The 2021 season has been an incredible success for Jim Harbaugh and Michigan, but there was no guarantee that he'd still be leading the Wolverines by this point just one year ago. Michigan went just 2–4 in the COVID-19-shortened ‘20 season, after which Harbaugh signed a contract extension that included a significant reduction of his base salary.
During Thursday's Orange Bowl press conference alongside Georgia's Kirby Smart, Harbaugh was asked how he reacted to the concessions he made with the new deal, and if it was a blow to his pride. Harbaugh's answer was vintage Harbaugh.