Rapoport cited high - ranking Michigan sources that the Wolverines would prefer John over brother Jim Harbaugh because he is viewed as more of a long - term option .
Brother Jim Harbaugh is the San Francisco 49ers coach who once quarterbacked the Wolverines .
Rapoport cited high - ranking Michigan sources that the Wolverines would prefer John over brother Jim Harbaugh , the San Francisco 49ers coach who once quarterbacked the Wolverines , because he is viewed as more of a long - term option .