Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh is considering a large contract offer to stay in Ann Arbor, Michigan, but there is a big catch. According to NFL Network, the university is offering Harbaugh a contract extension that would make him the highest-paid coach in college football but would bar him from pursuing an NFL position for the 2024 season.
While the restriction restricting NFL interest would only last one season, it appears to have been sufficient to prevent the two parties from reaching an agreement. The contract request from the Wolverines is for ten years and $125 million, which would surpass Dabo Swinney’s $115 million contract as the largest in college football history. Alabama coach Nick Saban will earn $11.4 million in 2023, making him the highest-paid coach in NCAA football. Michigan is also said to have proposed a shorter-term $11 million contract.
During his nine-year career at Michigan, Harbaugh has converted the school into a national powerhouse. Before he came over as coach, the Wolverines went eight years without a top-10 finish. Michigan, the No. 1 overall seed in the College Football Playoff, is on track for its fourth top-10 finish. Harbaugh is the first Michigan coach since Gary Moeller in 1990-92 to win three consecutive Big Ten championships.
Harbaugh has frequently coveted NFL coaching positions since taking over the Wolverines, and speculation has reached a fever pitch during UM’s climb to national prominence. Harbaugh actively sought a post with the Minnesota Vikings after the 2021 season. After Minnesota hired Kevin O’Connell, he told the Detroit Free Press that this would be his final NFL job search.
One year later, Harbaugh spoke with the Denver Broncos to discuss their open position. Sean Payton was eventually hired as Denver’s head coach. If Harbaugh does not sign the contract, he may be considered for available positions in 2024.
To make matters worse, Harbaugh has had a terrible year away from Michigan. He was suspended twice for rule violations, once by himself and once by the Big Ten, and coached only six regular-season games. This week, Michigan got notification of claims of improper coaching and recruiting tactics during the COVID-19 dead period. The NCAA is also looking into Michigan and former analyst Connor Stalions for improper in-person recruitment and sign snatching.
After the 2023 season, Michigan loses a number of significant contributors, including running back Blake Corum, top receivers Cornelius Johnson and Roman Wilson, all five starting offensive linemen, and at least seven defensive starters. The Wolverines enter the College Football Playoff as a preseason favorite to win the national championship, but they will undergo a rebuilding phase in 2024.
The Wolverines face No. 4 Alabama in the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day at 5 p.m. ET in Pasadena, California. The winner advances to the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday, Jan. 8, against either No. 3 Texas or No. 2 Washington.
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