Pete Thamel weighs Jim Harbaugh's future based on outcome of Michigan-Ohio State

Jim Harbaugh’s future at Michigan could rest on The Game against Ohio State Saturday afternoon, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

A loss would be detrimental to either coach in this game: Harbaugh or Ohio State’s Ryan Day. But with Harbaugh suspended, a loss to expedite the process for his exit. Or, a win could secure his future with the school.

At least, Thamel expects that to be a possibility.

“I think the results of today’s game loom as a significant pivot point for Jim Harbaugh’s future at Michigan,” Thamel said on College GameDay. “A loss could expedite key decisions from both sides. A win obviously returns Jim Harbaugh to the sidelines here at Michigan. They play in the Big Ten title game, and then they go on to be a favorite, if they beat Iowa, in the College Football Playoff. It would also inherently temper NFL interest in Harbaugh until the season’s done.

“A loss could put things in fast forward, it could open the door to any NFL conversations Harbaugh could have. It would also put Michigan’s decision makers in the crosshairs. They’d need to determine in the upcoming weeks whether they want Harbaugh to return to the sideline despite a suspension to start the 2024 season looming as an inevitability.”

Should Harbaugh be let go or leave, Michigan has to determine if the school can find a better coach. The answer is unknown, but it seems unlikely right now.

“There have been four controversial staff departures for Harbaugh in the last year and there’s also the ambiguity from two ongoing NCAA investigations,” Thamel said. “The other thing Michigan officials would have to weigh is: could they find a better coach? Michigan’s gone 36-3 in the past three seasons.”

Harbaugh’s future at Michigan could be at stake. But despite having to finish his suspension this weekend, the Wolverines head coach had just one thing on his mind: Ohio State.

“All the focus is on Ohio State,” Harbaugh said. “This is where we’re at. That’s the focus. That’s part of the life lesson, to focus on the task in front of you. When you got a task in front of you, it’s a big task, you got to use every day, every hour, every minute. Plan, practice, get yourself right. Get yourself in position to go out there and play to the best of your ability.”

Michigan and Ohio State square off at 12:00 p.m. ET. in Ann Arbor.