Jim Harbaugh is under lots of scrutiny right now, yet he keeps on winning. It’s why the Michigan Wolverines want to keep him around for the long haul.
The longtime head coach just secured a playoff spot for the program, having coached them to a Big Ten title win vs. Iowa following a key victory over rivals Ohio State. He is attracting attention from NFL teams, with The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reporting that the Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers are both considering him for the top job next season.
Well, the Wolverines are also desperate to see him stay and, according to Richard Johnson of Sports Illustrated, are working on a five-year extension worth $55 million. However, they will need him to commit to the program in writing, assuring them he will not consider an NFL job in the current cycle.
If NFL teams are serious about hiring Harbaugh, they will likely need to offer him more than $11 million a year. It will be interesting to see how things play out on such a front.
In the meantime, the head coach should be focused on taking the team to the National Championship game after missing out last season.
The Wolverines will play the Alabama Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff semifinal on New Year’s Day.
