Michigan defeated Washington 34–13 last Monday night to wrap up a perfect 15–0 season and claim its first national championship since 1997.
Although Jim Harbaugh’s repeated attempts to enter the NFL throughout the past two offseasons indicate that his departure is a possibility, the Wolverines would dearly want to have him back in Ann Arbour for the upcoming campaign.
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But athletic director Warde Manuel made his point plain on Saturday at a parade in Ann Arbour honouring Michigan’s national championship.
“I’m working on getting this man a new contract,” Manuel stated to a roar of cheers inside the Crisler Centre.
Before the national championship, Manuel had a contract extension offer on the table for Harbaugh, but he had not signed it, according to sources who spoke with Sports Illustrated earlier this month. It is obvious that efforts are still being made to convince Harbaugh to stay with Michigan for the upcoming season and beyond.
Of course, there are also unresolved issues that can cause Harbaugh to conclude that it’s time to leave Ann Arbour. The football programme is the subject of two ongoing NCAA investigations, both of which might result in different degrees of punishment. One entails recruitment infractions during the COVID-19 dead period, and the other is, naturally, the sign-stealing controversy involving Connor Stalions, a former team employee.
Though these two program-related investigations are still ongoing, Harbaugh will return to Ann Arbour if he so chooses; only time will tell.
Ann Arbour, Michigan – Anxious fans repeatedly asked Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel the same question as he marched along State Street on Saturday during the championship parade. Everyone is curious as to whether Jim Harbaugh will remain or go. Manuel is at a loss for words. Nor does Harbaugh, who stood in front of the microphone during the victory rally at Crisler Arena and ignored his future even though supporters were yelling “10 more years.”
Manuel did, however, promise that Michigan and he will stop at nothing to keep Harbaugh in Ann Arbour for the upcoming season. “I’m trying to get this guy a new deal,” Manuel stated, gesturing to Harbaugh, who was seated a short distance away from him. “I promise you that.”
Manuel’s promise coincides with growing speculation over Harbaugh’s future in Ann Arbour. Numerous NFL teams, including the Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders, are reportedly considering hiring Harbaugh as their next head coach. Reports state that Harbaugh and the latter are scheduled to meet this week. When Harbaugh was first presented on Saturday, he received one of the loudest ovations. Once the cries of “10 more years” subsided, some spectators chanted “Stay here” and “Don’t leave” from their seats.
