Vikings Rumors: Jim Harbaugh expected to choose Miami over Minnesota

One of the latest Minnesota Vikings rumors has Jim Harbaugh saying no thanks and choosing to become the head coach of the Miami Dolphins.

Much of the recent Minnesota Vikings rumors have related to the team’s chances of hiring Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh as their next head coach. Harbaugh joining the Vikings has appeared to seem like a very legitimate possibility, but now the Miami Dolphins could be a team that prevents that from happening.

After multiple reports circulated early on Sunday about the Michigan head coach meeting with the Vikings on Saturday, FanSided’s own Mark Carmen posted the following on Twitter.

Vikings Rumors: Will Jim Harbaugh really choose the Miami Dolphins over the Minnesota Vikings?

After a 24-hour period that made it seem like Harbaugh had good shot at becoming Minnesota‘s new head coach, things might be quickly heading in a different direction.

Despite reports from Saturday that said the Michigan head coach is “very interested,” in the Vikings’ opening, there are multiple reasons why it would not come as a surprise if he joined the Dolphins instead.

The most obvious reason is the connection Harbaugh has to Stephen Ross, Miami’s current owner. Ross was a graduate of Michigan and he’s made big donations to the school in the past. Ever since the Dolphins decided to fire Brian Flores earlier this month, many felt that Harbaugh was a top candidate to be the team’s next head coach due to Ross’ ties to Michigan.

Another reason is that the Dolphins are just in a better situation right now than Minnesota when it comes to roster construction.

Miami is projected to have more than $64 million in cap space when the 2022 free agency period begins in March, which is currently more than any team in the NFL. Compare this to the Vikings who are currently projected to be more than $15 million over the cap this year.

The Dolphins also have a cheap, young quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa that Harbaugh can get the most out of just as he did with Colin Kaepernick back when he was the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers.

Throw in some young defensive playmakers like linebacker Jerome Baker, defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, pass rusher Jaelan Phillips, and safety Jevon Holland, and picking Miami over Minnesota doesn’t seem that crazy of a decision for Harbaugh to make.

Honestly, who knows what to expect at this point. Until Harbaugh actually signs a contract with an NFL team, it’s clearly difficult to predict where he will end up coaching for the 2022 season.

All we can say is to just stay tuned.