The University of Michigan announced yesterday that they have agreed to a contract extension for head coach Jim Harbaugh that is set to keep him in Ann Arbor until 2026.
Some interesting details have now emerged on the extension. Harbaugh is set to make $36.6 million over the five-year duration of the contract. His base pay will start at $7.05 million, increasing every year after his first season next year.
Jim Harbaugh’s new 5-year contract at Michigan worth $36.6 million, averaging $7.336 million per year
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) February 17, 2022
This compensation will be around the same amount as Harbaugh was making before taking a pay cut last offseason.
While Harbaugh has said that he is committed to Michigan after his failed attempt to return to the NFL, the buy-out option in his new contract is very interesting. The option will start at $3 million, decreasing every year after next season.
Harbaugh contract buyout pic.twitter.com/t8QCWrgtwK
— angelique (@chengelis) February 17, 2022
With these details in the contract being released, many believe that this leaves the door open for another chance at the NFL should Harbaugh want to pursue it.
Mentioned how the buyout was the NFL-relevant piece of Jim Harbaugh's new contract at Michigan. Here it is. Basically an invitation for NFL teams to keep calling. https://t.co/87WU8FUCwy
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) February 17, 2022
Harbaugh is surely aware of the concerns that Michigan fans have that he could just up and leave if an NFL team comes calling. Harbaugh told the Detroit Free Press that this offseason was “just a one-time thing.”
For what it’s worth, Jim Harbaugh told the Detroit Free Press that he told Warde Manuel “this will not be a reoccurring theme every year. This was a one-time thing.”
Despite the criticism he faces, Harbaugh isn’t much of a liar.
— Zach Shaw (@_ZachShaw) February 17, 2022
Time will only tell if that is true or not. His new contract certainly leaves the door slightly open for an NFL return in the future. It does seem like he has some unfinished business at Michigan, finishing last season with a loss to the Georgia Bulldogs in the College Football Playoff semi-final. Harbaugh will have his chance to redeem himself next season.