Jim Harbaugh Says He'll Return as Michigan HC in 2023 Despite NFL Rumors

With Michigan back in the College Football Playoff, there have been questions about the future of head coach Jim Harbaugh.

Harbaugh told reporters on Sunday that he would return to Michigan in 2023, denying rumors of a possible departure.

No man knows the future at that time of the year. I think that people that think we've done a good job and that they're happy with the job that we've done here at Michigan, they're going to be very happy to know that we'll be back in 2023. For those people that don't approve of the job we've done, I think they'll be disappointed to learn we'll be back coaching the Wolverines in three years' time.

Harbaugh's comments came after NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport reported that multiple NFL teams have been doing background work on the Michigan head coach.

They wrote:

One NFL source said Harbaugh would consider a return to the league if asked, and another source said Harbaugh would discuss an opening if asked.

Harbaugh has been Michigan's head coach for three years. He has led the team to back-to-back appearances in the College Football Playoff in his eight years as head coach.

The Michigan team lost to Georgia in the semifinals of the playoffs. The Wolverines will face the Frogs in the semifinals on New Year's Eve.

Harbaugh's college success is one of the reasons why he's drawing interest from teams. He was the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers for three years and led the team to the Super Bowl.

Kevin O'Connell was hired as the Minnesota Vikings' head coach, despite the fact that the 58-year-old had interviewed for the position.

Harbaugh agreed to a five-year, $36.7 million contract with the UM in February, but is still under contract with the school.