The Michigan Wolverines have returned to glory as one of the best teams in college football under Jim Harbaugh. If the Wolverines want to retain their leader and coach, it will come at an increased cost amid significant interest from NFL teams.
Harbaugh, who turned 60 on Dec. 23, took over at Michigan in 2015. He replaced Brady Hoke, who compiled a 31-20 record (.608) with the team across four seasons. Prior to that, Michigan was led by Richard Rodriguez posted a .405 winning percentage across three seasons with the Wolverines
- Jim Harbaugh college record: 87-25 with the Michigan Wolverines, 1-6 in bowl games
Related: Jim Harbaugh contract demands for NFL teams revealed
Under Harbaugh, Michigan has become a perennial College Football Playoff Contender. The Wolverines have also defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes in three consecutive years, winning the Big Ten Championship in the last three seasons, too.
However, as the Wolverines’ football team prepares to face the Alabama Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff, NFL coaching rumors are connecting Harbaugh to jobs with the Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders and Carolina Panthers. As a result, Michigan has presented its head coach with two contract offers for next season and beyond.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Harbaugh has been offered a 10-year, $125 million contract extension that would make him one of the highest-paid college football coaches in NCAA history. While the money is right, there is a caveat in the deal that is giving Harbaugh pause.
- Jim Harbaugh NFL coaching record: 44-19-1 in regular season, 5-3 in playoffs
Rapoport reports that the 10-year contract extension includes an NFL clause, forbidding him from leaving Michigan for the NFL at any point in 2024. It would mean his next opportunity to make a jump, vying for that Super Bowl ring that is missing from his resume, until 2025 at the earliest.
Related: Michigan Wolverines dealing with internal ‘strife’ with Jim Harbaugh
However, it’s not the only contract proposal made by the Wolverines’ athletic department. According to Rapoport, Michigan has also offered Harbaugh a short-term extension worth approximately $11 million per season. It doesn’t include an NFL clause and would still make him one of the highest-paid NCAA coaches.
Will Jim Harbaugh return to NFL?
Harbaugh’s interest in returning to the NFL is well-documented. In the past two seasons, he’s been a top coaching candidate around the league and was one of the finalists for vacancies with the Minnesota Vikings (2022) and Denver Broncos (2023).
Related: Jim Harbaugh will ‘definitely’ leave Michigan for NFL in one scenario
If the Wolverines lose Harbaugh to an NFL team, the expectation remains that offensive coordinator Sheroone Moore will take over as Michigan’s head coach in 2024. However, that is a scenario the athletic department is trying to avoid thus the multiple contract offers to Harbaugh.
Harbaugh, who served two suspensions this season for recruiting violations and the sign-stealing scandal, could still face discipline next season if the NCAA suspends him and he becomes an NFL head coach. For now, he’s focused on the CFP Semifinal matchup against Alabama but a decision on his future could be just weeks away.
