Jim Harbaugh addresses Michigan contract situation, his desire to return

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh silenced the narratives that emerged after his contract situation played out publicly in the offseason on ESPN College Gameday. Harbaugh stated he never considered coaching anywhere but Michigan this offseason.

“No,” Harbaugh responded when asked if he considered coach elsewhere. “It was a conversation with (Michigan Athletic Director) Warde (Manuel) ‘Warde I want to coach here’, he wanted me to coach here and signed a five-year extension.”

Jim Harbaugh signed a four-year extension on his contract in January that will keep him in Ann Arbor through 2025. The coach’s contract states he will make $4 million in 2021, then $4.101,850, $4,206,756, $4,314,808 and $4,426,102 the following years.

Harbaugh had one year left on his initial contract at Michigan, which paid the coach slightly over $8 million in 2020.

Harbaugh said it’s a gene he has that pushed him to return.

“Whether it’s a blessing or curse, it’s in there,” he said. “I want to get to the top. You win the Big Ten Championship, you defeat Ohio State and then go on to the national championship.”

Jim Harbaugh also stated that his goal at Michigan hasn’t changed, even as he enters his sixth season.

“We haven’t reached the top of the mountain,” he said. “That’s what we want to do, you want to get to the top.”

Harbaugh added that contrary to popular belief, he doesn’t believe quarterback hasn’t been an issue for Michigan in his time at the helm.

Under Jim Harbaugh, Michigan holds a 50-22 record as he is now in his seventh season in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines are coming off their worst season in Harbaugh’s time, a disappointing 2-4 season in 2020.

His best season at Michigan to date came in 2018, as the Wolverines went 10-3 for the third time under Harbaugh, but tied for first in the Big Ten East for the first time in his tenure.

Michigan won 10 games and finished in the top 15 in three of his first four seasons but has yet to defeat rival Ohio State under Harbaugh. The Wolverines are also currently on a four-straight bowl game losing streak.

Michigan opened the 2021 season getting back on track with a 47-14 win over Western Michigan. Starting quarterback Cade McNamara completed 9/11 passes for 136 yards and two touchdowns. The Wolverines did lose standout receiver Ronnie Bell for the season in the season-opener.

Michigan’s preparation for Washington 

Michigan plays Washington in primetime on Saturday night in one of the more intriguing Week 2 games. The Wolverines will debut a new uniform combination on Saturday.

The matchup lost some of its shine when Washington lost to FCS opponent Montana last weekend, but the Wolverines are not overlooking the team from the ailing Pac-12 North.

“You can’t worry about what happened last week,” said Michigan safety Brad Hawkins. “It’s a new week. It’s college football. College football is full of surprises. You’ve just got to come out every week and give the team that you’re playing your best effort, your best game.

“We’re going to come out this week like any other week. Prepare every single week like we’re playing Ohio State. That’s how we’re going to go at it every single week.”

While Washington isn’t Ohio State, perhaps their new mindset will help Michigan maintain a high level of play.