As the University of Michigan’s football team prepares for the College Football Playoff semifinal against Alabama, the school is reportedly focused on securing its head coach, Jim Harbaugh. Harbaugh, who has been linked to NFL coaching positions for the past two seasons, could potentially earn $11 million a year through a five-year extension, according to Sports Illustrated’s Richard Johnson. However, this deal would come with the stipulation that Harbaugh will not pursue any NFL opportunities during the contract’s duration.
Talks regarding the extension are still ongoing, and a finalized agreement is not expected in the near future, as reported by Yahoo Sports. Despite a tumultuous regular season, which included a three-game suspension and an investigation into sign-stealing allegations, Harbaugh led the Wolverines to an impressive 11-0 finish and their third consecutive conference championship. Now, the team is vying for their first national title since 1997.
Harbaugh has been a potential candidate for various head coaching vacancies, including the Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears. Rumors surrounding Bill Belichick’s future with the New England Patriots also make Harbaugh a possible option. Last season, he was reportedly in talks with the Panthers before they hired Frank Reich. Matt Rhule, the previous Panthers head coach, was fired after two losing seasons and a 1-4 start to his final year with the team.
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