Report: The Broncos recently met in person with Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh aspires for the Lombardi Trophy. But he didn’t seem to think he would win one in Denver.

Via ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter, Broncos CEO Greg Penner In recent days he met with Harbou Regarding the possibility of taking the job in Denver.

The interview came after a video interview — and after Harbaugh announced he would be staying at Ann Arbor for at least 2023.

The mere fact that Harbou held the meeting indicates that the door was not fully closed, despite his public statements. Otherwise, why waste everyone’s time?

Regardless, Harbou took over the meeting. Which says a lot. The Broncos have moved on, which is also saying a lot.

Schefter downplays the meeting as a due diligence. But there is no due ijtihad, Harbou said, if he does not leave. So either the Broncos decided (for now) not to offer Harbaugh the job, or Harbaugh decided he didn’t want it.

The development confirms that Harbaugh clearly has an interest in returning to the NFL. Otherwise, he would have told Benner not to waste time and money traveling from Colorado to Michigan.

Until the Broncos hire a coach, it remains theoretically possible for the Broncos to make an offer that the Broncos did not turn down. For example, if they want 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans and if the Ryans favor Texas, the Broncos will need to move to Plan B. Whatever Plan B.

In the end, it may be plan C or D. The Broncos will certainly try to describe whoever gets the job as first choice all along, for various reasons – including but not limited to convincing the fan base that they got the guy they wanted and not a backup option.