Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh statement offers surprising amount of wiggle room

Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports) /
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Michigan released a statement from Jim Harbaugh saying he expects to come back in 2023 but Twitter isn’t exactly buying that’s set in stone.

Jim Harbaugh expects to return as Michigan’s head coach.

Feel free to read into “expects” as much as you want.

That’s what Twitter did after the Wolverines released a statement from the head coach acknowledging the rumors connecting him to NFL jobs.

Michigan releases statement from Jim Harbaugh on NFL rumors

“I am aware of the rumors and speculation over the past few days. College and NFL teams have great interest in all our personnel, from players to coaches to staff, and I truly believe that is a testament to the strength of our University of Michigan football program.

“As I stated in December, while no one knows what the future holds, I expect that I will be enthusiastically coaching Michigan 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 coach Bo Schembechler said, ‘Those who stay will be champions.'”

That line “while no one knows what the future holds” speaks volumes. So does “expect.”

Those are not the words of someone who has decided to stick around Ann Arbor regardless of what NFL opportunities come his way. That statement is going to do little to stop rumors from continuing to fly around.

Twitter called Harbaugh and Michigan out on that one immediately.

Harbaugh certainly could be at Michigan when the 2023 season begins. He’s just going to have to release a far more definitive statement if he wants people to truly believe it.

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