Warde Manuel, Santa Ono release statements after Jim Harbaugh leaves Michigan for NFL

“We have been discussing a new contract that would make Jim the highest paid coach in college football,” Manuel said. “In the end, he wanted to explore and ultimately decided to pursue a return to coaching in the NFL. We can’t thank Jim enough for all that he has done for our student-athletes, staff and Michigan Football. He will always be a huge part of our rich history, and will be remembered as an all-time great Wolverine, as both a championship player and coach.

“Jim has always been extremely upfront with his communication regarding NFL opportunities and has been helpful with this transition in leadership. We had a great conversation tonight when he informed me of this decision to return to the NFL and offered his assistance in helping identify the needs for the program moving forward. We are working quickly to hire the next head coach for the program and will do everything possible to keep this current staff and team together. We appreciate Jim’s dedication and passion for Michigan, the university and Ann Arbor, and I wish Jim and the entire Harbaugh family much success with the Los Angeles Chargers.”

Michigan president Santa Ono: ‘We … tried our best to retain’ Jim Harbaugh

Since taking over as Michigan president in October 2022, Ono was one of Harbaugh’s most outspoken supporters. As the contract talks went along and the university worked to keep him in Ann Arbor, he made it clear he wanted Harbaugh as the head coach even as the NCAA conducted multiple investigations this past year.

That said, even though the coach is heading back to the NFL — where he made a Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers — Ono said he would continue to be a fan of Harbaugh’s as he gets ready for the next stage of his career.

“We have been in talks with Jim Harbaugh for the last several weeks and have tried our best to retain him as our football coach,” Ono said. “Jim called me today and let me know that he has made the difficult decision to leave Michigan and join the Los Angeles Chargers in pursuit of his NFL dreams. For the fans, the players, and for me personally, we are sad to hear of Jim’s departure. His drive and ambition turned our program around, delivered our first national championship in a quarter century and maintained Michigan as the all-time winningest team in the history of college football.

“I thank Jim for all he has done for the University of Michigan and respect his decision. He has been an extraordinary leader and a friend. I will be cheering for Jim as he embarks on this next adventure.”