SI Article on Why Harbaugh Should Stay

Submitted by SeaWolv on January 21st, 2024 at 9:56 AM

https://www.si.com/college/michigan/football/michigan-football-jim-harbaugh-nfl-ann-arbor-national-championship-wolverines

He truly has built something incredible here that took years to get right and won’t be easy to duplicate. Especially having his dad involved and the family all around him like it is now.
 

My hope is if it not the right fit of salary, control and organizational meshing then he’s likely coming back. He’s not going to take just any NFL head coaching position. 

bamf_16

January 21st, 2024 at 10:54 AM ^

I think everyone’s tired of the annual drama, but perhaps just as tiring is the reality that he’s worth it! He’s worth every bit of it.

 

I know no man can predict the future, but geez, if Harbaugh doesn’t get an NFL job after what he’s done the last three seasons, is it ever going to happen? Will his stock be higher next season? Will he somehow drop his demands for roster control? 

 

The family element is why I’d think the Commanders job would be the most appealing to him. With brother John’s job security being what it is with the Ravens, Jim could move the family to DC and hire Jay, Jack & Jackie move to the area, he has the family around him even more so than in Ann Arbor, and doesn’t have to recruit his roster 365 days/year.

Oscar

January 21st, 2024 at 1:47 PM ^

"I think everyone’s tired of the annual drama, but perhaps just as tiring is the reality that he’s worth it! He’s worth every bit of it."

 

I definitely agree with this, but my frustration is wondering how many recruits we have missed out on with this annual anti-recruiting ammo he is gifting to other coaches.

bamf_16

January 21st, 2024 at 2:08 PM ^

Absolutely a legitimate concern, one shared by most (if not all).

 

The easing of transfer restrictions might actually help Michigan though. Maybe the message, “Come here if that’s what you want, knowing that if/when Harbaugh leaves, you get 30 days to enter the portal“ works?

glennmwatson

January 21st, 2024 at 12:33 PM ^

I think the "annual drama" is a function of not having the full and enthusiastic support of Warde Manuel. This became plainly obvious with Manuel's seeming full support and cooperation of the Big10 fiasco, which is likely the case with the NCAA, and Harbaugh is sick and tired of being badmouthed and, in his eyes, being thrown under the bus, whether now or in the future.  Ono clearly supports Harbaugh and I am amazed he hasn't directed Manuel to get the deal done before all of the recruiting targets, the transfer portal candidates, and our coaches bolt to secure their own futures.  It is absurd this is still going on.  

The Geek

January 21st, 2024 at 12:54 PM ^

Forcing me to defend Warde, but Harbaugh’s immunity demand is a major nonstarter for any organization. Also, it seems likely the NCAA won’t go after him after the president said Michigan won “fair and square.” The possibility does exist but I doubt the school would “for cause” fire him if he was suspended additional games for what is a trivial rule violation. Just my .02, I don’t think it’s fair to just blame Warde, I’m sure he wants Harbaugh back in Ann Arbor  

 

growler4

January 21st, 2024 at 1:39 PM ^

This is... unrealistic, to be charitable.

This denies the reality of Warde Manuel's scathing letter response to the Big Ten Commissioner.

Michigan is a voluntarily member of the NCAA and the Big Ten Conference. It's an athletic and an academic fit and the institutional needs far outweigh and will outlive Harbaugh's alleged annoyance and perceived insecurity, requiring loves and hugs (though personally I doubt the latter).

Manuel has publicly stated that he has supported Harbaugh and wants Harbaugh to remain has Michigan head football coach. What more do you expect him to do ... exactly?

The choice of staying or leaving is Harbaugh's.

 

grumbler

January 21st, 2024 at 9:46 PM ^

Mindless shitposting on MGoBlog doesn't make Manuel's public utterances "posturing."  People seem so desperate to blame Manuel for anything that they apparently won't even stop to consider that what we have in the Harbaugh contract negotiations is a man with a very strong hand pushing the university to its limit in order to get everything he can in terms of job security.  Why wouldn't Harbaugh (or any coach) try to make it harder to fire him?

mackbru

January 21st, 2024 at 10:42 AM ^

It’s really weird to have a program whose motto is Those Who Stay Will Be Champions be led by a coach who annually tries to leave. Check things out once or twice? Sure. Every year? No. Shit or get off, Jim. Seriously. Stop making it all about you. It’s bad for the program’s long term health. 

M-Dog

January 21st, 2024 at 11:05 AM ^

I used to think this exact thing . . . but then he stayed long enough to became Champion!

At this point, he can go pursue his Super Bowl dream with our blessings, IMO.

(But do get on with it, Jim.  This is dragging out to the point where it is detrimental to the Michigan program.  You don't want to hurt the legacy you have left.)

three_honks

January 21st, 2024 at 1:41 PM ^

Michigan's going to have to hit the portal hard next year after Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, and Will Johnson depart for the NFL.  Something like the 8-position player haul from last year.

https://www.on3.com/college/michigan-wolverines/football/2023/industry-comparison-commits/

Only 1 of the 8 (Josh Wallace) committed after December.

Hensons Mobile…

January 21st, 2024 at 11:14 AM ^

It looks like this might be the year Jim Harbaugh gets an offer from the NFL

Does it? Around here people keep telling me he got an offer last year anyway.

