Michigan Makes It A Reality: Jim Harbaugh Gets New Deal

We heard the rumors and now it's official. Jim Harbaugh and Michigan football are indeed staying together.

"I continue to believe that Jim is the right man to lead our program in pursuit of Big Ten and CFP championships," Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said in a statement. "Our program didn't achieve at a level that anyone expected this year but I know those setbacks will drive the coaches, players and staff moving forward. "

Manuel continued, "Jim is a tireless worker and competitor. Following the completion of the season we talked for many hours on what it will take for Jim to lead and get us back on the right trajectory."

The new contract will pay Harbaugh a base salary of $4 million next season, and increase to $4.426 million in 2025, per ESPN. The deal includes bonuses for winning the Big Ten championship and a national championship, as well as for winning the Big East Division and reaching the College Football Playoff.

Harbaugh came under fire this past season after the Wolverines disappointed their way to a 2-4 record before COVID-19 concerns shut down the season.

Overall, Harbaugh is 39-22 at Michigan, including 24-16 in the Big Ten. But he has yet to beat dreaded rival Ohio State in five tries. Also, Michigan is just 1-8 against teams in the top 10 under Harbaugh.

"There is work to be done and challenges to be addressed," Harbaugh said in a statement. "These challenges are being addressed as we continue to strive for excellence in the classroom and championships on the field, a message that I hope is noted in the language of our agreed-upon contract."