Report: Michigan makes big concession in Jim Harbaugh contract talks

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

Even though Jim Harbaugh appears to be ramping up his interest in potential NFL jobs, the door remains open on a potential return to Michigan. In fact, the Wolverines have reportedly taken a major step toward keeping him.

Michigan is willing to give Harbaugh immunity from termination in relation to a pair of ongoing NCAA investigations, according to Sam Webb of 247 Sports. Such a clause would be similar to the one Bill Self has at Kansas, and would protect Harbaugh from being fired in relation to either of the ongoing investigations, including the one related to sign-stealing allegations.

Harbaugh’s contract offer from Michigan would also make him the highest-paid coach in college football, and would also include elevator clauses to ensure that he retains that title if another school gives someone else a larger deal.

Michigan has been pushed to this point because Harbaugh is in a great position. He appears to have a real shot of landing at least one NFL job, so the Wolverines will have to go above and beyond to have a shot at keeping him. Even that may not be enough, but if the NFL opportunities fall through, Harbaugh appears to have a pretty strong safety net.

There had been some rumors that Harbaugh was using his NFL interest as leverage in talks with Michigan. That does not appear to be the case, but it certainly seems to be getting him a lot of it anyway.