Multiple media reports indicated that the Michigan Wolverines football program was about to announce a huge extension for head coach Jim Harbaugh earlier in October.
The Athletic reported that Harbaugh was on the verge of becoming the highest-paid head coach in the Big Ten when news about a sign-stealing scandal involving the program became public record.
More recently, the Wall Street Journal reported over the weekend that Michigan’s brass actually rescinded what was an historic contract offer for the embattled Harbaugh.
“The University of Michigan has rescinded a new contract offer for head football coach Jim Harbaugh in the wake of a sign-stealing scandal that has rocked one of the favorites to play for college football’s national championship,” report on Jim Harbaugh’s contract situation.
As for the Wolverines’ head coach, he pushed back against this during a Q&A with the media on Monday. “I wouldn’t say that’s accurate, no,” Harbaugh said when asked about the aforementioned reports.
“I can talk about the football game this Saturday,” Harbaugh said. “I can talk about the vibes in that preparation and where that stands today. It doesn’t seem like you’re interested in that. That’s what I can talk about.”
Harbaugh is currently in the second season of a five-year contract extension he signed with Michigan back in 2022. He’s earning just north of $7 million per year on the current deal.
Related: Jim Harbaugh and the highest-paid college football coaches
Despite boasting an 8-0 record and being ranked No. 2 nationally, Michigan has found itself under fire recently after news broke of a sign-stealing scandal involving former staffer Connor Stalions.
Allegations include that Stalions purchased tickets for over two dozen games of future Michigan opponents and was caught on camera stealing signs.
Remember, Harbaugh himself was suspended to open the 2023 season after an investigation seemingly proved that the Michigan football program committed recruiting violations.
As for this most-recent investigation, Harbaugh indicates that the program is cooperating with investigators as the situation plays out.
“You just have to let it play out, cooperate with the investigation and watch how it plays out,” Harbaugh said. “The speculation part, as I’ve said I’ve got too much of a one-track mind on coaching the team to engage on every piece of speculation.”
Michigan is set to take on Purdue this coming weekend before a big game against Penn State on November 11. After a game against Maryland, it closes up the regular season with a huge rivalry matchup against Ohio State.
While this is Harbaugh’s central focus, the dark cloud hanging over his program will continue to be a major talking point. The same thing can be said about his future with the Wolverines.