Michigan AD: Harbaugh is 'worth every penny'

Seven million dollars is a lot to spend on a football coach, unless that coach is Jim Harbaugh.

While speaking with the media Tuesday, Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel told reporters Harbaugh is "worth every penny that he makes," according to ESPN's Dan Murphy.

That's a good thing, since Harbaugh saw his salary balloon to $7 million this summer after a contract amendment gave him another $2 million annually in the form of a life insurance policy loan.

Harbaugh's rising cost doesn't concern his boss, though.

"It doesn't bother me that he's that close to the top (of coaching salaries)," said Manuel. "I think he's worth everything that we pay him. I think Jim has proven that he brings tremendous benefit to our football game, to this department and this university."

On top of his salary, Harbaugh is also known to serve his employer with some unusually high bills. The 52-year-old racked up nearly $350,000 worth of expenses during a trip to Florida, where he held spring practice.

However, Harbaugh has also generated plenty of revenue for Michigan. An impressive first season and a ton of summer buzz has led to 90,000 season tickets already being sold, a 14-percent increase from the 2014 season, the year before Harbaugh was hired. Student ticket sales have skyrocketed 57 percent over that period, too.

Harbaugh has also received partial credit for Michigan's ability to land an 11-year, $169-million megadeal with Nike and the Jumpman brand.

Michigan posted a 10-3 record in Harbaugh's return to the college ranks last season. The Wolverines are set to meet Hawaii in the season opener Sept 3.