cite web |title=1983 Football Team |url=https://bentley.umich.edu/athdept/football/fbteam/1983fbt.htm |access-date=March 19, 2015 |publisher=University of Michigan, Bentley Historical Library}}{{Cite web |title=Michigan Football Statistic Archive Query Page |url=http://statsarchive.ath.umich.edu/VS-Football/footstart.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402151629/http://statsarchive.ath.umich.edu/VS-Football/footstart.php |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |access-date=September 21, 2016 |website=Mgoblue.com |publisher=University of Michigan}}(enter "1983" in the "Enter Year" box to retrieve 1983 team statistics; Hall completed 13 of 25 passes with two interceptions) Harbaugh completed his first pass for Michigan on November 5, 1983, in a 42–10 victory over Purdue.

In the spring of 1984, Harbaugh was in a three-way competition for Michigan's starting quarterback job. Three-year starter Steve Smith had graduated, and his backup, Dave Hall, was lost to a knee injury. The 1983 competition pitted Harbaugh against sophomores Chris Zurbrugg and Russ Rein.{{Cite news |last=George |first=Tommy |date=March 17, 1984 |title=U-M auditioning three quarterbacks |page=2D |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6722818/um_auditioning_three_quarterbacks/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} In April 1984, Schembechler said, "Harbaugh is coming along pretty well. He's having a pretty good spring. Zurbrugg has emerged as a good prospect. There's kind of a battle in there."{{Cite news |date=April 4, 1984 |title=U-M shapes up |page=2D |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6722862/um_shapes_up/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} In the 1984 spring game, Harbaugh impressed observers as he completed 17 of 26 passes for 161 yards and an interception. Schembechler said after the game, "We've been happy with Jim all spring. He's shown a lot of maturity."{{Cite news |date=April 15, 1984 |title=U-M sophomore to start at QB? |page=3C |work=The Times Herald (Port Huron, MI) |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6722928/um_sophomore_to_start_at_qb/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} After spring practice, Schembechler announced his depth chart with Harbaugh as his No. 1 quarterback.{{Cite news |last=George |first=Tommy |date=August 31, 1984 |title=Michigan's Harbaugh already feels the heat |page=1D |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6723350/michigans_harbaugh_already_feels_the/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}

In his first collegiate start, Harbaugh led the Wolverines to a 22–14 upset victory over a Miami Hurricanes team that was led by Bernie Kosar, had won the 1983 national championship, and was ranked No. 1 in both the AP and UPI polls. Harbaugh completed 11 of 21 passes for 162 yards and two interceptions.{{Cite news |date=September 9, 1984 |title=Michigan, 22, Miami, Fla. 14 |page=5H |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6723465/michigan_22_miami_fla_14/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} The Detroit Free Press praised Harbaugh for "pinpoint passing" that "kept Miami's defense on the run."{{Cite news |date=September 9, 1984 |title=Michigan tips Miami off the top |page=1H |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6723428/michigan_tips_miami_off_the_top/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}

In his second start, the Wolverines (ranked No. 3) lost to a Washington team that finished the season ranked No. 2 in both the AP and UPI polls. Harbaugh threw a career-high 37 passes in the game, completing 17 passes for 183 yards, three interceptions, and his first collegiate touchdown pass to Vince Bean.{{Cite news |last=George |first=Tommy |date=September 16, 1984 |title=Huskies dump lifeless Michigan |pages=1D, 9D |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6723606/huskies_dump_lifeless_michigan/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}

After the loss to Washington, Harbaugh led Michigan to victories over Wisconsin (20–14) and Indiana (14–6). Harbaugh completed 25 of 39 passes for 272 yards in those games. On October 6, 1984, a 19–7 loss to Michigan State in the fifth game of the season, Harbaugh sustained a badly broken left arm in the third quarter when he dove for a loose ball and collided with Spartan linebacker Thomas Tyree. Harbaugh had to be carried from the field on a stretcher and missed the remainder of the season.{{Cite news |last=George |first=Tommy |date=October 7, 1984 |title=MSU spring an upset, 19–7: Wolverines lose QB, too |pages=1F, 7F |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6723832/msu_springs_an_upset_197_wolverines/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news |last=Matthews |first=Dave |date=October 7, 1984 |title=Harbaugh's injury cripples Michigan's hope for title |page=4C |work=Lansing State Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6723761/harbaughs_injury_cripples_michigans/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} Harbaugh completed 60 of 111 passes for 718 yards, three touchdowns and five interceptions during his shortened 1984 season.{{Cite web |title=Michigan Football Statistic Archive Query Page |url=http://stats.ath.umich.edu/football/footstart.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071112175906/http://stats.ath.umich.edu/football/footstart.php |archive-date=November 12, 2007 |publisher=University of Michigan}}(Harbaugh's statistics can be retrieved by typing "harbaugh" into the space provided for the player's last name.)

By April 1985, Harbaugh's arm had healed, and he completed 10 of 16 passes for 146 yards in the annual spring game.{{Cite news |last=McCabe |first=Mick |date=April 21, 1985 |title=Harbaugh ready to return to Michigan's helm |page=3D |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6724436/harbaugh_ready_to_return_to_michigans/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} Harbaugh was the starting quarterback in all 12 games for the 1985 Michigan Wolverines football team that compiled a 10–1–1 record, outscored opponents 342–98, defeated Nebraska in the 1986 Fiesta Bowl, and finished the season ranked No. 2 in the final AP and UPI polls.{{Cite web |title=1985 Football Team |url=https://bentley.umich.edu/athdept/football/fbteam/1985fbt.htm |access-date=March 19, 2015 |publisher=University of Michigan, Bentley Historical Library}}

On October 26, 1985, Harbaugh set a school record with 283 passing yards in a 42–15 victory over Indiana.{{Cite news |last=George |first=Tommy |date=October 27, 1985 |title=U-M overwhelms Indiana, 42–15 |pages=D1, D12 |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4094878/um_overwhelms_indiana/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} After the game, Harbaugh was asked for his reaction to setting the school's passing record and responded, "Records are nice, but everything we do here is team oriented. Everyone's telling me about the record, but they should tell it to Paul Jokisch and Eric Kattus and John Kolesar. They caught the passes."

On November 16, 1985, in a 48–7 victory over Minnesota, Harbaugh completed 13 of 18 passes for 243 yards and three touchdowns. After the game, Harbaugh praised the offensive line, noting, "I've never had more time to throw in my life—junior high, high school."{{Cite news |last=George |first=Tommy |date=November 17, 1985 |title=Wolverines near-perfect in 48–7 win |page=C1 |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4095774/wolverines_near_perfect/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} Harbaugh's 13 completions against Minnesota gave him 123 for the season, breaking the school record of 118 set by Steve Smith in 1982.{{Cite news |date=November 17, 1985 |title=U-M adds 3 names to record book |page=C11 |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4095903/um_adds_3_names/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}

On November 23, 1985, Harbaugh led Michigan to a 27–17 victory over Ohio State. In the fourth quarter, Harbaugh completed a 77-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver John Kolesar, giving Michigan a 10-point lead with nine minutes remaining. Coach Schembechler said after the game that the 77-yard touchdown was "a play that took the starch right out of their sails."{{Cite news |last=George |first=Tommy |date=November 24, 1985 |title=Harbaugh harasses OSU: Three TD passes lift Michigan, 27–17 |page=C1 |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4096178/harbaugh_harasses_michigan/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} Columnist Mitch Albom wrote after the game that Harbaugh's pass to Kolesar was an image that would last: "The image that repeats will be that of Jim Harbaugh dropping back in the fourth quarter and uncorking a soaring spiral that rose high and long as flanker John Kolesar ran underneath it, his steps seemingly in sync with the revolutions of the ball, so [that] when it fell, it fell right into his arms, almost gently."{{Cite news |last=Albom |first=Mitch |date=November 24, 1985 |title=This image will last; Harbaugh back to pass |page=C1 |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4096272/this_image_will_last/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} Harbaugh completed 16 of 19 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns.

In the final three games of the 1985 regular season, Harbaugh completed 41 of 50 passes for 706 yards, nine touchdowns, and no interceptions.{{Cite news |last=Vincent |first=Charlie |date=November 24, 1985 |title=Wolverines new wave capsizes Buckeyes |page=10C |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6724793/wolverines_new_wave_capsizes_buckeyes/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} For the season as a whole, he completed 145 of 227 passes for 1,976 yards, 18 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also led the nation with a 163.7 passing efficiency rating in 1985.{{Cite web |title=2009 Division I Football Records Book: Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) Records |url=http://web1.ncaa.org/web_files/stats/football_records/DI/2009/2009FBS.pdf |access-date=March 19, 2015 |publisher=National Collegiate Athletic Association |page=42}}

In 1986, his final season at Michigan, Harbaugh started all 13 games at quarterback for the 1986 Michigan Wolverines football team that compiled an 11–2 record, lost to Arizona State in the 1987 Rose Bowl, and finished the season ranked No. 8 in the final AP Poll and No. 7 in the final UPI Poll.{{Cite web |title=1986 Football Team |url=https://bentley.umich.edu/athdept/football/fbteam/1986fbt.htm |access-date=March 19, 2015 |publisher=University of Michigan, Bentley Historical Library}}

In the first game of the season, Harbaugh led Michigan to a 24–23 victory over Notre Dame. Harbaugh completed 15 of 23 passes for 239 yards and a touchdown.{{Cite magazine |last=Telander |first=Rick |date=September 22, 1986 |title=Hail to the Victors, Lucky |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1986/09/22/hail-to-the-victors-lucky-as-the-lou-holtz-era-began-at-notre-dame-the-underrated-irish-handled-michigan-everywhere-but-on-the-scoreboard |access-date=April 22, 2023 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}

In the fourth game of the season, he broke his own Michigan school record with 310 passing yards in Schembechler's 200th career victory, a 34–17 victory over Wisconsin.{{Cite news |date=October 5, 1986 |title=Schembechler gets 200th win as fourth-rated Michigan rolls |page=7F |work=Gainesville Sun |agency=Associated Press |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1320&dat=19861005&id=Qj5WAAAAIBAJ&pg=6016,1780695}}

Harbaugh caused controversy when he guaranteed a victory over Ohio State in 1986.{{Cite web |last=Roose |first=Brendan |date=November 18, 2021 |title=1986 Michigan-Ohio State game more than just Jim Harbaugh's guarantee |url=http://www.michigandaily.com/sports/football/thirty-five-years-on-remembering-the-guarantee-game/ |access-date=April 22, 2023 |work=The Michigan Daily}} Harbaugh's guarantee proved valid as the Wolverines defeated the Buckeyes, 26–24. Harbaugh completed 19 of 29 passes with two interceptions.{{Cite news |last=Miller |first=Rusty |date=November 13, 2007 |title=Controversies have followed Ohio State-Michigan rivalry through the years |work=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/2007-11-13-3885402658_x.htm |access-date=November 25, 2010}}

For the season, Harbaugh completed 180 of 277 passes for 2,729 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. His 2,729 passing yards set a Michigan season record that stood until 2002. He also finished second in the country in passing efficiency behind Heisman Trophy winner Vinny Testaverde. Harbaugh won numerous honors in 1986 including the following:

• He won the Chicago Tribune Silver Football trophy as the most valuable player in the Big Ten Conference.{{Cite news |last=Markus |first=Robert |date=December 23, 1986 |title=Harbaugh's The Best: Michigan QB Takes Big 10 MVP Award |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1986/12/23/harbaughs-the-best/ |access-date=April 22, 2023}}
• He finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting with 458 points and 25 first-place ballots, trailing Testaverde (2,213 points, 678 first-place ballots) and Temple running back Paul Palmer (672 points, 28 first-place ballots).{{Cite news |date=December 7, 1986 |title=Heisman Goes To Testaverde |page=C1 |work=The Blade, Toledo, Ohio (AP story) |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1350&dat=19861206&id=hkBPAAAAIBAJ&pg=4167,4653474}}
• He was selected by the Associated Press (AP) and United Press International (UPI) as the first-team quarterback on the 1986 All-Big Ten Conference football team.{{Cite news |date=November 26, 1986 |title=Harbaugh heads All-Big Ten team |page=8 |work=The Michigan Daily |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2706&dat=19861126&id=1A5KAAAAIBAJ&pg=1069,3998533}}
• He was selected by the AP and UPI as the second-team quarterback behind Testaverde on the 1986 College Football All-America Team.{{Cite news |date=December 5, 1986 |title=AP All-America Football Team |page=5C |work=Florida Today |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5642401/ap_allamerica_football_team/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news |date=December 9, 1986 |title=UPI All-American Team |page=14 |work=The Indianapolis Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5642677/upi_allamerican_team/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}
• He was named to the Big Ten's All-Academic team.
• He was named Big Ten Player of the Year{{Cite web |title=Big Ten Player of the Year Winners |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/big-ten-poy.html |access-date=April 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference}}

Harbaugh finished his college career as Michigan's all-time record holder for passing yards with 5,449 yards. He also tallied 620 passing attempts (second in Michigan history at the time), 387 completions, a 62.4% completion percentage, 31 touchdown passes (third in Michigan history at the time), and 22 interceptions. He held the career NCAA Division I-A passing efficiency record (149.6) for 12 years.{{Cite web |title=2009 Division I Football Records Book: Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) Records |url=http://web1.ncaa.org/web_files/stats/football_records/DI/2009/2009FBS.pdf |access-date=March 19, 2015 |publisher=National Collegiate Athletic Association |page=37}} Harbaugh earned a B.A. in communications from Michigan's College of Literature, Science, and the Arts in 1986.{{Cite web |title=Media Guide 18–35 |url=http://www.gostanford.com/fls/30600/old_site/pdf/m-footbl/fb-media-guide-18-35.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140320215417/http://www.gostanford.com/fls/30600/old_site/pdf/m-footbl/fb-media-guide-18-35.pdf |archive-date=March 20, 2014}}

{{NFL predraft

| height ft = 6

| height in = 2 1/4

| weight = 203

| arm span = 31 1/4

| hand span = 9 3/4

}}

The Chicago Bears selected Harbaugh in the first round (26th overall) of the 1987 NFL draft.{{Cite news |last=Jauss |first=Bill |date=April 29, 1987 |title=Bears' Surprise: Harbaugh No. 1 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1987/04/29/bears-surprise-harbaugh-no-1/ |access-date=January 20, 2013}} During the 1987 season, playing under head coach Mike Ditka, Harbaugh completed only one of 15 passes in an August 27 exhibition game against the St. Louis Cardinals.{{Cite news |last1=Myslenski |first1=Skip |last2=Kay |first2=Linda |date=September 4, 1987 |title=That'll teach him: Jim Harbaugh was a paltry 1 for 15 in... |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1987/09/04/thatll-teach-him-jim-harbaugh-was-a/ |access-date=January 20, 2013}} During the regular season, he played in a reserve capacity in six games.{{Cite web |title=Jim Harbaugh 1987 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HarbJi00/gamelog/1987/ |access-date=April 22, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}} On November 22, in a 30–10 win over the Detroit Lions, Harbaugh took only one snap and was sacked for 15 yards.{{Cite web |title=Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears – November 22nd, 1987 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198711220chi.htm |access-date=April 22, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}} On December 14, in a 41–0 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, Harbaugh threw his first NFL passes, completing 8 of 11 (72.7%) for 62 yards, was sacked 3 times for 30 yards, and rushed 15 yards on three carries.{{Cite web |title=Chicago Bears at San Francisco 49ers – December 14th, 1987 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198712140sfo.htm |access-date=April 22, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}}

Harbaugh played 10 games in 1988 and completed 47 of 97 passes (48.5%) for 514 yards and two interceptions. He rushed 110 yards on 19 carries. Harbaugh started his first game on Week 14 (December 5), a 23–3 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in which he completed 11 of 30 passes for 108 yards and two interceptions, rushed 32 yards on six carries, and was sacked twice for nine yards. The following game on December 12, Harbaugh earned his first win as an NFL starter with a 13–12 victory over the Detroit Lions. Harbaugh completed 18 of 26 passes for 174 yards and rushed 36 yards in seven carries.{{Cite web |title=Jim Harbaugh 1988 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HarbJi00/gamelog/1988/ |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Jim Harbaugh Career Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HarbJi00.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}}

