INSIDE THE FORT, Part I: New Jim Harbaugh contract could now come sooner than later

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh is still waiting on the deal that was expected to make him one of the highest paid coaches in the Big Ten (if not the highest). While the line has been U-M would wait until the end of NCAA proceedings into alleged illegal contact with recruits — one that cost him a three-game suspension, imposed by the school — it now appears it could be much sooner.

And if it’s not, frankly, we’d probably expect Harbaugh to be elsewhere next year. He will very likely be in demand. In fact, FOX analyst Joel Klatt said today on Colin Cowherd’s show he’d be stunned if Harbaugh weren’t among the top three options for every NFL team with an opening in January.

“Michigan State’s now a mess,” Cowherd said. “Ohio State is behind Michigan. So … he’s checked every single box. It’s just a natty [left], and this is the year, because Georgia and ‘Bama are down.

“So … here’s my thing. Just throw it out there. Let’s say he wins the natty — and I do think they’re the best team. Their quarterback is playing excellent. He’s finally got an NFL dude … — does he stay?”

There’s a “lot at play here,” Klatt responded … and he’s right. Especially now.

“I don’t think just a simple answer will do. No. 1 is, he is a very competitive person,” Klatt said. “And he has succeeded everywhere he’s been, including the NFL … that’s the element as a competitive guy, do you think in the back of his mind he thinks to himself, ‘man — we were that close to winning a Super Bowl [in San Francisco] … I wonder if the competitive juices would get him to go?

“[But] the dynamic with him and his leadership at Michigan is interesting. I believe that there is some tension, and it’s the reason why the President [Santa Ono] had to jump in and do the new contract. I just know that there’s some tension.

“And by the way, it has seeped into this ‘self-imposed’ suspension this year. Michigan suspended him. Of course [he didn’t want that]. That’s why his players had a ‘Free Harbaugh’ shirt on. They’re not taking a shot at the NCAA, right? Read between the lines.”

What we know and have reported … no, Harbaugh wasn’t happy, and he still isn’t (and, frankly, shouldn’t be). And while the optics of inking Harbaugh to a new deal when the NCAA still hasn’t ruled the three-game suspension will be enough might not be great (keeping in mind the NCAA originally indicated their 4-game suspension was going to be it, but pretty much reneged at the 11th hour), should that be enough to keep Michigan from inking Harbaugh now?

At least one side believes ‘no,’ and that’s why this is coming to a head. Athletic director Warde Manuel has long had a “no contracts during the season” policy, but this one has been in the works since last offseason. We’ve heard from people close to it “Jim doesn’t like being the fourth-highest paid coach in the Big Ten,” and it’s hard to blame him given what he’s accomplished.

“… Aspirational men may not be grudge holders, usually are, never forget,” Cowherd said. “And they made him take a pay cut. They pushed back a couple times. If he wins the natty, you don’t think he’d get [an NFL job]? Chargers move on. You don’t think he’s getting a phone call?”

And on that, we agree … and that’s why we expect movement sooner than later. We’ll go so far as to say hands are essentially being forced. Ono has made it clear, according to our sources directly involved, that signing Harbaugh is a top objective. We’re told the administration understands the importance, as well, especially how much Harbaugh has meant to the university overall in exposure, publicity … and yes, revenue (“tons,” our source acknowledged).

But his camp feels it’s time to put up or shut up, and sooner than later. As one source close to it told us, “The NCAA outcome isn’t going to make a difference as to what’s going to happen. He’s not getting fired, and it’s not going to alter the contract.” So … what’s the hold up?

We know for a fact the administration is now behind getting this done as soon as possible. We’d say it’s imperative it happens soon, before Harbaugh essentially becomes a free agent. And we believe it will.

Even that doesn’t necessarily mean Harbaugh would stay, say, if he were to win that national championship. Maybe the NFL call then becomes too good to pass up. But not signing him soon, it seems, means he’ll almost assuredly be somewhere else next year.

Watch for more on this development in the hours to come.

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