Jim Harbaugh reportedly takes major step toward possible NFL return
Jim Harbaugh has hired longtime NFL agent Don Yee to represent him, according to multiple reports over the weekend.
Michigan has been working for months on an extension for Harbaugh reportedly worth $125 million over 10 years, so long as he agreed not to pursue NFL jobs for this upcoming cycle.
The fact that Harbaugh has not signed the extension was a clue that he intends to pursue NFL jobs, and this news is now confirmation of that clue.
Yee and Harbaugh have a connection through Tom Brady, the agent's most famous client. Yee also represents Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton, among others. Payton reportedly got a 5-year deal worth "in the neighborhood" of $18 million to return to the NFL after a 1-year hiatus.
Harbaugh has speculated Michigan could break the record for NFL draft selections this spring. Whether that prediction rings true is irrelevant; the point is Harbaugh believes it, and thus could be motivated to "cash out" on his Michigan tenure after this season rather than return for a rebuild in 2024. And that's before the other complicating factor -- two NCAA investigations, both of which personally implicate Harbaugh.
Harbaugh has been listed as a prime candidate for the Los Angeles Chargers opening, and others are sure to follow. The former Bears, Colts, Ravens, Chargers and Panthers quarterback went 44-19-1 as the 49ers' head coach from 2011-14, with three straight NFC Championship appearances to begin his tenure and one Super Bowl appearance. He also executed a masterful turnaround at Stanford and has Michigan in the College Football Playoff for the third consecutive season.
No. 1 Michigan faces No. 4 Alabama Monday in the Rose Bowl (5 p.m. ET, ESPN).
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.