Harbaugh saw more playing time in 1989 after Jim McMahon left the team and started five games for Chicago while Mike Tomczak started 11 in a 6–10 season for Chicago.{{Cite web |title=1989 Chicago Bears |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/1989.htm |access-date=January 20, 2013 |website=Pro Football Reference}} 1989 was his first season with over 1,000 passing yards, completing 111 of 178 passes in 12 games for 1,204 yards for five touchdowns and nine interceptions and was sacked 18 times for 106 yards.{{Cite web |title=Jim Harbaugh 1989 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HarbJi00/gamelog/1989/ |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}} His 62.4% completion rate earned him the team record for single-season completion percentage.{{Cite web |last=Mitchell |first=Fred |date=December 2, 1990 |title=On Hotseat, Harbaugh Harbors High Hopes |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1990/12/02/on-hotseat-harbaugh-harbors-high-hopes/ |access-date=January 20, 2013 |work=Chicago Tribune}}

In 1990, Harbaugh played and started in the first 14 games of the season.{{Cite web |title=Jim Harbaugh 1990 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HarbJi00/gamelog/1990/ |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}} Chicago improved to 11–5 and won the NFC Central division, and Harbaugh passed for 2,178 yards with 180 of 312 (57.7%) passes completed for 10 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. He was sacked 31 times for 206 yards and rushed 321 yards in 51 carries.{{Cite web |title=1990 Chicago Bears |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/1990.htm |access-date=January 20, 2013 |website=Pro Football Reference}} Due to a shoulder injury, Harbaugh sat out the last two games of the year as well as the playoffs.{{Cite web |last=Mitchell |first=Fred |date=December 29, 1990 |title=Chiefs Test Bears For The Playoffs |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1990/12/29/chiefs-test-bears-for-the-playoffs/ |access-date=January 20, 2013 |work=Chicago Tribune}}

Harbaugh passed for a career-high 3,121 yards with Chicago in 1991 and became the first Chicago quarterback since Vince Evans to start all 16 regular season games.{{Cite web |last=McGinn |first=Bob |date=December 20, 2019 |title=The McGinn Files: 'He's not pretty but he gets it done.' The talk about Jim Harbaugh before the 1987 draft |url=https://theathletic.com/1475441/2019/12/20/the-mcginn-files-hes-not-pretty-but-he-gets-it-done-the-talk-about-jim-harbaugh-before-the-1987-draft/ |access-date=April 23, 2023 |work=The Athletic}} He completed 275 of 478 (57.5%) passes for 15 touchdowns and 16 interceptions, was sacked 24 times (including a franchise-record 9 times on October 25 against the Minnesota Vikings) for a loss of 163 yards, and rushed 338 yards on 70 carries.{{Cite web |title=Jim Harbaugh 1991 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HarbJi00/gamelog/1991/ |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}} Chicago finished the season 11–5 like the year before, but in second place in the NFC Central.{{Cite web |title=1991 Chicago Bears Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/1991.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}} On December 29, 1991, he made his postseason debut in the NFC Wild Card Round, a 17–13 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The Dallas defense overwhelmed him throughout the game, sacking him three times; and in the final drive of the game that started from Chicago's 4-yard line with 1:50 left, he threw an interception to Bill Bates on the fourth play from scrimmage. He went 22-of-44 for 218 yards.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199112290chi.htm|title=Wild Card – Dallas Cowboys at Chicago Bears – December 29th, 1991|website=Pro Football Reference}}{{Cite web |last=Sullivan |first=Paul |date=December 29, 1991 |title=Unsung Dallas Defense Bedevils Harbaugh |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1991/12/30/unsung-dallas-defense-bedevils-harbaugh/ |access-date=January 20, 2013 |work=Chicago Tribune}}

Chicago regressed to a 5–11 record in 1992, and the team fired coach Ditka afterwards.{{Cite web |title=1992 Chicago Bears Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/1992.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}}{{Cite web |last=Mooshil |first=Joe |date=January 5, 1993 |title=Bears Fire Ditka – He Will Stay With Team As Consultant |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19930105/1678283/bears-fire-ditka----he-will-stay-with-team-as-consultant |access-date=January 20, 2013 |work=The Seattle Times |agency=Associated Press}} Harbaugh played all 16 games but started only 13 and had a 5–8 record as starter. He completed 202 of 358 (56.4%) passes for 2,486 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, was sacked 31 times for 167 yards, and rushed 272 yards over 47 carries, including one rushing touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Jim Harbaugh 1992 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HarbJi00.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}}

In 1993, Chicago went 7–9.{{Cite web |title=1993 Chicago Bears Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/1993.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}} Harbaugh played in and started 15 games and completed 200 of 325 (61.5%) passes for 2,002 yards, seven touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He was sacked 43 times for 210 yards and rushed 277 yards over 60 carries.{{Cite web |title=Jim Harbaugh 1993 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HarbJi00/gamelog/1993/ |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}} Harbaugh ended his tenure with Chicago with a 35–30 ({{winning percentage|35|30}}) record.{{Cite web |last=Mayer |first=Larry |date=January 10, 2014 |title=Rivera, Harbaugh to clash in playoffs |url=http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Rivera-Harbaugh-to-clash-in-playoffs/96da801f-4431-4333-a906-3617b01ad6a9 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112030655/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Rivera-Harbaugh-to-clash-in-playoffs/96da801f-4431-4333-a906-3617b01ad6a9 |archive-date=January 12, 2014 |access-date=January 12, 2014 |publisher=Chicago Bears}}

On April 7, 1994, Harbaugh signed with the Indianapolis Colts.{{Cite web |last=Pierson |first=Don |date=April 8, 1994 |title=Harbaugh Signs With Colts, Rejoins Big Backer Tobin |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1994/04/08/harbaugh-signs-with-colts-rejoins-big-backer-tobin/ |access-date=January 20, 2013 |work=Chicago Tribune}} He played and started in just nine games in the 1994 Colts season, completing 125 of 202 (61.9%) passes for 1,440 yards, nine touchdowns, and six interceptions. Harbaugh took 17 sacks for 72 yards and rushed 223 yards over 39 carries.{{Cite web |title=Jim Harbaugh 1994 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HarbJi00/gamelog/1994/ |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}} For the first eight games, Harbaugh was starter, and coach Ted Marchibroda re-instated Harbaugh as starter for Week 15 (December 18) after Indianapolis struggled on offense under quarterback Don Majkowski.{{Cite web |date=December 14, 1994 |title=Harbaugh Back As Colts' Starter |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1994/12/14/harbaugh-back-as-colts-starter/ |access-date=January 20, 2013 |work=Chicago Tribune}}{{Cite web |title=1994 Indianapolis Colts Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/1994.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}}

In 1995, Harbaugh achieved career highs in completion percentage (63.7%), passer rating (100.7), and touchdown passes (17) and led Indianapolis to the AFC Championship Game. Harbaugh played 15 games in the regular season and started 12, with a 7–5 record as starter for a 9–7 team.{{Cite web |title=1995 Indianapolis Colts Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/1995.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}} Harbaugh completed 200 of 314 passes for 2,575 yards and just 5 interceptions with his 17 touchdowns and was sacked 36 times for 219 yards. In 52 carries, Harbaugh rushed for 235 yards and two touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Jim Harbaugh 1995 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HarbJi00/gamelog/1995/ |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}} He strained his right knee after being sacked six times and left the Week 14 (December 3) game against the Carolina Panthers in the third quarter.{{Cite web |last=Macenka |first=Joe |date=December 4, 1995 |title=Pro Football: Around the N.F.L.;Redskins Pull Off Sweep of Dallas |url=http://www.nytimes.com/1995/12/04/sports/pro-football-around-the-nfl-redskins-pull-off-sweep-of-dallas.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130201092218/http://www.nytimes.com/1995/12/04/sports/pro-football-around-the-nfl-redskins-pull-off-sweep-of-dallas.html |archive-date=February 1, 2013 |access-date=January 21, 2013 |agency=Associated Press |newspaper=The New York Times}}

Indianapolis lost to the defending AFC champion San Diego Chargers in Week 16 (December 17) 27–24, with John Carney kicking the winning field goal with three seconds left after Harbaugh's drive with three straight passes had led to Cary Blanchard's field goal that tied the game at 24 with 48 seconds left.{{Cite web |last=Herman |first=Steve |date=December 18, 1995 |title=Chargers 27, Colts 24 |url=http://www.nytimes.com/1995/12/18/sports/pro-football-around-the-nfl-it-s-a-bye-for-chiefs-and-a-loss-for-denver.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=January 21, 2013 |agency=Associated Press |newspaper=The New York Times}}

In the regular season finale on December 23, Harbaugh's 32nd birthday, Indianapolis clinched a playoff berth with a 10–7 win over the New England Patriots. Completing 20 of 30 passes, he threw for 225 yards and a touchdown.{{Cite web |last=Herman |first=Steve |date=December 24, 1995 |title=Colts 10, Patriots 7; Something in Reserve Helps Colts Clinch |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-12-24-sp-17500-story.html |access-date=January 21, 2013 |work=Los Angeles Times}}

On December 31, 1995, in the AFC Wild Card Round against San Diego, Harbaugh scored on a 3-yard quarterback sneak in the fourth quarter after a 32-yard interception return by Jason Belser and Indianapolis won 35–20.{{Cite web |last=Friend |first=Tom |date=January 1, 1996 |title=A Little-Known Big Man Propels the Colts |url=http://www.nytimes.com/1996/01/01/sports/pro-football-a-little-known-big-man-propels-the-colts.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=January 20, 2013 |newspaper=The New York Times}} Indianapolis won the Divisional Round game on January 7, 1996, over the Kansas City Chiefs 10–7, despite only 112 passing yards (with 12 of 27 passes completed, one touchdown, and one interception) from Harbaugh.{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Indianapolis Colts at Kansas City Chiefs – January 7th, 1996 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199601070kan.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}} In the AFC Championship Game on January 14, Harbaugh completed 21 of 33 passes for 267 yards and a touchdown and rushed 29 yards on six carries.{{Cite web |title=AFC Championship – Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers – January 14th, 1996 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199601140pit.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}} Aaron Bailey dropped Harbaugh's last-second Hail Mary pass in the endzone, and the Pittsburgh Steelers won 20–16 and went on to Super Bowl XXX, which they lost to the Dallas Cowboys.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Timothy W. |date=January 15, 1996 |title=Waiting to Exhale: Steelers Win as Pass Fails |url=http://www.nytimes.com/1996/01/15/sports/nfl-conference-championships-waiting-to-exhale-steelers-win-as-pass-fails.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=January 20, 2013 |newspaper=The New York Times}} For the season, he was voted to the Pro Bowl, was named the PFWA Comeback Player of the Year and AFC Player of the Year.{{Cite web |title=1995 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1995/probowl.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}}{{Cite web |title=PFWA Comeback Player of the Year Winners |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/pfwa-comeback-player-award.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}}{{Cite web |title=UPI Offensive Player of the Year Winners |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/upi-offensive-player-of-the-year-award.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}}

With new coach Lindy Infante,{{Cite web |date=February 15, 1996 |title=Colts promote Infante to head coach – UPI Archives |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1996/02/15/Colts-promote-Infante-to-head-coach/7173824360400/ |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=UPI |language=en}} Indianapolis again finished 9–7 and made the playoffs in 1996 with Harbaugh as signal caller.{{Cite web |title=1996 Indianapolis Colts Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/1996.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Harbaugh played and started in 14 games with a 7–7 record; he completed 232 of 405 (57.3%) passes for 2,630 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, with 36 sacks for 190 yards lost and 192 rushing yards on 48 carries and a touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Jim Harbaugh 1996 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HarbJi00/gamelog/1996/ |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Defending AFC Champion Pittsburgh Steelers defeated Indianapolis in the Wild Card Round 42–14 as Harbaugh completed only 37.5% of his passes (12 of 32) for 134 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers – December 29th, 1996 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199612290pit.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Indianapolis fell to 3–13 in 1997.{{Cite web |title=1997 Indianapolis Colts Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/1997.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Despite passing for 2,060 yards, 10 touchdowns, and four interceptions in 12 games and 189-for-309 (61.2%) passing, Harbaugh had a 2–9 record as starter. Harbaugh was sacked 41 times for a career-high 256 yards lost.{{Cite web |title=Jim Harbaugh 1997 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HarbJi00/gamelog/1997/ |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Harbaugh missed four games of the season after he punched former quarterback Jim Kelly in the face because Kelly had called him a "baby."{{Cite web |date=October 30, 1997 |title=Colts quarterback apologizes for hitting Jim Kelly |url=https://apnews.com/article/38d6c2af6c8ba1d45879b8d0a709577f |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Associated Press}}

On February 14, 1998, the Indianapolis Colts traded Harbaugh to the Baltimore Ravens for third-round and fourth-round draft picks in the 1998 NFL draft.{{Cite web |date=February 14, 1998 |title=Colts Trade Harbaugh To Ravens |url=https://apnews.com/article/50fc43e6f7fdf1c771bbe1fa5d476ac6 |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=AP NEWS |language=en}} With that trade, Harbaugh reunited with his former Colts coach Ted Marchibroda.{{Cite web |last=Preston |first=Mark |date=February 15, 1998 |title=In a snap, it's Harbaugh |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/1998/02/15/in-a-snap-its-harbaugh-ravens-obtain-indy-qb-in-draft-deal-set-up-rhett-swap-in-process-moving-up-in-4th-round-key-quarterback-excited-to-rejoin-marchibroda/ |access-date=January 20, 2013 |website=The Baltimore Sun}} During the 1998 season with Baltimore, Harbaugh played in 14 games and started 12, with a 5–7 record as starter in a 6–10 season for the Ravens.{{Cite web |title=1998 Baltimore Ravens Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/rav/1998.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Harbaugh completed 164 of 293 (56.0%) passes for 1,839 yards, just his third season with fewer than 2,000 passing yards since 1989. He had 12 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in passing, was sacked 23 times for 145 yards, and rushed 172 yards on 40 carries.{{Cite web |title=Jim Harbaugh 1998 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HarbJi00/gamelog/1998/ |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

The Ravens opened a new stadium for 1998, Ravens Stadium at Camden Yards (renamed M&T Bank Stadium in 2003).{{Cite web |last=Gunts |first=Edward |date=August 7, 1998 |title=Ravens' new roost 'a strong presence' Stadium: Unlike Orioles Park at Camden Yards, which is steeped in nostalgia, Baltimore's new football stadium offers a bold look into the future. |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1998-08-07-1998219079-story.html |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Baltimore Sun}} Starting the game in Week 1 (September 6) and completing 4 of 7 passes for 33 yards, Harbaugh left during the second quarter after injuring a finger, and with backup Eric Zeier in for Harbaugh, Baltimore lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 20–13.{{Cite web |title=Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens – September 6th, 1998 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199809060rav.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |last1=Morgan |first1=Jon |last2=McMullen |first2=Paul |date=September 7, 1998 |title=Kickoff to celebrate, then game to forget |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/1998/09/07/kickoff-to-celebrate-then-game-to-forget-football-though-the-ravens-lose-to-the-steelers-for-the-fans-in-baltimores-new-stadium-today-we-are-winners-opening-day-steelers-20-ravens-13/ |access-date=January 21, 2013 |website=The Baltimore Sun}} Baltimore won its next game 24–10 over the New York Jets on September 13; Harbaugh started and made 5 of 10 passes for 36 yards but again left early and was replaced by Zeier due to injury.{{Cite web |last=Preston |first=Mike |date=September 14, 1998 |title=Big plays propel Ravens to big win |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/1998/09/14/big-plays-propel-ravens-to-big-win-interceptions-return-goal-line-stand-spur-pivotal-flight-past-jets/ |access-date=January 21, 2013 |website=The Baltimore Sun}} Coach Marchibroda again split quarterbacking duties in the following game on September 20, a 24–10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, with Harbaugh starting and Zeier taking over during the second quarter. With 4 of 9 passes completed for 59 yards, Harbaugh led a drive for a Matt Stover first quarter field goal.{{Cite web |last=Preston |first=Mike |date=September 21, 1998 |title=Jaguars pass by Ravens, 24–10 |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/1998/09/21/jaguars-pass-by-ravens-24-10-brunell-throws-for-376-linebacker-lewis-hurt-in-key-central-loss/ |access-date=January 21, 2013 |website=The Baltimore Sun}}

