Report: Harbaugh, Michigan negotiating job protection against NCAA probes

Head coach Jim Harbaugh remains engaged in discussions with Michigan about a contract extension that could include some unusual termination clauses, sources told Yahoo Sports' Dan Wetzel.

Harbaugh is seeking immunity from termination stemming from any finding or sanction that could result from multiple ongoing NCAA investigations into the program, Wetzel reports.

He's reportedly also hoping for a stipulation that prohibits athletic director Warde Manuel from firing him for cause, with the power of that decision instead lying with a three-member arbitration panel.

The termination language is a sticking point in finalizing an extension, Wetzel adds.

Additionally, the 60-year-old is reportedly aiming to delay the start date of a possible new agreement to Feb. 15 in order to lower the buyout for interested NFL teams to pay Michigan if they hire him away. Harbaugh's buyout dropped from $2.25 million to $1.5 million on Jan. 11. The school is seeking to raise the coach's buyout to $4 million.

The Los Angeles Chargers reportedly interviewed Harbaugh on Monday regarding their head coaching vacancy.

Harbaugh served a three-game suspension to begin the 2023 season for alleged recruiting violations in 2020 and 2021. He was banned another three games at the end of the season after the NCAA investigated an alleged sign-stealing scandal that included former staff member Connor Stalions.

It was reported in December that Michigan offered to make Harbaugh one of the highest-paid coaches in college football with a 10-year, $125-million extension that included a no-NFL clause for 2024.

Harbaugh led his alma mater to a 15-0 season, culminating in its first national championship since 1997. He has led the Wolverines to an 89-25 record over nine seasons, which includes three straight Big Ten titles in the past three seasons.