Jim Harbaugh releases statement on NFL rumors, announces he plans to stay at U-M

Despite all of the rumors surrounding Jim Harbaugh having interest in an NFL position, it looks as if Harbaugh is staying in Ann Arbor.

Jim Harbaugh is home for good

After a short (but successful) stint in the NFL from 2011-2014, Jim Harbaugh was hired to coach at his alma mater in late-2014. In 2015, Harbaugh took Michigan football from 5-7 to 10-3 in just one season, and since, has not looked back. In seven full seasons as head coach, Jim Harbaugh has led the Wolverines to five 10-win seasons, two Big Ten Championships, two College Football Playoff appearances, and multiple top-10 and top-5 finishes.

Since an awful 2-4 season during the Covid-19 season (2020) Jim Harbaugh has taken Michigan football to new heights. In 2021, the Wolverines became the first team to start the season unranked and still make the CFP. That same year Michigan beat Ohio State for the first time in 10 years, made the CFP, and won its first Big Ten Championship since 2004.

A year later, in Harbaugh’s most recent season, the Wolverines went on a historic 13-game winning streak and won the Big Ten yet again. Michigan football beat Michigan State, Penn State, and Ohio State by over 20 points each before dismantling Purdue in the Big Ten Championship game. Despite the Wolverines’ 6-point loss in the Fiesta Bowl, Michigan’s program is heading in the right direction.

Newest statement from Harbaugh on the NFL rumors

Thursday, the University of Michigan’s football team released these statements from Jim Harbaugh via social media. Harbaugh concluded his statements with a legendary Michigan football quote: “Those Who Stay Will Be Champions.”

A Michigan Man through and through.#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/ZLZiCSw8AG

— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) January 5, 2023

Harbaugh needs to be all-in for Michigan football

Whether Jim Harbaugh stays or goes is an important decision, I will not argue that in any way. That being said, Michigan football needs an answer more than anything right now. If Jim Harbaugh ever plans on leaving, he should just go. If he plans on staying, he must make it clear that he will not be interested in the NFL anytime soon.

A year ago, Harbaugh was interviewing for a position with the Minnesota Vikings on National Signing Day as his newest recruits officially committed to Michigan’s program. Now, Michigan fans are a bit on-edge, as are donors and recruits. All Harbaugh really needs to do is make it clear that he wants to retire as Michigan’s head coach, which seems to be what he is doing right now.

Heading into the 2023 season, Michigan football appears to be in the best possible position to win another Big Ten Championship and perhaps a National Championship as well. Much of the offense — including JJ McCarthy — will be returning and the defense will be stacked to the brim once again. It is an exciting time to be a Michigan fan, and seeing that Harbaugh will still be at the helm is exciting news for the Wolverines’ program.