The University of Michigan does not want to be used as a bargaining chip by Jim Harbaugh if he decides to return to the NFL.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, Harbaugh has a 10-year, $125 million contract offer from Michigan that includes a clause in which he “would agree not to entertain or accept an NFL job for the 2024 season” if he signs it.
Rapoport also stated that Michigan has offered Harbaugh a different contract worth approximately $11 million per season that does not cover as many years as the 10-year proposal.
If Harbaugh was trying to hide his desire to coach in the NFL again, he’s done a poor job recently. After the 2021 season, the 60-year-old interviewed with the Minnesota Vikings before they hired Kevin O’Connell.
Following that meeting, Harbaugh told Mitch Albom of the Detroit Free Press that it “was a one-time thing” that “will not be a recurring theme every year” in February 2022.
One year later, Harbaugh met with Denver Broncos owner Greg Penner to discuss the team’s vacant position. That meeting resulted in no agreement, and he issued a statement announcing his return to Michigan in 2023.
Harbaugh has already been mentioned as a possible 2024 hire by the Chicago Bears and the Carolina Panthers, though Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported on Saturday that Panthers owner David Tepper is “unlikely” to pursue him.
All of this comes as Harbaugh and the Michigan football team face NCAA sanctions for alleged recruiting violations during the COVID-19 dead period.
According to ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg, the NCAA recently served Michigan with a notice of allegations. Harbaugh has been charged with a Level I infraction for “allegedly not cooperating with or misleading NCAA investigators about the alleged violations.”
According to Rittenberg, the university has four Level II violations, which are “considered less serious.” Michigan self-imposed a three-game suspension on Harbaugh to begin the season in an attempt to mitigate any potential NCAA discipline.
The Big Ten also suspended Harbaugh for three games for his role in the alleged sign-stealing scheme involving former Michigan staffer Connor Stalions. He served his suspension over the final three regular-season games.
Harbaugh has an 84-25 record and three consecutive Big Ten titles since taking over as Michigan’s head coach in December 2014. The Wolverines went 13-0 during the regular season in 2023 and will face Alabama in the College Football Playoff semifinals on January 1.
