Michigan fans won’t have to wait until after the bowl game to learn of Shea Patterson’s decision on his future. According to a report from Detroit News, the Wolverines gunslinger is coming back for his final season.

Patterson told Angelique Chengelis of the Detroit News on Friday that he plans to return to Ann Arbor for his senior campaign. He was one of a handful of quarterbacks debating the NFL at the end of the season.

“At this point, I feel like everybody thinks I’m coming back,” Patterson said. “Excited to get that out there so they know.”

Patterson said he would play in Michigan’s Peach Bowl game against Florida and was expected to make a decision regarding his future afterward. Reports came out near the end of the regular season that the quarterback was leaning toward taking the NFL path.

But after the way Michigan’s season concluded, a 62-39 beatdown at the hands of Ohio State, Patterson didn’t want to leave Ann Arbor.

“I just thought to myself there’s no way in hell I’m leaving this place on that note,” Patterson said. “I would never end my career with an opportunity to come back with a loss to that team. That’s the one thing that has ignited me.”

Patterson says he made his decision within the last week.

This was Patterson’s first season in Ann Arbor, and he was exactly the kind of threat Jim Harbaugh has been missing. While his numbers weren’t eye-popping, he showcased the ability to extend plays, make every throw and stretch the field. Those were all things Michigan’s offense lacked under Harbaugh.

Patterson threw for 2,364 yards, 21 touchdowns with just five interceptions this fall. He guided the Wolverines to a 10-2 record, which included victories over Wisconsin, Penn State and Michigan State.

Now, the Wolverines are set under center for 2019, a huge advantage heading into next season.

And Michigan fans are breathing a lot easier now.