Great Lakes Wire

The University of Michigan (U-M) recently announced that J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family head football coach Jim Harbaugh has signed a new five-year contract extension until 2026.

The contract adds an extra year to the terms and length of the deal that was negotiated in January, the Wolverines said in a release.

"Jim has done a great job coaching and developing the young men in our football program," Warde Manuel, the Donald R. Shepherd director of athletics, said in the release. "Last season, Jim along with the staff and players delivered a memorable season that will remain with all of us for a long time."

Manuel said that he has full confidence in Jim's ability to lead the program in the right direction, the Wolverines reported. He commended the team, his fellow coaches and staff for their achievements on and off the field.

"I love Michigan Football, the University of Michigan and the Ann Arbor community," Harbaugh said. "My family and I are excited to continue leading this football program, and we are thankful for the support that our athletic department and university administration have demonstrated toward the team."

Harbaugh's coaching guided U-M to the 2021 Big Ten Championship that resulted in a 42-3 win against No. 12 Iowa at Lucas Oil Stadium, the Wolverines reported. This marked the team's first conference championship since 2004.

The team also made its first appearance in the College Football Playoff on Dec. 31, but were defeated 34-11 in the Orange Bowl by the University of Georgia, who went on to become the national champion, the Wolverines reported.

Michigan ended the season ranked third in the final polls, their best finish since 1997, the Wolverines reported. Additionally, the team won 12 games in the 2021 season for the third time in the university's history and claimed the Big Ten East Division championship with a 42-27 win against No. 2 Ohio State to conclude the regular season 8-1 in conference play.