Joel Klatt understands the decision Jim Harbaugh is likely to face this offseason. In fact, Klatt believes Harbaugh’s ultimate decision will include departing Michigan for a job in the NFL.

Klatt admitted he does not have inside sources indicating, but it is still his belief that Harbaugh will leave with the Wolverines like to hire Sherrone Moore in his place:

“I have said this before: I don’t have any inside sources, but I do believe if I had to bet my own money, my gut is telling me that Harbaugh is going to go to the NFL,” said Klatt. “If that’s the case, I would expect Michigan to hire Sherrone Moore who was basically the head coach for the bulk of that stretch run… Sherrone is 1-0 against Ohio State.”

Overall, Klatt would still like to see Harbaugh remain in Ann Arbor, but if he does leave, it will produce major ramifications for Michigan’s 2024 season. Already, the program will need to place a core that delivered the national title in 2023.

Either way, the Wolverines should still be a talented team in 2024 but they will be without JJ McCarthy, Blake Corum, multiple defensive contributors and the majority of the offensive line unit. That leaves some uncertainty with Klatt slotting Michigan at No. 7 on his early top 10 list.

“If he doesn’t leave, great. I would love if Jim Harbaugh stayed at Michigan. I hope that he does. But in the event that he doesn’t, Michigan is going to have to replace their QB, their head coach and several key pieces,” Klatt explained. “…They’re going to have a very different group.”

That different group will still have an identity but will have to prove they can contribute at the level of the legendary group leaving for the draft:

“This is a team who is going to have their identity intact, it’s just a matter of can they play at the top end? And we’ll see,” said Klatt.