Friday, November 13, 2026

Jim Harbaugh’s Next Move: Highest-Paid CFB Coach, or NFL?

  • Jim Harbaugh has signed a new agent with strong NFL ties.
  • Michigan’s coach has been linked to an NFL return all season.
Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

Jim Harbaugh will be coaching for his first national championship at Michigan on Monday. The College Football Playoff title game against Washington could also be his last with the Wolverines.

After a regular season filled with controversy surrounding Michigan’s sign-stealing case and rumors of its head coach returning to the NFL, a (somewhat) recent move is adding fuel to the fire. Harbaugh hired a new agent, Don Yee, who is best known for repping NFL clients like Tom Brady and Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton, according to ESPN. 

While the ESPN report came out Sunday, several Michigan-centric reporters have claimed that Yee was hired weeks or even months ago, and may have already been working on Harbaugh’s next deal, in college or the NFL.

A potential contract extension for Harbaugh at Michigan has been a topic of discussion this season. Most recently, Michigan reportedly offered Harbaugh a 10-year, $125 million deal (with a clause preventing him from taking an NFL job in 2024). By any measure, that would be the biggest contract in college football. Last year, Yee helped Payton come out of retirement to sign with Denver for a five-year deal that is said to be worth nearly $100 million.

Looming Issues

Michigan suspended Harbaugh for the first three games of this season for recruiting violations, and then the Big Ten suspended him for the final three games of the regular season for his role in an alleged sign-stealing controversy.

In October, NFL.com reported that the league may suspend Harbaugh if he were to accept an NFL job and he was found to have violated NCAA rules any further. The NCAA has informed Harbaugh of the charges that could result in an additional suspension in 2024. Harbaugh hasn’t commented on the NFL rumors, saying he is focused on the playoff.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Oct 3, 2026; Fort Collins, Colorado, USA; Oregon State Beavers wide receiver Jesse Legree (12) catches a pass from quarterback Braden Atkinson (2) in the second half against the Colorado State Rams at Sonny Lubick Field at Canvas Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Rydland-Imagn Images

Oregon State Keeps Its Star QB-WR Duo Amid $48M Fundraising Push

An Alabama-style front office and a $24M gift have fueled OSU’s turnaround.

Bears Stadium Saga Draws Flurry of Unsolicited Bids

Local developers are touting a previously rejected stadium site.

NFL Viewership Climbs As ESPN, Amazon Deliver Double-Digit Gains

ESPN and Amazon have generated significant audience increases.

Mike Tomlin Knows Coaching Talk Is ‘Going to Come Up’ Soon

The ex-Steelers coach is “enjoying” his NBC Sports role.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

11/12/26 – LIV Liquidation Plan, Polymarket Layoffs, Russini’s Crashed Debut

0:00

Featured Today

West Wind Mahjong

Mahjong Mania Has Come for College Sports

Bespoke retailers are cashing in with officially licensed mahjong sets.
November 6, 2026

Can MLS Capitalize on Son-Mania?

Korea and Tottenham fans alike have flocked to LAFC’s away matches.
Pickering High School North
November 4, 2026

High School Athletic Directors Say They’re Running ‘Mini Colleges’

ADs are managing a growing list of demands from athletes and parents.
October 30, 2026

How Injuries Hit Pro Marathoners in the Wallet

Staying healthy can get expensive—quickly.
Football - NFL - Houston Texans v Jacksonville Jaguars - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 18, 2026 The necklace of a Jacksonville Jaguars fan outside the stadium before the match
October 21, 2026

Die-Hard Sports Fandom Has Reached the Afterlife

Will fans pay $6,000 to memorialize their team loyalty?

College Sports Bill Proponents Mount Last-Ditch Lobbying Effort

Protect College Sports Act proponents are sending letters, running ads, and more.
Dec 20, 2025; Oxford, MS, USA; College Football First Round logo on field prior to the game between the Tulane Green Wave and the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
November 10, 2026

The Ripple Effects of a 24-Team College Football Playoff

The CFP officially announced plans to expand in 2027.
November 10, 2026

CFP Expansion Raises Big Questions for Group of 6 Conferences

The highest-ranked G6 conference champion will earn an automatic CFP berth each year.
Sponsored

How Jeremy Bloom Is Reinventing the X Games

Jeremy Bloom discusses transforming the X Games into a global brand.
November 10, 2026

Tennessee Men’s Basketball Players Propose CBA

The agreement isn’t finalized but serves as a model for future negotiations.
November 9, 2026

College Football Playoff to Expand to 24 Teams Beginning in 2027 Season 

The 12-team Playoff was implemented in 2024.
November 8, 2026

Michigan, Ohio State Flailing Despite Big Spending

Both lost as home favorites Saturday.
November 8, 2026

Philip Rivers Expected To Be Hired as NC State Coach

Rivers played in the NFL last year and was coaching high school.