Michigan Football: Why Jim Harbaugh’s extension is good for Wolverines

Wednesday afternoon, the University of Michigan announced that it will be extending Jim Harbaugh through 2026 following a chaotic series of events this off-season.

Though Michigan and Harbaugh have had their ups and downs over the past two months, this move is extremely beneficial for the Wolverines.

Here are three reasons why this is a great move for Michigan football.

Jim Harbaugh is crucial to the Wolverines’ success

Though some Michigan fotball fans disagreed with the Wolverines’ decision to stick with Jim Harbaugh, all of the legendary coach’s doubters were silent following his 2021 campaign.

In six full seasons as the Wolverines’ head coach, Jim Harbaugh has taken Michigan football to four 10-win seasons, three New Year’s Six bowl games, a College Football playoff, and a Big Ten Championship.

Harbaugh has a career record of 61-24 with the Wolverines and is yet to have a recruiting class outside of the top-25.

Heading into 2021, many were disappointed with Harbaugh’s lack of success against a top-three program in the country and Michigan’s biggest rival, Ohio State. However, following a 42-27 victory over the Buckeyes in 2021, Harbaugh is back in good standing with Michigan fans.

In the seven seasons before Jim Harbaugh took over, the Wolverines accumulated a record of 46-42 with two 7-6 seasons, two 5-7 seasons, one 3-9 season, and only one season with 10 or more wins.

To put that in perspective, Harbaugh has 15 more wins, more Big Ten titles, and more 10-win seasons than the previous two head coaches combined and still is yet to coach his seventh full season at Michigan.

Additionally, Michigan’s worst record under Jim Harbaugh (in a full season) is 8-5 and has two top-10 finishes, one of which being a top-three finish.

If Michigan football were to lose Harbaugh now, the winning culture that he has reestablished would likely leave with him.