It is being reported that Michigan is preparing a five-year, $55-million contract extension for coach Jim Harbaugh, according to Sports Illustrated. The $11-million yearly salary bump, however, is caught on a snag. Richard Johnson of SI reports is Michigan wants a commitment from the coach – in writing – that he will not pursue an NFL job in “this cycle.”
However, it hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows for Harbaugh at Michigan. He serves a self-imposed three-game suspension related to NCAA violations that occurred during the COVID-19 dead period. That was followed by the Michigan sign-stealing operation, which resulted in another three-game suspension.
The main hurdle remaining is a commitment in writing from Harbaugh that he will not pursue an NFL job this cycle,” reported SI. the will he or won’t he question about Harbaugh’s eventual return to NFL head coaching ranks has followed him throughout his Wolverines coaching career.
Harbaugh, who is in his ninth season at Michigan, interviewed with the Minnesota Vikings after the 2021 season. He’s publicly mused about how close his San Francisco 49ers came to defeating the Baltimore Ravens during Super Bowl XLVII in 2013. Harbaugh was suspended seven games this season, and his program still faces multiple investigations. There are expected to be various NFL head coaching jobs up for grabs in the off-season.
Harbaugh earns about $7 million annually in Ann Arbor on a deal that runs through the 2026 season. After claiming its third Big Ten championship in a row, his 13-0 Wolverines are preparing to face off with Saban’s 12-1 Crimson Tide in a hotly anticipated College Football Playoff semifinal in the Rose Bowl.
