There are numerous reasons that have been reported as explanations for why Jim Harbaugh wanted to leave Michigan or the NFL this offseason. Whether it truly was his desire to win a Super Bowl, or he was using the NFL rumors as leverage with the Wolverines, lots of explanations were provided.

Maybe there was a combination of several factors that led Harbaugh to explore the NFL.

The Detroit Free Press’ Michael Cohen published an article on Sunday in which he discussed Harbaugh’s flirtation with the Vikings. He says there was a desire from Harbaugh to win a Super Bowl; the coach’s realization that the older he gets, the less likely it is for him to get hired by an NFL team; and possible frustrations with Michigan that all contributed to the dalliance.

But Cohen notably described Harbaugh’s contract as the “tipping point” pushing the coach towards the NFL.