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Harbaugh talking contract with Michigan, NFL still possible
Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Jim Harbaugh talking contract with Michigan, NFL could still come calling

To say Jim Harbaugh is a "wanted man" is an understatement these days. 

With multiple NFL coaching vacancies needing to be filled and interviews in full swing, the current Michigan football coach's name is in the headlines on a daily basis.

Heck, DraftKings and other fantasy outlets even have odds going on where he might go, with the Las Vegas Raiders emerging as a heavy favorite to land the former 49ers HC.

All that being said, Harbaugh isn't definitely packing up his khakis and heading back to the NFL. 

At least, not yet.

According to The Athletic, Harbaugh and Michigan are in ongoing discussions about a new contract that would keep him in Ann Arbor for a little bit longer. (While exact details have not been released, The Athletic said a new contract would include an incentives-based deal that could end up boosting his annual salary.)

There's also the fact that Harbaugh hasn't actually interviewed with any teams yet. This isn't to say an opportunity won't present itself -- and with interviews far from over, at least one surely will -- but at this very moment, Harbaugh is still in Michigan and working out a way to stay there.

But, as The Athletic also points out, Michigan's blowout loss to Georgia in the Orange Bowl could be making Harbaugh second guess staying with the Wolverines and not pursuing an NFL post. There have been rumors of Harbaugh returning to the NFL ever since he took the job in Michigan.

Plus, as journalist John U. Bacon explained in a Twitter thread last week, this could be Harbaugh's last opportunity to coach on the big stage.

Now, The Athletic points out there is a clause in Harbaugh's current contract that says he has to notify Michigan if he plans to interview for other jobs and can be fired for not keeping them in the loop. While there hasn't been an offer yet, Harbaugh will likely make his intentions known to his current employer before the rest of the world finds out.

So, for the time being, Harbaugh is currently in discussions with Michigan about staying there and nothing more. 

That doesn't mean the NFL won't eventually come calling. 

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