Whom Does Jim Harbaugh Move To Michigan Help Most?

At first it was considered a nice idea, but after $48 million was thrown on the table, it became serious that Michigan football wasn’t going to stop until they made Jim Harbaugh their next head coach.  It makes perfect sense.  He’s an alum and has a successful track record at every place he’s coached.  All signs point to him taking the job.

The only question left is whom does his exit for college benefit the most?

Adam Gase and Dan Quinn should still get looks

In terms of the top coordinators around the league, it’s unlikely to affect them much.  Dan Quinn of the Seattle Seahawks had plenty of buzz around him before the Harbaugh situation deteriorated in San Francisco and still does.  The same goes for Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase who was a popular option last season and remains so despite the recent struggle of Peyton Manning.

Door open for Rex Ryan to swipe another top job

No, the true benefactor of Harbaugh’s exit may be Rex Ryan.  Word has spread that the New York Jets head coach is cleaning out his office with the expectation he will be fired.  Expectations were he would attempt to seek out another head job elsewhere but more than likely would have to settle for a coordinator position.  Now, without Harbaugh locking down one of the four or five top jobs expected to open up on Black Monday, the odds for Ryan have improved dramatically.

A number of those teams, particularly the Oakland Raiders were in search of a veteran coach with winning experience.  Without Jim Harbaugh, Ryan is one of the few left in the cupboard.  He did take the Jets to two AFC title games and is renowned for his great defenses and motivational tactics.

If Rex does land another head coaching position in 2015, he will have to send a gift basket to Ann Arbor as thanks to Harbaugh.