The NCAA investigation into sign-stealing allegations against the Michigan football program has compelled the university to table a contract offer to coach Jim Harbaugh.
An extension for Harbaugh has been rumored for months. But that offer has now been rescinded, according to The Wall Street Journal. However, other outlets covering Michigan football, including the Detroit News, report that the school withdrew the contract just days after it was negotiated, upon news of the sign-stealing accusations becoming public on Oct. 19.
Since then, more stories about the alleged scheme have been reported, including the naming of staffer Connor Stalions as the person responsible for devising a sign-stealing system involving “scouts” hired to record video of opponents’ sidelines that violate NCAA rules.
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Harbaugh agreed to a five-year, $36.7 million contract in 2022 after a turnaround 2021 campaign resulted in a 12–2 record. Last season, the Wolverines compiled a 13–1 record and compelled negotiations on a new deal that would reportedly make him the highest-paid coach in the Big Ten.
Such a contract would presumably also end the possibility of him taking a job in the NFL, which Harbaugh flirted with during the past two offseasons.
Earlier this month, the coach was asked whether a new contract was coming, to which he responded, “Like anybody, you want to be somewhere where you’re wanted. If they like what you do and how you do it, your bosses tell you that, and then that gets reflected in a contract.”
Asked if he felt wanted at Michigan, Harbaugh said, “Yeah, I do.”
Harbaugh added that working out the contract extension has been “a 3 1/2-year thing.” That process will now be longer, and whether or not it resumes may depend on the results of the NCAA probe that has become the biggest story in college football.
