Michigan concluded an impeccable 15–0 season, securing its first national championship since 1997 with a convincing 34–13 triumph over Washington last Monday night.
While the Wolverines express a strong desire to retain coach Jim Harbaugh in Ann Arbor for the upcoming season, his recurrent flirtations with the NFL in the last two offseasons suggest a potential departure. Nonetheless, during the celebratory parade for Michigan’s national championship in Ann Arbor on Saturday, athletic director Warde Manuel made a resounding statement.
“I’m actively working on securing a new contract for this man,” Manuel proclaimed to an enthusiastic crowd inside the Crisler Center. Sources revealed to Sports Illustrated earlier this month that a contract extension offer had been presented to Harbaugh before the national championship, but he had yet to sign it. The ongoing efforts to persuade Harbaugh to stay in Michigan for the upcoming season and beyond are evident.
Complicating matters are potential future issues that could influence Harbaugh’s decision to leave Ann Arbor. Two active NCAA investigations into the football program, one involving recruiting violations during the COVID-19 dead period and the other related to a sign-stealing scandal with former team staffer Connor Stalions, add uncertainty.
Despite these pending investigations, Harbaugh has the option to return to Ann Arbor if he chooses, but only time will reveal his decision.
