Saban gets new contract; Harbaugh's next move.
Not that interested in Saban's new contract which will pay him over 11 million for the 2017 season. Link
Couple things of note though:
1) Pete Finebaum doesn't think Saban will be there through the length of the contract (2025), which would put Saban at 72. How much longer do you think Saban has down there, given the great recruiting he has and the competitive advantage?
2) I'm never for anyone giving money back, and we all know that Harbuagh could get paid a boatload more and he would still be worth it.... BUT, what if he did make it public that he was giving $1 million back each year to pay for these trips every summer (not paying for the trips himself, but the Athletic Dept. would then fund those trips with that money). Recruiting wise he could spin it as he is "paying" the players in the open, and kids would know what he did for the program and is putting his money where his mouth is.
Yeah that sounds like it could be an epic recruiting tool, but Im going to guess theres some rules against this. Im sure a coach cant pay out of his own pocket for players vacations even if he is first funneling it through the athletic department. Sounds like a huge risk
If it came out that Harbaugh was giving millions to the athletic department with some underlying deal that it pays for players vacations then that could result in one of the biggest scandals of all time. It would completely tarnish UM Football
And as great as Harbaugh is, giving away a million dollars per year is a bit much
huh?
Has anyone noticed how easy it is to spend other people's money? Just throw a million here and a million there...
There's no reason for coach to give any money towards these trips, unless you think they really are some sort of recruiting gimmick. Even Finebaum admits they are educational and what the college experience should be about, so why would JH feel the need to pay for them?
Yes. Athletic department has plenty of money. Plus anyting that even gives the slightest connotation of coaches "Paying" players would be bad. if harbaugh wants to get paid less, then he would take a hit in his salary and he could tell kids that. Dont see it being worthwile though.
The university has people that can pay for it, but don't you think it would have a greater impact if the students knew really where it was coming from... and it's the coach.
Again, Harbuagh wouldn't be paying for it directly, but giving back that money each year they would know exactly where it was coming from.
I think Saban is an ass.
As I recall, I think the rule is that the institution has to pay for it - how the institution gets that money is not specified, but I would think that if it were transparently obvious that the donation came from the coach himself, that might actually not look nearly as good as if it came from a rich donor. Besides, that it comes from an outside donor is a much better way to show off Michigan as the great - and influential - community that it is to recruits.
1) Just a guess but he'll be there until the end of 2023, then he'll leave.
2) 
hmmmmm....
There is no way Nick will go until 2025. The man has to relax and enjoy his remaining days at some point - right?
Saban just needs to retire. He looked so much happier back in the 80s when he played in a band instead of coaching.
and that's Brett Bielema on the electric violin near the end, with Jurgen Klinsmann on the keyboard.
How bout Harbaugh just earn his pay and keep it all in his pocket, and win some NCs like Saban. Cool? Cool.
Some hardware would be nice to go along with all the buzz.
i believe Saban didn't win a conference championship until his 8th year as a HC, and a NC in his 10th year. So theres that.
no fun in speaking in truths. lets compare two completely different situations as if they are equal, just so you can say harbugh is over paid. why do they care so much?
So what does #1 have to do with #2?!?!?
Harbaugh and this staff are clearly elite talent evaluators, and elite talent developers. I have no doubt that Michigan is headed for championships... I'm just worried that Harbaugh took over a program so far behind the times, it may take him 2/3rds the length of his contract to get a big ten title or national title.
Michigan just had the most players drafted of any college team. I have no doubts Harbaugh will continue to recruit and develop on the highest level. The problem is, Ohio state is always one step ahead. One of Ohio state's youngest teams ever beat one of Michigans most talented, most experienced teams ever. Ohio out recruits us every fucking year. I can't wait til Jim and staff figures out how to beat those fucking snakes in Columbus.
stop it . what a stupid statement. one play and michigan is in the big ten championship game. that is football. some of these teams that have made it to the playoffs had at least one very lucky game to get there. michigan may never have the kinda luck msu had 2 years ago, or osu had last year. but at least they are in there fighting.
He should get 4 full recruiting classes before any judgements can be made. But the improvement in play is far better under Harbaugh then RR and Hoke. All Harbaugh needs is a few more recruiting classes to build depth. 2019 and future years will be bright for Michigan as a national power. I just hope Harbaugh decides to stay at Michigan after winning his first national championship and not trying to go back to the NFL again. I think Harbaugh loves it here and my guess is he will have a good 20 year run and will be one of our most famous coaches.
In the Game last year Michigan beat OSU up and down the field. Two things made the difference.
Those stinking skunk cheatings refs made a mockery of the game of football.
And Wilton wilted.
We're playing at home this year. That will make a big difference.
Harbaugh had the team in great postion to beat OSU. The defense played great until the last half of the 4th and the offense did not help at all in the 4th. I think it just comes down to players having the winning attitude. You have to put the hammer down and play to win. The team blew IA and OSU. But they did have that winning attitude against WI. Sometimes with college kids it comes down to attitude and may be the Hoke years may have affected that killer winning instinct? I still think we had OSU on the ropes at the start of the 4th and one or two key plays would have knocked them off.
never say never