Jim Harbaugh can ‘do whatever he wants’ as NFL decision looms after Michigan championship
HOUSTON — Jim Harbaugh certainly has options.
A lucrative extension is on the table from Michigan.
Multiple NFL teams are reportedly interested in him returning to the professional ranks.
A high-powered agent by his side.
After Monday night’s dominant 34-13, national championship victory over Washington at NRG Stadium, he has a decision to make.
Stay or go?
Build on a dominant three-year run at Michigan or return to the NFL, where he reached a Super Bowl and two NFC championship games in four seasons as the 49ers’ coach?
The tea leaves seem to indicate Harbaugh is ready to make the move.
He reportedly hired new representation, signing with NFL agent Don Yee.
The Athletic and NFL Network reported that Harbaugh wants the Chargers’ job.
The Raiders are believed to be another potential landing spot.
On media day, the 60-year-old Harbaugh didn’t offer much substance on his future, declining to address his plans.
“There’s a calendar,” he said. “I’ll gladly talk about the future next week. I hope to have one. How about that? A future? I hope to have one.”
He didn’t offer much else on Monday night, saying he just wants to enjoy this moment.
Harbaugh did say he would get his first tattoo representing this accomplishment, as he had promised his players if they went 15-0.
It has been a whirlwind of a season for Harbaugh and undefeated Michigan.
He served two different three-game suspensions, one for alleged recruiting violations handed down by the school and another for the Wolverines’ sign-stealing scandal that was issued by the Big Ten.
That could factor in here, as Michigan may be facing further sanctions from the NCAA.
Harbaugh has been offered a big extension by Michigan, believed to be for 10 years and $125 million, that he has yet to sign.
He is under contract through the 2026 season.
Harbaugh has slowly but steadily built up his alma mater, going 40-3 the last three years after compiling a 49-22 record over his first six seasons.
He’s beaten bitter rival Ohio State three straight times and now has a national championship.
“When he left the San Francisco 49ers, he called on the phone and asked [his mother] Jackie and myself what he should do. My wife said it’s hard to come home. It may not be what you want by coming home,” his father, Jack, said. “I got on the phone. I said Jim, you played there, you ran around the stadium. Bo [Schembechler] got on your tail and chewed you for the little things you did. You need to come back and see if you can’t put Michigan in its rightful place in intercollegiate football. He’s still working on it.”
The elder Harbaugh added: “He’s fulfilled the wish and desire he had to come back to make Michigan right.”
Harbaugh flirted with the NFL before, interviewing twice with the Vikings two years ago and the Broncos last year.
Maybe Monday will be a tipping point to a return to the NFL.
Winning it all may be proof to Harbaugh that he doesn’t have anything left to accomplish in college.
“We just won a national championship. He can do whatever he wants. He deserves it,” said Michigan running back Donovan Edwards, who scored a pair of first-quarter touchdowns. “Whatever choice that he makes, the University of Michigan will be happy, his heart will be happy, his family will be happy, his players and his coaches will be happy.
“If he stays, awesome. If he goes, awesome. He deserves it.”
