Michigan football working on massive Jim Harbaugh extension with an NFL caveat

Michigan football and Jim Harbaugh are working on a massive contract extension but there is one holdup that has to do with the NFL according to a new report. 

The single most important thing for Michigan football is to get head coach Jim Harbaugh signed to a long-term contract extension.

This whole ordeal has been hanging over the program since the 2020 season. There have been multiple restructures, but after three straight Big Ten championships, a 25-game Big Ten winning streak, and another College Football Playoff appearance, Jim Harbaugh needs to be paid at an elite level.

Of course, this was all in line to happen before the Connor Stalions scandal. However, things have gone quiet on that front and it feels like the worst is behind Michigan, although we won’t know for sure until the NCAA issues its notice of allegations.

There hasn’t been any evidence to connect Jim Harbaugh to the scandal though. So it’s time for Michigan football to pony up and according to a new report from Richard Johnson of Sports Illustrated, the Wolverines are prepared to do that with an $11 million per year offer over five years.

The last hurdle, according to the report, is a written commitment from Jim Harbaugh that he won’t pursue an NFL job after this season.

A Jim Harbaugh contract extension would be huge

For Michigan, it’s a smart move, as long as it doesn’t ruffle Harbaugh’s feathers. It shouldn’t though. If he’s willing to sign an extension, it stands to reason that he won’t be considering any NFL offers.

However, getting it in writing would allow the Wolverines to send a clear message to the NFL, as well as the rumor mill (and recruits) that Harbaugh is off limits.

That could also be huge for the 2024 roster. Many rivals have believed that Michigan is going to fall off a cliff. But if the NCAA allegations aren’t that serious and Harbaugh is back, you wonder if J.J. McCarthy will follow.

If he’s back then Michigan will have as good a shot as anyone of winning the Big Ten in 2024, because the defense is loaded, despite what will be some key losses.

First things first, Michigan needs to sign Harbaugh to a contract extension and I’m glad the University is finally going to make him one of the highest-paid coaches in college football.

Hopefully, he signs on the dotted line (soon), because this is a golden era of Michigan football and I have a hard time seeing it continue without Jim Harbaugh.