Michigan announces Jim Harbaugh as its next coach

Jim Harbaugh is officially Michigan’s new head coach.

After what has felt like months of speculation, the university formally announced Harbaugh’s hiring as the school's 20th head coach during a press conference on Tuesday.

Harbaugh replaces Brady Hoke, who was fired on Dec. 3 after four seasons with the program. During that time, Hoke amassed a 31-20 season, but was just 5-7 this season.

"Throughout my life I have dreamed of coaching at the University of Michigan," Harbaugh said in a statement. "Now I have the honor to live it.

"Across every discipline on campus, the University of Michigan stands for excellence. I feel privileged to take a leadership position at one of the finest universities in the world. I truly believe it is time to ask what we can do for our great university, and how I can be a great teammate. I commit to do my part to see to it the Michigan football program upholds its tradition of excellence."

Harbaugh spent the past four seasons as the head coach with the San Francisco 49ers. The two entities mutually agreed to part ways on Sunday. Harbaugh led the 49ers to three consecutive NFC Championship game appearances before struggling to an 8-8 season this year. There were rumblings about disagreements between Harbaugh and the 49ers’ management, which ultimately led to the split.

Harbaugh becomes the latest coach with Michigan ties to be hired by the program. Harbaugh played quarterback for the Wolverines for four years at Michigan from 1983-1986.

Harbaugh will make $5 million per year for seven years plus incentives. That figure is the same as what Harbaugh was making in San Francisco. Athletic director Jim Hackett said in a year he would revaluate the football program and adjust Harbaugh and his staff's pay accordingly. The base pay is far lower than the initial reports that claimed Harbaugh was in line to become college football’s highest paid coach with a six-year contract worth at least $48 million.

John U. Bacon, a Michigan blogger, tweeted Harbaugh wanted more money for his assistants instead of himself.

Jim Harbaugh told Hackett he did NOT want to be the highest paid coach in CFB, or even the Big Ten. More concerned with pay for assistants.

— John U. Bacon (@Johnubacon) December 30, 2014

Upon Harbaugh’s departure from the 49ers, several other NFL teams, including the Bears, Jets and Raiders, courted the coach, but he chose to come back to Michigan. Harbaugh actually came close to taking the Michigan job in 2011, but decided to go to the 49ers instead and the Wolverines went with Hoke.

For more Michigan news, visit TheWolverine.com.

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