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Michigan Gears Up for $4,500,000 Masterstroke to Neutralize Aftershocks of Jim Harbaugh’s Potential Exit: Reports

Published 01/21/2024, 8:40 AM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

Jim Harbaugh is “the best team builder in football right now.” At least, that’s what John Harbaugh had to say about his brother. To be fair, the Michigan Wolverines coach’s nine-year tenure in Ann Arbor was a testament to this. The Wolverines dominated the Big 10, beat Ohio State three times in a row, and won the National Championship. If you think about it, there’s no bigger way for Jim Harbaugh to leave the NCAA for the NFL. And with every passing day, the likelihood of that happening is increasing. So, as judgment day inches ever closer, it begs the question: If Harbaugh were to leave for the NFL, where would that leave Michigan?

Turns out, Michigan authoritiеs arе already bracing for the aftermath, taking swift mеasurеs to еnsurе their coaching staff doesn’t bеcomе thе nеxt NFL-bound casualty. As reported by Michigan Nation 2, “Michigan is ready to make both Sherrone Moore and Jesse Minter the highest-paid coordinators in college football. One or both may get somewhere around $2.5 million to $4.5 million.This strategic move is designed to strengthen Michigan’s coaching roster regardless of Harbaugh’s decision.

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There are two scenarios. One, Harbaugh leaves; in that case, the Wolverines will likely replace him with offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore. In that case, the 37-year-old would receive his $4.5 million, if not more. Insider Bruce Feldman said on The Rich Eisen Show, “I think if you’re Michigan, you just have to be patient with it and know, ‘Hey, if he does leave, we’ve got Sherrone Moore, who’s beaten Ohio State and been one at Penn State.’ The players revere him.”

The other scenario involves Harbaugh staying with Michigan. Even in this case, Moore and Minter would receive their $4.5 million dues. As per reports, the contract Michigan is offering Harbaugh is $11.5 million a year, making him the highest-paid coach in college football. So what’s stopping him from accepting? He’s reportedly asking for immunity from termination due to impending NCAA investigations into the sign-stealing controversy. 

With Harbaugh’s NFL decision on hold until February 15, the Wolverines are preparing for any scenario. Whatever he decides, one thing is for sure. Michigan is ready to do whatever it takes to ensure its stability. The timing of Michigan’s bold initiative is noteworthy, considering the recent surge of interest from NFL teams, especially the Atlanta Falcons.

Watch This Story | Coach Jim Harbaugh Sets The Record Straight On Michigan’s Sign-Stealing Incident  

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Jim Harbaugh is the prize in an NFL tug-of-war

Reports suggest that the Falcons are intensifying their pursuit and have scheduled a second interview with Harbaugh next week. The first meeting between Harbaugh and Falcons owner Arthur Blank reportedly went well, prompting the team to escalate their efforts with a follow-up discussion. It took place the day after the Wolverines coach’s interview with the LA Chargers. As the Falcons intensify their pursuit, the Chargers are reportedly making significant efforts to secure Jim Harbaugh as their new head coach.

Remember how John Harbaugh called his brother the best team builder? Well, the Chargers are in desperate need of one, alongside a comprehensive reshuffle following the departure of HC Brandon Staley and GM Tom Telesco. As a result, they are preparing a substantial contract offer of $18 million annually over five years, potentially amounting to $90 million.

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As the coaching negotiations unfold, the focus now shifts to Jim Harbaugh’s ultimate decision. Financial incentives and football operations are playing pivotal roles in determining whether he joins the Chargers or the Falcons. Meanwhile, the Michigan Wolverines are making a strategic play to ensure their football prowess remains intact, regardless of Harbaugh’s next move.

Amid Chargers’ Reported $90 Million Contract Offer, Falcons Accelerate Pursuit of Jim Harbaugh by Making Another Move

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Written by:

Arunima Guchhait

913Articles

One take at a time

They say, "Thе only way to do great work is to love what you do." Hey readers! I am Arunima, an NFL writеr at Essеntiallysports. As a writer, I've always bеliеvеd that thе pеn is mightiеr than thе sword, and I wiеld it with passion and purposе.
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Edited by:

Tripti Sarda