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Jim Harbaugh releases definitive statement on NFL coaching rumors

IMG_6598by:Nick Kosko•01/05/23•

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(Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)

Jim Harbaugh addressed the NFL coaching speculation up front through a statement released by Michigan. Harbaugh said he expected to coach Michigan in 2023.

That was a follow up to a report earlier this week regarding Harbaugh’s standing with the Carolina Panthers, whom he reportedly had a conversation with. According to a conversation with Queen City News, Harbaugh said the same, that he expected to coach Michigan next season.

Below is Harbaugh’s statement released through the football program.

“I am aware of the rumors and speculation over the past few days,” Harbaugh said. “College and NFL teams have great interest in all our personnel, from players to coaches to staff, and I truly believe that is a testament to the strength of our University of Michigan football program. As I stated in December, while no one knows what the future holds, I expect that I will be enthusiastically coaching Michigan in 2023.

“I have spoken with President Santa Ono and Athletic Director Warde Manuel and appreciate their support of me and our program. Our mission as Wolverines continues, and we are preparing for the 2023 season with great passion and enthusiasm. As our legendary coach Bo Schembechler said … ‘Those who stay will be champions.'”

Last year, Harbaugh interviewed with the Minnesota Vikings but the two sides could not come to an agreement and mutually decided it was better for the coach to return to Ann Arbor and the Vikings ultimately landed on Kevin O’Connell last year.

Harbaugh was the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers from 2011-14. In those four seasons, Harbaugh went 44-19-1 and made the playoffs three times. In his second season with the 49ers, Harbaugh took them to the Super Bowl where they would come up just shy of the win against the Baltimore Ravens.

Now through eight seasons at Michigan, Harbaugh is 74-25 with two Big Ten titles and two playoff appearances, but is 1-6 in bowl games.