Jim Harbaugh could have contract extension 'within the next month'

Jim Harbaugh’s future at Michigan could be set later this season, according to John U. Bacon. The Wolverines head coach should have an extension that makes him the highest paid coach in the conference.

“I just received this from two high-ranking UM officials: ‘The Regents, Warde Manuel, and President Ono are all in alignment that Jim (Harbaugh) should have an extension within the next month that makes him the highest paid coach in the conference,'” Bacon wrote on Twitter. “That should settle that.”

Chris Balas of The Wolverine reported last week that a Harbaugh’s contract extension could come sooner, rather than later. That was amid Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt saying the dynamic between Harbaugh and the administration was intriguing and had “tension.”

Harbaugh spoke Monday about that possibility, saying he was open to it. Now, it looks like reality.

But he just wants to be wanted, just like anybody else. It certainly seems like Harbaugh feels wanted at Michigan, his alma mater.

After two straight years of immense success and turning the corner, Harbuagh said he’d be open to signing a long term extension to stay in Ann Arbor. And he’d do it in-season.

“Yeah, I mean like anybody, I’ve said it,” Harbaugh said. “You want to be somewhere where you’re wanted. They like what you do and how you do it, and they tell you that. Your bosses tell you that, and then that gets reflected in a contract.

“The bottom line … any of us, right? We want to be somewhere they like how you do it and what you do.”

Harbaugh talked about hypotheticals and wanting to put talking points into a contract. He says he’s always been open, despite what some might think.

“Yeah, I do (feel like I’m wanted),” Harbaugh said. “It’s been about a three and a half year thing with that (in seeking reassurances). Eventually, it gets put into a contract. I can’t say that anymore clearly. I’m definitely open to that. I think I’ve shown that through the years.

“But like anybody, man, I’m just concentrating and focusing on having a good practice today. Got a team meeting coming up, got a practice. It’s ‘just coach the team’ time’ when you’re in the middle of the season.”

Of course, on the flip side, it’s still the middle of the season. On the field, Harbaugh has more important things to worry about such as winning the next game.

Long term this year, Harbaugh wants to lead Michigan to another Big Ten title and College Football Playoff appearance.

But a loss in the semifinals for a third straight year might not cut it anymore. It’s basically a national championship or bust for the Wolverines at this point.

The team seemingly has all the talent as the No. 2 squad in the country right now. Can they put it all together?

At 6-0, Michigan is rolling under Harbaugh following a 52-10 win over Minnesota. Next up is reeling Indiana coming to Ann Arbor.

In fact, Michigan should be big favorites in the next three games before the final stretch of the year against Penn State, Maryland and Ohio State, those first two being on the road.