Michigan President Santa Ono gives latest update on Jim Harbaugh's future

Michigan president Santa Ono reassured the Wolverine fanbase he wants Jim Harbaugh back at the school next year.

While the president did not provide an update on contract negotiations, Ono made it clear they’ll make every effort to keep Harbaugh. As of now, Harbaugh gave no indication either way ahead of Monday’s national championship game.

For now, there’s a big contract on the table for Harbaugh but NFL interest is there, once again.

“That’s a decision for him,” Ono said. “As you know, we’ve made it very clear that we want him to stay and I very much hope so.”

For Harbaugh, he wanted to return to Michigan and put the program at the top of the sport. He can do so with a win Monday night.

But it’s after that is where there are questions about his future in Ann Arbor or a journey back to the pros.

“Obviously he wants to walk away tonight with a national championship but it doesn’t change what he’s done for that program,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter said Monday. “And it doesn’t change the fact that other people have said the NCAA could be coming after him next year, he could face more discipline.

“So to me, it has always been up to an NFL team, whether it is the Chargers or the Falcons or the Raiders or somebody else to come at him and make him an attractive enough offer, with a situation that’s set up the way that he wants.” 

Nothing can really happen regarding Harbaugh until Michigan gets through the national championship game. After that? All bets are off.

“And if those pieces fall into place, if all of those teams have some level of interest … then yes, I think he wouldn’t be interested in going,” Schefter said. “But it’s still early in the process. He’s focused on the game, but after tonight’s game once we get to this time tomorrow, this will be the conversation going forward.”