Harbaugh Will Return As Wolverines Football Coach, University Says

ANN ARBOR, MI — After flirting with a possible jump to the NFL for the second consecutive year, Michigan Wolverines head football coach Jim Harbaugh told the university Monday he is retiring to the team.

"My heart is at the University of Michigan," Harbaugh said in a statement release by the University of Michigan. "I once heard a wise man say, `Don’t try to out-happy, happy.'"

Harbaugh spoke with the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers about their head coaching vacancies. He was also mentioned as a possible candidate for the Indianapolis Colts, who he played for and almost led to the Super Bowl in 1995.

Harbaugh's decision to return to the Wolverines comes as the NCAA is investigating him for recruiting and practice violations during the COVID-19 pandemic. He could face a multi-game suspension.

Harbaugh will return to the Wolverines after a disappointing loss to the TCU Horned Frogs in the College Football Playoff. The Wolverines will also enter next year as the reigning Big Ten Champions for the second consecutive year.

All-America running back Blake Corum and quarterback J.J. McCarthy will also return to the Wolverines.

"I just got off the phone with coach Harbaugh and Jim shared with me the great news that he is going to remain as the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines," University of Michigan President Santa Ono said. "That is fantastic news that I have communicated with our athletic director Warde Manuel."