J.J. Watt Mocks the No-NFL Clause in Michigan’s Reported $125 Million Contract to Jim Harbaugh With Hilarious Question

From their head coach being suspended twice in the same season to them getting a probable shot at the National Championship, the Michigan Wolverines’ season has been nothing less than a literal roller coaster. However, with a potentially thrilling end to the season nearing, another antagonistic issue lurks in the near future: their head coach’s potential move to the NFL.

Jim Harbaugh’s interest in the NFL landscape is no secret. Per analysts like Paul Finebaum, the sign-stealing fiasco has heightened his chances of switching. This is exactly what got the Michigan officials hot on their heels, as they rolled out a contract before the NFL teams could. The contract was stringent, to put it simply, with a particular clause clinching everyone’s attention. And Hall of Famer J.J. Watt’s humor bone got irked by that.

J.J. Watt comes up with a commonsensical response to Michigan’s offer for Harbaugh

As Jim Harbaugh has been gearing up to head the Michigan Wolverines into their third consecutive College Football Playoff, questions about his future with the team have almost been overshadowing the all-important Rose Bowl game on New Year’s Day. But now, Front Office Sports revealed that “Michigan has offered Jim Harbaugh a 10-year, $125 million deal to remain with the Wolverines.” As striking as that amount is, the caveat to that deal is what had J.J. Watt howling with laughter.

The former defensive end brought up an aspect of the contract – a clause – that might not look out of the ordinary at first glance. But the Wolverines’ condition is what ticked J.J. Watt off. It read, “The contract contains a clause preventing Harbaugh from leaving to coach in the NFL in 2024.” When a contract is signed, it usually means that the someone who signed it is bound to a team. Considering that, Watt wrote, “The last sentence has me rolling. Would that not be assumed if he signs it?” 

Watt’s thoughts would be pre-assumed had it not been for Jimbo Fisher’s gigantic buyout of more than $75 million, the highest ever recorded in the history of college football. Here’s the picture. If Harbaugh signs the deal, he would be agreeing not to entertain or accept an NFL position in 2024. That one-year, no-NFL clause will not be applicable after the 2024 season. So, should the Michigan coach want to join the NFL in 2025, this contract shouldn’t pose a problem.

On one hand, Harbaugh could be offered approximately $11 million per year as part of a much shorter contract. On the other, an unbending commitment of at least 1 year hoists the 60-year-old in a dilemma. With his stalwartness with Michigan at stake here and a $125 million contract waiting for his go-ahead, Harbaugh has a lot to think about.

If he accepts it, Harbaugh would eclipse Daabo Swiney’s $115 million contract. However, his pay would still be slightly less than their upcoming opponent, Alabama’s head coach Nick Saban, who cleared $11.4 million to become the highest-paid coach in college football. But if Jim Harbaugh doesn’t accept it and follows Paul Finebaum’s “Harbaugh would be wise to leave” advice, what are his possible options in the NFL?

Watch this story: Coach Jim Harbaugh Sets The Record Straight On Michigan’s Sign-Stealing Incident

Jim Harbaugh won’t have to worry about securing an NFL position

Harbaugh is no stranger to the NFL. From 2011 to 2014, he coached the San Francisco 49ers, leading them to the playoffs thrice, one of which was in the 2012 season. After finishing the regular season with an 11-4-1 record, Harbaugh headed the 49ers into their first Super Bowl in 18 years. His success since returning to college football in 2015 has ensured he’s remained in the run for a potential NFL coaching opportunity. And now, a few teams want him on board.

Having previously interviewed for the Minnesota Vikings and the Denver Broncos, the Los Angeles Chargers are now extremely interested in putting pen to paper with Harbaugh. Currently ranking 4th in the AFC West, the team needs a coach like Harbaugh who can give them some direction. Per insider Jordan Schultz, “It’s unclear if the feeling is mutual, as Harbaugh gets set to coach the Wolverines in their third consecutive College Football Playoff appearance.”

Alongside the Chargers, the team placed 2nd in the AFC West table – the Las Vegas Raiders – have also shown some interest in Harbaugh, as per an insider. Both teams want to climb the AFC West’s leaderboard, hence the competition for his signature. However, it will all boil down to Harbaugh’s final choice. Will he sign the $125 million extension with the Wolverines, or is the NFL his calling?

Read More: Amidst Reports of Jim Harbaugh Leaving for NFL, Michigan Dealt Yet Another Blow