Jim Harbaugh is set to return as Michigan Wolverines coach, but what are the details of his contract?
Following intense speculation, that saw him linked with several head coaching jobs in the NFL, the Wolverines coach has finally ended the saga by confirming that he will be returning to Ann Arbor.
It’s been quite a ride for Jim Harbaugh since his Michigan team bowed out of the College Football Playoffs at the semifinal stage. With several links to NFL teams, the coach’s return to the professional game was highly anticipated, but in the end, he decided that he intends to stay put.
Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh set to return to the team
If you haven’t heard the news, Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh will be returning as Wolverines football head coach in 2023. The news follows weeks of speculation, about whether or not he would return to coach in the NFL, which of course made perfect sense considering the history of success that he enjored in the league. Harbaugh served as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2014 and during those four seasons managed to lead the Niners to a Super Bowl appearance. Yet, here is where we are and it appears that all parties involved are happy with the decision.
On Monday, school president Santa Ono revealed Harbaugh’s commitment to the Wolverines, which was in turned followed by an announcement from Harbaugh himself who also confirmed that he would be returning to his alma mater for a ninth season. “I love the relationships that I have at Michigan - coaches, staff, families, administration, President Santa Ono and especially the players and their families,” Harbaugh said. “My heart is at the University of Michigan. I once heard a wise man say, ‘Don’t try to out-happy, happy.’ Go Blue!”
Jim Harbaugh’s road to a new contract & the details of it
As the saying goes, “all’s well that ends well.” On the other hand, it’s definitely worth noting that the coach definitely had us there for a minute. As mentioned before, there were several reports linking him with varying teams in the NFL including the Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers. Where the Panthers are concerned, Harbaugh was known to have had a conversation with franchise owner David Tepper, though both sides were quick to deny that it was a formal interview. Add to that, the fact that prior to all this, Harbaugh actually interviewed with the Minnesota Vikings who had a vacant position at the time - ultimately filled by Kevin O’Connell - and you can see why people may have had their doubts. that he was also tied to the then vacant position with the Minnesota Vikings.
Incidentally, Harbaugh’s apparent courtship also had consequences within Michigan’s program, with former offensive coordinator Josh Gattis leaving to take the same position at Miami, while defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald returned to the NFL to join Harbaugh’s brother, John, with the Baltimore Ravens. In the end, reports indicate that Harbaugh has agreed to a five-year, $36.7 million extension through the 2026 season. To be clear, Michigan is now and furthermore is projected to be a top-five program. Now that Harbaugh is official back, that’s all but certain. Especially when considering that Heisman Trophy candidate and star running back Blake Corum is set to return for his senior season after his season was derailed by a knee injury. This is all to say, that the Wolverines have got their main man back, such that all we have to do is watch the show.