Weak economy puts contract extension on hold for Stanford's Jim Harbaugh
By Darren Sabedra
Mercury News
Posted: 02/04/2009 09:37:00 PM PST
Jim Harbaugh's anticipated three-year contract extension is on hold because of the crippling economy.
"I'm totally committed to Stanford," Harbaugh said Wednesday. "I just don't think it's appropriate with what's going on with the economy, the pressure that's on our athletic department; now is just not the time to be talking about personal finances.
"But we trust Stanford. We're going to do a good job. We're going to fight for our jobs here. We trust that we'll be taken care of down the road."
Athletic Director Bob Bowlsby added, "He's committed to being here; we're committed to supporting him in ways that need be. But given the economy and all that's going on, on campus and throughout the area and throughout the nation, it just isn't our highest priority to try and get it done. He has three years left on his current agreement, and I think he trusts us that we'll take care of it when the time is right."
Stanford's athletic department expects to lose $5 million in revenue over the next three years and is considering reducing staff.
Harbaugh agreed to an extension in November, but the document went unsigned.
In January, just as recruiting season was heating up, a Web site Harbaugh's agent helped launch reported that the coach was receiving interest from NFL teams. Later, the same site reported that Harbaugh interviewed with the New York Jets.
Asked Wednesday if the NFL talk had any impact on recruiting, Harbaugh said he told the recruits that he was too "emotionally invested in the job" and it was clear "we weren't going anywhere."
http://www.mercurynews.com/sports/ci_11631401