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Report: Contract extension for Jim Harbaugh could come sooner than expected
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There soon could be a contract extension for Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, according to a report from Sports Illustrated.
Sunday, Michael Spath of Sports Illustrated reported that the Michigan Athletic Department could be working on a contract extension for Harbaugh before the 2020 season begins. Spath claims that a deal could even be reached within the next few weeks.
Harbaugh’s contract is currently set to expire shortly after the 2021 season ends. Adding a few more years to his deal would help Michigan on the recruiting trail, knowing he’ll be in Ann Arbor for a little longer.
During Harbaugh’s five years at the helm, Michigan is 47-18 with a 32-12 mark in B1G play. The Wolverines have played in the postseason every year and the program has enjoyed three 10-win seasons during that stretch.
But because the expectation in Ann Arbor is to beat Ohio State, win B1G titles and compete for national championships, there’s been a lukewarm feeling about giving Harbaugh an extension, especially before the 2020 season to see what he accomplishes.
Michigan was the preseason favorite to win the B1G and compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff. A lackluster start and a loss to Ohio State at the end of the year proved to be costly, however, as the Wolverines finished the regular season 9-3, with losses to Wisconsin, Penn State and the Buckeyes.
Michigan made an appearance in the Citrus Bowl, where it fell to Alabama 35-16.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB