Jim Harbaugh Remains Mum On Future With Michigan After Rose Bowl Win
We know Jim Harbaugh gets to coach in at least one more game for the Michigan Wolverines next Monday night when Michigan will face Washington for a national championship.
But what the future holds between Harbaugh and Michigan following next week is hard telling -- maybe even Harbaugh himself isn't fully sure.
After Michigan's thrilling 27-20 OT win over Alabama, Harbaugh was asked what his future looks like coaching Michigan and if next week could be his last time coaching the Wolverines. With a big smile on his face, Harbaugh slid around the question and talked about a happy flight back home.
"My future consists of a happy flight back to Ann Arbor, Michigan," a smiling Harbaugh said. "Can't wait!"
It's been reported that Harbaugh has a hefty contract on the table waiting to be signed with Michigan. The report is, that he is being offered 10 years $125-million. But the only caveat to the deal was that -- if Harbaugh signed the contract -- he could not entertain or accept an NFL offer in the 2024 cycle.
Jim Harbaugh at Michigan practice
Chris Breiler
Harbaugh has been in the news for several seasons entertaining NFL offers, or fielding interest from the league. He was a successful coach with the San Francisco 49ers and took them to a Super Bowl that he eventually lost to his brother and the Baltimore Ravens.
NFL insider Adam Schefter -- a Michigan graduate -- was on the Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday and was asked what he thinks Harbaugh is going to do. Schefter believes Jim's ultimate goal was to restore Michigan back into the great that it is, which he has. But at the end of the day, Schefter believes Harbaugh will be all ears listening to NFL offers.
"My perspective has always been that Jim wanted to restore greatness to Michigan," said NFL insider Adam Schefter. "He’s done that."
"So let’s see what happens next Monday night, and then he gets to sift through his options and it’s up to the NFL to pull him into the league. I believe the opportunity is there. I believe he’s all ears. It doesn’t mean he’s leaving. They have to make up his mind for him. But he’s there to be had, in my mind.”
But Harbaugh won't leave money on the table with Michigan and what he's accomplished with the Wolverines for just any NFL job. Schefter believes it needs to be a blend of a stable franchise with the right ownership, money, and a solid franchise quarterback.
"I think he’s looking for the right quarterback," said Schefter. "I think he’s looking for the right ownership group. And I think he’s looking for money."
All eyes will be on Harbaugh starting next Tuesday morning right after the national championship is over.
