Michigan Wolverines news: Jim Harbaugh talks contract, Sparty game at night, and more

Sep 23, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh leads his team off the field after a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh leads his team off the field after a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

In our latest Michigan Wolverines news roundup, Jim Harbaugh talks about his contract, Michigan football bowl projections, and more. 

One hot topic of conversation surrounding Michigan football lately has been the contract of head coach Jim Harbaugh.

Harbaugh has been the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines for nine seasons now and the run he has put together is incredible.

It took a minute for Michigan football to get humming under Harbaugh but the Michigan Wolverines have won 18 straight Big Ten games, two straight Big Ten titles, and have won two in a row over Ohio State.

Harbaugh deserves to be the highest-paid head coach in the Big Ten. On Monday, he reiterated that he would be interested in doing another long-term extension.

“Can’t say it any more clearly,” Harbaugh said of a new deal. “I think I’ve shown that through the years.”

Yet, the Michigan football coach did comment on the process taking so long, which as we have said multiple times, is malpractice from Warde Manuel.

It’s time for Michigan football to give Jim Harbaugh a blank check and the fact it has taken this long is mind-boggling.

Michigan football vs. Michigan State will be a night game

It seemed like the Michigan Wolverines Week 8 game against Michigan State was going to be a night game and it was confirmed on Monday.

Michigan football and Michigan State will do battle for the Paul Bunyan Axe at 7:30 PM EST in East Lansing on Oct. 21. We all remember what happened after last year’s game.

The dynamic might feel a little different with Mel Tucker out as head coach, but remember, Mark Dantonio is back on the staff (for now) and the rivalry should be as intense as ever.

John Beilein is back with the Big Ten Network

In terms of Michigan Wolverines coaching legends, John Beilein is right there with Jim Harbaugh. He won two Big Ten championships, two Big Ten tournament titles, and coached the Wolverines to the Final Four twice, as well as the national title game in 2013 and 2018.

Beilein left Michigan to coach the Cavaliers in the NBA. It didn’t work out, but he’s also done some work with the Pistons front office, as well as the Big Ten Network.

Beilein was a great studio analyst and he’ll be back in that role this season for the Big Ten Network, which is awesome. I love former coaches as announcers, especially in basketball and it will be great to have Beilein talking basketball.