Michigan’s return to the top of college football concluded with a 34-13 victory over Washington in the College Football Playoff championship game on Monday night.
Next, the Wolverines and their fans will wait to see if Jim Harbaugh will stay or leave.
Harbaugh, as he had done in the run-up to the championship, deflected all questions about his future an hour after the game, but decision time is approaching as NFL franchises begin or consider hiring new coaches.
“I just want to enjoy it. I hope you’ll give me that. Can a guy get that?” Harbaugh said. “Does it always have to be, ‘What’s next, what’s the future?'” 
Even though it was a fantastic season, the path to 15-0 was not easy. Harbaugh started the season with a three-game suspension imposed by the school for alleged recruiting violations during the pandemic. He was also suspended for the final three regular-season games for violating the Big Ten’s sportsmanship policy in connection with the sign-stealing scheme, which was blamed on a staff member who resigned during the season.
Harbaugh described the championship victory as glorious.
“We stood strong and tall because we knew we were innocent,” he said. “Everything went exactly as we planned. “It went exactly as planned.”
Michigan fourth-year defensive end Braiden McGregor said Harbaugh is always willing to help and encourage players who want to play in the NFL.
“So I think that’s the same way we should feel about him,” McGregor said before the game. “If that is his decision at the end of the day, or if he gets a job, I am happy for him; hopefully, he will go on to win a Super Bowl.” But if he comes back, we’ll try to win another natty.
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