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Jim Harbaugh when asked about NFL: 'Future consists of a happy flight back to Ann Arbor'

NFL talk? Not right now. The only future item on Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh's docket is his team's flight back to Ann Arbor after beating Alabama, 27-20, in the Rose Bowl.

At least for now.

The Wolverines rallied in the fourth quarter to beat Alabama after some poor special teams play nearly ruined their otherwise solid performance. The Wolverines scored with 1:34 left in the fourth quarter to tie the game, 20-20, then got a stop, muffed a punt, recovered it, and eventually won in overtime.

Needless to say, Michigan fans were going through all of the emotions.

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh waves at fans to celebrate a 27-20 Rose Bowl win over Alabama at the 2024 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh waves at fans to celebrate a 27-20 Rose Bowl win over Alabama at the 2024 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.

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After the win, the Wolverines exuberantly celebrated on the field as Harbaugh was handed the Rose Bowl game trophy. Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said on the field during the celebration that the win over Alabama was the moment he had been waiting for since he took over the athletic department

However, as seems to often be the case with Harbaugh, it didn't take long for his future with Michigan to be brought up.

In the final question of Harbaugh's postgame press conference, the former Michigan quarterback was asked about his coaching future and whether the national championship game next week could be his final game with Michigan.

"There's a lot of interest in your future; I wonder if you can tell me what the chances are that the championship game might be your last one at Michigan?" Harbaugh was asked.

The question came as rumors persist that Harbaugh may look to the NFL, even as his program continues to dominate the college football landscape. Reports surfaced this week that Harbaugh had hired an agent with NFL ties, Don Yee, who has represented former Michigan quarterback Tom Brady.

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When asked about his future, Harbaugh offered a clever deflection while not entirely denying that it could be his final game at U-M, either.

"My future consists of a happy flight back to Ann Arbor, Michigan. Can't wait," Harbaugh said.

It's not surprising that Harbaugh had no interest in discussing the NFL or his future after the biggest win of his college career, but those anxiously waiting for an answer on Harbaugh's employer of the future will have to wait at least another week. The Wolverines are set to play Washington in the national championship on Jan. 8 in Houston, with college football's biggest prize on the line.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Jim Harbaugh on NFL: 'Future consists of a happy flight' home