Bacon: Harbaugh should have an extension within the next month that makes him the highest paid coach in [B1G]
October 9th, 2023 at 4:50 PM ^
I'm willing to bet there would be a massive bonus for winning the natty.
But right now, you can't pay him Saben, Dabo or Smart money until he brings us that natty.
Actually, fuck it. Yes we can. And we should :)
October 10th, 2023 at 12:45 AM ^
Agree, what is this? Does he only coach games within the B1G or does he compete against coaches from around the country for national championships? What does Saban make? Kiffin? Kelly?
October 9th, 2023 at 4:21 PM ^
Jim said it again today in the presser that he wants to feel wanted by his employer. Jim has been saying this for the past few years. If Michigan really wants Jim to stay, then they will present Jim with the big contract extension with that hefty pay raise and do it much sooner than later.
I hope John U Bacon is 100% right on this and this all works out.
October 9th, 2023 at 4:23 PM ^
Will the contract come with a no NFL clause? If not, it's meaningless.
October 9th, 2023 at 4:57 PM ^
At the same time, there's no way he signs that.
October 9th, 2023 at 4:29 PM ^
I like this with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind
October 9th, 2023 at 4:46 PM ^
But the Chicago Bears might end up with the #1 overall pick paired with a potential top 5 pick depending on the rest of their seasons pans out... I'm not holding my breath...
/s (maybe)
October 9th, 2023 at 4:55 PM ^
I think what Jim is saying is, "Show me the money!" Jim Harbaugh is not hurting for money. He played 16 yrs. in the NFL and has made millions at both Stanford and Michigan. But I'm sure he realizes that he's paid less than James Franklin, Brian Kelly, and Ryan Day. He took a pay cut after the 2020 season, and now it's time for him to be paid what he's worth in the market.
October 10th, 2023 at 8:52 AM ^
The Bears. Are you talking about the Bears? Their draft selections have been abysmal. Fields is not Patrick Mahomes. They released / traded their strengths on D and need an OL.
Unless the team is sold, there’s little hope for the franchise. Oh, and there’s talk of a new private stadium in the suburbs - which would be a good idea, but - would be a huge drain on resources as well.
October 10th, 2023 at 12:09 PM ^
I think you clearly skipped over the fact that the Bears are on track to land Caleb Williams... That alone should put them as the #1 vacancy should their coach get canned.
But I digress.
October 10th, 2023 at 12:12 PM ^
In college, a QB can make a significant difference - even without an ideal OL. IMO, that is not the case in the NFL.
October 9th, 2023 at 5:05 PM ^
“Should” has several different meanings. “They should do the right thing” doesn’t mean they’re likely to.
October 9th, 2023 at 5:07 PM ^
I approve this message
October 9th, 2023 at 5:31 PM ^
deleted. downvoted myself.
October 9th, 2023 at 5:35 PM ^
Seems uncanny that Klatt said last week there was turmoil with the admin. and Harbaugh. Harbz was asked today about contract extension and JUB is now X’ing this. Seems odd to me.
October 9th, 2023 at 6:08 PM ^
Within the next month? You’ve had plenty of time to work this out!!!
October 9th, 2023 at 7:46 PM ^
The ultimate question will be if he wants what Michigan is offering.
Harbaugh doesn’t strike me as a guy who is looking for more money. If he’s got that itch to go win a Super Bowl before he hangs it up, that’s something Michigan can’t offer. I don’t know that that’s how he feels or what he wants, but if he leaves, it ain’t gonna be over money. It’ll be over something Michigan can’t offer.
October 9th, 2023 at 8:03 PM ^
The highest paid B1G football coach appears to be Ryan Day at approximately $10.3M / year. Lincoln Riley’s compensation is believed to be about $10M / year - but, since USC is a private institution, they don’t need to disclose that figure.
Three college coaches are paid more than Ryan Day… they are: Saban, Smart, and Swinney.
As a point of reference, Harbaugh’s current salary is $8.25M / year. That’s fourth in the B1G (as defined this year) - behind OSU, MSU, and PSU. If you add USC (for the ‘24 season), he’d be fifth of the 18 B1G coaches (effective the ‘24 season).
Like others, I would be happy to see Harbaugh retire at Michigan, many years from now.
October 9th, 2023 at 8:05 PM ^
Be nice to have him around long enough to branch a ton of coordinators into successful head coaching jobs so we have options when he decides to hang it up. Hopefully in the mid-2030s!
October 9th, 2023 at 8:06 PM ^
Told all of you I did.
October 9th, 2023 at 8:28 PM ^
Nice
October 9th, 2023 at 9:27 PM ^
Honest question: if he signs an extension, barring a MASSIVE buyout, would anyone feel toally comfortable about him staying at Michigan? Not just a little bit, but no doubt in your mind.
October 9th, 2023 at 10:33 PM ^
I take him at his word. I don’t think he misleads anyone.. he calls it straight down the middle.
October 9th, 2023 at 11:56 PM ^
Fair enough, and I'm not suggesting he's lying about his intentions. But I've also never seen him say that he wants to be at UM forever (if such a quote exists, I missed it, I'm sorry).
October 10th, 2023 at 9:06 AM ^
Harbaugh has stated he works at the request of Michigan.
There’s a lot here, and - IMO, has been overblown on occasion. A few years ago, especially after the CV season - IMO, the general sentiment was - Harbaugh’s getting paid a lot and the results weren’t commensurate with his salary. So, an adjustment needed to be made - and, it was.
It’s not easy to tell the “CEO” of a major division of your company that his pay / salary is being reduced, but - that’s what Warde did (or needed to do).
In the original contract structure, IIRC, the buyout was intentionally low to make it attractive to Harbaugh and an “easy yes” to sign. Times have changed - and so have the results. I think it’s an easy question to ask Jim - “What will it take to keep you at Michigan for the rest of your coaching career?”
I believe Bo said, about 40 years ago, that some things are more important than money. Jim, IMO, is cut of a similar cloth. Jim loves this team for a number of reasons - they are focused, determined, he / staff are teaching, they are developing young men, he loves the challenge - and of course - he also has to deal with a few negatives including NIL and the portal. He influences / helps shape young men - and, unlike the NFL - selects players to the roster that fit into the culture and don’t seem to bring enormous egos into the locker room, it’s about.. the team, The Team, THE TEAM. That - defines Harbaugh.
Have you heard about the exotic cars Michigan players are buying with their NIL agreements? I mean the Mercedes AMG’s, Bentleys, Lambo, etc.? Neither have I. The young men on this team demonstrate emotional intelligence - contribute to those in need - and, seem especially responsible.
Harbaugh must love going to the office every day.
October 9th, 2023 at 10:09 PM ^
He has most definitely earned it.
October 9th, 2023 at 10:51 PM ^
Wow. Man o man…too see him retire here would just be amazing.
October 10th, 2023 at 12:15 AM ^
Jim turns 60 in December.
Lloyd retired in 2007 at 62.
October 10th, 2023 at 12:12 PM ^
That's crazy. When Lloyd retired he looked like he was in his 70's.
October 10th, 2023 at 11:05 AM ^
It is deserved.
It won't mean he doesn't leave next year, but I'm hoping he doesn't.
October 10th, 2023 at 12:58 PM ^
Pay the man!!!
October 10th, 2023 at 1:32 PM ^
Absolutely.
Enough said.