The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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A Closer Look At Harbaugh's Deal Jim Harbaugh came back to Michigan making precisely the figure he was earning with the NFL's San Francisco 49ers — $5 million per year, over the course of a new seven-year contract. There still exists plenty of room for up- ward mobility in that deal. Ten-percent increases are scheduled in years three and five of the agree- ment, and Harbaugh has in the contract a number of achievement incentives which could significantly add to his earnings in a given campaign. They are as follows: • Michigan reaches the Big Ten Championship game: $125,000. • Or, Michigan wins the Big Ten Championship game: $250,000. • Michigan performs in a bowl game chosen by the College Football Playoff Selection Committee: $200,000. • Or, Michigan plays in a College Football Playoff Game: $300,000. • Michigan wins the national championship contest: $500,000. • Harbaugh wins Big Ten Coach of the Year honors (as voted on by confer- ence coaches): $50,000. • Harbaugh is named the Associated Press, Paul "Bear" Bryant, Sporting News, Walter Camp, Maxwell Football Club, or ABC/ESPN national Coach of the Year (one per year): $75,000. • Academic Progress Rate (APR) of 960 or higher (both multi- and single-year calculation: Up to $150,000 per year. Harbaugh also earned a $2 million signing bonus upon agreeing to come to Michigan. Interim athletic director Jim Hackett will conduct a review of the football team's progress following the 2015 season in making a further determination on additional deferred compensation. "There are a lot of great coaches out there today," Hackett said. "He has a brother who is one. We had many of them on our list. But when you ask how many of these coaches won at all levels, college and pro, it's hard to find someone to compare with. "In my upbringing, I remember my dad talking about Paul Brown, because he excelled at all levels. This guy is just like that." During the latter stages of the coaching search for Michigan, rumors abounded of a six-year, $48-million deal struck with Harbaugh. The contract as outlined by Michigan doesn't spell it out in that way, but it's clear Hackett went in search of the best coach he could find, armed with the financial ability to bring him to Ann Arbor. Given his background, his efforts in The Big House will represent a labor of love for the former Michigan quarterback. But he will get compensated, at a level among the elite in coaching. — John Borton