ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Jim Harbaugh is Jim Harbaugh. He always puts his team first and will give you an answer to a question when asked, but only answer what is asked. But he gives an answer. For now, Jim Harbaugh is a Michigan Man.

 

Announced on Michigan’s football social media on Thursday afternoon, Harbaugh gave this statement:

I am aware of the rumors and speculations over the past few days. College and NFL teams have great interest in all our personnel, from players to coaches to staff, and I truly believe that is a testament to the strength of our University of Michigan football program.

As I stated in December, while no one knows what the future holds, I expect that I will be enthusiastically coaching Michigan in 2023. I have spoken with President Santa Ono and Athletic Director Warde Manuel and appreciate their support of me and our program. Our mission as Wolverines continues, and we are preparing for the 2023 season with great passion and enthusiasm. As our legendary coach Bo Schembechler said … “THOSE WHO STAY WILL BE CHAMPIONS.”

What does mean? Well for now that he is at Michigan. The NFL season isn’t over yet and there will be other head coaching jobs to come open. This may be true or it may be a social media post to keep everyone calm right now.

The latest rumors that were out on Thursday was a tie to the Miami Dolphins if their season doesn’t end well. Owner Stephen M. Ross is a graduate of and major donor to the University of Michigan. Is there a connection there for Harbaugh? Speculation is that could develop as the Dolphins have lost five in a row under first-year head coach Mike McDaniel after starting the first half of the season strong. If McDaniel is fired after one season, that may open one Michigan Man (Ross) to hire another Michigan Man (Harbaugh). Just speculation, though.

On this same day as the social media release, it was reported that the Michigan football program is under investigation by the NCAA reported to sources to ESPN. The violations took place during COVID-19 recruiting dead period. ESPN says that the violations include alleged impermissible contact with recruits during the NCAA-mandated dead periods, as well as the use of a defensive analyst for on-field coaching activities, which is a rules violation. Sources said to ESPN that Harbaugh could face penalties that include a multigame suspension as his cooperation with the NCAA enforcement staff during the investigation is also being examined.

Could all of this “timing” of the social media post and same day story on violations be a coincidence to buy the NCAA story? It may be.

For now, Harbaugh is a Michigan Man.