Athletic director promises Michigan working on Jim Harbaugh contract as NFL rumors heat up
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ANN ARBOR, Mich. — As Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel made his way down State Street during Saturday’s championship parade, he fielded the same question over and over again from anxious fans.
Everyone wants to know: Will Jim Harbaugh stay, or will he go?
Manuel doesn’t have a clear answer. Neither does Harbaugh, who didn’t address his future when he had the microphone during the championship rally at Crisler Arena, despite fans chanting “10 more years.”
Manuel did, however, vow he and Michigan are doing everything they can to keep Harbaugh in Ann Arbor next season.
“I am working on getting this man a new contract,” Manuel said as he pointed to Harbaugh, who sat just a few feet away from where he was standing. “I promise you that.”
Manuel’s pledge comes as rumors surrounding Harbaugh’s future in Ann Arbor are ramping up. Several NFL teams reportedly are interested in pursuing Harbaugh to be their next head coach, including the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers. Harbaugh is expected to meet with the latter this week, according to reports.
Harbaugh received one of the loudest ovations Saturday when he was initially introduced. After the “10 more years” chants quieted down, some fans yelled from their seats, “Stay here,” and, “Don’t leave.”
Harbaugh led his alma mater to its first national championship in the College Football Playoff era Monday night as top-ranked Michigan (15-0) beat No. 2 Washington, 34-13, at NRG Stadium in Houston. He’s spent the past nine seasons as the head coach but could be making his return to the NFL.
In late December, Harbaugh hired NFL-affiliated agent Don Yee to represent him as rumors about the longtime Wolverine’s future began to heat up.
During the College Football Playoff, Harbaugh deflected questions regarding what he might do beyond this season.
“I hope to have a future,” he said.
The future is here.
With the final formal championship celebrations coming to an end Saturday, Harbaugh will have to face a decision that could impact the Michigan football program’s trajectory for years to come.