Harbaugh then sat out two games and played as Zeier's backup for Weeks 7 (October 18) and 8 (October 25). Those two games had poor performances: Harbaugh completed none of six passes and had one 3-yard rush in the Week 6 loss to Pittsburgh.{{Cite web |title=Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers – October 18th, 1998 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199810180pit.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Despite only 9 of 20 passes completed and two interceptions in the Week 7 28–10 loss to the Green Bay Packers, Harbaugh made his first passing touchdown as a Raven, a 46-yard pass to Jermaine Lewis in the fourth quarter.{{Cite web |title=Baltimore Ravens at Green Bay Packers – October 25th, 1998 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199810250gnb.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the next game on Week 8 (November 1), Harbaugh improved in his first full game, with 27 of 34 passes completed over 243 yards for three touchdowns and one interception and 57 rushing yards in 10 carries.{{Cite web |last=Lambrecht |first=Gary |date=November 2, 1998 |title=Harbaugh does his job, solving one problem |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/1998/11/02/harbaugh-does-his-job-solving-one-problem-qbs-nearly-flawless-game-is-what-ravens-expected-nfl-week-9/ |access-date=January 21, 2013 |website=The Baltimore Sun}} In Week 9 (November 8), with Baltimore winning 13–10 over the Oakland Raiders, Harbaugh got his first win in a full game started despite passing for only 102 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception.{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at Baltimore Ravens – November 8th, 1998 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199811080rav.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the final two drives of the game, Harbaugh made crucial first-down conversion passes of a 28-yard pass to Jermaine Lewis and 10- and 11-yard passes to Michael Jackson.{{Cite web |last=Stellino |first=Vito |date=November 9, 1998 |title=For a change, Ravens watch other team self-destruct |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/1998/11/09/for-a-change-ravens-watch-other-team-self-destruct/ |access-date=January 21, 2013 |newspaper=Baltimore Sun}} In Week 12 (November 29), a 38–31 win over the Indianapolis Colts, Harbaugh had his first interception-free full game, with 16-for-25 passing over 198 yards for two touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Indianapolis Colts at Baltimore Ravens – November 29th, 1998 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199811290rav.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} It was the Colts first trip back to Baltimore after the team left it for Indianapolis. In an emotional moment, Harbaugh presented Johnny Unitas with the game ball.{{Cite web |last=Rosenthal |first=Ken |date=November 30, 1998 |title=Harbaugh's touch put ball in right hands |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1998-11-30-1998334061-story.html |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Baltimore Sun}}

Referee Ed Hochuli called a controversial unnecessary roughness penalty against Joe Bowden in Baltimore's 16–14 loss to the Tennessee Oilers for his hit on Harbaugh on a 2nd-and-24 play with Tennessee leading 14–13 after his 9-yard scramble towards the sideline, ruling that Harbaugh was in bounds when hit. On 3rd-and-15 in the next series, however, Harbaugh was sacked and Baltimore was forced to punt, so the penalty did not hurt the Oilers.{{Cite web |last=Lambrecht |first=Gary |date=December 7, 1998 |title=Ravens burn over shot at Harbaugh |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/1998/12/07/ravens-burn-over-shot-at-harbaugh-fourth-quarter-non-call-hurts-qb-teams-chances-in-emotion-packed-game-oilers-16-ravens-14/ |access-date=January 21, 2013 |newspaper=Baltimore Sun}} Harbaugh completed 15 of 28 passes for 214 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception and rushed 22 yards over five carries. After a three-game losing streak, Harbaugh won the final game of the season (and his final game with Baltimore) on December 27, 19–10 over the Detroit Lions with 17 of 26 passes completed for 141 yards and a touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Detroit Lions at Baltimore Ravens – December 27th, 1998 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199812270rav.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Harbaugh played two years with the San Diego Chargers. Signed as the backup to Ryan Leaf, Harbaugh played most of the 1999 season after Leaf sustained a season-ending injury in training camp.{{Cite web |date=July 24, 1999 |title=PLUS: FOOTBALL – SAN DIEGO; Leaf May Miss The Whole Season |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/07/24/sports/plus-football-san-diego-leaf-may-miss-the-whole-season.html |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}} Harbaugh started 12 games out of 14 played and had a 6–6 record as starter in an 8–8 season, completing 249 of 434 (57.4%) passes for 2,761 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. He was sacked 37 times for a total loss of 208 yards and rushed for 126 yards over 34 carries.{{Cite web |title=Jim Harbaugh 1999 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HarbJi00/gamelog/1999/ |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

In his debut with San Diego in the September 19 season opener (Week 2), Harbaugh threw two touchdowns in 15-for-27 passing for 159 yards in a 34–7 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.{{Cite web |title=San Diego Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals – September 19th, 1999 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199909190cin.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} However, San Diego lost their next game to Harbaugh's former team, the Indianapolis Colts, 27–19. Harbaugh completed 15 of 37 passes for 188 yards.{{Cite web |title=Indianapolis Colts at San Diego Chargers – September 26th, 1999 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199909260sdg.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} With very few seconds left and the ball on the Colts' 24, Harbaugh threw an interception to Tyrone Poole.{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Bernie |date=September 26, 1999 |title=Manning's Passing Boosts Colts Past Chargers |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/nfl/longterm/1999/week3/articles/indianapolissandiego.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |agency=Associated Press |newspaper=The Washington Post}} Harbaugh started the Week 4 (October 3) game against the Kansas City Chiefs completing 6 of 9 passes for 38 yards and an interception before leaving due to a bruised right elbow;{{Cite news |last=Wilson |first=Bernie |date=October 3, 1999 |title=Chargers Topple Chiefs, 21–14 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/nfl/longterm/1999/week4/articles/kansascitysandiego.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |newspaper=Washington Post |agency=Associated Press}}{{Cite web |title=Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers – October 3rd, 1999 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199910030sdg.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} he missed the Week 5 (October 10) and Week 6 (October 17) games because of that injury and two broken ribs.{{Cite web |last=Posner |first=Jay |date=October 12, 1999 |title=Chargers in mood for rare big game |url=http://www.uniontrib.com/sports/chargers/991012-0010_1s12chargers.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991127134123/http://www.uniontrib.com/sports/chargers/991012-0010_1s12chargers.html |archive-date=November 27, 1999 |website=The San Diego Union-Tribune}}{{Cite web |last=Posner |first=Jay |date=October 13, 1999 |title=Kramer starts as Harbaugh mends |url=http://www.uniontrib.com/sports/chargers/991013-0010_1s13chargers.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991127150557/http://www.uniontrib.com/sports/chargers/991013-0010_1s13chargers.html |archive-date=November 27, 1999 |website=The San Diego Union-Tribune}} Harbaugh returned in Week 7 (October 24) in a 31–3 loss to the Green Bay Packers as backup to starter Erik Kramer; both quarterbacks threw 3 interceptions each.{{Cite magazine |last=Herman |first=Steve |date=October 24, 1999 |title=Picked off, picked on: Packers intercept six passes in 31–3 rout of San Diego |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/news/1999/10/24/packers_chargers_ap/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020216193431/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/news/1999/10/24/packers_chargers_ap/ |archive-date=February 16, 2002 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |agency=Associated Press}} Harbaugh next started a game on Week 9 (November 7) and completed 25 of 39 passes for 235 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions and rushed 14 yards in two carries in a 33–17 loss to defending champion Denver Broncos.{{Cite web |title=Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – November 7th, 1999 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199911070sdg.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The Chargers lost its sixth game in a row after a 4–1 start in Week 12 (November 28) to the Minnesota Vikings 35–27.{{Cite web |title=1999 San Diego Chargers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/1999.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Robert Griffith intercepted a Harbaugh pass at the Vikings' 1-yard line with 4:29 left, and Minnesota ran out the clock to seal the win.{{Cite web |date=November 28, 1999 |title=Still going; George throws four TDs as Vikes continue upward climb |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/news/1999/11/28/chargers_vikings_ap/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203123728/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/news/1999/11/28/chargers_vikings_ap/ |archive-date=February 3, 2014 |access-date=January 21, 2013 |website=CNN.com |agency=Associated Press}}

A 12–9 loss to the Miami Dolphins on December 19 (Week 15) disqualified the Chargers from the postseason. Miami's defense sacked Harbaugh five times, and Rich Owens strip-sacked Harbaugh at San Diego's 20-yard line. Harbaugh finished the game with 20 of 40 passes completed for 178 yards. With 17 seconds left, Chris Penn caught Harbaugh's attempt at a game-winning touchdown pass albeit slightly outside the back of the end zone. John Carney missed a game-tying 36-yard field goal.{{Cite web |last=Trotter |first=Jim |date=December 20, 1999 |title=Chargers beaten at their own game |url=http://www.uniontrib.com/sports/chargers/991220-0010_1s20chargers.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000301081309/http://www.uniontrib.com/sports/chargers/991220-0010_1s20chargers.html |archive-date=March 1, 2000 |website=The San Diego Union-Tribune}} After failing to make a passing touchdown for three games, Harbaugh made two passing touchdowns and just one interception on 23-for-36 passing over 325 yards in San Diego's 23–20 win over the Oakland Raiders on the home finale on December 26 (Week 16).{{Cite web |last=Trotter |first=Jim |date=December 27, 1999 |title=Chargers win one from the heart |url=http://www.uniontrib.com/sports/chargers/19991227-0010_1s27chargers.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000303161108/http://www.uniontrib.com/sports/chargers/19991227-0010_1s27chargers.html |archive-date=March 3, 2000 |website=The San Diego Union-Tribune}}

Following an 8–8 season in 1999, San Diego finished 1–15 in 2000 with a rotation of Ryan Leaf, Harbaugh, and Moses Moreno as starters.{{Cite web |title=2000 San Diego Chargers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2000.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Playing in seven games and starting five, Harbaugh completed 123 of 202 (60.9%) passes for 1,416 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, was sacked 14 times for 96 yards, and rushed 24 yards on 16 carries.{{Cite web |title=Jim Harbaugh 2000 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HarbJi00/gamelog/2000/ |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Harbaugh played his first game in Week 4 (September 24), a 20–12 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. On 8-for-14 passing, Harbaugh passed for 67 yards and an interception.{{Cite web |title=Seattle Seahawks at San Diego Chargers – September 24th, 2000 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200009240sdg.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He became starter in Week 5 (October 1). In the 57–31 loss to defending champion St. Louis Rams, Harbaugh was 27-for-40 for 348 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception and was sacked three times for 15 yards.{{Cite web |title=San Diego Chargers at St. Louis Rams – October 1st, 2000 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200010010ram.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Starting the Week 6 (October 8) game, a 21–7 loss the Denver Broncos, Harbaugh was 18-for-43 for 237 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions.{{Cite web |title=Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – October 8th, 2000 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200010080sdg.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Two of Harbaugh's interceptions led to short Denver touchdowns, and Harbaugh threw his third interception on fourth-and-goal at Denver's 5-yard line.{{Cite web |last=Trotter |first=Jim |date=November 13, 2000 |title=Harbaugh next to ride Chargers' QB carousel |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/chargers/20001114-9999_1s14chargers.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010123040600/http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/chargers/20001114-9999_1s14chargers.html |archive-date=January 23, 2001 |website=The San Diego Union-Tribune}} In Week 7 (October 15), an overtime 27–24 loss to the Buffalo Bills, Harbaugh's second interception of the game, by Henry Jones, was in overtime and paved way for Steve Christie's game-winning field goal.{{Cite web |title=San Diego Chargers at Buffalo Bills – October 15th, 2000 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200010150buf.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Following the game, coach Mike Riley said he regretted rotating between Harbaugh and Moses Moreno in the first half, as Moreno lost two fumbles, one of which Buffalo returned for a touchdown.{{Cite web |last=Trotter |first=Jim |date=October 16, 2000 |title=Riley admits musical quarterbacks was mistake |url=http://www.uniontrib.com/sports/chargers/20001016-9999_1s16chargers.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001207142100/http://www.uniontrib.com/sports/chargers/20001016-9999_1s16chargers.html |archive-date=December 7, 2000 |website=The San Diego Union-Tribune}}

San Diego had an ESPN Sunday Night Football game in Week 9 (October 29) following a bye week, lost to the Oakland Raiders 15–13, and fell to 0–8. San Diego took a 13–12 lead with 5:47 left after Harbaugh made a 21-yard touchdown pass to Freddie Jones, but failed the two-point conversion attempt paving the way for the Raiders' Sebastian Janikowski to kick the winning field goal with 13 seconds left.{{Cite web |last=Bush |first=David |date=October 30, 2000 |title=Raiders Parlay 5 Field Goals Into 7th Victory / Janikowski kicks winner with 13 seconds to go |url=http://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Raiders-Parlay-5-Field-Goals-Into-7th-Victory-3236697.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010828115226/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=%2Fchronicle%2Farchive%2F2000%2F10%2F30%2FSP74692.DTL |archive-date=August 28, 2001 |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=San Francisco Chronicle}} In the final play of the game, following a 47-yard kickoff return by Ronney Jenkins, Marquez Pope intercepted Harbaugh's attempt at a 50-yard Hail Mary pass that was intended for Trevor Gaylor in the end zone.{{Cite web |last=Perry |first=Tony |date=October 30, 2000 |title=Raiders Give the Chargers a Swift Kick |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-oct-30-sp-44302-story.html |access-date=January 20, 2013 |website=Los Angeles Times}}{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers – October 29th, 2000 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200010290sdg.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In that game, Harbaugh completed 25 of 35 passes for 222 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception and was sacked three times for 27 yards. The following game on November 5 (Week 10), San Diego lost its ninth straight in a 15–13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. In the second quarter, Harbaugh lost two fumbles, both of which preceded 10-yard Seattle passing touchdowns. Having completed 22 of 32 passes for 236 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, he left the game after the third quarter due to groin and abdomen injuries.{{Cite web |last=Trotter |first=Jim |date=November 6, 2000 |title=Chargers beat Seahawks everywhere except where it matters, the scoreboard |url=http://www.uniontrib.com/sports/chargers/20001106-9999_1s6chargers.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001207175400/http://www.uniontrib.com/sports/chargers/20001106-9999_1s6chargers.html |archive-date=December 7, 2000 |website=The San Diego Union-Tribune}}

Harbaugh played what would be his final career game in Week 11 (November 12), a 17–7 loss to the Miami Dolphins. In the final drive of the game he filled in poorly for an injured Ryan Leaf, completing only 2 of 5 passes for 19 yards and throwing an interception.{{Cite web |title=Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers – November 12th, 2000 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200011120sdg.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} By that time, coach Riley had relegated Harbaugh to emergency duty due to injuries including a mild hernia.{{Cite web |last=Trotter |first=Jim |date=November 13, 2000 |title=Three Chargers QBs keep team moving down road to infamy |url=http://www.uniontrib.com/sports/chargers/20001113-9999_1s13chargers.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010207154017/http://www.uniontrib.com/sports/chargers/20001113-9999_1s13chargers.html |archive-date=February 7, 2001 |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=The San Diego Union-Tribune}} Riley had planned to start Harbaugh for the next game on Week 12 (November 19), but decided to start Leaf instead.{{Cite web |last=Trotter |first=Jim |date=November 17, 2000 |title=Riley does 180 in naming Leaf Sunday's starter |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/chargers/20001117-9999_1s17chargers.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010123041800/http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/chargers/20001117-9999_1s17chargers.html |archive-date=January 23, 2001 |website=The San Diego Union-Tribune}}

Harbaugh signed with the Detroit Lions prior to the 2001 season, where he was expected to back up incumbent starter Charlie Batch.{{Cite web |date=March 5, 2001 |title=Lions, Harbaugh sign two-year deal – UPI Archives |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/2001/03/05/Lions-Harbaugh-sign-two-year-deal/5620983768400/ |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=UPI |language=en}} However, on the eve of the regular season, the Lions cut him and traded for Ty Detmer.{{Cite web |date=September 3, 2001 |title=PLUS: PRO FOOTBALL; Quarterbacks Move At Cutdown Time |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/03/sports/plus-pro-football-quarterbacks-move-at-cutdown-time.html |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}} He closed out his NFL career with the Carolina Panthers in 2001, where he dressed for six games but did not play.{{Cite web |date=November 7, 2001 |title=Harbaugh signs with Panthers |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2001-11-07-0111070284-story.html |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Chicago Tribune}} The 2001 Panthers, like the Chargers the year before, finished with a 1–15 record.{{Cite web |title=2001 Carolina Panthers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/car/2001.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

