Jim Harbaugh says he will return to Michigan in 2023 despite NFL interest

It looks like Jim Harbaugh will be returning to Michigan next season.

For the second consecutive offseason, the Wolverines head coach interviewed the NFL franchise. Last year, it was an in-person interview with the Minnesota Vikings that didn’t result in a hire. Earlier this year, Harbaugh moved to Denver for his virtual interview with the Broncos and is rumored to have attracted interest from several other pros in his franchise.

After weeks of unrest over Harbaugh’s status in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Michigan released a statement on Monday from Harbaugh and university president Santa J. Ono, announcing that Harbaugh will return to lead the program next fall. announced that it would come

“I just got off the phone with Coach Harbaugh and Jim gave me the great news that he will remain as head coach of the Michigan Wolverines. I was.

Harbaugh adds: My heart is at the University of Michigan. I have heard sages say, “Don’t try to go beyond happiness.” Go blue! “

Harbaugh led Michigan to its second straight Big Ten title.

Harbaugh, 59, has been head coach at his alma mater since 2015 and has a 74-25 record in that time. He has led the program to back-to-back Big 10 titles and college football his playoff appearances over the past two seasons. Michigan has failed to beat rival Ohio State in Harbaugh’s first six seasons, while the Wolverines have beaten rival Buckeyes twice in a row.

These victories gave the Wolverines the Big Ten East title. Last year, UM defeated Iowa to win a complete Big He Ten title for the first time since 2003. This season, Michigan defeated Purdue to become conference champions once again.

In 2021, Michigan lost to eventual national champions Georgia in the CFP semifinals. Last season, Michigan was upset by TCU in the semifinals.

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After losing to the Horned Frogs, reports have resurfaced that Harbaugh, who had a 44-19 record as coach of the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2014, is interested in returning to the NFL. bottom. Harbaugh’s interview with the Vikings in Minneapolis on National Signing Day last year revealed that. But after the Vikings chose to hire Kevin O’Connell instead, Harbaugh claimed he only pursued an NFL job once.

Harbaugh was one of many candidates for an interview with the Broncos, so it wasn’t. Harbaugh was a quarterback for the Colts from 1994 to 1997, and he was reportedly interested in returning.

Harbaugh is staying in Michigan after all. And that’s despite the looming NCAA investigation.

Sources told Yahoo Sports’ Dan Wetzel that Michigan received a draft notice of the allegations earlier this month. Although the case primarily involves Level II violations, Harbaugh could face suspension because he is accused of Level I violations for allegedly being unfair to investigators.

Michigan is one of the frontrunners for the 2023 National title

Despite this, Harbaugh has a great team to return to next fall.

A bevy of his team’s best players chose to return next season rather than turn pro. and Zak Zinter, as well as defensive lineman Chris Jenkins. Wolverines return quarterback JJ McCarthy

Michigan will be one of the national championship favorites going into the 2023 season. The Wolverines (+1000) currently have the fourth highest National Championship odds he has on BetMGM, behind Georgia (+300), Ohio State (+600) and Alabama (+600).

With this, Michigan managers, players, and fans won’t have to worry about Harbaugh returning to the NFL until at least next offseason.