Michigan, Jim Harbaugh agree to contract extension

Jim Harbaugh and Michigan have agreed to a new five-year contract that runs through 2026, the university announced Wednesday.

“Jim has done a great job coaching and developing the young men in our football program,” said Warde Manuel, the Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics. “Last season, Jim along with the staff and players delivered a memorable season that will remain with all of us for a long time. As Coach said, this is just the beginning. Academically, our program has been one of the best in the Big Ten and among the leaders across the country. We have graduated our players and they have been young men of great character who have done the right things. I have the utmost confidence in the direction of the program under Jim’s leadership.”

Harbaugh led Michigan to Michigan’s first Big Ten Championship since 2004 last season following a 42-3 victory over No. 12 Iowa. The Wolverines finished No. 3 in the final polls, its highest finish since 1997 and made their first appearance in the College Football Playoff. Despite losing to eventual national champion Georgia in the Orange Bowl, the future is bright for Harbaugh in Ann Arbor.

“I love Michigan Football, the University of Michigan and the Ann Arbor community,” said Harbaugh. “My family and I are excited to continue leading this football program, and we are thankful for the support that our athletic department and university administration have demonstrated toward the team. I appreciate all that our players, coaches and staff are doing to excel on and off the football field. My enthusiasm for tomorrow, the day after and every day following is as high as ever, and we are ready to get on the practice field and start preparations for the 2022 season. Go Blue!”

The initial reports that Harbaugh was staying with the Wolverines program sent a shockwave through the Big Ten Conference two weeks ago. Sources indicated that the Vikings’ coaching vacancy was all but a done deal for the team and Harbaugh and that Michigan had already begun building a list of candidates to replace their coach.

There was talk around the program that his job security was in question before the 2021 season. Harbaugh had his base salary cut by the Wolverines, from $8 million to $4 million as he signed a four-year extension back then. It’s safe to say those numbers on his paycheck are climbing and his job is more secured than ever heading into the 2022 season.