For his NFL career, Harbaugh played in 177 league games with 140 starts. He completed 2,305 of 3,918 passes for 26,288 yards with 129 touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Jim Harbaugh Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HarbJi00.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Particularly during his time with Indianapolis, such as when he led the Colts to come-from-behind wins over the Chiefs and Chargers in the 1995–96 NFL playoffs and a near upset over the No. 2 AFC seed Steelers, he earned the nickname "Captain Comeback" (the second player to be so nicknamed after Roger Staubach) for his ability to win games in the fourth quarter when his team was significantly behind.{{Cite web |title=Jim Harbaugh Playoffs Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HarbJi00.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=January 16, 1994 |title=ESPN.com: Captain Comeback shoots a scare into the Steelers |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/playoffs98/news/1999/990112/01042164.html |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=ESPN.com}}{{Cite web |last=Woods |first=Trevor |date=December 23, 2017 |title=Jim Harbaugh's finest moments as an NFL quarterback |url=https://www.maizenbrew.com/2017/12/23/16814148/jim-harbaughs-finest-moments-nfl-quarterback |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Maize n Brew |language=en}}

Harbaugh is second in the Bears' record book for completions with 1,023, while Jay Cutler holds the record with 1,034.{{Cite web |title=Chicago Bears Career Passing Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/career-passing.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Mayer |first=Larry |date=October 23, 2012 |title=Tillman contains Lions star receiver |url=http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Tillman-contains-Lions-star-receiver/fef029c6-a579-4a6b-866e-cbee7d9ef8b4 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025225620/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Tillman-contains-Lions-star-receiver/fef029c6-a579-4a6b-866e-cbee7d9ef8b4 |archive-date=October 25, 2012 |access-date=October 23, 2012 |website=Chicago Bears}} Harbaugh also ranks second with 1,759 attempts and third in yards with 11,567. In January 2005, he was inducted into the Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor as one of the most successful and popular players in the club's Indianapolis era.{{Cite web |last=Horner |first=Scott |date=May 2, 2019 |title=These are the members of the Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2019/05/02/members-indianapolis-colts-ring-honor/3654303002/ |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=The Indianapolis Star |language=en-US}}

During his final eight seasons in the NFL (1994–2001), Harbaugh was an NCAA-certified unpaid assistant coach under his father Jack Harbaugh at Western Kentucky University (WKU). Serving as an offensive consultant, he scouted and recruited high school student-athletes throughout several states including Florida, Indiana and Illinois. He was involved in recruiting 17 players on WKU's 2002 Division I-AA national champion team. His father was a football coach for 18 years, including 14 years as head coach at WKU.{{Cite web |last=Branch |first=Eric |date=January 29, 2013 |title=How Jim Harbaugh saved dad's program |url=https://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/How-Jim-Harbaugh-saved-dad-s-program-4230790.php |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=SFGATE |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Teel |first=David |date=December 25, 2010 |title=Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh learned his trade working for his dad |url=https://www.dailypress.com/sports/college/virginia-tech/dp-xpm-20101225-2010-12-25-dp-spt-teel-column-jim-harbaugh-20101225-story.html |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Daily Press}}

Harbaugh was quarterback coach for the Oakland Raiders in 2002 and 2003 under Bill Callahan. During his tenure with the Raiders, Harbaugh coached starting quarterback Rich Gannon, who led the Raiders' run to Super Bowl XXXVII, won the 2002 AP NFL MVP award, and was selected to the 2003 Pro Bowl after the 2002 season.{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Daniel |date=August 19, 2011 |title=Jim Harbaugh's NFL coaching career began with Oakland Raiders |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/raiders/ci_18711103 |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=San Jose Mercury News}} Other Raiders quarterbacks coached by Harbaugh include Rick Mirer, Tee Martin, Marques Tuiasosopo, and Rob Johnson.{{Cite web |title=2003 Oakland Raiders Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/rai/2003.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Prior to the 2004 season, Harbaugh was named head football coach at the University of San Diego.{{Cite web |date=December 20, 2003 |title=Jim Harbaugh Named USD Head Football Coach |url=https://usdtoreros.com/news/2003/12/20/Jim_Harbaugh_Named_USD_Head_Football_Coach |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=University of San Diego Athletics |language=en}} In his first year, he directed the Toreros to an overall mark of 7–4, including five straight wins to end the season. The following year, the team improved to 11–1 and won the 2005 Pioneer Football League championship.{{Cite web |date=December 27, 2005 |title=Jim Harbaugh Agrees To Multi-Year Deal |url=https://usdtoreros.com/news/2005/12/27/Jim_Harbaugh_Agrees_To_Multi_Year_Deal |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=University of San Diego Athletics |language=en}} In 2006, USD again went 11–1, winning their second consecutive Pioneer League title in the process.{{Cite web |last=Frank |first=Vincent |date=June 11, 2011 |title=Jim Harbaugh At The University Of San Diego: The Statistics |url=https://www.ninersnation.com/2011/6/11/2210749/jim-harbaugh-at-the-university-of-san-diego-the-statistics |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Niners Nation |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=San Diego Yearly Results |url=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/active/s/san_diego/2005-2009_yearly_results.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304135316/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/active/s/san_diego/2005-2009_yearly_results.php |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=February 28, 2016 |website=College Football Data Warehouse}}

Harbaugh was named the head football coach at Stanford University in December 2006, replacing Walt Harris.{{Cite web |title=Stanford Cardinal College Football History, Stats, Records |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/stanford/index.html |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} Harbaugh's father, Jack, was Stanford's defensive coordinator from 1980 to 1981, while Harbaugh attended Palo Alto High School, located directly across the street from Stanford Stadium.{{Cite press release |title=Stanford to Introduce Jim Harbaugh as Head Football Coach |date=December 18, 2006 |publisher=Stanford University |url=http://gostanford.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121806aaa.html |access-date=December 19, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070104061140/http://gostanford.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121806aaa.html |archive-date=January 4, 2007}}

Harbaugh stirred some intra-conference controversy in March 2007, when he was quoted as saying rival USC head coach "Pete Carroll's only got one more year, though. He'll be there one more year. That's what I've heard. I heard it inside the staff." Upon further questions, Harbaugh claimed he had heard it from staff at USC. The comment caused a rebuke from Carroll.{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Ted |date=April 7, 2007 |title=Spring look around the Pac-10 |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=2828014 |access-date=November 7, 2007 |website=ESPN.com}} (In fact, Carroll would be at USC for three more years.) At the Pacific-10 Conference media day on July 26, 2007, Harbaugh praised the Trojans, stating "There is no question in my mind that USC is the best team in the country and may be the best team in the history of college football." The declaration, especially in light of his earlier comment, garnered more media attention.{{Cite web |last=Peters |first=Ken |date=July 26, 2007 |title=Trojans top preseason poll for fifth straight year |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=2950724 |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}"{{Cite web |last=Forde |first=Pat |date=July 27, 2007 |title=Harbaugh declaration delivers Pac-10 jolt |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=forde_pat&id=2950530&sportCat=ncf |access-date=November 7, 2007 |website=ESPN.com}} Later in the season, Stanford defeated #1 USC 24–23 with a touchdown in the final minute. With USC being the favorite by 41 points, it was statistically the greatest upset in college football history.{{Cite web |last=Curtis |first=Jake |date=October 7, 2007 |title=Upset for the Ages; Stanford Stunner: The Cardinal, 41-point underdogs, pull off an inconceivable win over No. 2-ranked USC |url=http://www.sfgate.com/collegesports/article/UPSET-FOR-THE-AGES-2498687.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011020631/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2007%2F10%2F07%2FMNHDSLOUR.DTL&feed=rss.news |archive-date=October 11, 2007 |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=San Francisco Chronicle}}{{Cite web |last=Schlabach |first=Mark |date=November 16, 2009 |title=Strong personalities leading teams down the stretch |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/notebook?page=notebook/onthemark0911 |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=ESPN.com}}

In the 2008 season, Stanford went 5–7.{{Cite web |title=2008 Stanford Cardinal Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/stanford/2008-schedule.html |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} In January 2009, Harbaugh was confirmed to have been interviewed by the New York Jets for the head coach position,{{Cite web |last=Bonjour |first=Douglas |date=January 14, 2009 |title=Rumor Roundup: Coaching Search Winding Down |url=http://www.jetsinsider.com/news.php?storyid=2494 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090320230530/http://jetsinsider.com/news.php?storyid=2494 |archive-date=March 20, 2009 |access-date=April 27, 2009 |website=JetsInsider.com}} although the job was eventually offered to Rex Ryan.{{Cite web |last=Evans |first=Simon |date=January 19, 2009 |title=Jets appoint Rex Ryan as new head coach |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idUSTRE50I5MM20090120 |access-date=April 27, 2009 |website=Reuters}}

File:Jim Harbaugh at 2010 Stanford football open house 3.JPG

Although Stanford lost to USC in 2008, Harbaugh and the Stanford Cardinal upset USC at home again with a score of 55–21 on November 14, 2009.{{Cite web |last=Klein |first=Gary |date=November 14, 2009 |title=USC's November reign ends with shocking 55–21 loss to Stanford |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/college/usc/la-sp-usc-stanford15-2009nov15,0,2005331.story |access-date=November 16, 2009 |website=Los Angeles Times}} Stanford's 55 points was the most ever scored on USC in the Trojans' history until Oregon scored 62 in a 62–51 win over USC on November 3, 2012. It was Pete Carroll's first November loss as USC head coach. After an infamous "What's your deal?" verbal exchange with Carroll following that game, Harbaugh and Carroll would go on to speak favorably about each other as NFL coaches.{{Cite web |last=O'Neil |first=Danny |date=September 7, 2011 |title=Coaches say 'What's your deal?' was no big deal |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/coaches-say-whats-your-deal-was-no-big-deal/ |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=The Seattle Times |language=en-US}} From that game on, Stanford would buck the rivalry for the next decade (even after Harbaugh) left, winning eight of the next eleven matchups.{{Cite web |last=Bonagura |first=Kyle |date=September 5, 2017 |title=How Jim Harbaugh and Richard Sherman pulled off an epic 40-point upset over USC |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/20590188/when-jim-harbaugh-richard-sherman-stanford-pulled-biggest-upset-cfb-history |access-date=May 31, 2024 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} In 2009, the Cardinal had a comeback season, finishing the regular season at 8–4 and receiving an invitation to play in the 2009 Sun Bowl, the Cardinal's first bowl appearance since 2001.{{Cite web |title=2009 Stanford Cardinal Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/stanford/2009-schedule.html |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Stanford Cardinal Bowls |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/stanford/ |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} Running back Toby Gerhart was named a Heisman Trophy finalist, finishing second to Mark Ingram II in the closest margin of voting in Heisman history.{{Cite web |date=December 13, 2009 |title=2009 Heisman Trophy vote totals |url=https://www.al.com/tide-source/2009/12/heisman_trophy_vote_totals.html |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=AL.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press}} On December 13, 2009, Harbaugh was rewarded with a three-year contract extension through the 2014 season.{{Cite web |date=December 13, 2009 |title=Jim Harbaugh staying at Stanford through 2014 |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-jim-harbaugh-staying-at-stanford-through-2014-2009dec13-story.html |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=San Diego Union-Tribune |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}}

The 2010 season brought more success for Harbaugh and the Cardinal. The team went 11–1 in the regular season, with their only loss coming from Oregon, a team that was undefeated and earned a berth in the BCS National Championship Game.{{Cite web |title=2010 Stanford Cardinal Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/stanford/2010-schedule.html |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Stanford at Oregon Box Score, October 2, 2010 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-10-02-oregon.html |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=BCS Championship – Oregon vs Auburn Box Score, January 10, 2011 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-01-10-auburn.html |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} The first 11 win season in program history earned the Cardinal a #4 BCS ranking and a BCS bowl invitation to the Orange Bowl.{{Cite web |title=2010 College Football Polls |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/years/2010-polls.html |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Orange Bowl – Virginia Tech vs Stanford Box Score, January 3, 2011 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-01-03-stanford.html |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} Stanford defeated Virginia Tech 40–12 for the Cardinal's first bowl win since 1996 and the first BCS bowl victory in program history.{{Cite web |date=January 3, 2011 |title=Stanford Post-Game Notes vs. Virginia Tech, January 3, 2011 |url=http://www.gostanford.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/010411aab.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318031810/http://www.gostanford.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/010411aab.html |archive-date=March 18, 2012 |access-date=January 7, 2011 |website=Stanford Cardinal Athletics |publisher=CBS Interactive}} Second year starting quarterback Andrew Luck was the runner-up to for the Heisman Trophy, the second year in a row that the runner-up was from Stanford.{{Cite web |title=2010 Heisman Trophy Voting |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/heisman-2010.html |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} Harbaugh was named the winner of the Woody Hayes Coach of the Year Award.{{Cite web |last=Wilner |first=Jon |date=December 17, 2010 |title=Stanford football: Jim Harbaugh wins Woody Hayes Award |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2010/12/17/stanford-football-jim-harbaugh-wins-woody-hayes-award/ |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=The Mercury News |language=en-US}}

File:Jim Harbaugh in 2013 vs Packers.jpg in September 2013]]

{{See also|2011 San Francisco 49ers season}}

On January 7, 2011, four days after winning the Orange Bowl, Harbaugh agreed to a five-year, $25 million contract to become the head coach for the San Francisco 49ers.{{Cite web |last=Schefter |first=Adam |date=January 7, 2011 |title=Jim Harbaugh to 49ers, evokes 'Genius' |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=5999744 |access-date=January 7, 2011 |website=ESPN.com}} He succeeded Jim Tomsula, who was interim head coach for only the last game of the preceding season after succeeding the fired Mike Singletary.{{Cite web |last=Brady |first=James |date=December 26, 2010 |title=Mike Singletary Fired: Jim Tomsula Named Interim Head Coach |url=https://bayarea.sbnation.com/san-francisco-49ers/2010/12/26/1897828/mike-singletary-fired-jim-tomsula-named-interim-head-coach |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=SB Nation Bay Area |language=en}} Prior to Harbaugh's arrival, the 49ers had not had a winning season nor a playoff appearance since 2002.{{Cite web |last1=Schefter |first1=Adam |last2=Mortensen |first2=Chris |date=January 5, 2011 |title=Source: 49ers, Harbaugh met for five hours |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=5992094 |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press}}

Though the 49ers were expected to struggle in what was anticipated to be a rebuilding season, with a new scheme and many new players as well as shortened summer practices due to the lockout, Harbaugh led the team to a 13–3 record in the regular season, winning the NFC West division while finishing second overall in the NFC and bringing the team to the NFC Championship Game.{{Cite web |last=Brooks |first=Bucky |date=July 22, 2011 |title=Post-lockout success for Pack, Pats; 49ers, Titans will struggle |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/post-lockout-success-for-pack-pats-49ers-titans-will-struggle-09000d5d820ea8c9 |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |date=January 8, 2011 |title=Jim Harbaugh takes his rebuilding magic to the San Francisco 49ers |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/nfl/2011/01/jim_harbaugh_takes_his_rebuild.html |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=OregonLive |agency=Associated Press}} This was the first time the 49ers had made the playoffs since 2002, generating widespread praise.{{Cite web |last=Tucker |first=Ross |date=October 11, 2011 |title=Coaching matters –- just look at 49ers |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7087888/nfl-yes-coaching-matters |access-date=January 27, 2013 |website=ESPN.com}}{{Cite web |last=Sando |first=Mike |date=October 9, 2011 |title=Harbaugh effect has 49ers relevant again |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/id/47935/harbaugh-effect-has-49ers-relevant-again |access-date=January 27, 2013 |website=ESPN.com}}

On November 24, Harbaugh played his brother John and the Baltimore Ravens, losing the Thanksgiving showdown 16–6.{{Cite web |title=San Francisco 49ers at Baltimore Ravens – November 24th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201111240rav.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}} John and Jim Harbaugh are the first pair of brothers to serve as NFL head coaches in the same season.{{Cite web |last=Murray |first=Ken |date=January 7, 2011 |title=Jim Harbaugh joins Ravens' John Harbaugh to form first pair of NFL head coaching brothers |url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-harbaughs-0108-20110107,0,7122675.story |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120723032412/http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-harbaughs-0108-20110107,0,7122675.story |archive-date=July 23, 2012 |access-date=April 23, 2023 |newspaper=Baltimore Sun}}

Harbaugh's work in San Francisco had resulted in an extremely successful season, revitalizing the career of quarterback Alex Smith and with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio creating one of the leading defensive squads of the 2011 season.{{Cite web |title=2011 San Francisco 49ers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sfo/2011.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}} The 49ers' season ended with a 20–17 loss in overtime to the eventual Super Bowl champion New York Giants in the NFC Championship.{{Cite web |title=NFC Championship – New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers – January 22nd, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201201220sfo.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}} At the conclusion of the season, Harbaugh was named the AP NFL Coach of the Year.{{Cite web |date=February 4, 2012 |title=49ers' Harbaugh voted AP Coach of the Year |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/49ers-harbaugh-voted-ap-coach-of-the-year-09000d5d8269d672 |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=NFL.com}} In addition, he was named Coach of the Year by the PFWA and Sporting News.{{Cite web |title=PFWA Coach of the Year Winners |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/pfwa-coach-of-the-year-award.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}}{{Cite web |title=Sporting News Coach of the Year Winners |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/sporting-news-coach-of-the-year-award.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}}

