The Michigan fans were already fired up to celebrate an undefeated season and national championship victory during Saturday's parade. Athletic director Warde Manuel wanted to amp up the crowd even more.
As the Wolverines went around Ann Arbor to celebrate the national championship, Manuel said he was asked about 500 times about whether Jim Harbaugh would be getting a new contract. He addressed that question from the Crisler Center.
"I am working on getting this man a new contract, I promise you," Manuel said.
BENDER: A case for Harbaugh to stay in college football, forgo NFL
Manuel's promise comes the same day NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Harbaugh was set to meet with the Chargers next week. He added there was additional interest among the Raiders, and noted Michigan is continuing to push to keep him in Ann Arbor long-term.
"My understanding is the Chargers are believed to be speaking to Harbaugh next week and Harbaugh has indicated recently to associates there's a real possibility he could end up in LA," Pelissero said. "The Chargers are in the middle of their interview process, a lot of names in play. But if things go well with Jim Harbaugh, this could end up moving very fast."
The Insiders on @NFLGameDay: What’s next for Jim Harbaugh, could Josh McDaniels be back in NE with new #Patriots coach Jerod Mayo, and Bill Belichick’s options could include a playoff team. pic.twitter.com/GUzZvOzlsV
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 13, 2024
Fans at the Crisler Center could be heard chanting, "10 more years," a sentiment Manuel and the Michigan athletic department can share. Before the national championship, it was reported the Wolverines had offered Harbaugh a 10-year, $125 million contract, which would make him among the highest-paid coaches in college football.
“10 more years” chant directed at Jim Harbaugh pic.twitter.com/Txci2vxIKY
— Anthony Broome (@anthonytbroome) January 14, 2024
Harbaugh has spoken often about his interest in winning a Super Bowl, which he described as the greatest prize in the sport of football. Now that he's brought a national championship to his alma mater, this would appear as clear an opportunity as ever to leave Michigan on good terms and pursue his goal of a title in the NFL.
