As Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines focus on preparations for next month’s College Football Playoff semifinal against Alabama, the University of Michigan is reportedly focused on keeping its head coach. Harbaugh has been linked to the NFL for the second season in a row as several teams could look to the former San Francisco 49ers coach as replacement in the upcoming offseason.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Richard Johnson, the university is working up a five-year extension that could see the veteran coach earn $11 million a year. After serving out a school-imposed three-game suspension to start the season over NCAA recruiting violations, Harbaugh was again subject to an additional three game suspension to close out the season amid an investigation into a sign-stealing operation that involved former low-level staffer Connor Stalions.
Michigan continued to an 11-0 finish and won its third straight conference championship with a 26-0 rout of Iowa. The Wolverines will now chase the school’s first national title since 1997. Harbaugh has been suggested as a potential candidate for several head coaching vacancies or soon-to-be vacancies. With the early signing period only a few weeks away, Michigan has been actively working to finish the recruiting class strong.
The Wolverines currently have 25 verbal pledges this cycle, but still a few positions they want address or further address. Having said that, Michigan remains hot on the trail for several prospects uncommitted and even committed elsewhere to wrap up this impressive haul.
