Report: Michigan agreed to Jim Harbaugh contract language at 'proverbial 11th hour'

As the Los Angeles Chargers and Atlanta Falcons pursued Jim Harbaugh, Michigan was working up a contract extension for him — one that would’ve made him the highest-paid coach in college football. However, it wasn’t enough to get him to stay as the Chargers announced him as their next head coach Wednesday night.

As it turns out, though, Michigan was ready to agree to the terms Harbaugh wanted, The Detroit News’ Angelique Chengelis reported. By that point, though, it was the “proverbial 11th hour” and talks with the Chargers were progressing.

Harbaugh was about to leave for the NFL as the conversations with Los Angeles entered their “final stages.”

This marked the third consecutive offseason Harbaugh entertained an NFL return. In 2021, the Minnesota Vikings came calling, and he spoke with the Denver Broncos last year. Things seemed different this time around, though, as Harbaugh hired agent Don Yee to represent him.

Harbaugh had a 44-19-1 record with the San Francisco 49ers from 2011-14, and he returned to Michigan 2015 to restore the Wolverines to greatness. He did just that, leading the program to its first national title in 26 years.

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel confirmed the goal was to make Harbaugh college football’s highest-paid coach, but ultimately wished him the best at the next level.

“We have been discussing a new contract that would make Jim the highest paid coach in college football,” Manuel said. “In the end, he wanted to explore and ultimately decided to pursue a return to coaching in the NFL. We can’t thank Jim enough for all that he has done for our student-athletes, staff and Michigan Football. He will always be a huge part of our rich history, and will be remembered as an all-time great Wolverine, as both a championship player and coach.”

What’s next for Michigan after Jim Harbaugh’s departure

As for Michigan, the Wolverines are now embarking on a search to replace Harbaugh. It doesn’t sound like it’ll take too long, though. The replacement could already be on staff.

The Wolverine’s Chris Balas reported offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore is expected to take over as Michigan head coach after Harbaugh’s departure. However, such a move can’t happen for 7-10 days in accordance with Michigan state law because the university has to post the position.

Moore has interesting credentials to take over the program. In fact, he already did so for four games in 2023. He coached one game during Harbaugh’s suspension for recruiting violations during the COVID-19 dead period and comments he allegedly made to investigators. Then, Moore was the acting head coach for the final three games of the regular season after the Big Ten suspended Harbaugh following sign-stealing allegations in the program.

Griffin McVeigh contributed to this report.