Jim Harbaugh leaving Michigan football isn't a sure thing
Michigan football head coach Jim Harbaugh just finished the crowning achievement of his coaching career, winning the national championship with team 144.
Michigan went 15-0 and won its first outright national championship since 1948. It's the greatest team in Michigan football history, but even before the title game, the big question was whether Harbaugh would return for next season and beyond?
Michigan has offered him a contract extension and according to a new report from Michael Rosenberg of Sports Illustrated, those around Harbaugh believe he wants to stay -- if the terms are right.
According to Rosenberg, Harbaugh is worried about being fired for cause due to NCAA allegations. He reports that Harbaugh wants guarantees that that won't happen. To me, that should be a no-brainer for the University of Michigan. Here's part of what Rosenberg wrote.
"People familiar with the discussions say Harbaugh wants contractual assurance that, if the NCAA comes down hard on him based on information the school already has, Michigan cannot then fire him “for cause.”
The NCAA it a bad faith actor. Why would you risk the greatest head coach you have ever had based on some sort of punishment from the NCAA? Michigan should promise the fight the allegations and support Harbaugh. It seems like if that is done, there is a good chance he will stay.
Chris Balas of The Wolverine also reported some positive vibes in his latest update. However, it's hard to trust any reporting on Jim Harbaugh because he's his own dude. He makes his own decisions and could announce he's staying tomorrow as easily as he could announce he's leaving.
Balas reported that "there was a different feeling" than when Harbaugh was expected to leave for the Vikings two years ago before it fell apart. So it seems like there is hope that Jim returns and if he comes back, I have to feel like there's a better chance that J.J. McCarthy returns.
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McCarthy has until January 15th to decide which isn't long. Could Harbaugh make a decision by then? It's hard to say, but it feels like this thing is far from decided one way or another.