–Update: Sunday 12:04 p.m.–
The Jim Harbaugh to Michigan agreement is supposedly a done deal, according to a number of insider sources. Ann Arbor-based writer John Bacon reported last night on Twitter that Harbaugh will leave his post with the 49ers following today’s game to try and revive his alma mater back to a championship level.
I just got off the phone with more sources tonight. It’s done. Jim Harbaugh is coming to Michigan – and his friends are flying in Monday.
— John U. Bacon (@Johnubacon) December 28, 2014
Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports then confirmed the news this afternoon, citing sources that say Harbaugh’s family is flying to Michigan tomorrow to get set for Harbaugh’s introduction as the next Wolverines coach.
Jim Harbaugh’s family is flying to Ann Arbor Monday, source tells @FoxSports. Harbaugh will be #Wolverines new head coach.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) December 28, 2014
–Original story– Multiple news sources are reporting that San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh will accept the head coaching position at the University of Michigan sometime this week. According to CBS 5 Sports’ Joe Pequeno, there is no official contract between Harbaugh and Michigan, but the school “feels real confident” with landing the one-time Wolverine quarterback as their next head coach.
Source says verbal agreement in place for Jim Harbaugh to become new Michigan coach. No contracts signed, but UM feels real confident. — Joe Pequeno (@JoePequenoCBS5) diciembre 27, 2014
Yesterday, Bruce Feldman reported Michigan’s decision-makers and coaching search firm will be in the San Francisco area to talk to Harbaugh Sunday.
#Michigan brass & search firm will be up in the Bay Area this weekend as part of the Jim Harbaugh pursuit, per source. — Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) diciembre 27, 2014
Michigan has reportedly offered Harbaugh a six-year, $48 million contract. Harbaugh has a 43-19-1 record with the 49ers going into Sunday’s game, with three NFC Championship game appearances and a Super Bowl loss to his brother John’s Baltimore Ravens in 2012.
Despite the success, the often-abrasive Harbaugh has butted heads with 49ers brass and players during his tenure in San Francisco. Though his current contract does not run out for another year, it is widely believed that the coveted coach will bolt for another job. Aside from his alma mater, there has been speculation he could coach at any number of struggling NFL franchises next season, including Oakland or New York.
Final word on Harbaugh’s decision could come sometime next week as 7-8 San Francisco is eliminated from playoff contention and will play its final game Sunday against the 11-4 Arizona Cardinals.
