Until now, it has been reported that Michigan merely made a third-party inquiry to Fitzgerald.

The reality is that Michigan's interest in Fitzgerald was so sincere, representatives of the school laid out salary parameters, according to sources.

[...]

Fitzgerald, 36 with three kids and a $2.3 million home in Northfield, is not driven by money, those close to him say. He showed that by declining to interview with Michigan officials, who were willing to meet him in Texas or wherever he wished.

Had negotiations ensued, Michigan likely would have offered around $3 million, according to sources.