{{See also|2012 San Francisco 49ers season}}

In the 2012 season, Harbaugh resolved a quarterback controversy by replacing incumbent starter Alex Smith with backup Colin Kaepernick. Smith was ranked third in the NFL in passer rating (104.1), led the league in completion percentage (70%), and had been 19–5–1 as a starter under Harbaugh, while Kaepernick was considered more dynamic with his scrambling ability and arm strength.{{Cite magazine |last=Dodds |first=Eric |date=November 28, 2012 |title=Examining the 49ers Quarterback Controversy |url=https://keepingscore.blogs.time.com/2012/11/28/examining-the-49ers-quarterback-controversy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130214948/http://keepingscore.blogs.time.com/2012/11/28/examining-the-49ers-quarterback-controversy/ |archive-date=November 30, 2012 |access-date=April 23, 2023 |magazine=Time}}{{Cite web |last=Sando |first=Mike |date=November 27, 2012 |title=Reaching back for 49ers QB parallels |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/tag/_/name/alex-smith |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031215137/http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/tag/_/name/alex-smith |archive-date=October 31, 2012 |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=ESPN.com}} Smith began 2012 with a 6–2 record as a starter before suffering a concussion in the following game.{{Cite web |last=Branch |first=John |date=January 11, 2013 |title=Teacher's Grade Hinges on Student's Playoff Test |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/12/sports/football/with-49ers-teachers-grade-hinges-on-students-playoff-test.html |access-date=January 14, 2013 |newspaper=The New York Times}}{{Cite web |last=Dilfer |first=Trent |date=November 21, 2012 |title=Colin Kaepernick on first team |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/8661168/colin-kaepernick-san-francisco-49ers-take-first-team-reps-practice-according-alex-smith |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121122105519/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8661168/colin-kaepernick-san-francisco-49ers-take-first-team-reps-practice-according-alex-smith |archive-date=November 22, 2012 |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} He missed the following game, and Kaepernick was 16 for 23 for 243 yards with two touchdowns in a 32–7 win over the Chicago Bears. Harbaugh was impressed with Kaepernick, and said "we have two quarterbacks that have a hot hand" while dismissing any rule that a player should not lose their starting job due to an injury.{{Cite web |date=November 21, 2012 |title=Harbaugh: 49ers will start 'hot hand' |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/8654960/jim-harbaugh-says-san-francisco-49ers-starting-quarterback-determined-hot-hand-alex-smith-colin-kaepernick |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121121211731/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8654960/jim-harbaugh-says-san-francisco-49ers-starting-quarterback-determined-hot-hand-alex-smith-colin-kaepernick |archive-date=November 21, 2012 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}{{Cite web |last=Bell |first=Jarrett |date=November 20, 2012 |title=Jim Harbaugh is playing with fire by inviting quarterback controversy |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2012/11/20/49ers-jim-harbaugh-colin-kaepernick-alex-smith-jarrett-bell/1718007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121123114415/http://usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2012/11/20/49ers-jim-harbaugh-colin-kaepernick-alex-smith-jarrett-bell/1718007/ |archive-date=November 23, 2012 |access-date=April 23, 2023 |newspaper=USA Today}} Smith was medically cleared to play the day before the next game, but Harbaugh chose not to rush him back and again started Kaepernick, who threw and ran for a touchdown in a 31–21 win over the New Orleans Saints.{{Cite web |last=Sando |first=Mike |date=November 26, 2012 |title=Victory trumps QB confusion for 49ers |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/id/82689/victory-trumps-qb-confusion-for-49ers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121126134925/http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/id/82689/victory-trumps-qb-confusion-for-49ers |archive-date=November 26, 2012 |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=ESPN.com}}{{Cite web |last=Klemko |first=Robert |date=November 26, 2012 |title=Kaepernick doesn't disappoint as 49ers defeat Saints |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2012/11/25/san-francisco-49ers-colin-kaepernick-new-orleans-saints/1726119/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121126171234/http://usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2012/11/25/san-francisco-49ers-colin-kaepernick-new-orleans-saints/1726119/ |archive-date=November 26, 2012 |access-date=April 23, 2023 |newspaper=USA Today}} The following week, Harbaugh announced that Kaepernick would start for the 8–2–1 49ers, while also stating that the assignment was week-to-week and not necessarily permanent.{{Cite web |date=November 28, 2012 |title=Colin Kaepernick to start for 49ers |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/8687095/colin-kaepernick-san-francisco-49ers-start-qb-st-louis-rams |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121201005506/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8687095/colin-kaepernick-san-francisco-49ers-start-qb-st-louis-rams |archive-date=December 1, 2012 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} However, Kaepernick remained the starter for the remainder of the season as the 49ers again qualified for the playoffs.

Harbaugh led the team to an 11–4–1 record in the regular season, winning back to back NFC West titles.{{Cite web |last=Mccauley |first=Janie |date=December 30, 2012 |title=NFL: 49ers win NFC West with 27–13 win over Arizona |url=https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=55546969&itype=CMSID |access-date=April 23, 2023 |work=The Salt Lake Tribune |agency=Associated Press}} Harbaugh's quarterback decision was on display in the first game of the playoffs. The 49ers won 45–31 in the Divisional Round over the Green Bay Packers, as Kaepernick had 444 yards of total offense (263 passing, 181 rushing) and four touchdowns. Kaepernick set the record for rushing yards by a quarterback in any NFL game with his 181-yard outburst against Green Bay.{{Cite magazine |last=Trotter |first=Jim |date=January 12, 2013 |title=Kaepernick answers another question with dazzling playoff debut |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2013/01/13/nfl-playoffs-49ers-packers |access-date=April 23, 2023 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}} On January 20 in the NFC Championship, Harbaugh led the 49ers to a 28–24 win over the Atlanta Falcons, which sent the 49ers to Super Bowl XLVII, and on February 3, Harbaugh faced his older brother John and the Baltimore Ravens in the Super Bowl.{{Cite web |title=NFC Championship – San Francisco 49ers at Atlanta Falcons – January 20th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201301200atl.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}}{{Cite web |last=Hanzus |first=Dan |date=January 20, 2013 |title=Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens reach Super Bowl XLVII |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/joe-flacco-baltimore-ravens-reach-super-bowl-xlvii-0ap1000000128873 |access-date=January 20, 2013 |website=NFL.com}} It was the first time that the opposing teams' head coaches in the Super Bowl were brothers;{{Cite web |date=November 26, 2019 |title=NFL at 100: Ravens beat 49ers in lights-out Super Bowl 47 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2019/11/26/nfl-at-100-ravens-beat-49ers-in-lights-out-super-bowl-47/40711613/ |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=USA TODAY |agency=Associated Press}} the Ravens won the game with a score of 34–31 despite a third quarter comeback by the 49ers.{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl XLVII – San Francisco 49ers vs. Baltimore Ravens – February 3rd, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201302030sfo.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}}

{{See also|2013 San Francisco 49ers season}}

In the 2013 season, Harbaugh led the 49ers to a 12–4 regular-season record and a third consecutive appearance in both the playoffs and NFC Championship, where they lost to the Seattle Seahawks 23–17, who went on to win Super Bowl XLVIII.{{Cite web |last=Shpigel |first=Ben |date=January 20, 2014 |title=Thunderous Defense and Crowd Lift Seahawks to Super Bowl |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/20/sports/football/amid-cacophony-defense-lifts-seattle-to-the-super-bowl.html |access-date=April 23, 2023 |work=The New York Times}}{{Cite web |title=2013 San Francisco 49ers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sfo/2013.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}}{{Cite web |title=2013 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/index.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}} In doing so, Harbaugh became the first NFL head coach to reach a conference championship game in each of his first three seasons.{{Cite web |last=Inman |first=Cam |date=January 13, 2014 |title=Grading the 49ers' victory over Panthers |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/49ers/ci_24900387/grading-49ers-victory-over-panthers |access-date=January 13, 2014 |newspaper=San Jose Mercury News}}

{{See also|2014 San Francisco 49ers season}}

The 49ers had an 8–8 season in 2014, failing to reach the playoffs for the first time under the Harbaugh era. On October 5, it was rumored that Harbaugh would not return in 2015 regardless of that season's outcome, although owner Jed York denied the claims at the time.{{Cite web |last=Katzowitz |first=Josh |date=October 5, 2014 |title=Report: Even if 49ers win Super Bowl, Jim Harbaugh won't return in '15 |url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24738633/report-even-if-49ers-win-super-bowl-jim-harbaugh-wont-return-in-15 |access-date=October 5, 2014 |website=CBSSports.com}} It has been suggested that Harbaugh, despite his success on the field, was involved in a power struggle with 49ers general manager Trent Baalke starting from the 2013 season onward.{{Cite web |last=Bien |first=Louis |date=December 27, 2014 |title=Wait, why are the 49ers getting rid of Jim Harbaugh? |url=https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2014/12/27/7438415/49ers-jim-harbaugh-divorce-jed-york-trent-baalke |access-date=March 8, 2016 |website=SBNation.com}}{{Cite web |last=Neumann |first=David |date=December 26, 2014 |title=Reflecting on Jim Harbaugh's tenure: Why firing the 49ers head coach is a massive mistake |url=http://www.ninersnation.com/2014/12/26/7450931/reflecting-on-jim-harbaughs-tenure-why-firing-the-49ers-head-coach-is |access-date=March 8, 2016 |website=Niners Nation}} On December 28, 2014, the 49ers announced that they had mutually agreed to part ways with Harbaugh as their head coach.{{Cite web |date=December 28, 2014 |title=49ers, Jim Harbaugh Mutually Agree to Part Ways |url=http://www.49ers.com/news/article-2/49ers-Jim-Harbaugh-Mutually-Agree-to-Part-Ways/7a9cb3ac-bd21-4eb0-827e-527f0b78a529 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216035146/http://www.49ers.com/news/article-2/49ers-Jim-Harbaugh-Mutually-Agree-to-Part-Ways/7a9cb3ac-bd21-4eb0-827e-527f0b78a529 |archive-date=February 16, 2015 |access-date=February 16, 2015 |website=49ers.com}} York claims Harbaugh and the 49ers agreed to mutually part ways immediately after a win over the Arizona Cardinals in the final week of the regular season.{{Cite web |last=O'Connor |first=Ian |date=December 29, 2014 |title=Jim Harbaugh, Niners mutually part |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/12089645/jim-harbaugh-san-francisco-49ers-mutually-agree-part-ways |access-date=March 8, 2016 |website=ESPN.com}} Harbaugh, however, later said: "I didn't leave the 49ers. I felt like the 49er hierarchy left me."{{Cite web |last=Hanzus |first=Dan |date=February 13, 2015 |title=Jim Harbaugh: 'I felt like the 49er hierarchy left me' |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/jim-harbaugh-i-felt-like-the-49er-hierarchy-left-me-0ap3000000470481 |access-date=February 14, 2015 |website=NFL.com}} He further added that the 49ers informed him that he would no longer be the 49ers coach after suffering a loss on December 14, but that he decided to remain as the team's head coach for the final two games of the season because "I wanted to finish what I started—what we started."{{Cite web |last=Kawakami |first=Tim |date=February 13, 2015 |title=Jim Harbaugh interview transcript |url=http://blogs.mercurynews.com/kawakami/2015/02/13/jim-harbaugh-interview-transcript-didnt-leave-49ers-felt-like-49er-hierarchy-left/#more-26517 |access-date=February 16, 2015 |work=The Mercury News}}

Harbaugh left the 49ers as one of their most successful head coaches in just four years, as well as becoming the first successful NFL head coach to depart for a college team. New head coach Jim Tomsula was fired after just one season in which the 49ers finished 5–11.{{Cite web |title=San Francisco 49ers Coaches |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sfo/coaches.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}} Until the 2019 season, in which the 49ers went 13–3 and advanced to Super Bowl LIV, the 49ers had losing seasons every year following Harbaugh's departure.{{Cite web |title=San Francisco 49ers Playoff History |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sfo/playoffs.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=San Francisco 49ers Team Records, Leaders, and League Ranks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sfo/index.htm |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}}

{{See also|Michigan Wolverines football}}

File:Jim Harbaugh (16123120026).jpg

On December 30, 2014, Harbaugh was introduced by the University of Michigan as the school's new head football coach.{{Cite web |date=December 30, 2014 |title=Jim Harbaugh Named Michigan Head Football Coach |url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/123014aaa.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230213507/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/123014aaa.html |archive-date=December 30, 2014 |access-date=December 30, 2014 |website=MGoBlue.com |publisher=CBS Interactive}} His return to Michigan was the subject of a book, Endzone: The Rise, Fall, and Return of Michigan Football, by John U. Bacon.{{Cite book |last=Bacon |first=John |title=Endzone: The Rise, Fall, and Return of Michigan Football |year=2015 |publisher=Macmillan |isbn=978-1250078971}}

{{See also|2015 Michigan Wolverines football team}}

On September 3, 2015, Harbaugh lost his first game as head coach of Michigan, a 24–17 road loss against Utah.{{Cite web |last=Snyder |first=Mark |date=September 4, 2015 |title=Utah 24, U-M 17: Wolverines sluggish in Harbaugh's debut |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2015/09/04/michigan-utah-recap/71684118/ |access-date=April 23, 2023 |work=Detroit Free Press}} On September 12, Michigan won 35–7 against Oregon State, giving Harbaugh his first win as Michigan's head coach.{{Cite web |title=Oregon State at Michigan Box Score, September 12, 2015 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2015-09-12-michigan.html |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Sports Reference}} On September 26, Harbaugh led Michigan to a 31–0 victory over No. 22-ranked Brigham Young University, leading Michigan to move into #22 in the AP Poll.{{Cite web |title=BYU at Michigan Box Score, September 26, 2015 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2015-09-26-michigan.html |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Sports Reference}} This was Michigan's first appearance in the AP Top 25 since 2013.{{Cite web |last=Baumgardner |first=Nick |date=September 27, 2015 |title=Michigan ranked No. 22 in latest AP Top 25, first appearance in poll since 2013 |url=https://www.mlive.com/wolverines/2015/09/michigan_ranked_no_22_in_lates.html |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=mlive.com}} On October 3, Harbaugh led the Wolverines to a 28–0 shutout win against the Maryland Terrapins, posting back to back shutouts for the first time since 2000.{{Cite web |date=October 11, 2015 |title=Preview: Northwestern at Michigan |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/fbc-northwestern-michigan-preview-idUSMTZEBAA03ZHJE20151010 |access-date=April 23, 2023 |work=Reuters}}{{Cite web |title=Michigan at Maryland Box Score, October 3, 2015 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2015-10-03-maryland.html |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Sports Reference}} The following week, Michigan beat #13 Northwestern 38–0, making the Wolverines the first team with a pair of 30-point shutouts against ranked opponents since Notre Dame's 1966 championship team.{{Cite web |date=October 10, 2015 |title=Michigan runback sets pace in rout of N'western |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/400763535 |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} He finished his first season as the Wolverines' head coach with a 10–3 record, with losses against Utah, Michigan State, and Ohio State,{{Cite web |title=2015 Michigan Wolverines Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan/2015-schedule.html |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Sports Reference}} and a redeeming victory in the Citrus Bowl over No. 19 Florida, 41–7.{{Cite web |title=Citrus Bowl – Michigan vs Florida Box Score, January 1, 2016 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2016-01-01-florida.html |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Sports Reference}} After being tied, 7–7, in the first quarter, Michigan scored 34 unanswered points as they held Florida to just 28 yards in the second half.{{Cite web |date=January 1, 2016 |title=Stellar Seniors Lead Wolverines to Citrus Bowl Triumph |url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/010116aaa.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104164506/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/010116aaa.html |archive-date=January 4, 2016 |access-date=September 21, 2016 |work=University of Michigan}}

