It became an annual dance that Michigan fans had grown used to during Jim Harbaugh’s tenure in Ann Arbor – would he stay or would he go? Given his NFL pedigree as both a player and a coach, it always seemed inevitable that Harbaugh would – at some point – return to the league.

Though it seemed inevitable, a new report published by CBS Sports suggests that Harbaugh’s preference following the 2023 National Championship season was to remain at Michigan. The problem was that there were a number of circumstances outside of his control that essentially forced him out of Ann Arbor and eventually into LA.

Not surprisingly, the sign-stealing allegations surrounding former U-M football staff member, Connor Stalions, played a major role in Harbaugh’s departure. The report highlights that Harbaugh’s lawyer, Tom Mars, was certain that the NCAA was intent on issuing a significant punishment to Harbaugh if he remained at Michigan. In fact, Mars made it clear to Harbaugh that, given the circumstances surrounding the investigation, a return to the NFL was likely the best option.

“I will tell you this,” said Mars, “I told [Harbaugh agent] Don Yee and Jim as clearly as I could, more than once, more than twice, that in my opinion if he stayed at Michigan . . . the COI is going to punish Jim under the vicarious coaches’ responsibility legislation, and he’s dealing with a COI that’s clearly manifested bias against him. He’s going to sit out four games, maybe six, and whatever we do the COI is going to find him guilty.”

“So to your question did this affect Jim’s decision to go to the NFL? I don’t know,” said Mars. “But I know I told him under the circumstances I could not imagine any reason why he would not take the opportunity to go to the NFL if it presented itself.”

Along with the difficulties of dealing with the NCAA, the report also indicated that Harbaugh didn’t believe he had the necessary support from U-M athletic director Warde Manuel.

“During a two-day getaway with his wife Sarah on Coronado Island off the coast of San Diego, Harbaugh unloaded to longtime friend Todd Anson. He told Anson he wanted to remain at Michigan but believed Manuel—no matter his public pronouncements—was not the advocate he needed in his corner, particularly in front of the Board of Regents. He also raged against Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti, who before the three-game Big Ten suspension had promised to meet Harbaugh in Ann Arbor and brief him on what the conference was doing, only to stand him up.”

According to the report by CBS Sports, the new details surrounding Harbaugh’s departure are part of an upcoming book called, The Price: What It Takes to Win in College Football’s Era of Chaos. The book, which reportedly includes new details about Nick Saban, Jim Harbaugh, Jimbo Fisher and Lane Kiffin, is set to be released on August 27, 2024.