If you want Luck, Harbaugh is the key

[Mr. Scot]

The statements made by Jim Harbaugh today about Andrew Luck preferring to stay in school could very easily be taken at face value.

But if you wanna wrap your tinfoil hat on, they could also be taken as a subtle opening volley in contract negotiations.

"Want my quarterback?" Harbaugh says, "Then pay me to be your head coach" :sosp:

I doubt anyone would dispute that the chances of Andrew Luck coming out for the NFL Draft go way up if his head coach bolts for the pros.

So getting Luck as your franchise Qb could very well be predicated on your being willing to spring for his coach.

Granted, this could be a reach, but when you think about it, doesn't really seem all that far-fetched.

The question becomes whether or not the Panthers would be willing to do it.

[PantherBrew]

Hmmmm...

I could see that.

If that is the case.... we need to pay him, cause he is one smart bastard.

[Spaceballs83]

Do anything in their power to get LUCK. We have the chance to get a prospect "elite" QB!. We need him now!!!. If we do not draft him, i would have to strongly consider switching teams. Besides, i think JR would have to draft him. As much screwing he did with our fanbase this season, he would have no choice.....

[Jangler]

Was thinking this earlier. They are on the phone with each other right now. "Do you want to be a Carolina Panther?"

[ladypanther]

What were the statements?

I always thought our best shot at getting both or either....was us getting both via the # 1 pick this year. Panthers are a good organization for a coach to work for. Harbaugh with the chance to come here with his QB.......got to be an opportunity hard to pass up.

[Pox 08]

"The Panthers hire former Lions RB coach as their new Head Coach"

[Ruff]

Today Schefter said that the rumors he is hearing are saying that Harbaugh is probably gone from Stanford, but that he's heading to Ann Arbor, and not to the NFL.

[Swarly]

I'm sorry but I just have a difficult time believing a quarterback is going pass up a chance to enter the pros when it's a pretty well known thing that there will be a rookie salary cap in place by next year. He'd be giving up something like $30+++ million dollars if he chose to stay.

[MHS831]

Regardless of where Harbaugh goes, if he leaves, Luck will too.

[Mr. Scot]

What were the statements?

I always thought our best shot at getting both or either....was us getting both via the # 1 pick this year. Panthers are a good organization for a coach to work for. Harbaugh with the chance to come here with his QB.......got to be an opportunity hard to pass up.

Second-hand stuff from Peter King. Stated that Harbaugh believes Luck has always planned to stay in school but believes he will make the decision after the bowl game.

Let's be honest here. If Harbaugh wants to play poker here, he's holding the cards.

[eViL jEsTeR]

I also think the "Michigan" possibility is ploy for Harbaugh. I wouldn't be shocked for us to land both.

I don't know much about Harbaugh as I haven't seen a single Stanford game (will be watching the bowl game) but would assume he'd be an offensive minded coach so would Harbaugh be inclined or at least consider keeping Meeks on staff? I like Meeks and think this long term plan for this young defense is working. We just need a high profile, first round quality DT in the 2012 draft (assuming we take Luck and have no 2nd round pick in this draft.)

WOW! THIS IS GOING TO BE AN EXCITING OFF SEASON!!!

[Mr. Scot]

Regardless of where Harbaugh goes, if he leaves, Luck will too.

Aaahhh, but if he goes to another NFL team, Luck could always pull an Elway/Manning maneuver and say he won't play for any team but whomever has Harbaugh.

[Carolina Husker]

That's highly unlikely.

[Mr. Scot]

The only thing I think can be said for sure is this may well be the wildest offseason Panther fans have ever seen.