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Michigan is apparently trying real hard to keep Jim Harbaugh after this season.
For the past few weeks, there have been rumors that at least two NFL teams have talked about bringing in Harbaugh next season.
According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, both the Bears and the Panthers are considering signing Harbaugh as their head coach next season.
“Let’s just start with Carolina, alright? You mentioned that David Tepper makes that firing last week with Frank Reich now out. If you remember, Tepper and Harbaugh had conversations last year. It obviously didn’t pan out, but this was something that they discussed. So that’s a name I’m hearing again.”
The struggling Chicago Bears are also having discussions about hiring Harbaugh, according to Russini.
“The Chicago Bears are another organization I have heard has had some conversations about that depending on what decision they make with this coaching staff that is in place and of course what they do with that quarterback situation.”
If an NFL team is going to sign Harbaugh, they’re going to need big money.
On Thursday, Sports Illustrated’s Richard Johnson is reporting that Michigan is offering Harbaugh a 5-year extension worth $11 million/ a year. According to Johnson, the university wants Harbaugh to commit in writing that he will not pursue an NFL job.
SOURCE: Michigan is working on a contract extension for Jim Harbaugh worth $11M per year/5 years. The main hurdle remaining is a commitment in writing from Harbaugh that he will not pursue an NFL job this cycle.
— Richard🇬🇾Johnson (human) (@RJ_cfb) December 7, 2023
It will be interesting to see if the NFL decides to offer Harbaugh more than the $11 million that Michigan is willing to shell out for him.