Jim Harbaugh is staying at Michigan.
Harbaugh informed Michigan president Santa Ono on Monday afternoon that he will remain with the Wolverines. Harbaugh also released a statement of his own in which he said “My heart is at the University of Michigan.”
Happy Mission#GoBlue https://t.co/EQ1PksGYBX pic.twitter.com/KNNuYASJWz
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) January 16, 2023
Those statements come after Harbaugh explored NFL opportunities for the second offseason in a row. Harbaugh reportedly interviewed with the Denver Broncos and also had a conversation with the Carolina Panthers, but has now opted to stay in Ann Arbor rather than continue to pursue NFL jobs.
A possible incentive for Harbaugh to leave Michigan for a return to the NFL emerged on Jan. 5 when Michigan received a Notice of Allegations from the NCAA that included a Level I violation against Harbaugh for allegedly failing to cooperate with investigators, which could potentially lead to recruiting restrictions and/or a suspension. Nevertheless, Harbaugh will be staying at Michigan, likely with another raise after winning the Big Ten and making the College Football Playoff in back-to-back seasons.
Harbaugh, who coached the San Francisco 49ers from 2011-14 before taking the head job at Michigan, is entering his ninth season as the head coach of his alma mater. Coming off of his two most successful seasons as head coach, Harbaugh will be looking to lead the Wolverines to a third straight win over Ohio State in 2023, while the Buckeyes will be hoping to turn the tables in the rivalry and drop Harbaugh’s record in The Game to 2-6.
