Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh reiterated his advocacy for a more equitable distribution of revenue to college athletes, proposing that coaches, administrators, and other stakeholders consider a 5 to 10% pay reduction. He suggested redirecting this money to benefit athletes across all sports.
Harbaugh emphasized the shared responsibility among various entities profiting from student-athletes, including coaches, administrators, media, television stations, conferences, and the NCAA. He urged those benefiting, including himself, to take a 5 to 10% pay cut, along with a 10% increase in television station contributions, consolidating the funds into a collective pool for student-athletes.
“We’re all robbing the same train here,” Harbaugh said
“Like coaches, administrators, media, television stations, conferences, NCAA. … I would say this, anyone who is profiting from the student-athletes right now, myself included … take 5 to 10% less. … 5 to 10% less and maybe a 10 percent tax from the television station more, into one pot for the student-athletes.
Addressing recent realignment changes in college sports, Harbaugh expressed hope for an expedited shift toward an enhanced revenue-sharing model. He acknowledged the complexities involved but remained optimistic about finding solutions swiftly.
Despite the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) payments on college athletes’ economic situations, Harbaugh stressed the need for a more significant portion of the substantial revenue to reach the players. He underscored that while NIL is a positive development, athletes are still not receiving a substantial share of the billions generated.
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Regarding his future beyond the current season, especially amid NFL interest and ongoing NCAA investigations, Harbaugh remained tight-lipped. While the university has presented contract extension terms, discussions are on hold.
Harbaugh, who reportedly hired agent Don Yee with NFL ties, hinted at addressing the future in the coming week, expressing the hope for a future and leaving the door open for further discussions.
