Two things conspired in recent days to add momentum to the rumors that Jim Harbaugh could be headed to the Michigan Wolverines after all.

Les Miles Claims He Won't Be Taking Michigan Job

First, fellow high-profile candidates like LSU's Les Miles and Mississippi State's Dan Mullen seemed to drop out of contention. Miles reportedly told his players and reportes during his Music City Bowl press appearance that he would not be taking the Michigan job offer. Mullen, meanwhile, denied ever exchanging correspondence with the school to begin with, and is expected to sign an extension with the Bulldogs.

The second key event, from Michigan's perspective, was Harbaugh's current San Francisco 49ers team being eliminated from NFL playoff contention. That significantly moves up the timeline of when the Wolverines can try and potentially woo Harbaugh.

Mullen Claims No Contact From UM

Detroit News columnist Bob Wojnowski indicated that the school's pursuit of Harbaugh was gaining traction on Tuesday.

Jim Harbaugh is 43-18 in his career with San Francisco, including three NFC conference championship appearance between 2011 and 2013. Prior to that he was 58-27 on the college level, coaching at the University of San Diego and Stanford. He was a quarterback at Michigan from 1983-1986.