Jim Harbaugh is staying put.
Despite a monthlong flirtation with various NFL teams, Michigan's head coach will be staying with the Wolverines as Harbaugh told the school on Wednesday night that he intends to return next season, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Jim Harbaugh called Michigan to inform the school that, despite interviewing with the Vikings today, he will be returning to school for the 2022 season, sources tell ESPN. Michigan was, in the words of one source, elated to get Harbaughs decision.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 3, 2022
Initially linked to the Las Vegas Raiders opening in early January, Harbaugh also met with the Minnesota Vikings twice and there was reportedly interest with the Miami Dolphins, as well. However, the Raiders hired New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels while the Vikings reportedly did not make an offer to Harbaugh after interviewing him on Wednesday, instead opting to hire Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell.
The #Vikings met with Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh for 9 hours today, but the team didnt make an offer, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 3, 2022
So Harbaugh returns to Ann Arbor and Kevin OConnell soon is expected to head to Minnesota.
Harbaugh returns to Ann Arbor after his most successful season yet at Michigan in which the Wolverines finished 12-2, won the Big Ten Championship, beat Ohio State for the first time since 2011 and earned the program's first-ever spot in the College Football Playoff.
Harbaugh's breakthrough season came following his worst season with the Wolverines, in which they finished 2-4 with the annual showdown against Ohio State canceled.
Michigan restructured Harbaugh’s contract prior to the 2021 season, requiring him to take a massive pay cut; under his new deal, he was paid just $4 million in base salary in 2021 compared to $8 million in 2020. With his return, he is expected to receive a new contract with a significant raise.
In seven seasons with Michigan, Harbaugh has a 61-24 overall record, a 1-5 record against Ohio State, one Big Ten title and a 1-5 record in bowl games, missing out on a bowl bid entirely in 2020.
