Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh releases a statement, 'expects' to be back
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh said last month he planned to “enthusiastically” be back coaching Michigan in 2023. Amid much NFL speculation, he reiterated today his intention is to be at U-M.
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The Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers have both reportedly expressed interest.
“I am aware of the rumors and speculation over the past few days. 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,” he wrote.
“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 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.'”
Some will take it that he’s leaving the door open with his “expects” talk, but it seems clear Michigan is a top option, especially with an outstanding nucleus returning from a two-time Big Ten championship team. But he still has that NFL itch, as well, and he’s been linked to several teams, including Indianapolis, Denver, and Carolina.
There have been reports that Harbaugh would take any NFL job at this point. Others, like John Bacon, have said he could leave over his “frustration with college football.” But Harbaugh said just weeks ago he wasn’t planning on going anywhere.
“A lot of that-time-of-year type of speculation,” Harbaugh said of the rumors. “No man knows the future, but I think people that think we’ve done a good job and are pleased with the job that we’ve done here at Michigan are going to be very happy to learn that I’ll be back enthusiastically coaching the Wolverines in 2023. And those people that don’t approve of the job we’ve done and would rather see somebody else coaching here, I think they’ll be most likely disappointed to learn that I’ll be back coaching the Wolverines in 2023.”
Since then, Harbaugh and the Wolverines lost to TCU, 51-45, in the Fiesta Bowl, and rumors started swirling that NFL teams were interested. First, it was the Denver Broncos, with NBC Sports reporting there was mutual interest. Since then, The Athletic has reported it’s a “done deal” he’d leave with any offer.
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That Harbaugh contract buyout as of now is $3 million and decreases each year of his new deal and would be due within 60 days of resignation. He can also be fired for cause if he participates in a job search without telling the athletic director, Warde Manuel.
Harbaugh, of course, interviewed with the Minnesota Vikings last year and said it was a “one-time thing” before telling Manuel he’d be back for good. He received a significant raise in the offseason. He also explained his reasoning for exploring his option.
“One of the things that was really kind of driving me is we were in San Francisco … we got that close to winning the Super Bowl. That’s always been a thing,” he said. “There’s unfinished business there. But, hey, winning the national championship, [I] could be really happy with that, too. So that’s the goal. That’s the one we’re chasing.”
They’ve come close each of the last two years and would have a great chance to win it next year with an elite team returning.
