In the eyes of some, there’s only one man responsible for Jim Harbaugh’s lack of a contract extension, and it’s not the one who’s flirting with the NFL at this very moment.
It’s Warde Manuel, the athletic director so polarizing that fans have made petitions calling for his removal and naming him a “Public Enemy.” Scroll through social media or ask a passionate Michigan fan about Harbaugh’s future, and they’ll probably spend half their argument dragging Manuel through the mud.
To be clear, there’s a reason. Manuel has made a number of questionable decisions in recent years — trying to retain abusive coaches, reneging on contracts months after signing them and taking up NIL at a snail’s pace, to name just a few. And in this case, at a time when a beloved football team has turned into a powerhouse, Manuel has failed to guarantee that the figurehead who built it will stay at home.
But Harbaugh’s lack of a contract extension isn’t Manuel’s burden alone. Rather, it’s the shared fault of Harbaugh for constantly testing his NFL options.
Let’s face it, Harbaugh has plenty of baggage. With two NCAA investigations into his program unresolved — regardless of whether the Wolverines won “fair and square” — Harbaugh’s contract situation has to reflect his uncertain future. It’s why he’s reportedly seeking a clause that requires an agreed-upon arbitration panel for any for-cause termination, in a contract that will supposedly make him the highest paid coach in college football. Even if Harbaugh says staying at Michigan is not about the money, he’s not going to risk millions should the NCAA reveal a fireable offense. Manuel, meanwhile, isn’t going to risk Michigan footing that bill.
It’s easy to give a national championship-winning coach like Harbaugh everything they want. A lifetime contract, a fat paycheck, even a holiday in his honor — many fans would give him these without batting an eye. Harbaugh’s name means so much today that he got politicians from both sides to come support him and his team at Michigan’s championship celebration.
But it’s Manuel’s job to take this slow and get the contract details right — even if it means his name gets dragged because of it. More than just getting Harbaugh onboard again, Manuel, the Regents and everyone with a stake in Harbaugh’s contract have to make sure the contract works for the Wolverines, too.
All the while, Harbaugh has turned up the heat through continued interviews with NFL teams. The L.A. Chargers and Atlanta Falcons have conducted interviews already, and he’s got a second meeting booked with the Falcons. He might still decide to come back, but every day he further tests his loyalty. That is fully within his rights. But it’s also a sign that Harbaugh isn’t fully sold on a Michigan return, regardless of what contract negotiations might look like.
