Jim Harbaugh has reportedly signed on to become Michigan’s new head coach after announcing that he was leaving the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
Harbaugh, 51, who was a star quarterback for the Wolverines in the mid-1980s, has reportedly signed a deal to become the new coach at Michigan, taking over for Brady Hoke, according to a person with knowledge of the discussions, who told The Associated Press late Monday. The person apparently spoke on condition of anonymity because there has been no formal announcement.
Harbaugh reportedly flew to Detroit after Sunday’s announcement that he was parting ways with the 49ers, likely to ink the deal and attend a news conference to announce that he is the new head coach for the Wolverines.
Michigan hires Jim Harbaugh as new head coach http://t.co/Y6X0cwZICj Photo: Dilip Vishwanat—Getty Images pic.twitter.com/IzsusaDi1m
— TIME.com (@TIME) December 30, 2014
After Sunday’s announcement that he was leaving the 49ers, Harbaugh joined his team for one, final rousing “Who’s got it better than us? No-body!”
Harbaugh, who made the announcement to leave after Sunday’s 20-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals and following an 8-8 season, reportedly came to an agreement with the team and leaves before fulfilling the final season of his $25 million, five-year contract.
“It’s been the time of my life,” Harbaugh said. “Been a lot of great memories, great moments. … It’s been a tremendous four years, it’s been a pleasure to work and serve for this organization. I feel great about what we accomplished.”
Jim Harbaugh will return to coach Michigan where he played QB during his college years. (via @AdamSchefter) pic.twitter.com/W2RNi8eR4Q
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 29, 2014
CEO Jed York said the decision was a mutual one.
“Jim and I have come to the conclusion that it is in our mutual best interest to move in different directions,” York said. “We thank Jim for bringing a tremendous competitive nature and a great passion for the game to the 49ers. He and his staff restored a winning culture that has been the standard for our franchise throughout its history.”
Jim Harbaugh signs deal to become Michigan head coach. (per @RapSheet) http://t.co/SkH21ndaYe pic.twitter.com/6GdyK49ffk
— CollegeFootball 24/7 (@NFL_CFB) December 30, 2014