Under Jim Harbaugh, the Michigan Wolverines have risen to prominence as one of the finest teams in college football. If the Wolverines want to keep their leader and coach, they will have to pay a higher price since NFL teams are interested.
Harbaugh, who turns 60 on December 23, took over as Michigan’s head coach in 2015. He took over for Brady Hoke, who had a 31-20 record (.608) with the team over four seasons. Prior to that, Richard Rodriguez guided Michigan to a.405 winning percentage in three seasons with the Wolverines.
Jim Harbaugh’s college record with the Michigan Wolverines is 87-25, with a 1-6 record in bowl games.
Michigan has become an annual College Football Playoff contender under Harbaugh. The Wolverines have also defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes three years in a row, claiming the Big Ten Championship in each of the last three seasons.
However, as the Michigan Wolverines prepare to face the Alabama Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff, NFL coaching rumors link Harbaugh to positions with the Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders, and Carolina Panthers. As a result, Michigan has made two contract offers to its head coach for the upcoming season and beyond.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Harbaugh has been given a 10-year, $125 million contract extension, putting him among the highest-paid college football coaches in NCAA history. While the money is appropriate, there is one stipulation in the agreement that is giving Harbaugh pause.
Jim Harbaugh’s NFL coaching record is 44-19-1 during the regular season and 5-3 in the playoffs.
According to Rapoport, the 10-year deal extension includes an NFL clause that prevents him from leaving Michigan for the NFL at any point in 2024. It would mean that his next chance to make a move, to compete for that elusive Super Bowl ring, would not come until 2025 at the earliest.
However, it is not the sole contract proposal offered by the athletic department of the Michigan Wolverines. Michigan has also offered Harbaugh a short-term deal worth around $11 million each season, according to Rapoport. It does not include an NFL provision, but it would still place him among the highest-paid NCAA coaches.
Will Jim Harbaugh be back in the NFL?
Harbaugh’s desire to return to the NFL has been well reported. He’s been a top coaching contender across the league for the past two seasons, and he was a finalist for jobs with the Minnesota Vikings (2022) and Denver Broncos (2023).
If Michigan loses Harbaugh to an NFL team, it is expected that offensive coordinator Sheroone Moore will take over as head coach in 2024. However, that is a scenario that the athletic department is attempting to avoid, which is why Harbaugh has received many contract offers.
Harbaugh, who was suspended twice this season for recruiting infractions and the sign-stealing incident, could face penalties again next season if the NCAA suspends him and he becomes an NFL head coach. For the time being, he is focused on the CFP Semifinal battle against Alabama, but a decision on his future could be made within the next several weeks.
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