Jim Harbaugh sat at home and watched his Wolverines pick up their third straight win against the Buckeyes. It not only improved No. 3 Michigan's national championship odds; it improved Harbaugh's bank account.
Michigan survived a close matchup with No. 2 Ohio State, winning 30-24 to clinch the Big Ten East title and make it three straight wins against their arch-rival. Harbaugh wasn't there to celebrate with the team, however, as he served the third and final game of his suspension imposed by the Big Ten as punishment for Michigan's sign-stealing scandal.
Harbaugh is currently signed through 2026, and had reportedly been in talks to receive a contract extension from Michigan before he was suspended for the second time in the 2023 season.
MORE: How much is Harbaugh making in 2023?
While his future in Ann Arbor is still uncertain, Harbaugh did earn at least a little extra money from Michigan for the team's efforts this season, even with him sitting for the game.
BENDER: Michigan's 2023 story is far from over
Jim Harbaugh bonus
Harbaugh didn't even have to coach on the sidelines on Saturday to earn a bonus from the university. Per USA Today's Steve Berkowitz, he is in line to receive a $500,000 bonus from Michigan for winning the Big Ten East.
And that's not all. Harbaugh will return to coach against Iowa in the Big Ten Championship, for which they are significant favorites. Should the Wolverines win and earn a College Football Playoff berth, Harbaugh will receive a $1.5 million bonus, Berkowitz reported.
Though Harbaugh was suspended for the game, he is still expected to be credited with the bonuses. A Michigan spokesperson told Berkowitz that the university still plans to honor the agreement.
USA Today reported Harbaugh is making $8,254,600 in total pay in 2023, and that number could continue to escalate if he returns to coach the Wolverines to further success this season.
