Jim Harbaugh NFL coach speculation includes Arizona Cardinals: 'Match made in heaven'

Speculation about Jim Harbaugh potentially returning to the NFL is back and the Arizona Cardinals are included in that speculation.

Chatter has swirled about the current Michigan Wolverines coach potentially going back to the NFL next season since NFL.com recently reported that multiple teams were looking into the possibility of the former San Francisco 49ers coach going back to the NFL game.

Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport wrote: "One NFL source plugged into the situation said they believe Harbaugh would consider a return to the NFL, and a source with another team that could be running a head-coaching search said they believe Harbaugh would discuss an opening if asked and weigh the right situation."

Could the Arizona Cardinals be the right situation?

The NFL team would have to fire Kliff Kingsbury, who signed a contract extension before this season, first. The Cardinals enter their NFL Week 14 game against the New England Patriots on Monday Night Football with a disappointing 4-8 record.

Several NFL writers have linked Harbaugh to the Cardinals' coaching job.

More:Fire Steve Keim? Arizona Cardinals GM on list of NFL general managers who could be fired

Sports Illustrated wrote that Harbaugh would be a "match made in heaven" with Arizona.

Donnie Druin wrote: "Harbaugh would inherit a team with a franchise quarterback (that's already paid) with what should be one of the highest-flying offenses in the NFL and also gets the luxury of working with a (likely) top ten pick.  Key pieces exist at all position groups on the defensive side of the ball, too. That's not a shabby starting kit for a new regime. The Cardinals definitely qualify as an attractive destination.  Should Arizona pursue Harbaugh? Absolutely. The Cardinals have a roster many believe is capable of competing at this moment, and Harbaugh is a proven winner that can step in from day one and get the job done.  Dominoes still need to fall on both sides, but that sounds like a match made in heaven."

Fansided detailed how the Cardinals could convince Harbaugh to leave the Michigan Wolverines.

Jim Koch wrote: "And that’s where Harbaugh comes in. It would certainly take some major money to convince the Ohio native to leave his coveted gig with the Michigan Wolverines. The Cardinals will have to decide if they want to remain a losing franchise, or allow a winner like Harbaugh to elevate the team to elite status in the National Football League."

NFL Week 14 picks: Raiders vs. Rams | Jets vs. Bills | Browns vs. Bengals | Texans vs. Cowboys | Vikings vs. Lions | Eagles vs. Giants | Ravens vs. Steelers | Jaguars vs. Titans | Chiefs vs. Broncos | Panthers vs. Seahawks | Buccaneers vs. 49ers | Dolphins vs. Chargers | Patriots vs. Cardinals

Raising Zona addressed the Harbaugh rumor with the Cardinals.

Sion Fawkes wrote: "The Jim Harbaugh rumors are gaining steam in the desert, and if he leads the University of Michigan to a National Title, you can bet that NFL teams will take further interest in the former San Francisco 49ers coach. Harbaugh’s style and philosophy is also a great fit for the NFL, evidenced by his pro-style spread offense, something deviant of your traditional spread. Because he has been to a Super Bowl, Harbaugh has enjoyed success at the NFL level. Overall, I don’t believe Harbaugh would be the Arizona Cardinals top choice at head coach. But he would make for an excellent consolation."

Raising Zona also addressed the issue surrounding Harbaugh and the level of control he would want to coach Arizona.

Fawkes wrote in that story: "Another name thrown around lately? Jim Harbaugh. We know how effective Harbaugh is as a head coach, given his stint with the San Francisco 49ers. If Harbaugh coaches the Cardinals, he, like Payton, may only come if he gets full control. And if that’s the case, give it to him."

More:Kliff Kingsbury next NFL coach fired? Speculation swirls around Arizona Cardinals coach

Of course, all of this is just speculation.

Harbaugh has other things to worry about right now as his Michigan Wolverines prepare for the College Football Playoff.

He also recently told ESPN that he'd be back at Michigan next season.

"That time of the year type of speculation, but I think no man knows the future," Harbaugh said. "But I think that people that think we've done a good job and are pleased with the job that we've done here at Michigan, they're going to be very happy to learn that we will be back enthusiastically coaching the Wolverines in 2023. And for those people that don't approve of the job we've done or would rather see somebody else coaching here, I think they'll be most likely disappointed to learn we'll be back coaching the Wolverines and in 2023."

Could an NFL team entice him to leave? If so, could it be the Cardinals?

NFL Week 14 odds: Raiders vs. Rams | Jets vs. Bills | Browns vs. Bengals | Texans vs. Cowboys | Vikings vs. Lions | Eagles vs. Giants | Ravens vs. Steelers | Jaguars vs. Titans | Chiefs vs. Broncos | Panthers vs. Seahawks | Buccaneers vs. 49ers | Dolphins vs. Chargers | Patriots vs. Cardinals

Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Cardinals included in Jim Harbaugh NFL coach speculation