New info emerges about contract talks between Jim Harbaugh, Michigan

Dec 31, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh before the 2022 Fiesta Bowl against the TCU Horned Frogs at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan is reportedly still working to sign head coach Jim Harbaugh to a contract extension, but it does not sound like a deal is close to being finalized.

Dan Wetzel of Yahoo Sports reported on Thursday that Harbaugh’s representatives have been discussing an extension with Michigan that would pay the head coach more than $11 million per year. However, there is “work to be done” and no agreement is imminent.

Contract negotiations between Michigan and Jim Harbaugh are ongoing, including an extension at over $11 million per year. However industry sources tell Yahoo Sports a deal is not imminent and there is work to be done.

— Dan Wetzel (@DanWetzel) December 7, 2023

There could be any number of factors holding up negotiations. For starters, the NCAA is still investigating Michigan’s illegal scouting operation to determine whether Harbaugh had any direct knowledge of the alleged scheme that was orchestrated by Connor Stalions. To this point, there has been no evidence directly linking Harbaugh to the activity.

Harbaugh was still suspended by the Big Ten for the final three games of the regular season. Michigan initially took legal action against the conference, but the two sides reached an agreement after new information about the investigation came to light.

It is unclear how hard the NCAA will come down on Harbaugh and Michigan, but there has been speculation that the 59-year-old could be suspended for the entire 2024 season.

If Harbaugh receives a lengthy suspension, some believe he might want to return to the NFL. He has been mentioned as a legitimate candidate for at least one NFL head coach job.

There was a report back in October that Michigan had made Harbaugh a contract extension offer and then rescinded it over the sign-stealing scandal. Harbaugh said that is not true, though he did not go into further detail.