How much does Michigan Wolverines football coach Jim Harbaugh earn? Contract details

Jim Harbaugh has attracted the attention of a number of NFL franchises in recent years. He was approached by the Minnesota Vikings, who saw him as a potential replacement for Mike Zimmer only to end up hiring Kevin O’Connell instead. Harbaugh also held discussions with his old team, the Carolina Panthers, but again opted to stay loyal to the University of Michigan, where he has been on the payroll since his appointment in December 2014.

There was even a suggestion that Harbaugh could be lured back to Indianapolis to take charge of the Colts, where he spent three years as a player. Again, nothing came of that and in spite of all the speculation, the 59-year-old pledged his allegiance to Michigan - at least until this year’s bowl games.

Committed to Michigan

“As I stated in December, while no one knows what the future holds, I expect that I will be enthusiastically coaching Michigan in 2023. I have spoken with President Santa Ono and Athletic Director Warde Manuel and appreciate their support of me and our program. As our legendary coach Bo Schembechler said, ‘Those who stay will be champions!’” Harbaugh said in a statement at the start of this year.

Harbaugh committed to a long-term contract in February 2022 as a reward for an exceptional 2021 season in which he guided the Wolverines to their 43rd Big Ten championship title. That five-year extension enabled him to almost double his salary to $36.7 million - a base salary of $7.05 million with additional bonus payments bumping his salary up considerably last year.

He scooped a total of four bonuses in 2022, taking his overall earning to $10.1 million after Michigan clinched a consecutive Big Ten title. He could also pocket a further $50,000 if he is voted Big Ten Coach of the Year and another $75,000 for picking up the national coach of the year award.

According to the Detroit News, a buyout clause in Harbaugh’s contract states that if he leaves Michigan next year, he must pay the university $2.25 million in compensation and $1.5 million if he moves on in 2024.

Who is College football’s top earner?

While Harbaugh is handsomely paid for his work at Michigan, he is not the highest-paid football coach in NCCA - that honour goes to Nick Saban, who signed an eight-year extension worth $11.7 million with the Alabama Crimson Tide in August 2022. While his base salary may be half of Harbaugh’s, Saban tops his earning up with a significant compensation package which will see him boost his wages by $9,995,000 in talent fees.