Jim Harbaugh on the future ahead of the national title game: 'I hope to have one'

Jim Harbaugh decided to get slightly philosophical when pressed about his future at Michigan beyond the College Football Playoff National Title Game on Monday.

Speaking with the media, Harbaugh went in a different direction. No, he didn’t speak about whether he’d be with the Wolverines next season, or whether he’s interested in the NFL. He’s simply interested in the future, and he hopes he’s a part of it.

“There’s a calendar, I’ll gladly talk about the future next week. I hope to have one. How about that? A future? I hope to have one. Yes. Thank you,” Harbaugh said, grinning at media day for the CFP finale.

Well, the Michigan leader hasn’t exactly been one to give a straight answer throughout his time in Ann Arbor. Just check out any of his post-game interviews. Nevertheless, you’ve got to give him credit for always keeping reporters on their toes.

Time will tell what the future holds for Jim Harbaugh. Whether he’s at Michigan or in the NFL, some fanbase will be elated to have him come September 2024. It just remains to be seen who it’ll be.

Jim Harbaugh calls JJ McCarthy the greatest quarterback in Michigan, college football history

According to Jim Harbaugh, quarterback JJ McCarthy is the reason his team has gotten this far. In fact, he made the boldest claim a coach could make about his QB1. 

“The team was just not going to be denied,” Harbaugh said, following the Rose Bowl. “JJ said it when he walked off this same podium last year in the semifinal game. He said, ‘we’re going to be back.’ What he told me was not only are we going to be back, we’re going to win. And there he did. And in overtime against Alabama — I think the last quarterback to win in overtime against Alabama was none other than Tom Brady. 

“I’ve said it before, but right here, this is the greatest quarterback in University of Michigan — college football history. Got a long way to go to get to get where Tom Brady eventually got to, which is the GOAT. He lapped the field when it comes to that. But in a college career there’s been nobody at Michigan better than JJ.”

Alas, McCarthy is 26-1 as Michigan’s starting quarterback heading into next Monday’s College Football Playoff National Championship against Washington.

Since joining the program in 2021, McCarthy has compiled 5,865 passing yards, 46 passing touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He’s 2-0 against Ohio State and has led his Wolverines to two consecutive College Football Playoff appearances, and is now 1-1 in those matchups as a starter, and he’s looking to make that 2-1 next week and further solidifying his head coach’s sentiment.

On3’s Barkley Truax contributed to this article.