Michigan announced on Friday afternoon head coach Jim Harbaugh has signed a four-year contract extension to keep him in Ann Arbor through at least 2025.
“I continue to believe that Jim is the right man to lead our program in pursuit of Big Ten and CFP championships,” Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel.. “Our program didn’t achieve at a level that anyone expected this year, but I know those setbacks will drive the coaches, players and staff moving forward. Jim is a tireless worker and competitor. Following the completion of the season we talked for many hours on what it will take for Jim to lead and get us back on the right trajectory.
“Jim loves the University of Michigan and this football program. He has been committed to this university, athletic department and football program since his days as a player and returning in 2015 as the head coach. He wants to do everything possible to build a championship football team while graduating our student-athletes. We all need to do our part to continue to help in that pursuit as it takes everyone pulling the same direction to have a championship level program.”
The 57-year-old Harbaugh – who had one year left on his initial contract, which paid him just over $8 million in 2020 – is 49-22 in six seasons with the Wolverines, including 3-8 against rivals Michigan State and Ohio State. The extension lowers his base salary to $4 million per year but includes multiple incentives, including winning the Big Ten, qualifying for the College Football Playoff and capturing a national title.
“There is work to be done and challenges to be addressed,” Harbaugh said.”. These challenges are being addressed as we continue to strive for excellence in the classroom and championships on the field, a message that I hope is noted in the language of our agreed-upon contract.”
Michigan finished 2-4 this season, its worst season by – winning percentage – since 1958 (2-6-1).
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