Prior to the start of the 2021 season, Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh had his contract re-worked, which ended up costing him roughly half of his base salary.
On Thursday, during his pre-Orange Bowl press conference, Harbaugh was asked about how he reacted to his re-worked contract.
“I reacted, ‘No big deal.’ Attacking each day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind. It didn’t really mean anything to me. Just money. Big deal,” Harbaugh said.
He added, “I would do this job for free,” Harbaugh said. “I enjoy the ride the whole time.”
Jim Harbaugh was asked how he reacted to his re-worked contract at Michigan.
"I reacted, 'No big deal.' Attacking each day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind. It didn't really mean anything to me. Just money. Big deal," he said. pic.twitter.com/iI5WvTER8b
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) December 30, 2021
Harbaugh adds, in a different answer: "I would do this job for free."
— Zach Shaw (@_ZachShaw) December 30, 2021
Though Harbaugh’s contract was re-worked, he has earned a ton of that money back in bonuses for winning the Big Ten Championship, being named Coach of the Year, and going to the College Football Playoff.
But instead of keeping that money, that he earned, Harbaugh is giving it to other Michigan coaches and staffers who had to take pay cuts during the pandemic.
“Bo Schembechler has a saying here at Michigan: ‘Those who stay will be champions.’ It’s always resonated with me,'” Harbaugh said.
Jim Harbaugh was asked about giving back money from his contract bonuses to other Michigan coaches and staffers. He said people have been appreciative.
"Bo Schembechler has a saying here at Michigan: 'Those who stay will be champions.' It's always resonated with me,'" he said. pic.twitter.com/SXGoNpmdaU
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) December 30, 2021