Warde Manuel on possible Jim Harbaugh contract extension: 'I'm working on it'

There has been plenty of speculation about what may await for Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh following this season, but the Michigan coach reportedly isn’t engaging in any potential talks with interested NFL parties until after the season ends.

That could give the Michigan brass time to put together a package to entice Harbaugh to stay in college.

Michigan athletics director Warde Manuel is reportedly doing just that, putting together a new contract extension for Harbaugh, according to a report from Michael Cohen of FOX Sports.

“Hey brother, I’m working on it,” Manuel said after the Rose Bowl win. “Believe me. I’ve been working on it.”

Harbaugh is in the middle of his ninth season with the Wolverines, having taken Michigan to three straight College Football Playoffs now. But after losing in the semifinals in the first two, Michigan has now advanced to the national championship game after knocking off Alabama 27-20 in the Rose Bowl on Monday night.

Suffice it to say, after hitting some rocky roads earlier in his Michigan career, Harbaugh is now standing on supremely solid ground with the program, even with a series of off-the-field distractions in 2023.

NFL teams doing homework on Jim Harbaugh

The reason the contract extension talks are so vital for Michigan fans right now is the reported interest from the NFL. It apparently has some legs.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler previously reported the Los Angeles Chargers have done some “preliminary work” on Harbaugh as they look to replace Brandon Staley. However, other teams could also go after Harbaugh should he chose to return to the league.

“Jim Harbaugh, this is a name that is buzzing in league circles as a potential head coaching candidate,” Fowler said on SportsCenter. “Asking around I do believe the Chargers have at least put out feelers, done some preliminary work on Harbaugh. So that could be an option for him too. Of course, Chicago, he’s got ties there if that job does open.”

Rumors of Harbaugh and the NFL have swirled the last couple offseasons. After the 2021 season, he interviewed for the Minnesota Vikings job that ultimately went to Kevin O’Connell. Then, following the 2022 campaign, he was rumored to be in consideration for the Denver Broncos opening before they hired Sean Payton.

Late Saturday night, though, ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Pete Thamel reported Harbaugh hired agent Don Yee to represent him. Yee is an NFL agent who also represents Payton and Tom Brady.

Harbaugh has a close connection to the Chargers, playing for the organization from 1999-2000 as he wrapped up his career. He also got his first head coaching opportunity in their backyard when they were in San Diego, where he coached the FCS Toreros from 2004-06.

On3’s Nick Kosko also contributed to this report.