On Sunday, the Wall Street Journal reported that Michigan had rescinded plans to make Jim Harbaugh the highest-paid coach in the Big Ten.
The following day, Harbaugh refuted that report.
"I wouldn’t say that’s accurate, no," Harbaugh said. "And the university has a policy, I think they made a statement, have a policy on contracts and publicly talking about it."
Jim Harbaugh says reports about his contract being "rescinded" are not accurate. He also took several questions about the ongoing NCAA investigaton.#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/HxljIEls7B
— The Winged Helmet (@TWH_Chris) October 30, 2023
Now, Michigan insider John U. Bacon tweets that Michigan president Santa Ono, AD Warde Manuel and other Michigan leadership are "currently" working on getting Harbaugh's extension done.
University of Michigan President Ono, AD Manuel, and Regents are currently working to finalize Harbaugh's contract, which will make him the highest paid coach in BT -- as reported here on 10/9. (1/2) https://t.co/U3yyKNu9uL
— John U. Bacon (@Johnubacon) October 31, 2023
Assuming an extension is presented and signed in the comings days and weeks, there are two ways to view this:
1) Michigan has a good idea that the blowback in the Connor Stalions case will be minimal to Harbaugh personally and the Michigan program generally, the NCAA recruiting infractions case is largely behind them (even if a formal ruling isn't expected until next year), and the Wolverines feel comfortable standing by Harbaugh through whatever comes next.
2) Getting Harbaugh under a revised contract would be advantageous to Michigan, since the university could include new language that would clearly allow the university to fire him for cause in the event the proverbial hammer drops.
The devil's in the details, and right now we don't have enough -- or any, really -- to know Michigan's thinking.
Stay tuned.