Minnesota Vikings request permission to interview Jim Harbaugh for head-coaching vacancy

6:46 PM ET

The Minnesota Vikings are interested in hiring Harbaugh as their next head coach. The Vikings have requested permission to interview Harbaugh, according to a source.

Harbaugh was the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers when Adofo- Mensah was the general manager of the Vikings. Adofo- Mensah worked for Harbaugh in the San Francisco front office in research and development.

The relationship between Adofo- Mensah and Harbaugh is one of the primary drivers of the franchise's interest in Harbaugh, according to a source.

Harbaugh is coming of a rejuvenation season at Michigan. Michigan won the Big Ten title and earned a spot in the College Football Playoff after beating out Ohio State.

Harbaugh's base salary went from $8 million to $4 million after the 2-4 season. After the rebound season in 2021, Michigan has yet to make a new agreement with Harbaugh.

Harbaugh was the head coach of the 49ers for four years. He went 44-19-1 and is the fifth best winning percentage in the history of the NFL. Harbaugh went 8-8 in his last year.