We now know that Michigan reportedly offered its vacant coaching position to current San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh on Wednesday. The offer is for a reported six years and $49 million, which would equal out to $8.17 million a year. That would make Harbaugh the highest paid coach in college football, surpassing Alabama's Nick Saban by more than $1.21 million.
ESPN reported that Harbaugh was at least considering the Michigan job. Honestly, when someone offers to make you the highest paid anything, it would behoove you to at least consider it. Even though Harbaugh is mulling his options, he still won't tip his hand to the public.
"As you know, I only talk about the job that I have," Harbaugh said to the San Jose Mercury News. "We've been together a long time. Always been my policy."
At this point, it has almost become a foregone conclusion that Harbaugh will not be with the 49ers next year. His relationship with general manager Trent Baalke has apparently soured to an unsalvageable point. Should Harbaugh become available, there are a host of NFL and college teams that would pay good money for his services. Despite falling out of playoff contention this year, Harbaugh has gone 43-18 with three playoff appearances since becoming an NFL coach in 2011.
