Jim Harbaugh will not likely let anyone know where he plans to coach football next season until the season is over, but it is apparent that the University of Michigan (UM) is a strong possibility.

All signs to this point in the offseason have Harbaugh leaving the San Francisco 49ers one way or another and, in need of a new football coach, UM has not hired anyone as of yet. Now, several reports are indicating UM will wait until Harbaugh makes some sort of announcement and the coach is said to be considering going back to the college game with Michigan.

Trent Baalke, the 49ers general manager who Harbaugh has reportedly clashed with, confirmed to ESPN that UM has contacted him regarding the coach.

"I think the University of Michigan, in reaching out, did handle it correctly," Baalke said. "As I look at it, guys, it's very simple: He's the head football coach of the San Francisco 49ers.

"Our focus is on this last game. We'll address next season after this season is over, and not until then. We'll deal with this at the end of the season. That's when we'll deal with it."

Habaugh turned 51 Tuesday and UM sent their former quarterback well wished on Twitter. But the school already made their interest in Harbaugh becoming their next head football coach known with a reported offer for $48 million over six years. Such a contract would make Harbaugh the highest paid coach in college football.

ESPN's Adam Schefter has reported recently that sources close to Harbaugh say they coach is torn over staying in the NFL or coaching at Michigan. It seems to only be a matter of time before he officially becomes the most sought after coach this offseason.

Harbaugh may or may not be using the offer from UM to pressure the 49ers, who have an obvious incentive to work out a trade in which they can receive a draft pick in return for their coach.

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