The Michigan Wolverines have little time to celebrate their national championship amid increasing rumors of Jim Harbaugh making an NFL return. While there’s a growing belief the legendary college football coach will leave the program, Michigan does have a promising update for its future.
Harbaugh isn’t the only coach the Wolverines could lose this offseason. While NFL teams are after him for head-coaching vacancies, Michigan’s top coordinator and a potential option at head coach fi Harbaugh leaves is also possibly headed to the NFL.
- Jim Harbaugh NFL record: 44-19-1 with the San Francisco 49ers
Related: Michigan Wolverines coaching candidates to replace Jim Harbaugh
Retaining Harbaugh will come at a cost. Following new contracts for Kalen DeBoer (Alabama Crimson Tide) and Mike Norvell (Florida State Seminoles), the highest-paid college football coaches all make $10-plus million AAV. Harbaugh was already at that figure before winning a national championship and with NFL teams willing to offer $15-plus million, the Wolverines’ athletic department will need to be prepared for a bidding war.
Fortunately, the Wolverines have the financial backing from boosters to compete with NFL teams for Harbaugh. However, Michigan’s coach has admitted he has unfinished business at the next level with a need to win the Super Bowl. On the verge of Harbaugh meeting with the Los Angeles Chargers, the Wolverines are now publicly addressing their situation.
While attending Saturday’s championship parade, Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel addressed the head coach’s future and ongoing contract talks.
“I am working on getting this man a new contract, I promise you that.
Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel on ongoing Jim Harbaugh contract talks (H/T The Detroit News)
Related: Michigan Wolverines’ contract offers to Jim Harbaugh revealed
The Wolverines could take things in a few directions. One possibility is signing Harbaugh to a 10-year contract extension with an AAV that matches what other NFL teams will provide, keeping him in Ann Arbor for years to come. An alternative would be a short-term extension, keeping him as the Wolverines’ head coach in 2024 with an NFL return set up for 2025.
If Harbaugh leaves this offseason, he’ll likely try and bring offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore and defensive coordinator with him to the NFL. In that scenario, Michigan’s best option might be to offer either Minter or Moore the head-coaching job. Otherwise, the Wolverines dive into a pool of coaching candidates that has been thinned out this winter.
