Michigan completed a perfect 15–0 season and captured its first national championship since 1997 with a 34–13 win over Washington last Monday night.
The Wolverines would love to have coach Jim Harbaugh back in Ann Arbor next season, but his frequent flirtations with the NFL over the last two offseasons make it clear that his departure is a possibility.
However, as Michigan celebrated its national championship with a parade in Ann Arbor on Saturday, athletic director Warde Manuel made his message clear.
“I’m working on getting this man a new contract,” Manuel declared to a chorus of cheers inside the Crisler Center.
Warde Manuel says, “I’m working on getting this man a new contract,” while pointing to Jim Harbaugh. pic.twitter.com/j6anI0AxO9
— Tom VanHaaren (@TomVH) January 14, 2024
Sources told Sports Illustrated earlier this month that Manuel had a contract extension offer on the table to Harbaugh prior to the national championship that he had yet to sign. It’s clear that the work is still being done to persuade Harbaugh to remain in Michigan for next season and beyond.
Of course, there are future complications at play as well that could push Harbaugh into deciding that now is the time to leave Ann Arbor. There are two active NCAA investigations into the football program that could both end with varying levels of sanctions. One involves recruiting violations during the COVID-19 dead period, and the other, of course, is the sign-stealing scandal involving former team staffer Connor Stalions.
Despite these two investigations into the program pending, Harbaugh will be back in Ann Arbor if he wants to be, but time will tell.
