Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sport
Mike McDaniel

Michigan AD Makes Declaration About Jim Harbaugh’s Contract at National Title Celebration

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.

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.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.