The NFL speculation surrounding Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh is over. On Monday afternoon, University of Michigan president Santa Ono released a statement definitively stating that Harbaugh would be returning as the Wolverines’ head coach next season despite NFL interest.
“I just got off the phone with Coach Harbaugh and Jim shared with me the great news that he is going to remain as the Head Coach of the Michigan Wolverines,” University of Michigan president Santa Ono said in a tweet Monday. “That is fantastic news that I have communicated to our Athletic Director Warde Manuel.”
Harbaugh would release a statement of his own, confirming the news.
“I love the relationships that I have at Michigan — coaches, staff, families, administration, President Santa Ono and especially the players and their families. My heart is at the University of Michigan. I once heard a wise man say, ‘don’t try to out-happy, happy.’ Go Blue!”
What Jim Harbaugh Staying Means For The Michigan 2023-24 National Championship Odds
Per DraftKings, Michigan sits at +1000 to win the 2023-24 National Championship. They have the fourth-highest odds behind Georgia (+260), Alabama (+500), and Ohio State (+750). Michigan has beaten rival Ohio State and made the College Football Playoff in back-to-back years, but has been knocked out in the semifinals both times.
They lost 51-45 to TCU in The Fiesta Bowl this past season.
Harbaugh is 44-25 in his eight seasons as the Michigan head coach but has done his best work the past two years. He’s coming off a 13-1 record and will be returning quarterback J.J. McCarthy and running back Blake Corum next season.
“It’s definitely like a father-son relationship,” McCarthy said of his relationship with Harbaugh, per SB Nation. “He treats every single player like his own. It’s a little bit special when it’s the quarterback. He played here, in the same shoes and everything like that.”
Jim Harbaugh took an interview with the Denver Broncos last week, but also released a statement at that time, declaring his confidence that he would be returning to Ann Arbor.
“As I stated in December, while no one knows what the future holds, I expect that I will be enthusiastically coaching Michigan in 2023,” Harbaugh said in a statement released through the program. “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 coach Bo Schembechler said … those who stay will be champions.”
Michigan has strong National Championship odds with a skilled roster returning back next season. And for Jim Harbaugh, the NFL interest can wait… for now.
