Should Jim Harbaugh sign a new contract to remain the head football coach at the University of Michigan, he is reportedly seeking assurances that he won't be fired.

According to Dan Wetzel of Yahoo Sports, Harbaugh is having ongoing contract talks with Michigan, and as part of a potential new deal, he wants immunity from firing regardless of what ongoing NCAA investigations into him and the program produce.

Harbaugh is also keeping his options open in the form of possibly leaving for the NFL, as he interviewed with the Los Angeles Chargers for their vacant head coaching position on Monday.

During the 2023 season, Harbaugh served two separate suspensions of three games apiece for separate violations.

Harbaugh served a self-imposed three-game game ban to start the season because of violations that occurred during the COVID-19 dead period.

The Big Ten later suspended Harbaugh for the final three games of the regular season after it was determined that Michigan illegally scouting teams off campus and stole signs.

Michigan's sign-stealing scheme was allegedly run by former staffer Connor Stalions and a booster, and it featured Stalions and other representatives of the Michigan football team attending games involving future Wolverines opponents and recording the sidelines in an effort to steal and decode their signals.

Stalions resigned from his position, and even though Harbaugh denied having any knowledge of or involvement with the controversy, the Big Ten suspended him nonetheless.

Harbaugh returned to the sidelines to coach Michigan to victory over Iowa in the Big Ten Championship Game. The Wolverines then defeated Alabama in the Rose Bowl and Washington in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game to finish 15-0 and win their first national title since 1997.

While Harbaugh brought glory back to his alma mater, the possibility remains that NCAA sanctions could be on the horizon for him and the Michigan football program as a whole depending on what is found through multiple investigations.

Going back to the NFL would leave Harbaugh free and clear of any discipline, and it appears to be a real possibility since he is likely the hottest candidate available along with longtime New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.

Harbaugh previously coached the San Francisco 49ers for four seasons, and he enjoyed great success, taking them to the NFC Championship Game three times and the Super Bowl once.

However, if Harbaugh decides to stay in the college ranks, he is not only seeking immunity from firing based on the findings of current investigations, but he reportedly wants future assurances as well.

Per Wetzel, Harbaugh wants language in his contract that would prevent Michigan's athletic director from firing him for cause if future issues arise. Harbaugh is reportedly asking that a three-member arbitration panel decide his fate in such a case.

Harbaugh reportedly has an offer of six years and $11.5 million annually on the table from Michigan already, which would make him the highest-paid coach in college football, but getting a deal done may prove to be far more complicated than offering a lot of money.