After being linked to the job earlier in the week, Jim Harbaugh, the head coach of Michigan, appears to have stronger ties to the Carolina Panthers. 

Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reported on Saturday that the Michigan coach could be a candidate for the vacant Panthers job. 

It is a move that, at least on paper, makes complete sense. 

The Panthers' previous coaching search involved Harbaugh, who has frequently been flirting with a return to the NFL's sideline. And if David Tepper chooses the Michigan coach to lead the Panthers, it couldn't come at a better time. 

Harbaugh's 2023 season has been chalked full of dysfunction. He was suspended at the end of the season by the BIG 10 for an elaborate sign-stealing scheme. Joining the Panthers sideline would rid him of all of the baggage that has come from a promising, yet somewhat disappointing, run in Ann Arbor. 

Also working in Harbaugh's favor is Bryce Young. 

The Alabama product would only be one season out of college football if Harbaugh were to be hired at the end of the 2023 NFL season. 

With a coach who recently also coached college quarterbacks, Young may find some comfort he couldn't find under Reich during his short 11-game tenure. This is exactly what Tepper wants to see: Progression from his No. 1 pick. 

Harbaugh is a real candidate for the Panthers job because he brings what Reich couldn't to Young — reliability. 

Jim Harbaugh linked to Carolina Panthers head coach job

As the Carolina Panthers delve into who will be the team’s next head coach, team owner David Tepper may give the college ranks another shot.