University of Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh’s affair with the NFL has become a staple of college football’s offseason news cycle. Following the University of Michigan, the sports calendar moves to his 2024 season. Monday’s 34-13 victory over Washington in the College Football Playoff national championship game is sure to heat up those stories again.
In fact, they have already begun. According to NFL.com, multiple teams have been making calls over the past few weeks to gather information about Harbaugh and are updating potential staff lists while conducting various recruiting evaluations.
It’s no wonder pro teams covet Harbaugh’s services. He has steadily built the University of Michigan back into a powerhouse program with his 40-3 record over the past three years. The Wolverines have not lost a regular season game since 2021 and are looking to win their third straight Big Ten title while qualifying for the last three College Football Playoffs.
He’s already a proven winner at the NFL level, setting him apart from other college football coaches and potential NFL assistants who want to try their hand at the professional realm. As coach of the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2014, Harbaugh compiled a 44-19 record, won two NFC West titles and appeared in Super Bowl 47.
But will Harbaugh actually leave now after leading the University of Michigan to the top of the mountain for the first time since the BCS era began? Here’s a breakdown of the key factors that will influence your pending decision.
Contract extension on the table
Michigan is already working hard to retain Harbaugh’s services.of According to reports, the university offered Harbaugh a contract extension that would make him the highest-paid coach in sports, promising him an annual salary of $125 million over 10 years. This is the largest contract in college football history, surpassing Clemson University coach Dabo Swinney’s 10-year, $115 million contract.
“That’s his decision,” Michigan State President Santa Ono said ahead of Monday’s national title game. According to the Detroit News. “You know, we’ve made it very clear that we want him to stay, and he wants that.”
Mr. Harbaugh’s salary will also increase by approximately $5 million annually (his service compensation will be $7.6 million in 2023). However, there is a catch. The new contract prevents him from holding an NFL coaching job in the 2024 season.
The fact that Mr. Harbaugh has not jumped at such a lucrative offer seems at least a clear sign that he is keeping his options open. But that’s not all. Despite the program’s recent success, this has been a pivotal offseason for Michigan football.
The Wolverines could lose a number of key contributors. Among those possibilities are top receivers Roman Wilson and Cornelius Johnson (ineligible), running back Blake Collum, who holds the program record for rushing touchdowns in a season and a career, and five offensive linemen with starting experience. This includes several starters on defense. Quarterback JJ McCarthy is considered a top NFL prospect and could declare early for the NFL Draft.
Even with the advent of the transfer portal and Michigan’s recent track record of developing excellent players, there are plenty of players to fill. Harbaugh knows his coaching stock could take a hit if the University of Michigan takes any steps back next season.
On top of that, Harbaugh and Michigan are in the NCAA’s crosshairs due to the various off-field scandals that have shrouded the program throughout 2023. Harbaugh was suspended twice during the regular season, missing a total of six games. . In December, the State of Michigan received notice of allegations related to illegal recruitment practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. The NCAA is also investigating Michigan State for an alleged sign-stealing operation orchestrated by former recruiting staffer Connor Stallions. Any disciplinary action taken by the NCAA would not be a continuation of Harbaugh’s transfer to the NFL, but it could significantly hinder Harbaugh’s performance at Michigan.
Hiring interesting agents
ESPN reported on Dec. 31 that Harbaugh hired agent Don Yee, who has spent his career representing some of the biggest names in the NFL. His client list includes Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton and Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
And…Tom Brady.
Brady and Yee’s partnership began when Brady was a senior at the University of Michigan. Brady retained Yee’s services throughout his legendary 20-year NFL career. A deal is currently on the table for Brady to become a minority owner of the Raiders, who fired coach Josh McDaniels in October and are looking for a replacement. There was some friction between Harbaugh (whose coaching career began as a Raiders assistant in 2002-2003) and Las Vegas in 2022 before the Raiders opted to sign McDaniels.
Does it have a good fit?
Mr. Harbaugh has an advantage over most other candidates. The NFL has recently Updated anti-tampering policy To hire a head coach. Among other changes, in-person interviews with coaches employed by NFL teams are prohibited unless express permission is received from the NFL team. Now that Michigan’s 2023 season is over, Harbaugh is free to talk to anyone without restrictions.
Las Vegas could have conversations with the Michigan coach given his connection to Harbaugh, NFL.com reports. But that’s not all. Harbaugh’s name has also been associated with the Los Angeles Chargers since they decided to move on from Brandon Staley in mid-December.
A move back to the West Coast could make a lot of sense. Harbaugh was quarterback for the San Diego-based Chargers from 1999 to 2000, and returned to the area in 2004 at the University of San Diego. He was hired by Stanford in his 2007 year and in 2011 he transferred to the 49ers. Considering his time with the former Oakland Raiders, Harbaugh spent the first 13 years of his coaching career in California. Harbaugh moved frequently as a child, following his father Jack through his own coaching career, and played quarterback at Palo Alto High School in California before attending the University of Michigan in 1981. Was.
