REPORT: U-M Contract Offer To Make Jim Harbaugh Highest-Paid Coach In Big Ten

In spite of an ongoing investigation into the Michigan Wolverines for an alleged sign-stealing scheme, the University of Michigan is confident enough to make Jim Harbaugh the highest-paid coach in the Big Ten conference.

In spite of an ongoing NCAA investigation into the Michigan Wolverines for an alleged sign-stealing scheme, the University of Michigan is reportedly confident enough to make Jim Harbaugh the highest-paid coach in the Big Ten conference.

On Tuesday, news broke that U-M officials had met early in the morning to discuss whether or not to proceed with Harbaugh's contract extension, and that regents voted unanimously in favor of moving forward. Later on Tuesday, Michigan insider John U. Bacon reported that the U-M President, Athletic Director, and Regents were all working to finalize the deal. 

University of Michigan President Ono, AD Manuel, and Regents are currently working to finalize Harbaugh's contract, which will make him the highest paid coach in BT -- as reported here on 10/9. (1/2) https://t.co/U3yyKNu9uL

— John U. Bacon (@Johnubacon) October 31, 2023

"University of Michigan President Ono, AD [Warde] Manuel, and Regents are currently working to finalize Harbaugh's contract, which will make him the highest paid coach in Big Ten."

Although there are still concerns surrounding the NCAA investigation, U-M officials believe Harbaugh has already achieved enough success to warrant the extension. 

One sent me this: "While UM officials remain concerned about the investigation, long term they believe Harbaugh's overwhelming success at his main missions of winning games and graduating student-athletes has earned him the right to be the highest paid coach in the conference."

— John U. Bacon (@Johnubacon) October 31, 2023

As for the NCAA investigation itself, there is still plenty of work to be done. There is a strong belief that the punishment from the NCAA or the Big Ten - assuming there is one - won't be nearly as bad as many outsiders anticipated. It is also believed that the ongoing NCAA investigation could take months to complete, meaning that the impact on this current 2023 season is minimal at best. 

While there's no exact timetable for when the contract is expected to be offered, or when/if Harbaugh intends to sign it, the believe is that U-M officials intend on getting this done quickly.