Michigan football: Santa Ono, Jim Harbaugh release statements as contract negotiations continue
With rumors about the Denver Broncos continuing to persist, Michigan president Santa Ono and head coach Jim Harbaugh released statements on Thursday updating the process. Ono says that he and athletic director Warde Manuel have been in contact with Harbaugh and are working toward making sure he stays at the helm of the program.
“I’m pleased to share that I have been having very positive and constructive conversations with our Athletic Director and Football Coach,” Ono tweeted on Thursday. “Warde Manuel and I both want to see Jim Harbaugh stay as the head football coach of the University of Michigan Wolverines.”
Harbaugh responded via the U-M Football social media channels, stating, “I am in full support of President Ono’s message to our fans and appreciate his support of me and the team.”
Harbaugh met with the Denver Broncos virtually earlier this week for an interview and is considered a serious candidate with the job. Contract talks with Michigan continue between both sides.
“I am thrilled that Coach Harbaugh, Athletic Director Manuel, and President Ono continue to have productive discussions,” regent Jordan Acker said. “Jim Harbaugh is an outstanding football coach who brings so much to our campus and I would be thrilled if he continued as our Head Football Coach.”
Harbaugh has been the subject of NFL rumors since arriving at Michigan in December 2014, but has mostly rebuffed advances and rumors. They have been widespread in recent weeks with Denver, Carolina and potentially the Indianapolis Colts getting in line to speak with him. Harbaugh released a statement last week stating his intention to stay in Ann Arbor in 2023.
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“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.’”
Harbaugh is 74-25 in 8 seasons at Michigan, leading the team to a pair of Big Ten Championships and trips to the College Football Playoff over the last two seasons. He signed a a 5-year, $36.7 million contract that links him to Michigan through the 2026 season. Harbaugh’s base salary was $7.05 million in 2022, but he earned nearly $2 million in contract incentives, pushing his compensation for this year towards $10 million. He and Michigan are in conversations about a raise and it looks like that could reach a fever pitch this week.
Harbaugh and Michigan received a notice of allegations from the NCAA last week regarding recruiting violations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Harbaugh is facing the most serious charge – a Level I violation centered around not cooperating in the investigation. Sources believe this is one of his bigger reasons for considering a move back to the NFL.
