Coach Jim Harbaugh plans to return to Michigan for a ninth season, school president Santa Ono announced Monday. Here’s what you need to know:
- Harbaugh’s future was in question after he interviewed with the Denver Broncos last week. He interviewed with the Minnesota Vikings last year before returning to Michigan with a new five-year contract that pays him an average of $7.3 million annually. His return is expected to come with another contract extension and salary bump, per program sources.
- His future at Michigan was further clouded by an NCAA investigation that resulted in four Level II infractions and a Level I infraction levied against Harbaugh for allegedly providing false or misleading information to investigators.
- The Wolverines are 25-3 the past two years with two Big Ten championships and two appearances in the College Football Playoff. They went 13-1 this past season and lost to TCU in the Fiesta Bowl.
What Ono and Harbaugh said
“I just got off the phone with Coach Harbaugh and Jim shared with me the great news that he is going to remain as the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines. That is fantastic news that I have communicated to our Athletic Director Warde Manuel,” Ono wrote on social media.
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Harbaugh released a statement saying, “I love the relationships I have at Michigan — coaches, staff, families administration, President Santo Ono and especially the players and their families” adding, “My heart is at the University of Michigan. I once heard a wise man say, ‘Don’t try to out-happy, happy.”
What does this mean for Michigan?
With Harbaugh returning, the Wolverines have everything they need to take another run at the CFP in 2023. Star running back Blake Corum is returning, as are quarterback J.J. McCarthy, running back Donovan Edwards, cornerback Will Johnson and several other key players who bypassed the NFL Draft. The schedule is favorable once again, as Michigan opens the season with three Group of 5 opponents and faces Ohio State in Ann Arbor.
Another contract extension won’t permanently stamp out speculation about Harbaugh and the NFL, but it’s a strong sign that he is serious about staying in Ann Arbor. The details of the contract have yet to emerge, but the expectation is that his new deal will contain a higher salary and higher buyout. This is also a strong indication that Michigan’s administration believes it can work toward a resolution on the NCAA allegations. — Meek
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(Photo: Kirby Lee / USA Today)
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