Michigan football coach close to new contract, but there’s a holdup

Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh has done a marvelous job over the past few seasons, going 38-3 with three Big Ten titles, three wins over Ohio State, three College Football Playoff berths, and more. In fact, on January 1, Harbaugh and the Wolverines will have a shot at Alabama in the Rose Bowl with a trip to the national title game on the line. On Thursday, new insider reports came out that Michigan is finalizing a contract extension on its end for Harbaugh to sign, making him the highest-paid coach in the Big Ten. Still, there is a holdup regarding his NFL interest right now.

Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh close to massive contract extension

Per today’s reports from both John U. Bacon and SI insider Richard Johnson, Michigan football is close to finalizing a deal with Jim Harbaugh worth $11 million per year over the next five seasons. While the contract seems to look go to all parties involved right now, there remains a bit of a holdup in getting it signed: Michigan wants Jim Harbaugh to confirm — in writing — that he will not pursue an NFL job after the season.

NFL interest is the biggest hurdle right now

Per reports, that written message from Harbaugh remains the biggest hurdle in getting everything signed. That said, it sounds like U-M seems happy with where things stand from their perspective. Of course, this new contract comes in the middle of the NCAA’s investigation into Michigan football over the alleged sign-stealing scandal — I am sure that the school will also include some language that gets it out of the contract if Harbaugh is found to be tied to what Connor Stalions allegedly did.

Michigan wants Harbaugh to stay put

Still, as Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh and his undefeated Wolverines pursue a CFP win over Alabama in the Rose Bowl, it sounds like everyone in Ann Arbor’s main focus remains the same: keeping Harbaugh for the long run. For the time being, it sounds like there is progress being made, but still some work to be done on both sides before anything gets signed.

Michigan AD Warde Manuel, UM's leaders and lawyers, are finalizing Harbaugh's contract: 5 years, 55 million, which will make him the highest paid coach in the Big Ten, as promised weeks ago.
The ball is now in Harbaugh's court.

— John U. Bacon (@Johnubacon) December 7, 2023

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