{{See also|2016 Michigan Wolverines football team}}

Michigan was ranked 7th in the AP Poll to start the season.{{Cite web |title=2016 Michigan Wolverines Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan/2016-schedule.html |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Sports Reference}} After defeating Hawaii in the opening game of the 2016 season, Michigan was ranked 5th in the AP Poll. It was the first time Michigan had been ranked in the top five since the start of the 2007 season.{{Cite web |title=Hawaii at Michigan Box Score, September 3, 2016 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2016-09-03-michigan.html |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Sports Reference}}{{Cite web |title=Michigan Wolverines AP Poll History |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan/ |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Sports Reference}} Michigan cruised through its non-conference slate before defeating #8 Wisconsin.{{Cite web |title=Wisconsin at Michigan Box Score, October 1, 2016 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2016-10-01-michigan.html |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Sports Reference}} This was Michigan's first win over a top ten ranked team since 2008.{{Cite web |last=Snyder |first=Mark |date=September 26, 2016 |title=Michigan football hungry for Top 10 win; last was 2008 vs. Wisconsin |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/university-michigan/wolverines/2016/09/26/michigan-wolverines-football-top-win/91147298/ |access-date=April 23, 2023 |work=Detroit Free Press}} In week six, the Wolverines soundly defeated Rutgers 78–0, the third-largest margin of victory in program history and the largest margin since 1920.{{Cite web |date=October 9, 2016 |title=New Jersey native Jabril Peppers runs No. 4 Michigan past Rutgers in 78–0 rout |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869636 |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} Three weeks later, Michigan defeated Michigan State on the road, its first victory in East Lansing since 2007.{{Cite web |last=McGuire |first=Kevin |date=October 29, 2016 |title=No. 2 Michigan wins in East Lansing for first time since 2007 |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/m/a2a0e335-ed4f-3f64-ac6c-2e4711c33c11/no.-2-michigan-wins-in-east.html |access-date=April 23, 2023 |work=Yahoo! Sports}} They then suffered their first loss of the season to Iowa, before beating Indiana for their 10th victory;{{Cite web |title=Michigan at Iowa Box Score, November 12, 2016 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2016-11-12-iowa.html |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Sports Reference}}{{Cite web |title=Indiana at Michigan Box Score, November 19, 2016 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2016-11-19-michigan.html |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Sports Reference}} Harbaugh is one of only two coaches in program history to win 10 games in each of his first two seasons as head coach, joining Fielding H. Yost (1901–02).{{Cite web |title=Michigan Wolverines College Football History, Stats, Records |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan/index.html |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Sports Reference}} The regular season finished with a highly anticipated matchup against #2 Ohio State, with a likely College Football Playoff bid on the line. In a game that went to two overtime periods, Ohio State defeated the Wolverines 30–27; Harbaugh said afterward he was "bitterly disappointed with the officiating", especially for a controversial 4th-and-1 call, and was reprimanded by the Big Ten with a $10,000 fine.{{Cite web |last=Auerbach |first=Nicole |date=November 26, 2016 |title=Michigan's Jim Harbaugh furious with officiating in loss to Ohio State |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/bigten/2016/11/26/jim-harbaugh-furious-with-officiating-michigan-ohio-state/94480006/ |access-date=April 23, 2023 |work=USA TODAY}}{{Cite web |last=Kalland |first=Robby |date=November 28, 2016 |title=Michigan fined $10,000 for Jim Harbaugh's criticism of officiating at Ohio State |url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/michigan-fined-10000-for-jim-harbaughs-criticism-of-officiating-at-ohio-state/ |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=CBSSports.com}} Michigan finished the season in the Orange Bowl, where it lost 33–32 to #10 Florida State, after losing Heisman-finalist Jabrill Peppers before the game and losing two-time All-American Jake Butt early in the game.{{Cite web |title=Orange Bowl – Michigan vs Florida State Box Score, December 30, 2016 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2016-12-30-florida-state.html |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=Sports Reference}}{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=Dan |date=December 31, 2016 |title=Jabrill Peppers misses Orange Bowl; Jake Butt exits with knee injury |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/jabrill-peppers-misses-orange-bowl-jake-butt-exits/story?id=44481614 |access-date=April 23, 2023 |work=ABC News}} Michigan finished the season 10–3 and another third-place finish in their division.{{Cite web |title=2016 Michigan Wolverines Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan/2016-schedule.html |access-date=April 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference}}{{Cite web |title=2016 Big Ten Conference Year Summary |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfbconferences/big-ten/2016.html |access-date=April 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference}}

{{See also|2017 Michigan Wolverines football team}}

Michigan finished the season in the Outback Bowl, losing 19–26 to South Carolina, becoming the only team in the Big Ten Conference to lose its bowl game in the 2017–2018 bowl season and giving them an 8–5 record on the year.{{Cite web |last=Kirshner |first=Alex |date=January 2, 2018 |title=Michigan blew a 16-point second-half lead to ruin the Big Ten's perfect bowl record |url=https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2018/1/1/16838848/big-ten-bowl-record-2017-michigan-south-carolina-outback-bowl-results |access-date=September 29, 2021 |work=SBNation}}{{Cite web |title=2017 Michigan Wolverines Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan/2017-schedule.html |access-date=April 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference}}

{{See also|2018 Michigan Wolverines football team}}

Michigan began the 2018 season ranked 14th in the AP Poll.{{Cite web |title=2018 Michigan Wolverines Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan/2018-schedule.html |access-date=April 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference}} They lost their first game of the season against No. 12 Notre Dame 17–24, but rebounded the next two weeks with a 49–3 win over Western Michigan University and a 45–20 win over SMU.{{Cite web |title=Michigan at Notre Dame Box Score, September 1, 2018 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-09-01-notre-dame.html |access-date=April 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Western Michigan at Michigan Box Score, September 8, 2018 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-09-08-michigan.html |access-date=April 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference}}{{Cite web |title=SMU at Michigan Box Score, September 15, 2018 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-09-15-michigan.html |access-date=April 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference}} Three weeks later, the 5–1 Wolverines faced the No. 15 Wisconsin Badgers in a Saturday night showdown. Michigan won the game 38–13, moving to No. 6 in the AP Poll.{{Cite web |title=Wisconsin at Michigan Box Score, October 13, 2018 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-10-13-michigan.html |access-date=April 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference}} The next week, the Wolverines beat rival Michigan State 21–7, moving to 5th in the AP Poll.{{Cite web |title=Michigan at Michigan State Box Score, October 20, 2018 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-10-20-michigan-state.html |access-date=April 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference}} After a bye week, the Wolverines trampled Penn State 42–7, moving to 4th in both the AP poll and the College Football Playoff Rankings.{{Cite web |title=Penn State at Michigan Box Score, November 3, 2018 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-11-03-michigan.html |access-date=April 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference}}{{Cite web |title=2018 College Football Polls |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/years/2018-polls.html |access-date=April 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference}} They would stay at that ranking after a 31–20 win over Indiana that earned the Wolverines a share of the East Division title.{{Cite web |title=Indiana at Michigan Box Score, November 17, 2018 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-11-17-michigan.html |access-date=April 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference}}{{Cite web |date=November 17, 2018 |title=Michigan Earns Share of East Division Title |url=http://bigten.org/news/2018/11/17/football-michigan-earns-share-of-east-division-title.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708223307/https://bigten.org/news/2018/11/17/football-michigan-earns-share-of-east-division-title.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 8, 2019 |access-date=April 22, 2023 |work=Big Ten Conference}} Michigan lost at #10 Ohio State 62–39, denying Michigan a chance to play in the Big Ten Championship Game.{{Cite web |title=Michigan at Ohio State Box Score, November 24, 2018 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-11-24-ohio-state.html |access-date=April 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference}} Ohio State's 62 points set a record for points against Michigan in regulation.{{Cite web |last=Harrish |first=Kevin |date=November 24, 2018 |title=Ohio State Drops a Record 62 Points on Michigan in Seventh-Straight Win |url=https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/2018/11/99445/ohio-state-drops-a-record-62-points-on-michigan-in-seventh-straight-win |access-date=April 22, 2023 |work=Eleven Warriors}} Harbaugh became the first Michigan coach to lose his first four starts against the Buckeyes.{{Cite web |last=Baumgardner |first=Nick |date=November 24, 2018 |title=Michigan's Jim Harbaugh first U-M coach to start 0–4 vs. Ohio State |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2018/11/24/michigan-football-jim-harbaugh-1st-coach-open-0-4-vs-osu/2103920002/ |access-date=April 22, 2023 |work=Detroit Free Press}} The Wolverines lost to the Florida Gators 41–15 in the Peach Bowl, finishing with another 10–3 season.{{Cite web |last=Sallee |first=Barrett |date=December 29, 2018 |title=Florida vs. Michigan score, Peach Bowl 2018: No. 10 Gators show true progress in win over No. 7 Wolverines |url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/florida-vs-michigan-score-peach-bowl-2018-no-10-gators-show-true-progress-in-win-over-no-7-wolverines/ |access-date=December 30, 2018 |work=CBS News}}

{{See also|2019 Michigan Wolverines football team}}

During Harbaugh's fifth season, the Wolverines lost to Wisconsin 35–14 and to Penn State 28–21, both on the road. Michigan won decisively against rivals Notre Dame 45–14 and Michigan State 44–10, but concluded the regular season with a loss to then #1-ranked Ohio State by a score of 56–27 to end the regular season.{{Cite web |title=Michigan at Wisconsin Box Score, September 21, 2019 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2019-09-21-wisconsin.html |access-date=April 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference}}{{Cite web |title=Michigan at Penn State Box Score, October 19, 2019 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2019-10-19-penn-state.html |access-date=April 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference}}{{Cite web |title=Notre Dame at Michigan Box Score, October 26, 2019 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2019-10-26-michigan.html |access-date=April 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference}}{{Cite web |title=Michigan State at Michigan Box Score, November 16, 2019 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2019-11-16-michigan.html |access-date=April 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference}}{{Cite web |title=Ohio State at Michigan Box Score, November 30, 2019 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2019-11-30-michigan.html |access-date=April 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} When asked about the gap between the two schools, his reply was testy: "I'll answer your questions, not your insults."{{Cite web |last=Crawford |first=Kirkland |date=November 30, 2019 |title=Michigan's Jim Harbaugh after Ohio State: 'I'll answer your questions, not your insults' |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2019/11/30/michigan-football-jim-harbaugh-ohio-state-loss/4341830002/ |access-date=December 2, 2019 |work=Detroit Free Press}} The Wolverines finished the season in the Citrus Bowl, where they lost to Alabama, 35–16.{{Cite web |title=Citrus Bowl – Michigan vs Alabama Box Score, January 1, 2020 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2020-01-01-alabama.html |access-date=April 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference}} Michigan finished the season 9–4 overall.{{Cite web |title=2019 Michigan Wolverines Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan/2019-schedule.html |access-date=April 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference}}

{{See also|2020 Michigan Wolverines football team}}

Michigan's 2020 season was significantly shortened due to the Big Ten Conference's policies regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web |last1=Solari |first1=Chris |last2=Jesse |first2=David |date=September 16, 2020 |title=Big Ten football reinstated; 9-game season to begin Oct. 24 |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/2020/09/16/big-ten-football-update-vote-2020/5814647002/ |access-date=April 22, 2023 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en-US}} On November 14, Michigan hosted Wisconsin and Michigan suffered its largest halftime deficit at home since Michigan Stadium opened in 1927 (28–0), as well as its largest home loss (49–11) since 1935.{{Cite web |last=Sang |first=Orion |date=November 14, 2020 |title=Michigan football humiliated by Wisconsin in historic 49–11 thrashing |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2020/11/14/michigan-football-game-jim-harbaugh-joe-milton-wisconsin-badgers/6300035002/ |access-date=November 22, 2020 |work=Detroit Free Press}}{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Chris |date=November 15, 2020 |title=Michigan football's demise summed up in 10 stunning statistics |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2020/11/15/jim-harbaugh-michigan-wolverines-football-wisconsin-badgers/6301898002/ |access-date=November 22, 2020 |work=Detroit Free Press}} On November 28, 2020, Michigan hosted Penn State and for the first time in Michigan football history, lost to a team that was 0–5 or worse.{{Cite web |last=Holleran |first=Andrew |date=November 28, 2020 |title=Jim Harbaugh Sums Up His Thoughts On Michigan's Season |url=https://thespun.com/college-football/jim-harbaugh-michigan-season-summed-up |access-date=November 29, 2020 |work=The Spun}} Michigan was winless at home during the 2020 season, marking the first time in program history that Michigan did not win any games at home.{{Cite magazine |last=Brown |first=Brandon |date=December 3, 2020 |title=Michigan Winless At Home For The First Time In Program History – Kind Of |url=https://www.si.com/college/michigan/football/michigan-football-jim-harbaugh-maryland-terrapins-mike-locksley-cancelled-no-wins-home-big-house-season-wolverines-2020 |access-date=December 5, 2020 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}

File:UM Northwestern 10.23.21 767 (51628464759).jpg

{{See also|2021 Michigan Wolverines football team}}

On January 8, 2021, Michigan signed Harbaugh to a four-year contract extension through the 2025 season.{{Cite web |last1=Ablauf |first1=Dave |last2=Shepard |first2=Chad |date=January 8, 2021 |title=Manuel Announces Contract Extension for Football Head Coach Jim Harbaugh |url=https://mgoblue.com/news/2021/1/8/manuel-announces-contract-extension-for-football-head-coach-jim-harbaugh.aspx |access-date=January 8, 2021 |website=MGoBlue.com |publisher=CBS Interactive}} Michigan, led by Harbaugh, finished the regular season 11–1. The Wolverines beat Western Michigan, Washington, Northern Illinois, Rutgers, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Northwestern, Indiana, No. 23 Penn State, and Maryland.{{Cite web |title=2021 Michigan Wolverines Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan/2021-schedule.html |access-date=April 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference}} Michigan's lone loss came in a top-10 matchup on the road at Michigan State. Following the loss, according to Harbaugh, the Big Ten acknowledged that there were errors made by the officials on multiple calls, including one that could have resulted in a Michigan touchdown.{{Cite web |last=VanHaaren |first=Tom |date=November 8, 2021 |title=Harbaugh: Big Ten admits to errors in MSU game |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/32584618/michigan-football-coach-jim-harbaugh-says-big-ten-acknowledged-officiating-mistakes-loss-michigan-state |access-date=April 22, 2023 |website=ESPN.com}} Michigan ended the regular season with a 42–27 victory over Ohio State, giving Harbaugh his first win over Ohio State and his second Big Ten East divisional title. Michigan advanced to the Big Ten Championship Game for the first time, where the Wolverines defeated Iowa in Indianapolis, 42–3, earning an Orange Bowl berth against Georgia in the College Football Playoff.{{Cite web |last=Roose |first=Brendan |date=December 5, 2021 |title=Michigan Earns No. 2 Seed, will face Georgia in the College Football Playoff |url=https://www.michigandaily.com/sports/football/michigan-earnno-2-seed-will-face-x-in-college-football-playoff/ |access-date=April 22, 2023 |publisher=Michigan Daily}} Following the season he was named the Associated Press College Football Coach of the Year Award.{{Cite web |last=Russo |first=Ralph D. |date=December 10, 2021 |title=Michigan's Jim Harbaugh is AP coach of the year, Fickell 2nd |url=https://apnews.com/article/jim-harbaugh-michigan-ap-college-football-coach-of-the-year-606abc1a2ae43a066d80ea5f992582ae |access-date=December 10, 2021 |work=Associated Press News}} By winning the award, Michigan became the first school to win both the AP coach of the year in men's basketball (Juwan Howard) and football since the football award was established in 1998.{{Cite web |date=December 11, 2021 |title=Michigan Wolverines' Jim Harbaugh named AP college football coach of the year |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/32837404/michigan-wolverines-jim-harbaugh-named-ap-college-football-coach-year |access-date=December 12, 2021 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}

In January 2022, reports emerged that Harbaugh would take the Las Vegas Raiders head coaching job if he was offered it.{{Cite web |last=Feldman |first=Bruce |date=January 20, 2022 |title=Feldman: Sources inside Michigan think Jim Harbaugh would take Las Vegas Raiders job if offered |url=https://theathletic.com/news/feldman-sources-inside-michigan-think-jim-harbaugh-would-take-las-vegas-raiders-job-if-offered/X3lm9mEDDmuS/ |access-date=February 3, 2022 |work=The Athletic |publisher=The Athletic Media Company}} Although he never interviewed with the Raiders, Harbaugh did interview with the Minnesota Vikings in late January and was a lead candidate for a head coaching job.{{Cite web |last=McMann |first=Aaron |date=January 31, 2022 |title=Vikings believe Jim Harbaugh's 'ready for a return to the NFL,' per report |url=https://www.mlive.com/wolverines/2022/01/vikings-believe-jim-harbaugh-ready-for-a-return-to-the-nfl-per-report.html |access-date=February 3, 2022 |website=MLive |publisher=Advance Local Media LLC.}} Reports emerged that Harbaugh was preparing to accept the Vikings head coaching position if he was offered it, but he ultimately did not receive an offer following his second interview with the team, and informed the University of Michigan that he would be returning to coach the Wolverines in the 2022 season.{{Cite magazine |last=Ragatz |first=Will |date=February 3, 2022 |title=What Happened With the Vikings and Jim Harbaugh? A Difference in Perception |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/news/what-happened-vikings-jim-harbaugh-michigan-interview-difference-perception |access-date=February 3, 2022 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |publisher=Sports Illustrated Media Group}}

