Could Michigan Be Offering Harbaugh 6 Years, $49 Million? [UPDATE]

The Harbaugh to Michigan train got rolling in earnest Monday evening. Plugged in Michigan folks are continuing to hear quite positive rumblings. Harbaugh has clearly not told Michigan no. Perhaps, a very large amount of money could be part of the reason why?

A Phoenix sports anchor is reporting Michigan is offering Harbaugh $49 million over six years, which per 247Sports (in the comments) is within range of numbers they have heard batted around.

That offer, if valid, would put Harbaugh north of $8 million and make him the highest paid head coach (on paper) in football. A more reasonable, 8-year $49 million deal has been cropping up on pay sites and other outlets. A $6.1 million average would put Harbaugh top five among college coaches (and be a significant bump from his present salary).

Whatever the exact figure, Michigan seems intent that money won’t be the reason they lose Jim Harbaugh. Worth noting the Wolverines don’t pay labor costs, don’t pay taxes and can draw from multiple checkbooks. Michigan should feel great about whatever offer they made, as they are negotiating with themselves right now. Things could get pretty crazy once NFL teams can weigh in.

How badly do the Raiders/Dolphins/Bears etc. want him? If the starting bid is Belichick/Payton money?

Also, if Michigan is throwing around even close to that type of money, treat any “Coach X isn’t considering the Michigan job” claims with skepticism, especially if deliberately kept vague and off the record.

UPDATE: Ian Rapoport is reporting the Michigan offer is six-years $48 million. This does not appear to be a drill.

[Photo via USAT]