Balas expects "positive news on Jim Harbaugh" contract extension
Gonna get real awkward for a lot of the media out there
October 31st, 2023 at 9:39 AM ^
The most dramatic case of pearl-clutching in the history of college football by OSU is proof that UM needs to pay the man and keep him as long as possible.
October 31st, 2023 at 10:07 AM ^
You can see it in the OSU, MSU, and PSU fans on rCFB right now. They desperately want to believe Michigan's getting an immediate post season ban and the death penalty for it because their lives will get so much better if Harbaugh is gone
October 31st, 2023 at 9:42 AM ^
The NCAA would probably just take an extension as proof that we/he did not take this investigation seriously -- and use that against Harbaugh's case.
That's mostly sarcastic, but not entirely.
October 31st, 2023 at 9:45 AM ^
Even if we get a contract out there, that’s just half the battle.
The second half, and perhaps the piece that is most up in the air, is if Harbaugh is going to actually sign on the line that is dotted. The guy may still want to see what the NFL is willing to offer, especially if the NCAA looks like it wants to bring the hammer down. And honestly, I don’t really buy into the whole “NFL will still keep Harbaugh suspended even if he heads their way” mantra.
The NCAA has zero authority over the NFL. Zero. And if millionaire college coaches aren’t going to listen to the NCAA, what do you think the odds are that billionaire owners, some of the richest people on the planet, will even acknowledge the NCAA's existence? Even if the NFL decided to go along with this and required a suspension for Harbaugh, there will still be plenty of teams desperate enough to hire him. The Chargers and Bears will be stepping all over each other in a bidding war for Harbaugh. They will happily wait out a few game's suspension if it means he generates the results for them that he gave the 49ers.
Not trying to throw a wet blanket on all of this. It’s just a reminder that even if Michigan gets a contract out there today, this still isn’t over. Not until Harbaugh actually signs and there is a buyout in place that is financially prohibitive to make an NFL team start crawling around.
October 31st, 2023 at 9:49 AM ^
“Not trying to throw a wet blanket” he says while simultaneously dragging a blanket out of Lake Huron and throwing it around
October 31st, 2023 at 10:53 AM ^
I want him signed as badly as everyone else here does. I’m just saying I won’t be surprised if Harbaugh sits on it and waits to see what the NFL is going to offer, based largely off of what the NCAA plans to do.
Unless Warde and Co. simply make him a godfather “offer he can’t refuse” kind of deal.
October 31st, 2023 at 11:01 AM ^
So either his brains or his signature will be on the contract huh?
October 31st, 2023 at 2:58 PM ^
If Harbaugh doesn't sign on his own accord, I think most people would understand. IF UM doesn't make an attempt, I think that's when people will be furious.
Harbaugh has the Big Ten by the ballsack right now, proof is in the pudding with the smear job and I'm hoping he sees it and continues to beat some ass for awhile before jumping ship. But if he leaves because he wants to, I would be sad but not mad. If UM doesn't help themselves getting their best coach in a long time back with a lucrative extension, then I'll be very pissed.
October 31st, 2023 at 9:55 AM ^
Correct! A contract is always a two-way process but this is the first step to making something happen. I don't think Warde has been perfect as an AD but this contract saga has been just as much Harbaugh as it has been Warde, so I will be thankful for Warde once the contract is made public and the fanbase can completely wrap their support around Harbaugh. I do believe support and recognition is huge for Harbaugh so who knows what he will do when/if he sees the university and fanbase come together to show their support and gratitude for his as our ball coach.
October 31st, 2023 at 10:34 AM ^
Just making sure I understand your supposition here: you think the positive news will be that U of M presents him a contract extension / new contract?
I find it hard to believe that that would be news, he's already been presented contracts before all of this per Sam, Bacon, et al.
I would have to think any "positive news" would be an agreement being reached and a new contract being signed. There'd be no point in making any kind of release that is centered on simply presenting him a new deal.
October 31st, 2023 at 11:28 AM ^
Well given all the talk the last 48 hours of Harbaugh's contract extension being "rescinded" or "pulled off the table," in my estimation even just getting a contract in front of him is an extremely positive development, because everyone outside of Ann Arbor thinks that Michigan has no plans to extend him, and putting a contract extension in front of him invalidates the WSJ article immediately.
These two things are not mutually exclusive. We can have a very positive development and put a contract in front of Harbaugh without Harbaugh actually being ready to sign it right away. If he does, that's fantastic.
But I'm not holding my breath.
October 31st, 2023 at 11:41 AM ^
That's my entire point, the only positive news regarding a contract would be that it has been signed.
