Michigan’s repeat of national title feat hinges on decisions

What’s next for Jim Harbaugh?

HOUSTON — After winning its first national championship in 26 years, Michigan heads into an uncertain future.

Who stays, who goes and is a repeat possible in an expanded and loaded Big Ten that will include the Washington team the Wolverines beat 34-13 in the national championship game?

The biggest question after Michigan wrapped up a 15-0 season is the status of coach Jim Harbaugh. The ninth-year coach has led his alma mater to three straight Big Ten titles and College Football Playoff appearances and is the top target for NFL teams with head coach openings. Harbaugh has not commented about his intentions.

Several players also are considering whether to enter the NFL draft or return to school with NCAA sanctions possibly coming.

Third-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy is widely projected to be a late first

HOUSTON — Michigan’s climb back to the summit of college football ended with its 34-13 win over Washington in the College Football Playoff championship game on Monday night.

Next, the Wolverines and their fans wait and see if Jim Harbaugh stays or goes.

Harbaugh, as he did during the lead-up to the championship, deflected all questions about his future an hour after the game and again Tuesday. But decision time is drawing near as NFL franchises begin or consider searching for new coaches. “I just want to enjoy this. I hope you give me that. Can a guy have that?” Harbaugh said after the game. “Does it always have to be, ‘What’s next, what’s the future?’”

Harbaugh looked into NFL jobs the last two years before deciding to stay at Michigan. It’s possible he won’t this time, especially with the school facing possible NCAA sanctions for recruiting violations and the signstealing scandal that hung over the team all season.

There is also the question of what’s left to accomplish at Michigan for the 60-year-old Harbaugh. The “Michigan Man” did what he set out to do when he left the San Francisco 49ers in 2014 to return to Ann Arbor, where his father was an assistant under Bo

UConn forward Ice Brady (25) plays in No. 15 UConn’s 95-64 win over No. 18 Marquette at the XL Center in Hartford on Dec. 31.

Michigan Wolverines running back Donovan Edwards reacts after running for a 46-yard touchdown during the national championship College Football Playoff game Monday in Houston.

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh celebrates with the trophy after their win in the national championship College Football Playoff game against Washington Monday in Houston.