Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh released a statement Thursday saying he hopes to return to Ann Arbor next season, leading the Wolverines. Furthermore, a source at the school said the athletic on Thursday that the football program is under investigation by the NCAA and expects to receive a Notice of Allegations by the end of this week. Here’s what we know:
- Harbaugh, who has expressed an interest in returning to the NFL in recent years, has been the subject of reports for open positions including Denver and Carolina.
- The school source believes the NCAA violations are relatively minor infractions — one includes an analyst coaching players and another involves texting that violates NCAA rules — but that the investigation is also focused on the program’s response to such violations. Three sources with knowledge of the investigation confirmed that it included self-reported violations involving an analyst who coached players on the field. It is unclear what the NCAA punishment would be.
- Harbaugh has a 74-25 record at Michigan since 2015. The Wolverines went 13-1 this season, winning the Big Ten championship before losing to TCU in the CFP Semifinals, Michigan’s second straight Playoff appearance.
- Harbaugh was the 49ers’ head coach from 2011 to 2014, leading San Francisco to three conference title games and a Super Bowl appearance.
- Sources close to Harbaugh said the athletic they thought this offseason was different for the coach and he is more likely to leave.
What is he saying
“I am aware of the rumors and speculation over the past few days,” Harbaugh said. “College and NFL teams take a keen interest in all of our people, from players to coaches and staff, and I truly believe this is a testament to the strength of our University of Michigan football program.”
“As I stated in December, although no one knows what the future holds, I look forward to coaching Michigan enthusiastically in 2023. I have spoken with President Santa Ono and Athletic Director Warde Manuel and appreciate their support of me and our program. Our mission as Wolverines continues and we are preparing for the 2023 season with great passion and enthusiasm. As our legendary trainer Bo Schembechler said, ‘Those who stay will be champions.’”
backstory
Last year, Harbaugh, fresh from leading Michigan to its first Big Ten title in 17 years, sought a return to the NFL.
On Signing Day in 2022, Harbaugh met with the Minnesota Vikings, but ended up not being offered the job. He told reporters afterward, “There was a pull to the NFL because I got so close to the Super Bowl, but this was the time. And this is the last time. Now let’s chase college football’s biggest prize.
This year, Harbaugh led his alma mater to an even more impressive season, going undefeated in the regular season and once again dominating archrival Ohio State. This time it took place in Columbus and the Wolverines won going away 45-23.
Over the past two seasons, Harbaugh has shown that he has continued to evolve as a head coach and his program has taken a dramatic turnaround. UM was a heavy favorite going into its College Football Playoff semifinal game last weekend against TCU, but was upset, and now with NFL teams once again giving strong consideration to 58-year-old Harbaugh, their next movement will be fascinating to watch. A return, perhaps to the Denver Broncos or his former team, the Indianapolis Colts, could be very tempting. —Bruce Feldman
What does this mean for Michigan
Harbaugh is reiterating what he said in December, when he said he looked forward to “easily coaching the Wolverines in 2023.” In other words, nothing has changed. His remarks about the NFL come with a caveat about not knowing the future, which keeps the door open. But for the moment, Harbaugh isn’t giving up on his promise to be at Michigan next season. — meek
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
.
0 Comments