Jim Harbaugh
Dec 7, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh looks towards the scoreboard during a break in the action against the Oakland Raiders in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the 49ers 24-13. Reuters

Jim Harbaugh and the San Francisco 49ers are out of playoff contention in the National Football League (NFL) and the Michigan Wolverines are poised to swoop in and grab the popular head coach. According to multiple reports, Michigan has offered a $49 million six-year deal to Harbaugh in trying to lure him from the NFL to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) or college football.

If the reported contract offer is true, Harbaugh would become the highest-paid college football coach in the nation if he accepts the deal. Harbaugh’s supposed contract would edge out Nick Saban (Alabama), who earns $7,160,187 per season for no. 1. Other high profile coaches with high salaries are Mark Dantonio (Michigan State) with $5,636,145, Bob Stoops (Oklahoma) with $5,058,333, Kevin Sumlin (Texas A&M) with 5,006,000 and Charlie Strong (Texas) with $5,000,270.

Harbaugh has yet to resign as head coach or be fired by the team but according to reports, he’s considering the offer from the NCAA school. Michigan currently has no head coach or athletic director and is looking for a new personality to lead their program. Michigan finished the college football regular season at 5-7 and is coming off very tough season.

Harbaugh coached college football from 2004 to 2006 with San Diego and 2007 to 2010 with Stanford. The 50-year-old former NFL player has been the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers since 2011 and has led the team to playoff appearances in three years. They made Super Bowl XLVII but lost to the Baltimore Ravens in 2012.

Harbaugh’s 49ers are currently at 7-7 and out of the playoffs. San Francisco is on a three game losing streak with remaining games against the San Diego Chargers and Arizona Cardinals to wrap up the season. The 49ers are among the worst in the NFL in total passing yards, 198.7 yards per game or 28th in the league. Harbaugh is not expected to be retained by the 49ers after struggling this season although he can also choose other NFL teams who may offer him a head coaching stint.

RELATED STORIES