Every official/trustworthy outlet including Harbaugh himself has described the "rescinded" thing as complete and utter garbage.
October 31st, 2023 at 11:06 AM ^
In the message, Balas says "good news for him". I am assuming it means it is something Harbaugh likes. There is that
October 31st, 2023 at 9:50 AM ^
Harbaugh himself said he wants to be where he's wanted and yet people still say,"until he signs on the dotted line!" Best news in the whole month of October! Thank the Lord and GO BLUE!!!
October 31st, 2023 at 9:50 AM ^
A contract extension is long overdue and I really hope this is true.....
HOWEVA
Im going to wait and see what the buy-out number is before I get too excited. We could sign him to a very lucrative contract but if the buy-out number is low then he can still leave for the NFL if the NCAA decides to hammer the program.
Contract dollars = institution commitment to coach
Buy out dollars = coach's commitment to institution
Edit: Just saw Perkis-sized me post. Basically I'm co-signing on that one.
October 31st, 2023 at 9:59 AM ^
you just want to hang on to that $2.
October 31st, 2023 at 10:20 AM ^
I do but sadly I think I'm going have to split it with Conner.
He heard about our bet and sent me an email telling me he had a plan to ensure I'd win but I'd have to split my winnings with him. As god is my witness I had no idea he was going to do this.
October 31st, 2023 at 10:28 AM ^
The buyout does matter in terms of the NFL. I find it hard to believe he was ever going to sign a cost-prohibitive buyout for the NFL.
But I don’t think that’s the important part right now. The buyout could be zero. We still need/want the extension ASAP to show our faith and support in our coach right now.
October 31st, 2023 at 9:51 AM ^
So, no truth to the rumor that he is coaching at CMU next year?
October 31st, 2023 at 9:52 AM ^
If true, I'd like to think it was the emails I sent to Warde and Santa that got this done.
October 31st, 2023 at 1:04 PM ^
Not all heroes wear capes!
Unless you wear a cape.
October 31st, 2023 at 9:55 AM ^
Soon… sigh.
October 31st, 2023 at 9:55 AM ^
I actually think Balas has been somewhat careful with his reporting so I do take a light of solace in this. He isn't always right but he doesn't get out over his ski's often (at least recently).
This would be amazing! My gut tells me Harbaugh would love to sign a huge contract right now as a bit of an "F-U".
Get it done!
October 31st, 2023 at 9:56 AM ^
I hope by "positive news" he means that there's a new contract with James Joseph Harbaugh scrawled on it in blue ink.
October 31st, 2023 at 10:00 AM ^
PAY THE MAN!!!!!
October 31st, 2023 at 10:05 AM ^
A contract extension is the only way Michigan can give a big "F U" to this whole ordeal since they can't comment on it. But everyone else can lol.
October 31st, 2023 at 10:08 AM ^
If they get a contract out there, on the table, to pay the man and keep him here as long as we possibly can, that's biggest statement that the AD can make right now. Maybe they can't comment on the investigation, but they can back their coach by paying him long-term. The other piece of this is if Harbaugh gets such a contract and actually signs it, then we're really cooking and know that this story isn't something that he's concerned about taking the heat for.
October 31st, 2023 at 10:12 AM ^
Jim's performance over the last 3 years is the greatest job by a Michigan coach since 1969, and if you look at relative recruitment rankings, arguably the greatest modern build of a Michigan program ever. Especially coming out of that 2-4 season, what he has accomplished with his staff and players is nothing short of remarkable.
He has provided generational value to this program and school and done so with integrity and class. For example, you will never see Jim at a bar straddling a random woman or sexting the sexual harassment consultant.
Anything short of a solid contract extension that keeps him around for several more years would be abject failure by WM. We need this settled quickly for a variety of reasons beyond the NFL and recruiting. Let's hope Balas is on the money here.
October 31st, 2023 at 10:30 AM ^
I think you're exploring an area where you have to be careful. The image you reference about a different team's coach being "out at a bar" is clear to everyone. However, have you seen what Harbaugh's been up to during the off season?
I don't want to influence anyone - and, you can reach your own conclusion. Just take a look at these incriminating photos.
Yes - THIS is the coach Michigan is going to propose extending his contract.
P.S. - Please notice how Harbaugh displays (and some may say "flaunt") his association with Michigan. In EVERY photo, he's displaying the block M as part of his apparel - and, there are several examples of the Nike "Jumpman" as well.
This one - I honestly can't believe. Isn't there an NCAA rule that prohibits a coach from participating in a "dunking booth" during a camp?
