Harbaugh denies U-M rescinded extension offer

• Dan Murphy, ESPN

  • Personnel WriterOct 30, 2023, 02:20 PM ET Close Covers the Big 10
  • Joined ESPN.com in 2014
  • Graduate of the University of Notre Dame

ANN ARBOR, Mich.– Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh stated Monday that a report that the university had rescinded a contract extension deal in recent weeks was not accurate.Harbaugh remains in the 2nd

year of a five-year deal with the Wolverines. Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel told ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg on Oct. 10 that the school intended to have an extension for the head coach quickly. That procedure was put on hold a week later on after Michigan learned that the NCAA was investigating an alleged yearslong unfaithful scheme, according to sources familiar with the situation.The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday night that Michigan had rescinded its deal to Harbaugh. “I would not state that’s precise, no,” Harbaugh stated when asked Monday about the report.Editor’s Picks 1 Associated A source informed ESPN’s Tom VanHaaren that Harbaugh was instructed not to sign the contract offer yet.A university spokesperson published a declaration Sunday night stating

that the school does not talk about employment contracts “until they are finished and totally performed.

” Harbaugh declined to address a question about the present nature of his relationship with Manuel and other university leaders. “I can speak about the football game this Saturday,”

he stated.” I can talk about the vibes because preparation and where that stands today. It doesn’t seem like you have an interest in that.

That’s what I can discuss.”No. 2 Michigan (8-0)returns from an idle week Saturday with a home game against Purdue. Harbaugh stated he is trying to model a” one-track mind”for his group amidst continuous speculation about the NCAA’s investigation into claims that Michigan employee paid several individuals to attend the games of future challengers and tape the sidelines in an effort to assist translate the groups’playcalling signals.Stealing signs is not an NCAA guidelines infraction. NCAA guidelines do restrict any staff member from advance hunting an opponent face to face throughout the routine season.Harbaugh denied any understanding of the alleged unfaithful in a statement released soon after the claims were revealed. He stated Monday that he wasn’t able to talk about the allegations any further while the NCAA’s examination is ongoing. “You simply need to let it play out, comply

with the examination and see how it plays out,”Harbaugh stated. “The speculation part, as I’ve stated I have actually got too much of a one-track mind on coaching the team to engage on every piece of speculation.”Harbaugh stated he did not understand the timeframe in which the NCAA examination might run its course. The program, which is on speed for a prospective 3rd consecutive trip to the College Football Playoff, has not yet received an official notification of claims from the NCAA.”[ There is] things

we just can’t talk about,” Harbaugh said.”I ‘d enjoy to. I resemble you. I’m in all your positions, however we have actually got to let it play out.”