So when do you think Harbaugh started seriously considering listening to NFL offers?
This time last year, when his salary was cut, and he figured I'll come back in 2021 and try to prove them wrong and rebuild my reputation but it's every man for himself, I can cut or be cut anytime?
Maybe some talks just after the Big 10 championship when Harbaugh thought there could be a quick resolution to make up for the risk he took and the reward he deserves for this year? With the news about his bonuses going back to staff being both a sincere move but also a p.r. move? (give back $2mm to staff but use the goodwill to leverage into millions of dollars of a contract extensions)
Or as recently as 7 days ago after the beatdown by Georgia? With or without NIL commitments from Michigan, do we really think Harbaugh would be interested in the NFL if MIchigan had defeated Georgia and, say, lost to Bama narrowly in the title game?