Michigan Football Still Working On New Contract For Jim Harbaugh

PASADENA — The Wolverines‘ 27-20 victory over No. 4 Alabama in the Rose Bowl is perhaps the best victory in program history, at least in recent memory. After the game, athletic director Warde Manuel reportedly confirmed that the University of Michigan football program is still working on a new contract for Jim Harbaugh, who is likely to have plenty of NFL offers after Michigan’s national title performance against Washington, win or lose.

Game-winning touchdown (🎥: @CMBB90) pic.twitter.com/74j1pLjMAi

— Blue By 90 (@bluebyninety) January 2, 2024

Michigan football still looking to extend Jim Harbaugh, reports say

Jim Harbaugh took over a Michigan football program that had just gone 5-7, turning the Wolverines around almost instantly, going 10-3 and beating Florida 41-7 in the Citrus Bowl. Since then, Harbaugh has seen some ups and downs, though the past three years of his nine-season tenure have been nothing short of incredible.

Ever since Michigan’s 2-4 season in 2020, Michigan football has won 12 or more games in each of its most recent three seasons, going 12-2 (Big Ten title, CFP berth), 13-1 (Big Ten title, CFP berth), and 14-0 so far (Big Ten title, CFP win, national title game berth) since 2021.

Heading into next Monday’s national title game, it’s clear that Jim Harbaugh is about to have a huge decision to make when it comes to his future — a lot is changing in college football, and no one is sure how much longer Harbaugh is going to stick with Michigan football.

Still, AD Warde Manuel said on Monday night at the Rose Bowl that he is working on a new contract for Harbaugh.

“I’m working on it,” Manuel said, according to Michael Cohen. “Believe me, I’ve been working on it.”

Jim Harbaugh still locked into “one-track” mindset

But what about Jim Harbaugh, does he have NFL interest? Will he be sticking with Michigan football? Well, no one is quite sure, but that’s largely due to Harbaugh’s “one-track mindset.” In fact, after the Rose Bowl, Harbaugh gave insight into his future: a happy flight back to Ann Arbor, MI.

“My future consists of a happy flight back to Ann Arbor, Michigan,” Harbaugh said. “Can’t wait!”

For now, Jim Harbaugh and Michigan football will continue quiet talks about a new contract, though when the NFL comes calling, there’s no telling what may happen next. Still, the Wolverines have a national title to win, and legacies will be defined in Houston next Monday night.

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