Tuesday, September 29, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

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.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

First at FOS

DHS Leaves Video of Brian Dawkins Up Despite NFL Request

Two posts featuring Dawkins were still up Monday afternoon.

Sunday’s Biggest NFL Games Plagued by Debatable Calls

There’s no obvious solution for judgment calls.
Sep 27, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; NBC broadcast analyst Mike Tomlin before the game between Los Angeles Rams and Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Mike Tomlin Breaks With Coaching Fraternity in Cowboys Analysis

Tomlin questioned the Cowboys’ decision-making in their loss vs. Baltimore.

NFL Dodges Worst-Case Scenario With Brazil Field

The main story was the players, not the playing surface.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

9/29/26 – Giants Land McCarthy, MLB Wild Card Begins, LeBron’s Knicks Dream

0:00

Featured Today

Morishita-Sato-homerun-celebration-at-Meiji-Jingu-Baseball-Staidum-2025

Japanese Baseball Is Fighting Back Against MLB Talent Drain

Nippon Professional Baseball is reimagining how to be a global juggernaut.
Aug 9, 2026; Bedminster, New Jersey, USA; President Donald Trump walks out of the clubhouse during the final round of the LIV Golf New York tournament at Trump National Bedminster.
September 25, 2026

Trump’s Year of Sports Gets Busier With CFB, Presidents Cup

The impact of Trump’s attendance varies across each sporting event.
A Bar of Their Own
September 25, 2026

Women’s Sports Bars: Novelty Has Worn Off, ‘That’s a Good Thing’

They’re leveling up, but sustainability remains the first consideration.
Hot & Social/Mets
September 18, 2026

Sports Teams Are Playing a New Role: Matchmaker

The latest promotion at the stadium? Love.
Exclusive
September 18, 2026

Vicious Infighting Is Jeopardizing the Future of Women’s Baseball

The WPBL’s own CEO admits there’s a “power struggle.”
Apr 24, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Mammoth owner Ryan Smith speaks to the media before game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Utah Mammoth and the Vegas Golden Knights at Delta Center.

Ryan Smith Says BYU Will Get Windfall When He Dies

“The roster is deep,” he said. “It’s not just me.”
September 27, 2026

SEC’s Big-Money Rosters Shake Up College Football Rankings

The top two slots remained unchanged.
October 14, 2022; Tempe, Ariz; USA; ASU mascot Sparky during a ribbon cutting ceremony at Mullett Arena. Ncaa Hockey Asu Hockey Opening Night At Mullett Arena Colgate At Asu
September 28, 2026

ASU Men’s Hockey Players Dispute School’s Account of Athlete’s Collapse

Seven players requested the coaching staff be put on administrative leave.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
September 26, 2026

Illegal Hit on Oregon QB Moore Puts NCAA Targeting Rules Into Focus

Moore was hit in the head and neck while sliding.
September 26, 2026

ESPN Suffers Technical Troubles During Trump Visit

There was pregame chatter about whether presidential visits affect team communications.
September 25, 2026

The Biggest Question for LSU Men’s Basketball: Who Is on the Team?

Will Wade said LSU has 15 players but won’t release a list.
Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; United States President Donald Trump (left) and Ivanka Trump (right) before the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
September 25, 2026

White House Denies Trump Movements Impacted CFP Game

The topic has been widely discussed ahead of Texas-Tennessee.