Michigan football: keeping Jim Harbaugh needs to be top priority

Immediately after the 2022 Michigan football season came to an end, Jim Harbaugh was reportedly interested in leaving Michigan. After last year’s back-and-forth with the NFL, everyone knew that these rumors needed to be taken seriously. Still, no one was sure how legitimate the situation actually was; after all, the “Harbaugh to the NFL” rumors are nothing new for Wolverines fans.

Jim Harbaugh leaving Michigan football?

As more has come out about the situation, it has become clear that Harbaugh is serious about leaving for a few reasons. The biggest two reasons, as of right now, seem to be his contract and issues with Michigan AD Warde Manuel. Last night, University of Michigan president Santa Ono released a statement on the matter, stating that he and the AD wanted to see Jim Harbaugh stay in Ann Arbor long-term.

I pleased to share that I have been having very positive and constructive conversations with our Athletic Director and Football Coach. Warde Manuel and I both want to see Jim Harbaugh stay as the head football coach of the University of Michigan Wolverines. #GoBlue 〽️

— Santa Ono (@SantaJOno) January 12, 2023

On Monday, Jim Harbaugh reportedly interviewed with the Denver Broncos for two hours, and the week before, Harbaugh had a phone call with the owner of the Carolina Panthers. It is clear that these rumors need to be taken seriously, and that Harbaugh likely has options if/when he becomes unhappy with Michigan football.

Hours After Ono tweeted his thoughts on the situation, Jim Harbaugh released a statement in agreement with Santa Ono’s message. Right now, above all else, one thing needs to be top priority: keeping Jim Harbaugh in Ann Arbor.

What can U-M do to keep Harbaugh happy?

The first thing Michigan football MUST do to keep Jim Harbaugh is offer him the contract he deserves. Over the past two years, Jim Harbaugh has won 25 of his 28 games, two Big Ten Championships, gone to the Playoff twice, and is 2-0 against Ohio State. Jim Harbaugh has checked all of the boxes needed this decade and deserves to be paid what he is worth.

In the Big Ten East alone, there are three coaches that earn far more money than Jim Harbaugh: Ryan Day (Ohio State), James Franklin (Penn State), and Mel Tucker (Michigan State). Last year alone, Jim Harbaugh holds blowout wins over all three coaches (45-23 vs. Ohio State, 41-17 vs. Penn State, 29-7 vs. Michigan State).

The second issue U-M needs to work on is fixing the issues between Harbaugh and Warde Manuel. Jim Harbaugh is reportedly hesitant to sign a new contract with Michigan due to Warde Manuel’s “antics,” and if the decision the Wolverines have to make is between Manuel and Harbaugh, it better be Jim Harbaugh. Manuel has done a subpar job since arriving in Ann Arbor, and keeping him over a coach that has won the conference two-straight years would be insane.

Michigan football hinges on Jim Harbaugh right now

Whatever Jim Harbaugh says he needs, Michigan must give him. As the 2023 season lingers just eight months away, Jim Harbaugh and Michigan football have work to do if the Wolverines expect to beat Ohio State and win the Big Ten again. It is very possible, perhaps even likely, that U-M makes another trip to the CFP and Big Ten Title game next year, but that all starts and stops with who is head coach.

If Jim Harbaugh walks, say goodbye to all of the progress that has been made since the Rich Rod/Brady Hoke years. With the addition of the transfer portal (and NIL), there is a good chance that all of Michigan’s stars will head out the door with Harbaugh in search of a new home regardless of who replaces him. Additionally, hiring a coach inside of the program might be tough seeing as Harbaugh will likely take most of his staff with him if he leaves.

Regardless of what it takes, Michigan football must keep Jim Harbaugh happy in Ann Arbor. As Harbaugh has said before, he is willing to finish his career and retire at Michigan, so right now, this decision comes down to whether or not U-M can meet his needs.

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