File:2022 UM vs OSU 0132.jpg, 2022]]

{{See also|2022 Michigan Wolverines football team}}

The 2022 Wolverines began the season ranked sixth and eighth in the coaches' and AP polls, respectively.{{Cite web |last=Conway |first=Tyler |date=August 8, 2022 |title=Preseason College Football Rankings 2022: Top 25 Coaches Poll Released |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10044153-preseason-college-football-rankings-2022-top-25-coaches-poll-released |access-date=April 22, 2023 |work=Bleacher Report}}{{Cite web |last=Becton |first=Stan |date=September 2, 2022 |title=College football rankings: Alabama, Ohio State lead the AP preseason Top 25 |url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2022-08-15/alabama-ohio-state-lead-ap-preseason-top-25-college-football-rankings |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=NCAA.com}} They climbed into the top five in both polls as they opened the season with a seven-game winning streak, including a 27–14 win at Iowa on October 1 – the program's first at Kinnick Stadium since 2005{{Cite web |last=Chengelis |first=Angelique S. |date=October 1, 2022 |title=Think pink: Wolverines shoot down Hawkeyes, snap Kinnick curse |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/2022/10/01/michigan-wolverines-shoot-down-iowa-hawkeyes-snap-kinnick-curse-to-remain-undefeated/69532358007/ |access-date=April 22, 2023 |work=Detroit News}} – and a dominating 41–17 win over previously unbeaten Penn State on October 15.{{Cite web |last=Chengelis |first=Angelique S. |date=October 15, 2022 |title=Wolverines deliver 'butt kicking,' run over Nittany Lions in battle of unbeatens |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/2022/10/15/michigan-wolverines-run-over-penn-state-nittany-lions-in-battle-of-unbeatens/69565317007/ |access-date=April 22, 2023 |work=Detroit News}}

The Wolverines continued their winning streak on October 29 by defeating Michigan State 29–7, to reclaim the Paul Bunyan Trophy.{{Cite web |last=Chengelis |first=Angelique S. |date=October 29, 2022 |title=Wolverines avenge last season's loss, kick away Spartans to reach 8–0 |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/college/2022/10/30/wolverines-use-dominant-second-half-to-kick-away-spartans-move-to-8-0/69602987007/ |access-date=April 22, 2023 |work=Detroit News}} The team then defeated Rutgers 52–17, followed by a 34–3 win over Nebraska to reach 10–0 – the program's best start to a season in Harbaugh's tenure, and best overall since 2006.{{Cite web |last=Chengelis |first=Angelique S. |date=November 12, 2022 |title=Another day on the job: Michigan dispatches Nebraska to reach 10–0 |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/2022/11/13/another-day-on-the-job-michigan-wolverines-handle-nebraska-cornhuskers-with-ease-34-3/69643160007/ |access-date=April 22, 2023 |work=Detroit News}}

The Wolverines improved to 11–0 by defeating Illinois on a last-minute field goal, 19–17, then won a second straight Big Ten East Division title with a 45–23 victory over Ohio State.{{Cite web |last=Garcia |first=Tony |date=November 19, 2022 |title=Jake Moody saves Michigan football with winning FG in 19–17 win over Illinois |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2022/11/19/michigan-football-score-illinois-blake-corum-jake-moody/69663640007/ |access-date=April 22, 2023 |work=Detroit Free Press}} It was the Wolverines' first 12 win regular season since 1905,{{Cite web |title=Michigan Wolverines College Football History, Stats, Records |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan/index.html |access-date=April 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference}} fourth 12 win season overall and their first victory in Columbus, Ohio, since 2000.{{Cite web |last=Chengelis |first=Angelique S. |date=November 26, 2022 |title='Job is not finished': Michigan dumps Ohio State, earns Big Ten title game berth |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/2022/11/26/michigan-wolverines-dump-ohio-state-earns-big-ten-title-game-berth/69678704007/ |access-date=April 22, 2023 |work=Detroit News}} Harbaugh was named Big Ten Coach of the Year for the 2022 season.{{Cite web |title=Big Ten Coach of the Year Winners |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/big-ten-coy.html |access-date=April 22, 2023 |website=Sports Reference}}

On December 3, the Wolverines reached 13–0 for the first time in school history by winning the Big Ten Championship Game over Purdue, 43–22.{{Cite web |last=Chengelis |first=Angelique S. |date=December 4, 2022 |title=Michigan fends off Purdue, repeats as Big ten champ; Playoff is next |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/2022/12/04/michigan-wolverines-football-purdue-boilermakers-big-ten-title-college-football-playoff/69698666007/ |access-date=April 22, 2023 |work=Detroit News}} The following day, Michigan was awarded its second consecutive College Football Playoff bid, seeded second and placed in the Fiesta Bowl.{{Cite web |last=Chengelis |first=Angelique S. |date=December 4, 2022 |title='We're gonna go get it': Michigan to face TCU in Fiesta Bowl in College Football Playoff |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/2022/12/04/michigan-to-face-tcu-in-fiesta-bowl-in-college-football-playoff/69699448007/ |access-date=April 22, 2023 |work=Detroit News}}

On December 31, the Wolverines lost their semifinal match in the Fiesta Bowl to TCU, 51–45, to end the 2022 season 13–1.{{Cite web |last=Patterson |first=Chip |date=December 31, 2022 |title=Michigan vs. TCU score: Frogs eye national title after epic College Football Playoff upset in wild Fiesta Bowl |url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/michigan-vs-tcu-score-frogs-eye-national-title-after-epic-college-football-playoff-upset-in-wild-fiesta-bowl/live/ |access-date=January 1, 2023 |work=CBS News}}

File:175 MBN S23G14 ROSE (53443105188).jpg trophy]]

{{See also|2023 Michigan Wolverines football team}}

On August 23, 2023, Michigan announced that it was self-imposing a suspension on Harbaugh for the first three games of the 2023 season due to violating recruiting regulations.{{Cite web |date=August 21, 2023 |title=University of Michigan Moves NCAA Process Forward |url=https://mgoblue.com/news/2023/8/21/football-university-of-michigan-moves-ncaa-process-forward |access-date=February 4, 2024 |website=University of Michigan Athletics}} Michigan won all three games in his absence.{{cite news|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2023/09/16/michigan-football-game-live-updates-bowling-green/70878873007/|title=Michigan football beats Bowling Green: Game recap, highlights|first=Jared|last=Ramsey|publisher=Detroit Free Press|date=September 17, 2023|access-date=January 26, 2024}}

Harbaugh returned to lead Michigan to six straight victories,{{cite news|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/2023/11/04/live-updates-michigan-wolverines-football-vs-purdue-boilermakers/71396760007/

|title=Recap: Michigan remains undefeated, beating Purdue, 41–13|first=Dana|last=Wakiji|publisher=The Detroit News|date=November 4, 2023|access-date=January 26, 2024}} including a 49–0 win at Michigan State, the largest margin of victory in that rivalry since 1947.{{cite news|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/2023/10/21/biggest-blowouts-michigan-michigan-state-2023-rivalry-game-rank-series-history/71277383007/|title=Biggest blowouts in Michigan vs. MSU: Where does 2023 rivalry game rank in series history?|first=Kevin|last=Skiver|publisher=Detroit Free Press|date=October 21, 2023|access-date=January 26, 2024}}

On November 10, the Big Ten Conference announced another three-game suspension against Harbaugh, as part of the investigation into the Michigan Wolverines football sign-stealing scandal.{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/38865291/why-big-ten-suspended-michigan-football-coach-jim-harbaugh-next|title=Why Big Ten suspended Michigan's Jim Harbaugh and what's next|first1=Mark|last1=Schlabach|first2=Adam|last2=Rittenberg|publisher=ESPN|date=November 10, 2023|access-date=November 11, 2023}}{{cite news|url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/jim-harbaugh-suspension-michigan-legal-action-not-heard-before-penn-state-kickoff-sherrone-moore-will-coach/|title=Jim Harbaugh suspension: Michigan legal action not heard before Penn State kickoff; Sherrone Moore will coach|first=Will|last=Backus|work=CBS Sports|date=November 11, 2023|accessdate=November 11, 2023}} On November 23, Michigan informed the NCAA that they would credit Harbaugh with the win–loss record from the three games to conclude the regular season.{{cite news |last=Dodd |first=Dennis |title=Jim Harbaugh's win-loss record being credited with Michigan results during three-game Big Ten suspension |url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/jim-harbaughs-win-loss-record-being-credited-with-michigan-results-during-three-game-big-ten-suspension/?fbclid=IwAR0q_IpuMKKfXEDrOhnlL2tw7N3SZhYRyLVRtbCPkD6Qw4A7EAHvrjgyfuk |work=CBS Sports |date=November 23, 2023 |access-date=November 25, 2023 }} Despite the suspensions, Michigan went undefeated in the regular season, including a 30–24 victory over Ohio State.{{Cite web |date=November 25, 2023 |title=No. 3 Michigan beats No. 2 Ohio State 30–24 for 3rd straight win in rivalry |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/college-football/news/no-3-michigan-beats-no-2-ohio-state-30-24-for-3rd-straight-win-in-rivalry |access-date=January 10, 2024 |work=NBC Sports|agency=Associated Press}}

File:2024-0108-Michigan Wolverines post-game-presser.jpg, Will Johnson, and J. J. McCarthy at a post-game press conference after winning the 2024 CFP Championship]]

Harbaugh resumed as head coach to lead Michigan to a 26–0 win over Iowa in the Big Ten Championship,{{Cite web |last=Marot |first=Michael |date=December 2, 2023 |title=No. 2 Michigan beats No. 18 Iowa 26–0 for Big Ten title, likely to claim top playoff seed |url=https://apnews.com/article/michigan-iowa-score-big-ten-championship-f8bad6ac059dda21f5c45967e092b9e9 |access-date=January 26, 2024 |work=AP News}} a 27–20 overtime win over Alabama in the Rose Bowl,{{Cite web |last=Beacham |first=Greg |date=January 2, 2024 |title=Harbaugh's Michigan Wolverines to play for national title after stopping Alabama 27–20 in OT |url=https://apnews.com/article/rose-bowl-alabama-michigan-87fd50e622db3a512e87c693a4bc6263 |access-date=January 10, 2024 |work=AP News}} and a 34–13 win over Washington in the CFP National Championship on January 8, 2024. The win gave Michigan its 12th claimed national championship in school history, their first since 1997, and first undisputed title since 1948.{{Cite web |last=Meek |first=Austin |date=January 9, 2024 |title=Michigan runs over Washington 34–13 to win first national championship since 1997 |url=https://theathletic.com/live-blogs/michigan-vs-washington-national-championship-live-score-updates-result/4zScDGVEEHc6/ |access-date=January 10, 2024 |work=The Athletic}}

Harbaugh served as head coach for 9 games and was officially credited with 12 wins during Michigan's 15–0 national championship season.{{cite web |author= |title=NCAA Statistics; Coach; Jim Harbaugh |url=https://stats.ncaa.org/people/25070 |publisher=National Collegiate Athletic Association |access-date=August 29, 2024 }}

On August 7, 2024, Harbaugh would be given a one year suspension from the NCAA, as well as a four year show-cause order from the NCAA which will be enforced between August 7, 2024 and August 6, 2028, after he was found to have committed "unethical conduct" in 2021 by violating NCAA recruitment rules which were enacted during the COVID-19 dead period.{{cite news|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2024/08/07/jim-harbaugh-show-cause-ncaa-suspension-michigan-football/74705044007/|title=Jim Harbaugh suspended 1 year by NCAA and sanctioned with 4-year show-cause order|first=Tony|last=Garcia|publisher=Detroit Free Press|date=August 7, 2024|accessdate=May 5, 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2025/05/05/sherrone-moore-suspension-michigan-football-scandals-connor-stalions-sign-stealing/83455814007/|title=Michigan football scandals: Recruiting, Connor Stalions, Sherrone Moore suspension|first=Christian|last=Romo|publisher=Detroit Free Press|date=May 5, 2025|accessdate=May 5, 2025}} The show-cause penalty prevents Harbaugh from coaching at any other school within the NCAA during the four year period.

On January 24, 2024, Harbaugh was hired by the Los Angeles Chargers as their head coach.{{cite web|title=Los Angeles Chargers Name Jim Harbaugh as Head Coach |url=https://www.chargers.com/news/chargers-name-jim-harbaugh-michigan-head-coach|website=chargers.com|date=January 24, 2024|access-date=January 24, 2024}}

On September 8, 2024, in Harbaugh's coaching debut with the franchise, the Chargers defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 22–10 as Harbaugh won his first NFL game as a head coach since December 2014.{{Cite web |last=Gordon |first=Grant |date=September 8, 2024 |title=Jim Harbaugh leads Chargers to victory in debut: 'The culture is already here' |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/jim-harbaugh-leads-chargers-to-victory-in-debut-the-culture-is-already-here |access-date=September 27, 2024 |website=NFL.com}} Harbaugh led the Chargers to an 11–6 record and a postseason berth.{{Cite web |title=2024 Los Angeles Chargers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2024.htm |access-date=2025-01-22 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} The Chargers lost to the Houston Texans 32–12 in the Wild Card Round.{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans - January 11th, 2025 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202501110htx.htm |access-date=2025-01-22 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Start | type = coach | team = | conf = | bowl = | poll = both }}

{{CFB Yearly Record Subhead

| name = San Diego Toreros

| conf = Pioneer Football League

| startyear = 2004

| endyear = 2006

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| year = 2004

| name = San Diego

| overall = 7–4

| conference = 3–1

| confstanding = 2nd (North)

| bowlname =

| bowloutcome =

| bcsbowl =

| ranking =

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship = conference

| year = 2005

| name = San Diego

| overall = 11–1

| conference = 4–0

| confstanding = 1st (North)

| bowlname =

| bowloutcome =

| bcsbowl =

| ranking =

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship = conference

| year = 2006

| name = San Diego

| overall = 11–1

| conference = 7–0

| confstanding = 1st

| bowlname = Gridiron Classic

| bowloutcome = W

| bcsbowl =

| ranking =

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Subtotal

| name = San Diego

| overall = 29–6

| confrecord = 14–1

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Subhead

| name = Stanford Cardinal

| conf = Pacific-10 Conference

| startyear = 2007

| endyear = 2010

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| year = 2007

| name = Stanford

| overall = 4–8

| conference = 3–6

| confstanding = T–7th

| bowlname =

| bowloutcome =

| bcsbowl =

| ranking =

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| year = 2008

| name = Stanford

| overall = 5–7

| conference = 4–5

| confstanding = T–6th

| bowlname =

| bowloutcome =

| bcsbowl =

| ranking =

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| year = 2009

| name = Stanford

| overall = 8–5

| conference = 6–3

| confstanding = T–2nd

| bowlname = Sun

| bowloutcome = L

| bcsbowl =

| ranking =

| ranking2 =

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| year = 2010

| name = Stanford

| overall = 12–1

| conference = 8–1

| confstanding = 2nd

| bowlname = Orange

| bowloutcome = W

| bcsbowl = yes

| ranking = 4

| ranking2 = 4

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Subtotal

| name = Stanford

| overall = 29–21

| confrecord = 21–15

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Subhead

| name = Michigan Wolverines

| conf = Big Ten Conference

| startyear = 2015

| endyear = 2023

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| year = 2015

| name = Michigan

| overall = 10–3

| conference = 6–2

| confstanding = 3rd (East)

| bowlname = Citrus

| bowloutcome = W

| bcsbowl =

| ranking = 11

| ranking2 = 12

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| year = 2016

| name = Michigan

| overall = 10–3

| conference = 7–2

| confstanding = 3rd (East)

| bowlname = Orange

| bowloutcome = L

| bcsbowl = yes

| ranking = 10

| ranking2 = 10

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| year = 2017

| name = Michigan

| overall = 8–5

| conference = 5–4

| confstanding = 4th (East)

