Jim Harbaugh is making no promises, but he expects to be back on the sidelines for Michigan next season.
Amid rumors of his potential departure to the NFL, Harbaugh and Michigan football issued a statement Thursday echoing what he said last month, albeit with less certainty:
"As I stated in December, while no one knows what the future holds, I expect that I will be enthusiastically coaching Michigan in 2023. I have spoken with President Santa Ono and athletic director Warde Manuel and appreciate their support of me and our our program. Our mission as Wolverines continues, and we are preparing for the 2023 season with great passion and enthusiasm.
"As our legendary coach Bo Schembechler said … Those who stay will be champions.”
Harbaugh, who signed a five-year extension with Michigan last January after interviewing for and failing to land the Minnesota Vikings head coaching job, has reportedly had contact with Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper about their head coaching vacancy. Coming off his most successful season at his alma mater, he's also been linked to the Broncos and the Colts.
"I am aware of the rumors and speculation over the past few days," Harbaugh said. "College and NFL teams have great interest in all of our personnel from players to coaches to staff, and I truly believe that is a testament to the strength of our University of Michigan football program."
Harbaugh led the Wolverines to an undefeated regular season in 2022 and their second straight Big Ten title and College Football Playoff berth. They fell short of their final goal of winning the national championship, but it sounds like Harbaugh will be back in 2023 to give it at least one more shot.
Then again, no man knows the future.
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