Joel Klatt updates thoughts on Jim Harbaugh contract, NFL rumors, Michigan football

Last week, college football analyst Joel Klatt gave his take on the Jim Harbaugh contract discussion and more, stating that the NFL rumors were gaining steam due to trouble between Harbaugh and the administration in Ann Arbor. That said, after new Michigan football contract rumors kicked up, it appears that the famed analyst has updated his thoughts on the University of Michigan and its situation with its 9th-year head coach heading into Week 7.

Joel Klatt updates take on Jim Harbaugh contract

Right now, it sounds like Michigan football is drumming up a contract that would make Jim Harbaugh the highest-paid head coach in the Big Ten conference — James Franklin (Penn State) and Ryan Day (Ohio State) are ahead of him. In fact, Mel Tucker of Michigan State was also ahead of Harbaugh before he was fired last month.

So, Joel Klatt no longer feels that Jim Harbaugh is going to fuel the NFL rumors due to conflict with the admin — more specifically, Warde Manuel — but he is still not shutting that possibility down.

“I think it’s actually improving as of late. (Harbaugh’s relationship with the AD) is improving,” Joel Klatt told Colin Cowherd. “And I would not be surprised if in the very near future, there’s a pretty hefty extension announced. It’s great for the sport. Now, I’ll be interested in what the buyout is, you know, from Harbaugh’s side. So let’s say the buyout is lower, let’s say he signs a deal, and I’ve heard it’s going to be north of anyone in the Big Ten.”

Michigan football needs to get the number right to prevent NFL rumors from kicking up again

Regardless of what the offer on the table is, keep a close eye on one major aspect of a new Jim Harbaugh contract with Michigan football: Harbaugh’s buyout price.

“What you’ll want to watch for, once this extension is announced at some point, and I don’t know if it’s imminent, but I know that it’s in conversation, what’s the buyout number for Jim? If it’s less than $10 million, then I don’t know because any NFL organization is going to go and swoop in there and offer more than that and be willing to pay more than that,” Klatt said.

According to reports, Jim Harbaugh is expected to have a new contract ready to go with Michigan football that will make him the highest-paid coach in the Big Ten Conference. On Monday, Harbaugh said that he feels “wanted” at Michigan, and is open to re-signing with the Wolverines — it’s clear, however, that the money has to be right for the veteran head coach to agree to it.

Unlike Klatt’s previous argument when it came to the Jim Harbaugh-NFL rumors, it seems he is coming around and more optimistic about the Wolverines reaching a deal with Harbaugh at some point. Again, the NFL will be calling Harbaugh’s name once again, so by season’s end, we may need to strap in for another offseason of potential drama.

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