Miami Dolphins owner reportedly behind stunning offer to keep Michigan Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh away from NFL
After leading the Michigan Wolverines to a national title, many in the NFL expect Jim Harbaugh to return. Despite interest from several teams, one owner is attempting to put a stop to it.
Harbaugh, who has been seeking a return to the NFL for years, is a top candidate for open positions with the Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders. He has also been considered as a possible successor to the Washington Commanders’ head coach.
- Jim Harbaugh NFL record: 44-19-1
The interest in Harbaugh from NFL teams is unsurprising. Even before winning the national championship at Michigan, the Wolverines’ head coach was a finalist for the Minnesota Vikings’ coaching job in 2022 and the Denver Broncos’ vacant position last offseason. With many job openings this offseason, a return to the NFL appeared imminent. However, Michigan’s athletic department is not the only one working to prevent it.
Will Jim Harbaugh go to NFL?
According to Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda, Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross is working hard to keep Harbaugh at Michigan. Ross is one of the driving forces behind Michigan’s record-breaking contract offers for Harbaugh.
The largest offer is reportedly a 10-year deal worth $150 million, with an average annual compensation of $15 million, making Harbaugh one of the highest-paid college football coaches in history. It would ensure that one of contemporary football’s top coaches continues at Michigan.
Harbaugh has reportedly gotten multiple offers from the Wolverines’ athletic department. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Wolverines’ head coach has gotten a short-term contract that includes a unique NFL clause for the 2024 season.
- Jim Harbaugh college record: 118-46 overall, 89-25 at Michigan
Ross’ motivation for keeping Harbaugh out of the NFL is obvious. With Mike McDaniel firmly established as the Dolphins’ head coach going forward, Ross does not want Harbaugh coaching against his club. Instead, the Dolphins’ owner wants Harbaugh to stay at his alma mater.
- Stephen Ross net worth: $10.1 billion
Ross, a Michigan native, has supported his alma university for decades. After receiving hundreds of millions of dollars in donations over the last four decades, Michigan’s business school was renamed the Stephen M. Ross School of Business. With his financial backing and commitments from other donors, Michigan is well-positioned to make Harbaugh a proposition that will compete with any financial offer he receives from NFL teams.
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