Michigan finalizing large contract offer for Jim Harbaugh amid likely NFL interest, per reports

Harbaugh has guided the Wolverines to three straight College Football Playoff appearances

Jim Harbaugh, the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines, is reportedly working on a lucrative contract extension that would keep him there until the 2028 season. According to multiple reports, the potential five-year, $55 million deal was first reported by Richard Johnson and would make Harbaugh the highest-paid coach in the Big Ten and the second-highest paid coach in college football, behind Nick Saban of Alabama. However, Yahoo Sports reports that neither the contract nor Harbaugh’s agreement to stay at Michigan have been finalized.

The negotiations are taking place while Harbaugh is preparing to lead Michigan into the College Football Playoffs for the third time in a row. The Wolverines are vying for their first national championship since 1997. Although Michigan fully supported its coach during both situations, Harbaugh was suspended for six games this season—three by the institution as a precaution against potential future NCAA fines, and three by the Big Ten amid an NCAA investigation into sign theft.

According to reports, Harbaugh has thought about joining the NFL during each of the previous two offseasons. Reports have surfaced once more suggesting that a few teams, most notably the Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers, are at least considering Harbaugh as a potential head coach. From 1998 to 1993, Harbaugh started 63 games as the starting quarterback for the Bears, who are currently led by Matt Eberflus.

Reports state that Harbaugh considered entering the NFL in each of the last two offseasons. Again, there are rumors circulating that a few teams—chiefly the Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers—are at least thinking about hiring Harbaugh as their head coach. The Bears, now headed by Matt Eberflus, had Harbaugh start 63 games as their regular quarterback between 1998 and 1993.

Prior to joining Michigan in 2015, Harbaugh had positions as head coach at San Diego (2004–06) and Stanford (2007–10). His career record as a collegiate coach is 142–52. In addition, he coached the San Francisco 49ers of the NFL from 2011 to 2014. He advanced to the playoffs three times with the Niners before losing to brother John Harbaugh’s Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII.