The Michigan Wolverines are headed to the College Football Playoff once again under JIm Harbaugh, with one of the best coaches in college football exceeding expectations in Ann Arbor. However, the very reason Harbaugh was available for Michigan could result in him returning to the NFL.
Harbaugh has flirted with NFL teams in recent offseason, chasing a return to fulfill his unachieved goal of winning a Super Bowl. He came close with the San Francisco 49ers, but left the team for Miochigan after persistent issues with 49ers’ executives.
- Jim Harbaugh college record: 85-25 with the Michigan Wolverines
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While Harbaugh’s track record as a winner and head coach speaks for itself, his personality also causes friction with those around him. Now, as the Wolverines attempt to sign him to a new contract extension amid renewed NFL interest, there appears to be conflict within the Wolverines’ athletic department.
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On the latest Inside Coverage podcast, Yahoo Sports’ senior reporter Charles Robinson disclosed that there is some internal conflict between Harbaugh and the top of Michigan’s athletic department.
“Prior to the sign-stealing investigation coming out, Michigan was confident they were going to get him signed to a long-term contract. Now, there’s been strife inside Michigan. Harbaugh and the athletic director, not best buds, probably not on each other’s Christmas card list. He and Ward Manuel, not the fastest of friends.”
Charles Robinson on Michigan Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh
Harbaugh hasn’t necessarily left the Wolverines with an easy decision. The sign-stealing scandal hung a black cloud over the Wolverines’ undefeated season and a loss to Alabam in the CFP Semifinal would be more playoff disappointment for this program.
- Jim Harbaugh NFL coaching record: 44-19-1 in regular season, 5-3 in playoffs
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Harbaugh could still be suspended by the NCAA in 2024, with sanctions that could last for the entire season and have an impact on which players enter the transfer portal. Harbaugh’s personality isn’t changing, so the likelihood of the internal conflict being resolved is low.
If Michigan wins a national championship, many have viewed it as a guarantee that Harbaugh would leave for the NFL. At this point, even if the Wolverines fall just short and Harbaugh can’t win the national championship game, it seems like his days in college football are numbered.
