Jim Harbaugh has spent the last nine years on the sidelines of Michigan football.
However, before returning to Ann Arbor to coach his alma mater, Harbaugh had considerable success as a coach in the NFL.
He led the 49ers to a Super Bowl during his four years in San Francisco. Earlier this month, Harbaugh led the Wolverines to the College Football Playoff national title.
The 60-year-old coach is reportedly weighing a 10-year, $125 million contract extension. The offer is believed to include a clause that would prevent Harbaugh from accepting a job at the NFL level for the 2024 season.
Harbaugh may be looking to add a clause of his own. According to Yahoo Sports, Harbaugh asked for contractual protection against possible punishment from the NCAA. Harbaugh served two separate three-game suspensions during the regular season.
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Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh is seen after the Big Ten Championship against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 2, 2023 in Indianapolis. (Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
In December, the NCAA issued a formal notice to Michigan, detailing a Level I allegation against Harabugh. The investigation is ongoing.
Harbaugh and his representatives likely want language added that prevents the coach from being fired as a result of the investigation.
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The unusual request for a buyout clause for Harbaugh's potential contract comes amid the coach's continued flirtation with the NFL. The Los Angeles Chargers recently announced they conducted an interview with Harbaugh as the franchise continues the process of filling its head coaching vacancy.
Harbaugh also considered returning to the professional football ranks during the 2022 offseason.
JJ McCarthy, #9, and Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh celebrate after defeating the Washington Huskies during the 2024 CFP National Championship game at NRG Stadium on January 8, 2024 in Houston. (Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)
Shortly after going through the interview process with the Minnesota Vikings, Harbaugh stated that his NFL search was officially over.
“There was a pull toward the NFL because I was so close to the Super Bowl, but this was the time (to try to come back). And this is the last time,” Harbaugh told the Detroit Free Press in February 2022. “Now we're going to pursue the biggest prize in college football.
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh speaks during media day for the national championship game at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024. (Junfu Han/RED USA TODAY)
Michigan could also face sanctions due to the sign-stealing scandal that came to light during the second half of the regular season.
The Big Ten Conference imposed a three-game suspension on Harabugh, causing him to miss the final three games of the season. Harbaugh returned to the bench for the conference championship game and the College Football Playoff.
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Harbaugh could ultimately decide to return to Michigan, but if he coaches the Wolverines in 2024, he will look to replace several key players, including quarterback JJ McCarthy and running back Blake Corum.
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