The Michigan Wolverines’ football program has apparently offered a 10-year contract extension worth $125 million to head coach Jim Harbaugh, but there’s a catch.
In the contract that the Wolverines offered to Harbaugh, there’s a clause that restricts the veteran tactician from entertaining and accepting offers for an NFL coaching job in 2024. Yes, that’s right, it’s just for one year. But as Ian Rapoport of NFL Network noted, it’s enough for Harbaugh to ponder and weigh his options.
Michigan football also reportedly offered Harbaugh a shorter deal that would pay him $11 million per year. Obviously, though, Harbaugh would leave a lot of money on the table if he accepts the shorter deal. On the other hand, though, he’ll be limiting the opportunities for himself in a year when there could be a lot of coaching changes in the NFL.
“Sources say Harbaugh, whose current deal runs through 2026, received an offer from Michigan for a 10-year, $125-million contract extension that would make him one of the highest-paid coaches in college football. Yet there is a caveat, and it’s NFL-related,” Rapoport reported.
“If he signed the deal — which he has not yet done — Harbaugh would agree not to entertain or accept an NFL job for the 2024 season. The NFL clause would be one season only, but that’s apparently been enough to drag out the process.”
Jim Harbaugh has been constantly linked to the NFL over the years despite being Michigan’s head coach for nine years now. It’s not surprising, however, considering what he has accomplished in the collegiate ranks as a head coach.
Harbaugh has an 87-25 record as Michigan Wolverines coach, and he also boasts three Big Ten titles.
His 2023 campaign is filled with controversy and suspensions, highlighted by the sign-stealing scandal that rocked the whole collegiate football scene. It even sparked more talks about his potential departure from Michigan, though nothing is certain at the moment.
Carolina Panthers Interested in Michigan Wolverines’ Jim Harbaugh?
It’s not shocking why Jim Harbaugh will have some hesitation about signing a contract with the Michigan Wolverines with an NFL-limitation clause. After all, he could also command a massive salary from a desperate professional team.
For one, Carolina Panthers owner Dave Tepper has reportedly had conversations with Harbaugh last year, though it’s unlikely the team makes a move for him soon.
The Los Angeles Chargers have been frequently mentioned as a potential destination as well, especially after the team fired Brandon Staley.
While Harbaugh appeared to hint he’s staying in Michigan next season, a lot can happen. And unless he signs that 10-year extension with NFL clause in it, the talks about him heading to the NFL won’t slow down any time soon.
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