CC: Is it a bad sign that the $49 million offer was leaked?

I think it changes nothing. The number had already been out there for a week or so. ESPN reporters and the NFL writers are moving in the Michigan souces' direction. Before, Harbaugh to Michigan wasn't even in the realm of possibility. Now, to them, he is 'considering' it. This is a positive development in my mind. 

To let Andy Moeller know the band is getting back together!

According to the pessimists, this is bad.

According to the optimists, this is good.

I keep telling myself Harbaugh is not coming so that I will have a really good start to 2015 if he comes and not be overly disappointed if he doesn't. I will add a few drinks to drown out that disappointment.

I have been trying to answer the question:  If Jim really told UM he wouldn't go back to college, then why haven't we made offers to anyone else?

This might answer it.  Hackett needed to go back and sweeten the pot, raise more cash, get approval (at least informally / tacitly).  UM hasn't been told "no way" but on the other hand Jim might not be saying anything more than, "Ehhh I'll think about it after the season's over."

We might be that homely dorky guy pining for the hottie who lives next door, while she's waiting for the hot guy to dump his current on-the-outs girl.  So we stand there on the sideline, waiving, waiting, thinking/hoping we have a chance, when in reality we don't.

But, I also feel, we take a part of that cash and throw it at Les Miles and it's an instant yes, regardless of the CoachSearchSpeak he uttered recently.  (And Nick Saban is still at the Dolphins, right.)

Lets not take the pissimistic view on this. This information has been floating around for about a week as a rumor. Now it is being reported as a fact is the only difference. For the last 2 weeks we have all been optimistic that he hasn't said "NO" so he's coming.

What has changed? Someone read Mgoblog or maybe now they are backstroking a little. The news leaked from what was once a rumor.

I just don't see the motive for Jim to use his alma mater as a bargaining chip. He might get around the same in the NFL along with them giving up some draft picks, he is still under contract. It is either a firing or trade. He can leave for Michigan.

Optimistic, Jim is coming home!

Depends on who leaked it.

If it was Harbaugh's camp, then it could be a bad sign that they are using this as leverage.

If it was Michigan's camp, then it could be viewed a ploy to force Harbaugh to make a decision.

However, it could have just been a second party person familiar with the offer and couldn't hold back due to the size f the offer.

This hasn't been confirmed anywhere and so to me it carries no more validity that leaks from "friends" or AD insiders.  I think it is more an agent fishing to see what offers are out there and who is willing to pony up something similar.  I think his agent wouldn't be earning his money if this wasn't out there to make the Raiders/Jets/Bears etc think that JH comes with at least an 8M annual pricetag.

Yes, it is likely a bad sign.  If Michigan leaked it, it's a signal to fans that they did everything they could but came up short.  If Harbaugh's agent leaked it, he's using Michigan for leverage. There is no scenario in which this benefits either party.  Hopefully, this came from someone close to the situation who just couldn't keep quiet, but I doubt it. 

Dec. 29th can't get here soon enough, that will be the monday after the last SF game, crossing my fingers!

Based on what I heard on the edge of internet boards, things are about to happen really fast-- it was probably leaked not to blindside people.  

rumor is the last couple days was the first time the agent got involved (which led to increased optimism).  prior to that, it was jack sort of mediating things.  so his agent is just doing what agents do.  

First Mrs. H is looking at houses. Now this. Ohhh boy