“Jim Harbaugh’s Contract Dilemma: Seeking Unique Conditions in Michigan Deal Amid NFL Interest”
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Consistent with the past few years, Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh is involved in discussions with both the NFL and the Wolverines regarding a head coaching position.
Harbaugh interviewed with the Chargers earlier this week, as well as the Falcons. Throughout this process, he has maintained active contract negotiations with Michigan. Currently, seven NFL coaching positions are still available.
According to a report from Yahoo! Sports, he is seeking some unique conditions as part of his next contract with the Wolverines.
According to Dan Wetzel, he is seeking language that would “grant him immunity from termination from any finding or sanction that could arise from multiple current NCAA investigations into the football program.” In other words, Michigan cannot fire him for anything that comes from the NCAA investigation involving sign-stealing, nor the recruiting violations.
Additionally, he is seeking a clause that any decision regarding a “for cause” termination will be decided by a three-member panel, not the school’s athletic director.
He is also, according to the same report, looking to delay his new contract with the Wolverines so that NFL teams can pay a lower buyout to lure him away from Michigan. This would make it easier and less prohibitive for teams like the Chargers or Falcons to hire him.
Harbaugh has an offer on the table from Michigan, according to Wetzel, that would make him the highest-paid coach in the sport. The deal is reportedly worth $11.5 million annually over a total of six years.
He has compiled an 86-25 record in nine seasons at Michigan, including an impressive 40-3 stretch over the last three years. This remarkable run encompasses three victories over Ohio State, three Big Ten titles, and a national championship.
