Michigan Coach Jim Harbaugh Claims he is not Worth $5 Million a Year

Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh claims that he is not worth his $5 million salary per year. Harbaugh, who was the head coach for the San Francisco 49ers, accepted the lucrative position at his alma mater earlier this year and has now opened up about his return to college football.

In an interview with Charlie LeDuff of Fox 2 in Detroit, Harbaugh, 51, spoke honestly about his hefty contract. When asked if he was worth that much money, the coach replied:

"Naw. I like making a buck just like the next guy. I'm not doing five times as much work as somebody else or doing more work than someone who's not the head football coach at the University of Michigan so, to answer your question, honestly, I would have to say no."

In the seven-year, $38.1 million contract, Harbaugh can actually make up to $7 million during his first year in incentives and bonuses. There is also an option to change his contract based on the future market.

Harbaugh's brother, John Harbaugh, who coaches the Baltimore Ravens, commented about the contract as well. He said during the NFL owners meeting on Tuesday, "I think it's warranted. His career has begun. He's a great football coach. He was a great player at Michigan, obviously. ... Great coach, great family man. I love him to death."

LeDuff also talked with U-M law professor Richard Friedman about Harbaugh's contract.

Friedman stated, "In terms of the value to the university, I think he'll probably be worth it. Is there something a little bit unusual that he's paid much more than the university president or much more than anybody else on campus? You know, that's the way the world is."

U-M has only won five games last season and has not been able to beat their rival Ohio since 20011. With Harbaugh, who used to be the quarterback at the University, the football team could start to move in the right direction.

Harbaugh said that his decision to leave the NFL to coach in Michigan "was from the heart."

"I grew up here. Went to school here. Was a student athlete here at Michigan and I have a great love for Michigan."

The Michigan Wolverines' football season starts on Sept. 3.