Detroit News: Jim Harbaugh close to signing contract extension

According to a report, it appears that Michigan football and Jim Harbaugh will continue their marriage despite the long delay.

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The regional nightmare appears to be nearing an end.

There’s long been conjecture, speculation, conspiracy theories and other notions as to the future of Michigan football head coach Jim Harbaugh. Set to enter a lame-duck final year of his seven-year contract in Ann Arbor, the Wolverines athletic department and the head coach had been discussing a contract extension last offseason, but it was put on hold due the coronavirus pandemic. Then, athletic director Warde Manuel and Harbaugh only started formal discussions at the culmination of the 2020 season, late into December, past early signing day.

Since, there’s been rumor and innuendo that Harbaugh would return to the NFL. However, according to The Detroit News’ Angelique Chengelis, Harbaugh is set to re-sign with Michigan, with five years added to his current remaining year.

Michigan and Jim Harbaugh are nearing what would be a five-year extension with a lower base salary but with heavy incentives. If the Wolverines were to reach certain championship benchmarks, he could recoup most of the $8 million he was set to make this season.

Two sources said it appears Harbaugh will remain as head football coach, but the deal had not been finalized or signed. Both said an agreement could be finalized in the next few days.

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It’s been a long time coming, as The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman had noted last week that a deal had been presented and that the Michigan brass anticipated Harbaugh would remain with the program.

The question remains: what’s taken so long for the two sides to come together and get this done? For now, that remains a mystery.

Update:

The Athletic’s Nick Baumgarder has the terms:

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