After a season-opening defeat to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, there were some murmurs of discontent surrounding Michigan Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh and the job he’s done in bigger games.
Harbaugh is now 1-6 against chief Michigan rivals Ohio State, Michigan State, and Notre Dame, and some wondered if he might perhaps consider returning to the NFL if the Wolverines have another disappointing season in 2018. One thing is clear: according to Michigan president Mark Schlissel, the school certainly won’t be casting him aside anytime soon.
.@DrMarkSchlissel on @CoachJim4UM: "He's not on the hot seat. He's under contract for four more years." #econclub
— Detroit EconomicClub (@deteconomicclub) September 5, 2018
It’s very hard to imagine Michigan sending Harbaugh packing in any context unless things get really bad. He’s still one of the most high-profile coaches in the country who brings in elite recruiting classes and publicity for the football program. Combined with his status as a former Michigan quarterback, he’s an iconic figure at the university, and it’s tough to envision them doing any better.
Michigan may not fire Harbaugh, but there’s always the chance he himself could choose to return to the NFL, and there’s enough intrigue there that oddsmakers are willing to dip their toes into that market.
