Jim Harbaugh will be severing ties with the National Football League's (NFL) San Francisco 49ers. His coaching duties shift to college football as he prepares to take up his position of head coach at the University of Michigan.

According to an inside source who has knowledge on the situation, Harbaugh will be announced as the University of Michigan's next football coach in a news conference at noon on Tuesday. He leaves the 49ers after coaching them for four seasons.

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Harbaugh's coaching talent is considered by many as one of the best in the collegiate and professional level. He played for Michigan in college where he was the starting quarterback for three seasons - from 1984 to 1986 - under then coach Bo Schembechler.

When he begins coaching Michigan, he will become the first Michigan graduate to be his alma mater's head coach since the former halfback Bump Elliott did so in 1959.

Harbaugh's parents, Jack and Jackie, also flew to Michigan from Wisconsin earlier Monday with their son. Jack, who was a Michigan assistant under Schembechler, said that it was good to be home.

It is reported that Harbaugh's contract with Michigan is worth US $48 million to $50 million over six years. This feat makes him the highest-paid coach in college football history.

Harbaugh's contract could help drive up the pay scale of college football elite coaches, as Alabama Coach Nick Saban previously held the distinction with a $7.1 million contract plus bonuses this season.

Anywhere Harbaugh went, he achieved success in each team he stayed with.

In the three years he coached at the University of San Diego, he was 29-6. Four years at Stanford saw him resurrect a flailing football program. He also coached two Heisman Trophy finalists in Andrew Luck and Toby Gerhart, as well as winning an Orange Bowl.

Harbaugh finally led the 49ers to three NFC title games and even a Super Bowl appearance.

TagsJim Harbaugh, coach, NFL, San Francisco 49ers, University of Michigan, Football