Jim Harbaugh releases statement addressing NFL speculation

We've gone from thinking to expecting in Ann Arbor.

After acknowledging he discussed the Carolina Panthers' open head coaching position with owner David Tepper, Jim Harbaugh told a Charlotte TV outlet, "I think I will be coaching Michigan next season."

On Thursday, Harbaugh released a statement acknowledging the speculation, acknowledging the possibility he may leave, while saying (emphasis added) "I expect that will be enthusiastically coaching Michigan in 2023."

While that's a step forward from "I think," it's still a large step backward from where Harbaugh was last winter, when he said he told AD Warde Manuel he was done chasing NFL jobs after pursuing the Minnesota Vikings position.

“And I told him, ‘Warde, this will not be a reoccurring theme every year. This was a one time thing," Harbaugh told the Detroit Free Press in February.

It's also a long way from "I will coach Michigan next season" and even further still from "I will coach Michigan next season and here's the contract extension I signed to prove it."

It's unclear if Harbaugh believed this statement will knock down speculation, but it'll be there until Harbaugh either signs an extension or every NFL job is filled. 

And the NFL carousel has hardly even begun spinning.

As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.