Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh is back in Ann Arbor and will meet with his coaches tomorrow, as previously reported. Will he sign and announce his extension, as was the plan being shared?
Nobody really knows. Most are in the dark at this point, and though one source with a vested interest said he "wouldn't bet on it," he's not pessimistic that that means it won't get done. Harbaugh's visit is expected to be a short one, however, before he goes back to California, and as we've said, the longer this goes ...
Several others — and we mean a lot — are "hopeful," but they really don't know what to expect tomorrow or what might have changed from the previous message that "this would get done" and "we want to have coordinators announced when the extension is," etc.
The information has slowed to a halt, however, probably due to the amount of leaks and their potential impact on hiring new assistants, etc. And it's clear there has been some negotiating going on, and Harbaugh has the leverage should anyone show interest. There's been talk that the New York Jets and Los Angeles Chargers at least want to talk to him.
Michigan has made it clear it doesn't want to let him go. The A.D would also have to absorb a huge chunk of buyout cash if they fired Harbaugh.
To say recruits, players, parents, etc. have a lot of questions is an understatement. That's all we'll say about that at this point, at least until we find out what goes down Tuesday (though we have some strong opinions).
As for the coordinators and potential hires ... nothing new other than what we've said in previous ITF EXTRAS, other than next Monday was the date Harbaugh wanted a new defensive coordinator hire. That was as of late last week, when the lines of communication were still pretty open.
They want a coordinator with head coaching experience, so guys like Charlie Strong, Will Muschamp and Derek Mason are among those who have been discussed the most. How far Harbaugh has gotten with them at this point — or the potential offensive coaching candidates (remember, the talk was they were "close" with Oregon O.C. Joe Moorhead) — isn't known, but again, it would be surprising if the original "we'll announce them when I sign Tuesday" plan is still in place.
We'll continue to provide updates as we get them.
Nobody really knows. Most are in the dark at this point, and though one source with a vested interest said he "wouldn't bet on it," he's not pessimistic that that means it won't get done. Harbaugh's visit is expected to be a short one, however, before he goes back to California, and as we've said, the longer this goes ...
Several others — and we mean a lot — are "hopeful," but they really don't know what to expect tomorrow or what might have changed from the previous message that "this would get done" and "we want to have coordinators announced when the extension is," etc.
The information has slowed to a halt, however, probably due to the amount of leaks and their potential impact on hiring new assistants, etc. And it's clear there has been some negotiating going on, and Harbaugh has the leverage should anyone show interest. There's been talk that the New York Jets and Los Angeles Chargers at least want to talk to him.
Michigan has made it clear it doesn't want to let him go. The A.D would also have to absorb a huge chunk of buyout cash if they fired Harbaugh.
To say recruits, players, parents, etc. have a lot of questions is an understatement. That's all we'll say about that at this point, at least until we find out what goes down Tuesday (though we have some strong opinions).
As for the coordinators and potential hires ... nothing new other than what we've said in previous ITF EXTRAS, other than next Monday was the date Harbaugh wanted a new defensive coordinator hire. That was as of late last week, when the lines of communication were still pretty open.
They want a coordinator with head coaching experience, so guys like Charlie Strong, Will Muschamp and Derek Mason are among those who have been discussed the most. How far Harbaugh has gotten with them at this point — or the potential offensive coaching candidates (remember, the talk was they were "close" with Oregon O.C. Joe Moorhead) — isn't known, but again, it would be surprising if the original "we'll announce them when I sign Tuesday" plan is still in place.
We'll continue to provide updates as we get them.
