Jim Harbaugh lands $1.5 million in bonuses with Big Ten Championship Game win vs. Purdue
Jim Harbaugh has an extra pep in his step after capturing the Big Ten title for a second consecutive season.
Aside from the thrill of hoisting the trophy, Harbaugh also got a sizable bump to his wallet, per Steve Berkowitz of USA TODAY.
“For a second consecutive season, Michigan is the Big Ten Conference football champion — and for a second consecutive season, Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh also will come away with more than $2 million in bonuses,” wrote Berkowitz. “Michigan’s 43-22 victory Saturday night over Purdue in Indianapolis gave Harbaugh $1.5 million: $1 million for the Big Ten title and $500,000 for advancing the second-ranked Wolverines into the College Football Playoff semifinals.
“Although the latter won’t become official until Sunday’s playoff selection announcement, it is inconceivable that the Michigan will not join the nation’s other undefeated team, No. 1 Georgia, among the four semifinalists.”
That’s not all Harbaugh can add this season either, as Berkowitz reported that the Wolverines leader can land some more bonus money if Michigan can win the national championship, or if he can capture any of the national coach of the year awards, as well.
Regardless, Jim Harbaugh has done another tremendous job with the Wolverines in 2022, and he deserves the bonus pay he’s receiving for bringing Michigan to the forefront of the sport.
Jim Harbaugh explains special Michigan bond, emotions winning consecutive Big Ten titles
Furthermore, following defeating Purdue and winning back-to-back Big Ten titles, Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh shared a look at the bond this team has. The Wolverines took care of business and finished their season undefeated ahead of the College Football Playoff — something that Harbaugh said has been a happy experience despite the toughness.
After holding up the Big Ten trophy with his team for the second-straight year, Harbaugh was asked by FOX’s Joel Klatt how it felt to hear Michigan announced as back-to-back champs of the conference.
“It sounds great,” answered Harbaugh. “All credit goes to these men up here. We talk about it’s not a grim mission, it’s been a happy mission. But more than that, it’s been a Godly mission and we thank our Lord and savior.”
Klatt followed up with Harbaugh about how special the team’s chemistry and bond appeared to be as someone who had followed the team for so long and watched them grow during the season as a team.
“It really comes from them. A lot of people talk about culture, but it’s beyond culture. It’s a brotherhood amongst the staff, amongst the players. And that’s what it is, I mean, it’s love. It’s love, and perseverance — it’s been great love. And we’re happy to be back-to-back champs.”