Jim Harbaugh, Michigan football agree to contract extension through 2026

Jim Harbaugh and Michigan football announced a reworked deal and contract extension through 2026 after playoff appearance and NFL rumors.

Jim Harbaugh is locked into another season at Michigan and a new deal too.

The Wolverines head coach signed a five-year contract on Wednesday, extending to 2026.

The school didn’t reveal the terms of the deal but they did confirm that it “alters the terms and length of the deal signed last January.”

Jim Harbaugh and Michigan football agreed to a new five-year contract

“I love Michigan Football, the University of Michigan and the Ann Arbor community,” Harbaugh said in a statement. “My family and I are excited to continue leading this football program, and we are thankful for the support that our athletic department and university administration have demonstrated toward the team. I appreciate all that our players, coaches and staff are doing to excel on and off the football field. My enthusiasm for tomorrow, the day after and every day following is as high as ever, and we are ready to get on the practice field and start preparations for the 2022 season. Go Blue!”

Harbaugh was on the hot seat coming out of a rough 2020 season so he restructured his contract with the Wolverines, taking less money while hoping to prove himself worthy of keeping the job. He did that quite thoroughly by leading Michigan to a victory over rival Ohio State, then a Big Ten championship and a place in the College Football Playoff.

Coming off that huge success, the NFL came calling and Harbaugh interviewed with the Vikings while interest from other teams reportedly swirled. However, after a whirlwind of speculation, he ended up committing his future to the Wolverines.

Since he took a pay cut last year, it was only fitting for Michigan to reward him with a new contract in recognition of the success he achieved—and to give him a strong incentive to stick around.

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