October 31st, 2023 at 10:52 AM ^
Well done. OSU's average recruit ranking is apparently locked in the top five for all time, so teams that beat them will need superior scouting and player development. Here's a short list of recent wins in that area:
- Rod Moore
- DJ Turner
- Michael Barrett
- Kris Jenkins
- Mason Graham
- Luke Schoonmaker
- Colston Loveland
- Ronnie Bell
- Hassan Haskins
I could list more.
October 31st, 2023 at 10:18 AM ^
I suppose if the NCAA met with ono last week, and Santa came away from that meeting with the feeling that this scandal is much ado about nothing, then we could see an extension announcement soon.
But this is Michigan, and I've come to expect the worst from these situations. Everything is handled clumsily by this athletic department.
Beat Purdue.
October 31st, 2023 at 10:24 AM ^
Signing Harbaugh to an extension right now would be Michigan making a statement without being able to comment on an open investigation
October 31st, 2023 at 3:16 PM ^
Excellent point.
October 31st, 2023 at 10:26 AM ^
Harbaugh is building a dynasty. If he were to leave who says that people like Herbert and the nutritionist stick around who play such a vital role to this program. Just listen to the players talk about the strength and conditioning as well as the culture that has been built. It is eye opening and a testament to what Jim has built. It’s also why buckeyes want him gone so badly. They know he has built a “tougher” program than Mr. Born on third base, and it’s killing them.
October 31st, 2023 at 10:58 AM ^
Great comment. I think the culture of the football program today is the strongest its ever been. It builds on tradition and reflects today's society as well.
I hope Harbaugh offers Harbaugh a contract for life. He's an excellent coach and is perfect for Michigan in so many ways.
Go Blue!
October 31st, 2023 at 4:51 PM ^
When you hear Dinardo and B10 former naysayers share their thoughts since camp on how impressed about the culture and cohesion what they are seeing is you have to think there is something to it and based on the lack of penalties we are seeing I really think this teams Captains are instilling right stuff and guys don't want to let other guys down.
October 31st, 2023 at 10:30 AM ^
Please tell me the student section plans to not only have a bunch of people dressed as Stallions for Halloween, but also plans to have their cell phones up for the majority of the game?
October 31st, 2023 at 10:37 AM ^
Michigan has to go all out with JH right now. Pay the guy. It's not going to get any better than what we have right now. NC is still up in the air but in terms of the success of this team it hasn't been this great in a long time. There's no excuse to let him walk away when the next coach will be a downgrade. Piss on the media and fuckeye fans crying. Other coaches have come out not even caring because theyr're most likelty doing it too.
October 31st, 2023 at 10:42 AM ^
10 years, $200M.
Yeah. I said it.
In all seriousness the shameless $1/month subscription plug tells me everything I need to know what this "news will be". It's probably going to be some long winded article that basically spins things in a positive way but could be summed up as "contract extension talks are on hold for now".
October 31st, 2023 at 10:54 AM ^
He posted his article about an hour ago now.
It does not say what you think it says. It is quite positive.
October 31st, 2023 at 11:00 AM ^
Well that is good news.
October 31st, 2023 at 11:20 AM ^
He put his neck out there a bit with some specifics that even surprised me so hope it happens!
October 31st, 2023 at 10:53 AM ^
can you imagine the meltdown from non michigan fans about this.
October 31st, 2023 at 11:02 AM ^
I’ll get excited when the contract is actually signed and announced. Right now it’s just click bait.
October 31st, 2023 at 11:03 AM ^
Whatever happened to JUB's "More to come" comment? I don't follow him on social media.
October 31st, 2023 at 11:04 AM ^
I’ll believe it when I see it. I hope to see it. I would feel much better about the response.
Next, they should built a statue of Harbaugh and his protege
October 31st, 2023 at 11:04 AM ^
I've said it before, but I just don't see the downside. Any contract like this will include clauses that allow UM to fire without any buyout and for cause if certain NCAA violations happen and Harbaugh gets a show cause or something. Otherwise, give him the extension, pay him his money, show recruits things are stable.
October 31st, 2023 at 12:13 PM ^
Any contract like this will include clauses that allow UM to fire without any buyout and for cause if certain NCAA violations happen and Harbaugh gets a show cause or something.
Why would Harbaugh agree to this if he has a few years left in exiting contract? He has NO CONTROL over what the NCAA may decide with their vague rules “head coach is responsible for anything…”.
October 31st, 2023 at 2:40 PM ^
He would agree because there is zero percent chance any contract would ever be written so that you get all your money even if you run on the field and start punching players in the balls or something.
October 31st, 2023 at 11:16 AM ^
Hey Michigan.. Time to LEAD. stop caving and call this shit out. Enough.