Jim Harbaugh was on the Michigan football sideline for nine seasons. Before returning to Ann Arbor to coach his alma mater, Harbaugh had great success as a coach in the NFL.
He led the 49ers to the Super Bowl during his four years playing in San Francisco. Harbaugh will coach the Wolverines in the College Football Playoff national championship game against the Washington Huskies on Monday.
As Harbaugh prepares for a game that could potentially end Michigan's 26-year national title drought, speculation about his potential NFL future continues to mount.
Harbaugh fielded questions Saturday about whether his rumored interest in pro football would be affected by the outcome of Monday's game in Houston, where this season's national championship game will be held.
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Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh speaks during media day for the National Championship Game on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. (Han Jun-hoo/USA Today Network)
“I have no idea about that,” Harbaugh said. “I couldn't be more happy to be here. This is a great city. They're doing all these big things in Texas, which is great. This is exactly where we want to be.” This is where we worked to get there.”
Harbaugh also downplayed the idea that he was one of the top story headers in the title fight.
“(Fans) aren't really coming to see the coach. They're not really coming to see the coach. They're really coming to see the players,” the University of Michigan coach said Saturday.
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Harbaugh dismissed many NFL-related questions throughout his press conference. The 60-year-old coach is reportedly considering a 10-year, $125 million contract extension. The offer is believed to include a clause that would prevent Harbaugh from taking a job at the NFL level in the 2024 season.
Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh after the Big Ten Championship game against the Iowa Hawkeyes on Dec. 2, 2023, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. (Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Harbaugh indicated they would discuss future plans after Monday's game.
“I'll be happy to talk about the future next week,” Harbaugh said. “And I want to have it. How about that? In the future? I want to have it.”
At one point during the press conference, Harbaugh brushed off a question about the differences in time management at the college football level and coaching in the NFL.
“I don't have that list in front of me,” he said. “I don't have that list.”
Celebrating with the Leishman Trophy after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide 27-20 in overtime in the CFP semifinal Rose Bowl Game at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California on January 1, 2024. Jim Harbaugh, head coach of the Michigan Wolverines. (Harry Howe/Getty Images)
But Harbaugh was willing to share his stance on revenue sharing with players.
“There was an old saying: Here in the old carriages – my dad and my brother used them – we're all robbing the same train,” Harbaugh said.
“So that needs to change. It's one thing for someone to say, 'Well, they're getting NIL.'” “But the billions of dollars that are being generated are There aren't that many. It's a very small percentage. They're receiving the same amount that I was getting in the '80s: stipend, room, board, books, tuition. It is.”
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As of Saturday, the University of Michigan is a 4.5-point favorite against Washington in the national championship game.
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