The Michigan Wolverines and head coach Jim Harbaugh are in the final stages of preparation for Monday’s CFP Semifinal against the Alabama Crimson Tide. Depending on the outcome, there appears to be a realistic change this is Harbaugh’s last as the Wolverines’ head coach.
Harbaugh has flirted with the possibility of an NFL return in previous offseasons. In 2021, he was a finalist for the Minnesota Vikings‘ head coaching position that ultimately went to Kevin O’Connell. Last spring, he was in the mix to replace Nathaniel Hackett with the Denver Broncos before Sean Payton was hired.
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Each time Harbaugh weighed leaving Michigan, the Wolverines pulled him back with a lucrative contract extension. After finishing No. 1 in the college football rankings at the end of the regular season, Michigan made new contract offers to Harbaugh.
However, the 60-year-old coach has wanted to keep his options open. While he’s committed to the Wolverines through their playoff run, Michigan’s head coach has reportedly taken one step towards an NFL return in 2024.
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Harbaugh hired agent Don Yee to represent him in contract negotiations. Yee, one of the most well-respected negotiators in pro football, also represents Payton.
Considering Yee primarily works with NFL clients, it’s very notable that Harbaugh chose him for representation amid uncertainty regarding his future. Many around the NFL believe this might finally be the offseason when Harbaugh returns to the NFL and that appears to be the case.
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While Sherrone Moore has been the presumed coach-in-waiting at Michigan if Harbaugh leaves, the departure of one of the top coaches in college football would create one of the most coveted coaching vacancies in sports.