| bowlname = Outback

| bowloutcome = L

| bcsbowl =

| ranking =

| ranking2 =

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship = division

| year = 2018

| name = Michigan

| overall = 10–3

| conference = 8–1

| confstanding = T–1st (East){{Cite web |date=November 17, 2018 |title=Michigan Earns Share of East Division Title |url=https://bigten.org/news/2018/11/17/football-michigan-earns-share-of-east-division-title.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708223307/https://bigten.org/news/2018/11/17/football-michigan-earns-share-of-east-division-title.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 8, 2019 |access-date=April 23, 2023 |work=Big Ten Conference}}

| bowlname = Peach

| bowloutcome = L

| bcsbowl = yes

| ranking = 14

| ranking2 = 14

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| year = 2019

| name = Michigan

| overall = 9–4

| conference = 6–3

| confstanding = 3rd (East)

| bowlname = Citrus

| bowloutcome = L

| bcsbowl =

| ranking = 19

| ranking2 = 18

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| year = 2020

| name = Michigan

| overall = 2–4

| conference = 2–4

| confstanding = T–5th (East)

| bowlname =

| bowloutcome =

| bcsbowl =

| ranking =

| ranking2 =

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship = conference

| year = 2021

| name = Michigan

| overall = 12–2

| conference = 8–1

| confstanding = T–1st (East)

| bowlname = Orange

| bowloutcome = L

| bcsbowl = yes

| ranking = 3

| ranking2 = 3

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship = conference

| year = 2022

| name = Michigan

| overall = 13–1

| conference = 9–0

| confstanding = 1st (East)

| bowlname = Fiesta

| bowloutcome = L

| bcsbowl = yes

| ranking = 3

| ranking2 = 3

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship = national

| year = 2023

| name = Michigan

| overall = 12–0{{#tag:ref|Harbaugh was suspended for the first three games of the 2023 season. Jesse Minter served as interim head coach for the first game of the season, Jay Harbaugh and Mike Hart were interim co-head coaches for the second game, and Sherrone Moore served as interim head coach for the third game. Harbaugh was suspended a second time, for the final three games of the regular season. Moore served as acting head coach for those games, but the games were credited to Harbaugh's record.|group=n|name=2023season}}

| conference = 9–0

| confstanding = 1st (East)

| bowlname = Rose ^†, W CFP NCG

| bowloutcome = W

| bcsbowl = yes

| ranking = 1

| ranking2 = 1

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Subtotal

| name = Michigan

| overall = 86–25

| confrecord = 60–17

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record End

| overall = 144–52

| yearstart = 2010

| yearend =

| poll = two

}}

File:Jim Harbaugh (15961602550).jpg

Harbaugh comes from a coaching family and is the son of college football coach Jack Harbaugh. He has seven children. From his first marriage, to Miah Burke (m. 1996–2006),{{Cite web |last=Paul |first=Tony |date=January 2, 2011 |title=Jim Harbaugh's daughter: Dad loves his family, his UM players ... and his chickens |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2023/11/11/jim-harbaughs-daughter-dad-loves-his-family-his-um-players-and-his-chickens/71547942007/ |access-date=February 4, 2024 |website=The Detroit News |language=en-US}} he has sons Jay (a graduate of Oregon State University and the special teams coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks),{{Cite web |title=Jay Harbaugh – Football Coach |url=https://mgoblue.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/jay-harbaugh/259 |access-date=October 16, 2022 |work=University of Michigan Athletics}} and James (a graduate of the University of Michigan's School of Music, Theatre & Dance); and a daughter, Grace (a water polo player and student at the Ross School of Business). From his second marriage, to Sarah Feuerborn Harbaugh (m. 2008),{{Cite web |last=Siwak |first=Miranda |date=January 25, 2024 |title=NFL Coach Jim Harbaugh and Sarah Feuerborn's Relationship Timeline |url=https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/nfl-coach-jim-harbaugh-and-sarah-feuerborns-relationship-timeline/ |access-date=February 4, 2024 |website=Us Weekly |language=en-US}} he has two daughters, Addison and Katherine, and two sons, Jack (named after his grandfather) and John (named after his uncle).{{Cite web |last=Rivera |first=Joe |date=October 29, 2021 |title=Jim Harbaugh welcomes seventh child to family |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaaf/news/jim-harbaugh-michigan-newborn-family-wolverines-how-many-kids-john-baby/h254p0v2y8z11nucutbviux7f |access-date=April 22, 2023 |work=Sporting News}}{{Cite web |last=Jahnke |first=James |date=June 20, 2016 |title=Reports: Jim Harbaugh is going to be a dad – again |url=http://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2016/06/20/jim-harbaugh-wife-pregnant/86138282/ |access-date=October 19, 2020 |newspaper=Detroit Free Press}} Harbaugh is a Roman Catholic who has done charity work in Piura, Peru.{{Cite web |last=Barrows |first=Matthew |date=July 26, 2012 |title=49ers' Harbaugh is a changed man through charity work in Peru |url=http://www.sacbee.com/2012/07/26/4661297/49ers-harbaugh-is-a-changed-man.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106235627/http://www.sacbee.com/2012/07/26/4661297/49ers-harbaugh-is-a-changed-man.html |archive-date=November 6, 2013 |access-date=July 5, 2013 |work=Sacramento Bee}}{{Cite web |last=Senour |first=Hillary |date=February 2, 2013 |title=Catholic brothers to face-off as Super Bowl coaches |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/26499/catholic-brothers-to-face-off-as-super-bowl-coaches |access-date=July 5, 2013 |work=Catholic News Agency}}

Jim Harbaugh's older brother, John, is the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, and they became the first pair of brothers to serve as head coaches in NFL history, facing each other in the Thanksgiving Classic game in 2011 and Super Bowl XLVII on February 3, 2013, both of which Jim eventually lost.{{Cite web |title=John Harbaugh Record, Statistics, and Category Ranks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/HarbJo0.htm |access-date=April 22, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}}{{Cite web |last=Murray |first=Ken |date=January 7, 2011 |title=Jim Harbaugh joins Ravens' John Harbaugh to form first pair of NFL head coaching brothers |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-xpm-2011-01-07-bs-sp-harbaughs-0108-20110107-story.html |access-date=April 22, 2023 |work=Baltimore Sun}}{{Cite web |last=Farmer |first=Sam |date=November 23, 2011 |title=Harbaugh brothers get together for Thanksgiving |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2011-nov-23-la-sp-49ers-ravens-harbaugh-brothers-20111124-story.html |access-date=April 22, 2023 |work=Los Angeles Times}}{{Cite web |last=Battista |first=Judy |date=February 4, 2013 |title=Power Fails and 49ers Surge, but Ravens Win |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/04/sports/football/ravens-beat-49ers-in-super-bowl-after-lights-go-out.html |access-date=April 22, 2023 |work=The New York Times}}

In 1994, Harbaugh appeared as a cowboy in the Western/science fiction show The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. He also made an appearance on the popular TV show Saved by the Bell: The New Class in 1996, playing the cousin of the character Screech.{{Cite web |last=Jankens |first=Evan |date=December 30, 2014 |title=Jim Harbaugh Appears On 'Saved By The Bell', 'Judge Judy' And 'The Adventures Of Brisco County Jr.' [VIDEO] |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/jim-harbaugh-appears-on-saved-by-the-bell-judge-judy-and-the-adventures-of-brisco-county-jr-video/ |access-date=April 22, 2023 |work=CBS News}}

Harbaugh was the co-owner of Panther Racing in the IndyCar Series. The main car for the team carried Harbaugh's old jersey number, 4. When the team won the 2001 and 2002 IRL championship, the team, which had the option of going to No. 1, chose instead to keep the No. 4 for its association with Harbaugh's career.{{Cite web |last=McCann |first=Zach |date=January 25, 2013 |title=Jim Harbaugh's other job: race team owner |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/playbook/fandom/post/_/id/17446/jim-harbaughs-other-job-race-car-owner |access-date=April 21, 2023 |website=ESPN.com}}

On October 30, 2005, Harbaugh was arrested for DUI after running a stop sign in Encinitas, California.{{Cite web |date=November 3, 2005 |title=DUI arrest for ex-Bear Harbaugh |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2005/11/03/dui-arrest-for-ex-bear-harbaugh/ |access-date=April 22, 2023 |work=Chicago Tribune}} He initially pleaded not guilty, but later entered into a plea deal. He pleaded guilty to a charge of reckless driving and was sentenced to three years of probation, a $1,300 fine and a drunken-driving educational program. The San Diego Union-Tribune reported his blood-alcohol level was .09.{{Cite web |date=December 15, 2005 |title=U. San Diego coach Harbaugh pleads not guilty to DUI |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=2260582 |access-date=April 22, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}{{Cite magazine |last=Farrar |first=Doug |date=September 21, 2013 |title=Jim Harbaugh: 2005 DUI 'made me a better counselor,' and Aldon Smith provides a serious test case |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2013/09/21/jim-harbaugh-2005-dui-made-me-a-better-counselor-and-aldon-smith-provides-a-serious-test-case |access-date=April 22, 2023 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}{{Cite web |last=Snyder |first=Mark |date=November 15, 2012 |title=Jim Harbaugh timeline: From Toledo to Michigan |url=http://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2014/12/30/jim-harbaugh-timeline/21042249/ |access-date=April 22, 2023 |newspaper=Detroit Free Press}}

In November 2012, Harbaugh had a cardioversion procedure to correct an arrhythmia (i.e., an abnormal heartbeat rhythm).{{Cite web |last=Rogers |first=Jesse |date=November 16, 2012 |title=Jim Harbaugh feeling better |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/8640239/jim-harbaugh-san-francisco-49ers-feeling-better-heart-procedure |access-date=January 24, 2013 |website=ESPN.com}}

In 2018, Harbaugh portrayed himself on the Comedy Central series Detroiters in the episode "Little Caesars".{{Cite web |last=Hinds |first=Julie |date=August 8, 2018 |title=Jim Harbaugh, comedian? Michigan coach goes for laughs on 'Detroiters' |url=https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/2018/08/08/jim-harbaugh-michigan-football-detroiters-comedy-central/932673002/ |access-date=February 12, 2022 |work=Detroit Free Press}}{{Cite web |title="Detroiters" Little Caesars (TV Episode 2018) |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7345184/ |access-date=February 12, 2022 |website=IMDb}}

In January 2025, it was announced that Harbaugh would undergo a cardiac ablation and hip replacement.{{Cite web|title=Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh says he will have heart procedure, hip replacement|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/chargers-head-coach-jim-harbaugh-says-he-will-have-heart-procedure-hip-replacement|access-date=March 29, 2025|website=nfl.com|language=en}}

Harbaugh has championed equal access to justice for Americans through his involvement with the Legal Services Corporation (LSC).{{Cite web |title=Leaders Council – LSC's Campaign for Justice |url=https://lsc40.lsc.gov/leaders-council/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905234356/https://lsc40.lsc.gov/leaders-council/ |archive-date=September 5, 2017 |access-date=June 15, 2017 |website=lsc40.lsc.gov}} On June 13, 2017, Harbaugh spoke in Washington, D.C., in the Senate Building about the gap in access to justice for low-income earning Americans which was showcased in the 2017 LSC report, "The Justice Gap: Measuring the Unmet Civil Legal Needs of Low-Income Americans."{{Cite web |last=Snyder |first=Mark |date=June 14, 2017 |title=Jim Harbaugh speaks in D.C. on behalf of legal aid for underprivileged |url=http://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2017/06/14/michigan-football-jim-harbaugh-washington/396509001/ |access-date=April 22, 2023 |work=Detroit Free Press}}

Harbaugh has also stated his opposition to abortion. In a podcast interview in April 2020, Harbaugh labeled medical abortion as "horrendous" and said, "And lastly, abortion—we talk about sanctity of life, yet we live in a society that aborts babies. There can't be anything more horrendous."{{Cite web |last=Sang |first=Orion |date=April 11, 2020 |title=Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh discusses coronavirus in interview, shifts conversation to abortion |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/bigten/2020/04/11/michigan-football-coach-jim-harbaugh-discusses-abortion-coronavirus-podcast/2976631001/ |access-date=April 11, 2020 |work=USA Today |publisher=Detroit Free Press}} In July 2022, speaking at an anti-abortion event Harbaugh said, "Have the courage to let the unborn be born".{{Cite web |date=July 20, 2022 |title=Michigan Coach Jim Harbaugh Speaks at Anti-Abortion Event |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/19/us/jim-harbaugh-abortion-michigan.html |access-date=July 21, 2022 |work=The New York Times}}{{Cite web |last=Bella |first=Timothy |date=July 19, 2022 |title=Michigan's Jim Harbaugh: 'Have the courage to let the unborn be born' |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/07/19/abortion-jim-harbaugh-michigan-unborn/ |access-date=July 21, 2022 |newspaper=Washington Post}}{{Cite web |last=Meloy |first=Daniel |date=July 18, 2022 |title=Michigan coach Harbaugh, Fr. Riccardo urge 'courage' in defending unborn life |url=https://www.detroitcatholic.com/news/michigan-coach-harbaugh-fr-riccardo-urge-courage-in-defending-unborn-life |access-date=July 25, 2022 |work=Detroit Catholic}}

{{rquote

| 1 = right

| 2 = "You got Jim Harbaugh, the coach of Michigan football, marching today. That's not something that was happening five to six years ago. Although Jim I know, and he's been on the right side of this issue for quite some time."

| 3 = President Obama on George Floyd protests

| 4 = June 2, 2020

}}

In the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd by an on-duty police officer, Harbaugh expressed his outrage and said, "All injustice should be confronted and punished. It has to be equal and fair to all, and no one can be above the law."{{Cite web |last=Woods |first=Trevor |date=May 31, 2020 |title=Jim Harbaugh on George Floyd: Justice must be 'equal and fair for all' |url=https://www.maizenbrew.com/football/2020/5/31/21276300/michigan-football-jim-harbaugh-george-floyd-justice-may-31 |access-date=June 3, 2020 |work=Maize n Brew}}{{Cite web |last=Hole |first=Isaiah |date=May 28, 2020 |title=Jim Harbaugh 'very upset' by George Floyd murder |url=https://wolverineswire.usatoday.com/2020/05/28/michigan-football-jim-harbaugh-reacts-george-floyd-murder-minneapolis-minnesota-on-rich-eisen-show/ |access-date=June 3, 2020 |work=Wolverines Wire}} On June 2, 2020, a week after Floyd's murder, Harbaugh participated in an anti-police brutality commemorative protest in Ann Arbor.{{Cite web |last=Sang |first=Orion |date=June 2, 2020 |title=Michigan football's Jim Harbaugh attends anti-police brutality march in Ann Arbor |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2020/06/02/michigan-football-jim-harbaugh-protest-george-floyd/3125266001/ |access-date=June 3, 2020 |work=Detroit Free Press}} Michigan offensive coach Josh Gattis separately thanked Harbaugh and his family for their impact on African American coaches and players, stating "in challenging times of racial inequality and injustice I am even more thankful for the Harbaugh Family!" Gattis credited Harbaugh for "the fairness and promotion of black coaches in leadership roles like David Shaw, Derek Mason, Willie Taggart, Jim Caldwell, Pep Hamilton" and himself.{{Cite web |last=Shaw |first=Zach |date=June 1, 2020 |title=Gattis salutes Harbaugh family's 'impact' on black QBs, coaches |url=https://247sports.com/college/michigan/Article/Josh-Gattis-salutes-Jim-Harbaugh-familys-impact-on-black-QBs-coaches-147753123/ |access-date=June 3, 2020 |website=TheMichiganInsider.com}} Harbaugh's participation in the equality and anti-brutality protest was also singled out by former president Barack Obama, who praised him for "being on the right side of this issue."{{Cite web |last=Sang |first=Orion |date=June 4, 2020 |title=Barack Obama praises Jim Harbaugh for marching, being on 'right side' of police brutality |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2020/06/04/barack-obama-jim-harbaugh-michigan-football-police-brutality-george-floyd/3144879001/ |access-date=June 8, 2020 |work=Detroit Free Press}}

• List of NCAA major college football yearly passing leaders

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist|group=n}}

{{Reflist}}

{{commons category}}

• [https://www.chargers.com/team/coaches-roster/jim-harbaugh Los Angeles Chargers profile]
• [https://mgoblue.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/jim-harbaugh/2953 Michigan Wolverines profile]
• {{IMDb name|2355566}}

{{NFL head coaches}}

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