Jim Harbaugh has 1 major ask in contract negotiations with Michigan

Aug 31, 2019; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh before the game against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Jim Harbaugh remains in contract negotiations with Michigan even as he explores potential NFL opportunities, and the coach reportedly wants one very notable clause in his new deal if he decides to remain where he is.

Harbaugh is seeking immunity from being fired for cause as a result of any current NCAA investigation into the Michigan football program, according to a new report from Dan Wetzel of Yahoo Sports.

The NCAA is still investigating Michigan’s alleged illegal scouting operation, which was led by former staffer Connor Stalions. Harbaugh also has not faced official disciplinary action from the NCAA after officials determined that he lied to investigators (a Level I violation) during a probe into some Level II violations that occurred in 2020 and 2021. One of the things Harbaugh supposedly lied about in the latter case was whether he treated recruits to hamburgers during a visit.

Harbaugh was suspended for the first three games of the 2023 season, but that ban was self-imposed by Michigan. He then served a three-game suspension to close out the season in a penalty that was imposed by the Big Ten, not the NCAA.

Wetzel reports that Harbaugh wants immunity from being terminated for anything having to do with the aforementioned cases. The 60-year-old coach is also seeking language in his contract that spells out any penalty he would face from Michigan for future Level I or Level II violations.

If there is any situation where Michigan wants to fire Harbaugh for cause, the coach wants it written in his contract that his fate would be determined by a three-member arbitration panel rather than the school’s athletic director.

But that’s not all. If Harbaugh does sign an extension with Michigan, he does not want it to begin until Feb. 15. That is because his current buyout is just $1.5 million, so he wants the low buyout figure to remain in place until the current NFL hiring cycle concludes.

Michigan wants to keep Harbaugh despite the ongoing NCAA investigations. The Wolverines have offered Harbaugh a 6-year deal that would pay him $11.5 million annually and make him the highest-paid coach in college football.

Harbaugh has already met with one NFL team and could have more interviews, so it is possible he views returning to Michigan as a fallback plan. He is trying to squeeze everything he can out of his current employer in the meantime.