Why did Jim Harbaugh turn down a $125 million Michigan contract? Chargers HC weighs in on decision to join NFL

Jim Harbaugh left Michigan after nine seasons as he was offered the coaching job for the Los Angeles Chargers of the NFL. The contract Harbaugh signed with the Chargers ended a 10-year absence from the NFL for the veteran coach.

This absence began after he left the San Francisco 49ers in 2014. Although he was offered a lucrative contract by Michigan, Harbaugh left Michigan because of his dream of winning at the highest level.

What contract did Michigan offer Jim Harbaugh?

Following a very successful 2023 college football season for Jim Harbaugh and Michigan, where the Wolverines won the national championship, many believed he was headed to the NFL. However, Ian Rapoport reported that Michigan had made Harbaugh a huge contract offer.

The contract extension that would have kicked in after the 2026 season was a 10-year deal worth $125 million, giving him an annual salary of $12.5 million. However, there was a clause that prevented Harbaugh from signing it immediately. The clause stopped Harbaugh from signing an NFL contract during the 2024 season.

Typically, college coaches can end their college contracts if they get signed by an NFL team. This offer would prevent that for the 2024 NFL season. Harbaugh opted not to sign the contract and eventually signed with the LA Chargers.

Why did Jim Harbaugh choose the Chargers over Michigan?

The first week of the NFL season ended this past weekend, and as a result, there is more media attention around the league. Jim Harbaugh was a guest on the Dan Patrick Show on Tuesday, and he was asked about why he chose to leave Michigan. He said:

"This is the highest level. I wanna see if I measure up, if I can come into this tremendous organization and add value. I love the challenge, and this league, as you know, you've heard a million people say it, it's really hard to get a win, and it's really special to win a championship. I haven't done it."

Jim Harbaugh won a national championship in college football for the first time in 2023. That is the most prestigious accomplishment you can hope for in college football. Having achieved everything you can in college, he now wants to test himself in the NFL.

Harbaugh previously coached in the NFL for the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2014. He led the 49ers to the Super Bowl in 2012 but lost to the Baltimore Ravens. Now he will try to take a Chargers team with lots of potential to the next level.