Jim Harbaugh reportedly discussing extension with Michigan, deal not imminent-ZoomTech News

Jim Harbaugh is reportedly negotiating an extension value over $11 million per season to remain at Michigan, however the largest impediment remaining is to get the top coach to contractually commit that he is not going to pursue an NFL job this offseason.

Though Harbaugh helped Michigan to a different undefeated season in 2023 and a 3rd straight Faculty Soccer Playoff berth, questions on his future within the school sport have swirled once more this fall amid Michigan’s sign-stealing scandal. 

Harbaugh was suspended for Michigan’s closing three regular-season video games by the Massive Ten. He and this system initially challenged the suspension in court docket, however Harbaugh ultimately accepted the suspension because the Massive Ten closed its investigation into the matter.

The NCAA’s investigation into Michigan’s alleged unlawful signal stealing nonetheless looms, nonetheless. Its investigation is centered round former Michigan staffer Connor Stalions, who allegedly purchased tickets to dozens of Massive Ten video games since 2021 as a part of his operation to steal indicators with recording units illegally. A day after Harbaugh accepted his three-game suspension, linebackers coach Chris Partridge was fired for allegedly attempting to destroy proof associated to the scheme.

It is unclear if Harbaugh had any position within the scheme. Nonetheless, the NCAA knowledgeable Michigan in November that it discovered proof {that a} college booster helped fund Stalions’ operation, inflicting the varsity to simply accept that this system might face heavy sanctions that might implicate Harbaugh for letting the operation occur beneath his watch, ESPN reported. The NCAA’s investigation is not anticipated to conclude till after the faculty soccer season ends, per a number of studies.

The three-game suspension from the Massive Ten was Harbaugh’s second three-game suspension of the season. Michigan self-imposed a three-game suspension for Harbaugh in relation to the NCAA’s investigation over this system’s recruiting violations. Harbaugh initially agreed with the NCAA to serve a four-game suspension over the matter, however the NCAA’s Committee of Infractions denied the settlement.

Nonetheless, Michigan went undefeated for the second straight common season regardless of not having its head coach for half of its video games. Within the second three-game suspension, Michigan picked up key street wins over Penn State and Maryland earlier than defeating fellow undefeated Ohio State in Ann Arbor.

Harbaugh rejoined Michigan following its win over Ohio State, main the Wolverines to a 26-0 win over Iowa within the Massive Ten title sport. He is anticipated to stay on the sideline for the remainder of the season as Michigan takes on No. 4 Alabama within the Rose Bowl within the Faculty Soccer Playoff semifinal on Jan. 1 (8 p.m. ET).

Harbaugh has gone 84-25 since Michigan employed him in 2015, bringing again one in all its most well-known soccer alums to turn out to be its head coach. After three 10-win seasons in his first 4 years on the helm, Harbaugh hit some bumpy roads at Michigan, going 2-4 in the course of the COVID-shortened 2020 season as requires him to be fired grew.

However Michigan has gone 28-3 during the last three seasons, making Harbaugh a training commodity for the NFL along with bringing the Wolverines again to nationwide contender standing. Harbaugh interviewed with the Minnesota Vikings following the 2021 season, however opted to remain at Michigan. He additionally met with the Denver Broncos final offseason. 

Thus far, the Carolina Panthers (which fired head coach Frank Reich in November) and the Chicago Bears (which nonetheless have Matt Eberflus as their head coach) have been among the many reported suitors for Harbaugh if he seeks to return to the NFL. 

Harbaugh’s one head teaching stint within the NFL got here with the San Francisco 49ers. He helped San Francisco instantly flip from a backside dweller to a contender, main it to a few straight NFC title sport appearances from 2011-13, together with a visit to the Tremendous Bowl in 2012. The 2 sides parted methods on the finish of the 2014 season after lacking the playoffs.

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