Michigan Football: Jim Harbaugh's Contract Still A Work In Progress

After taking a significant pay cut heading into the 2021 season, many expect Jim Harbaugh to sign a lucrative new deal that will keep him in Michigan for the long-haul.

According to University of Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel, Jim Harbaugh's anticipated new contract is still a work in progress. Speaking recently to U-M's board of regents regarding the fiscal year 2024 budget, Manuel was asked specifically where things stand with Harbaugh's new deal. 

“Jim and I keep talking and will continue to talk — he’s in the second year of a five-year agreement, but we’ve had conversations about that,” Manuel said via the Detroit Free Press. “At the appropriate time, we’ll make an announcement, but he’s in a good place, he and I have had great conversations and so I feel good about where we are.”

“We’re working on it, talking about it and when it’s there to announce, we’ll announce it."

As it stands currently, Harbaugh is entering the second year of a five-year deal (set to expire in 2026) that pays roughly $7.3 million per year, making him the the fourth-highest paid coach in the conference - trailing Michigan State's Mel Tucker ($9.5 million), Ohio State's Ryan Day ($7.6 million), and Penn State's James Franklin ($7.5 million).

Although $7.3 million can certainly make for a comfortable living situation, the reality is that Harbaugh's value has increased significantly over the last two seasons. 

Through his first six seasons in Ann Arbor, Harbaugh compiled a record of 49-22 (69 win pct.), including an 0-5 record against Ohio State and a 1-4 record in bowl games. During the last two seasons, Harbaugh has compiled the best overall record in the conference at 25-3 (89 win pct.), including two straight wins over Ohio State, two straight Big Ten Championships, and two consecutive trips to the College Football Playoff. 

Both Warde Manuel and U-M President Santa Ono have expressed publicly that their desire is for Harbaugh to remain at Michigan for the long-haul, as has Harbaugh himself. 

“I love the relationships that I have at Michigan. Coaches, staff, families, administration, President Santa Ono and especially the players and their families,” said Harbaugh back in January. “My heart is at the University of Michigan. I once heard a wise man say, ‘Don’t try to out-happy, happy.’ Go Blue!"

It remains to be seen what the new contract will look like, but it's safe to say it should make Jim Harbaugh the highest paid coach in the Big Ten conference.