USC Trojans Rumors: John Harbaugh Isn't Leaving NFL For College

The USC Trojans are roughly a week removed from firing head coach Steve Sarkisian for showing up to work drunk on multiple occasions. With the firing of a head coach comes the search for his replacement which typically involves a list of options, some realistic and some not.

According to sources familiar with the situation, one of the names on the Trojans’ shortlist is Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh.

Dan says keep a close eye on John Harbaugh as a candidate for USC job.

— Andrew Perloff (@andrewperloff) October 15, 2015

The Dan that Perloff is referring to in that tweet is Dan Patrick who said on his radio show yesterday that his sources are telling him that Harbaugh is “high on the shortlist” for the Trojans.

While the Trojans may certainly have interest in Harbaugh, there is no valid reason for him to leave the top job for one of the best organizations in the NFL to go to college and coach. Prior to this season, Harbaugh has only missed the postseason once in his career in Baltimore, and he’s making a reported $7 million base salary per season. While the Ravens are a disappointing 1-4 in 2015, it’s a blip on the radar compared to Harbaugh’s resume in the “Charm City.”

In fact, Harbaugh addressed the rumors in his press conference today:

Sorry, USC. Coach Harbaugh is staying with us: http://t.co/bQMKm2g9Dg pic.twitter.com/vgqs9rUpYd

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 16, 2015

If the Trojans are going to set their sights on a NFL coach, maybe they should look a little bit further north at the Philadelphia Eagles‘ Chip Kelly. While he’s gone 10-6 in his first two seasons in Philadelphia, there’s a better chance that Kelly would take a massive contract offer to go back to college where he seems to be much more comfortable. If the Eagles miss the playoffs again this season, it’s possible Kelly would get fired anyways.

As far as Harbaugh, the Trojans can certainly dream, but I wouldn’t put too much effort into any sort of recruitment.

Jason Fletcher is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JasonFletcher25, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.