Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Jim Harbaugh reveals why he decided to stay with Michigan

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated 1/16/23

There's a chant around the University of Michigan that suggests that it's great... to be... a Michigan Wolverine. Head football coach Jim Harbaugh also once famously asked, 'Who's got it better than us?"

The answer to that question is a resounding "nobody," and all of these things were apparently in Harbaugh's head over the past few weeks as he mulled leaving Ann Arbor and college football in order to give the NFL perhaps one last shot.

Though he did seriously flirt with the league for a second-straight offseason, Michigan president Santa Ono announced today that Harbaugh is indeed coming back to Michigan for his ninth season. Harbaugh shared his thoughts as well, saying, "I love the relationships that I have at Michigan — coaches, staff, families, administration, President Santa Ono and especially the players and their families. My heart is at the University of Michigan. I once heard a wise man say, 'Don't try to out-happy happy.' Go Blue!"

Statement from Jim Harbaugh: pic.twitter.com/x7Ri6gaYPr
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 16, 2023

While Michigan fans will certainly be happy to hear that the coach who led the Wolverines to two-straight Big Ten Titles and College Football Playoff appearances is coming back for another bite of the apple, there has to be a bit of trepidation in Ann Arbor, right?

On one hand, Harbaugh clearly explained that he's happy at Michigan. As he said, "Don't try to out-happy happy."

On the other hand, if he's so happy, why has he seriously considered going back to the NFL two offseasons in a row? Even more puzzling is the timing of his wandering eyes. He's coming off the two most successful seasons of his career at Michigan. Why try to jump ship now when it appears he's finally turned the ship around?

Of course, there's probably no understanding the mind of Jim Harbaugh. After all, this is the same guy who is convinced that chickens are nervous birds and that's why you shouldn't eat them.

More must-reads: