Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh is preparing for a College Football Playoff Semifinal battle against the Alabama Crimson Tide, which is just two wins away from a national championship. While the Wolverines are on the verge of history, there is a potential that this will be Harbaugh’s final season in Ann Arbor.
Harbaugh, who will turn 60 on December 23, has outperformed expectations at Michigan. Since taking over as coach of the Wolverines in 2015, he has transformed Michigan into a consistent postseason contender, winning three consecutive Big Ten championships. Most notably, the Wolverines have defeated Ohio State three years in a row.
Harbaugh, Jim NFL coaching record: 44-19-1 during the regular season, 5-3 during the playoffs.
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Many people in football believe Harbaugh has unfinished business in the NFL. He’s previously turned down opportunities to return as a head coach in each of the last two offseasons, but each time he’s accepted a contract extension with Michigan. With the Wolverines in the College Football Playoff, Harbaugh may now be able to leave on his own terms.
Bruce Feldman of The Athletic claimed on The Rich Eisen Show that if the Wolverines win the national championship, Harbaugh will almost certainly leave for an NFL head-coaching job
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According to Feldman, Harbaugh left the NFL without receiving what he truly desired. If he can produce a national title for the Wolverines’ football team, Michigan won’t be able to offer him what he wants to do next.
If Harbaugh goes for the NFL in January, Michigan will be far behind the rest of the college football coaching pack. However, it is expected that offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore, who previously served as interim coach, will be named Michigan football coach in 2024.
While the Wolverines would clearly like Harbaugh to return with a new contract, winning a national championship would help lessen the blow of Harbaugh’s departure.
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