NFL: San Francisco 49ers head coachj Jim Harbaugh linked with exit to Michigan

The biggest question over this Christmas period might not be who can reach the NFL play-offs, but whether San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh will leave for the University of Michigan.

Michigan – one of the biggest names in college football – have apparently offered Harbaugh a six-year, $49m contract to leave Northern California, according to ESPN.

Harbaugh didn’t refute the fact that there had been an offer at Thursday’s press conference, but said: "I've said I’m going to finish this until the end. My focus is the same as the players’ focus, it’s the same as the coaches’ focus, the focus on the practice field, the focus in meetings, by our players, by our coaches and by me. That is our focus – this football game against the San Diego Chargers. And playing well and winning. That’s where our energy and focus is."

Best-paid coach

The deal, according to the report, would make Harbaugh the best-paid coach in college football, ahead of Alabama head coach Nick Saban.

My focus is the same as the players’ focus, it’s the same as the coaches’ focus, the focus on the practice field, the focus in meetings, by our players, by our coaches and by me.

Harbaugh is apparently at odds with the 49ers leadership after the team failed to make the play-offs this year after three straight appearances in the NFC title game – including one win that took them to a Super Bowl in 2013.

The Niners currently have a 7-7 record but have been hampered by off-season controversy, including having to dismiss defensive linesman Ray McDonald earlier this week after the player was investigated for sexual assault.

Harbaugh played for the Wolverines as a starting quarterback, where he threw for over 5,400 yards and 31 years between 1983-1986. He started under legendary head coach Bo Schembechler, one of the most successful bosses in the school’s history. He still highly reveres the college, and actually attended high school in Ann Arbor, where the campus is based.

Harbaugh was previously the head coach at Stanford before taking the San Francisco job.