Michigan football insiders debunk inaccurate report on Harbaugh

Yesterday, the Wall Street Journal released a new report on the University of Michigan’s contract extension talks with 9th-year head coach Jim Harbaugh, stating that the school had rescinded its offer to make Harbaugh the highest-paid head coach in the Big Ten. Earlier this month, it was believed that U-M would have an offer to Harbaugh by the end of October; however, talks were “put on hold” due to the NCAA’s ongoing investigation into the Wolverines. Following this new report, a few top Michigan football insiders gunned down the report, stating that the contract is still on hold, but nothing was “rescinded.”

Michigan football insiders debunk inaccurate report on Jim Harbaugh

The latest Wall Street Journal (WSJ) article on Michigan football and Jim Harbaugh appears to have a key flaw — it does not portray the actual reported events that happened in regards to a contract extension for Harbaugh. While The Post’s headline confidently states that the school has “rescinded” an offer for Jim Harbaugh to become the highest-paid head coach in the Big Ten Conference, insiders are saying that this is not true.

Josh Henscke, the publisher of Michigan Rivals, was the first Michigan football insider to gun down this bold claim from The Journal, stating that it was “put on hold,” not “rescinded.”

Source: "Rescinded not exactly the right word but yes. 'Put on hold' is more accurate."

— Josh Henschke (@JoshHenschke) October 29, 2023

Additionally, famed Michigan football writer John U. Bacon, who is known to be well-connected with the University of Michigan and its many athletic programs, said something similar. Per Bacon, what he has heard is that the WSJ report is not entirely accurate.

People involved in the decision tell me this is not accurate. More soon. https://t.co/IEmbUZe5oK

— John U. Bacon (@Johnubacon) October 30, 2023

ESPN also noted that things were put on hold amid the investigation, though again, nothing has been “rescinded.”

For now, it sounds like Michigan football and Jim Harbaugh may still be able to come to an agreement, though contract talks will be delayed until everyone knows more about the NCAA investigation and what the future may look like under Harbaugh.

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