(WWJ) – WWJ has learned that Jim Harbaugh is expected to receive a contract extension well beyond the three years remaining on his current contract as head coach at the University of Michigan football team.
A source told WWJ's Jeff Lesson the Michigan Board of Regents is expected to sign off on a five-year extension for Harbaugh, as well as a "significant" pay raise that reportedly would make him the highest paid coach in the Big Ten.
Harbaugh's current salary is over $7 million and his current contract runs through 2026.
A Michigan spokesperson responded to WWJ's request for comment on the reported extension, saying "Athletic Director Warde Manuel is continuing discussions with Harbaugh regarding a contract extension."
The reported extension directly contrasts a report from the Wall Street Journal earlier this week saying the school had rescinded a contract offer in the midst of the NCAA's investigation into alleged in-person scouting and sign-stealing infractions.
Harbaugh on Monday called the Wall Street Journal report inaccurate.
A school spokesperson earlier this week released a statement saying that the school does not comment on employment contracts "until they are completed and fully executed."
A timeline on the reported extension remains unclear, though it is believed no movement would be made until the Board of Regents next meets, which is scheduled for Dec. 7.
The Michigan program has been under scrutiny in recent weeks after reports surfaced alleging staff member Connor Stalions bought tickets to dozens of future Michigan opponents' games, carrying out an alleged "vast" operation involving video-recording opponents' sidelines with the purpose of stealing signs.
While NCAA rules do not expressly prohibit sign-stealing, the association does prohibit video-recording opposing coaches as well as in-person scouting of upcoming opponents — both of which an investigative firm accuses Michigan of doing.
Harbaugh has denied having knowledge of the alleged operation. Earlier in October Manuel said in a statement the school "will offer its complete cooperation to the NCAA in this matter."
"At the University of Michigan, all of us are committed to the highest standards of ethics and integrity for all members of the community," Manuel's statement said. "This is the same expectation I have of all coaches, staff and student-athletes."
On Tuesday Central Michigan University Athletic Director Amy Folan said the school is investigating after photos surfaced on social media allegedly showing Stalions wearing CMU gear on their sideline during the season opener at Michigan State.
