Negotiations for Jim Harbaugh’s contract extension at Michigan have hit a snag, with a specific clause causing a delay in the deal.
On Sunday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media disclosed that Michigan has extended a 10-year, $125 million offer to the 60-year-old coach, whose current contract extends through 2026. However, this lucrative offer comes with a stipulation preventing Harbaugh from considering or accepting an NFL position for the 2024 season. While this clause is temporary, lasting only one year, it has reportedly given Harbaugh pause.
In addition to the extended offer, Michigan presented Harbaugh with a shorter extension valued at around $11 million annually, presumably lacking the “no-NFL” clause.
Sources say Harbaugh, whose current deal runs through 2026, received an offer from Michigan for a 10-year, $125-million contract extension that would make him one of the highest-paid coaches in college football. Yet there is a caveat, and it’s NFL-related.
If he signed the deal — which he has not yet done — Harbaugh would agree not to entertain or accept an NFL job for the 2024 season. The NFL clause would be one season only, but that’s apparently been enough to drag out the process.
Complicating matters further, the NCAA is investigating Michigan and Harbaugh in connection with a sign-stealing scheme orchestrated by Connor Stalions. Although Harbaugh served a three-game suspension in the regular season, the NCAA’s potential additional sanctions have added complexity to contract discussions.
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One significant factor for Harbaugh may be the uncertainty surrounding a potential suspension in 2024. Speculation suggests he could face a year-long ban, prompting Michigan to seek a commitment from Harbaugh not to engage with NFL teams for at least another year.
Despite Harbaugh’s previous success as the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2014, recent offseasons have seen him contemplate an NFL return. While linked to a new NFL team this week, he remains a legitimate candidate for at least one other head coaching position. Although it would be surprising for Harbaugh to sign a substantial extension with Michigan and immediately entertain NFL offers, the school is evidently seeking contractual assurances to prevent such scenarios.