Meanwhile, this year he's interviewed with two teams. One of them has interviewed a hundred other people including Vrabel. The other one has interviewed Belichick who they supposedly prefer.

Seems far from a certainty to me that he's even getting offered a job.

SalvatoreQuattro

January 21st, 2024 at 11:32 AM ^

Harbaugh is being brought in a for a second inperson by the Falcons. Seems likely that he is going to leave IMO. Younger than BB. Falcons can draft JJ and pair him with London, Pitts, and Bijan.

If Harbaugh leaves he will leave it in hands he is confident will keep it humming. If you trust his judgment as as head coach then you should trust his choice for successor.
 

Harbaugh won’t cripple the program by taking a multitude of assistants. I honestly don’t think it is a given he takes Minter either. Harbaugh knows what the ‘24 schedule looks like and knows that Moore will need all the help he can get. The Harbaugh’s will continue to help the program if Jim should leave. Michigan means something to them and they won’t abandon  it to a bad fate. If Minter leaves I suspect that another respected young DC will take his spot.

ShawarmaChameleon

January 21st, 2024 at 12:11 PM ^

Going to be really hard to keep Minter with or without Jim. He's 40. Needs to start making moves if he wants to be a head coach. Iron is never going to be hotter. He can jump to the NFL now and be a head coach candidate in 1-2 years. If MacDonald gets a head job that's two potential jobs where he'd be the first choice, a third if Jim ends up in NFL. And those are just the in-family options. 

And even if he saw himself as a college guy and wanted to stay at Michigan, he's not going to be the head coach at Michigan in the near to intermediate future.

Maybe...maybe...Jim stays at Michigan, MacDonald doesn't get a head coaching job and Michigan throws a brinks truck at him for one more year.

mooseman

January 21st, 2024 at 12:01 PM ^

Like everyone else, I have no idea what will happen. I think like the majority of people here I’ve always felt that college football is such a unique and special atmosphere that the pro game pales in comparison.

As a different perspective, I was listening to an interview with a guy that had been Pete Carroll’s assistant at USC. He said there was a big college game that he knew Carroll was leaving but it wasn’t public yet. He said to Carroll “Aren’t you going to miss this?” Carroll replied “In the pros, every game is like this.”

I don’t know if this is a widespread view among those who have been at both levels or not. It just seemed foreign to me.

KBLOW

January 21st, 2024 at 12:21 PM ^

IMO, I can't see the teams he's interviewed with giving him the control, salary, and budget he must be asking for. If a team does, then good for him, but most of the owners are in the born of third base club and are too arrogant to give up that level of control and cash. 

wolverinestuckinEL

January 21st, 2024 at 1:07 PM ^

Vegas odds still holding steady with about a 67% chance he goes to the NFL and 33% chance he stays at Michigan.  The only fluctuation is that the chargers odds have dropped slightly and falcons has risen.  More indication that nobody really knows anything concrete.

Johnny Blood

January 21st, 2024 at 1:22 PM ^

Maybe he and his brother John can just switch roles for a year (after John wins the Super Bowl this year) to mix things up. 

That way Jim can go for his Super Bowl and John can go for an NCAA championship.

(Yes, I know this is not realistic, but it would be kind of funny if their respective organizations allowed it.)

matty blue

January 21st, 2024 at 1:53 PM ^

sheesh.  some of y’all need to stop with the internet entirely.  or stop sharing every damn opinion pulled from every damn butt of every damn reporter.  

there’s no news, no opinion that hadn’t already been shared.  just stop.

Swayze Howell Sheen

January 21st, 2024 at 2:04 PM ^

ChatGPT: Can you write an article about why Jim Harbaugh should stay as coach of U of M football, instead of leaving to go to the NFL? Include quotes from well-known football commentators (you can make these up). 

Why Jim Harbaugh Should Stay with Michigan Football: A Look at Legacy, Success, and Future Prospects

Ann Arbor, MI – Amidst swirling rumors of NFL interests, the question on every University of Michigan fan's mind is: should Jim Harbaugh stay as the head coach of the Wolverines? The answer, resoundingly, is yes. Harbaugh's tenure at Michigan has not just revitalized the program but also ingrained a culture of excellence and resilience that speaks volumes about his capabilities and fit with the team.

Building a Lasting Legacy

"Harbaugh's impact on Michigan football goes beyond the wins and losses," says fictional football analyst, Tom Madison. "He has reestablished Michigan as a powerhouse in college football, bringing in top recruits and developing NFL-caliber talent. His departure would mean a step back from the progress made over the years."

Harbaugh's return to his alma mater in 2015 was more than a homecoming; it was a mission to rebuild a storied program. Under his guidance, the Wolverines have seen a resurgence in national relevance, marked by consistent top-10 recruiting classes and competitive play in the Big Ten.

Success Beyond the Scoreboard

Harbaugh's success is not solely measured by the scoreboard. His influence on players off the field is equally noteworthy. "Coach Harbaugh doesn't just prepare players for the game; he prepares them for life," notes fictional sports commentator, Lisa Hernandez. "His focus on academics, character building, and community involvement has left an indelible mark on these young men."

His holistic approach to coaching and emphasis on player development has earned him respect not only within the university but also across college football.

The Allure of the NFL vs. The Stability of College Football

While the NFL offers a larger stage and new challenges, Harbaugh's alignment with the college game is evident. "The NFL is a different beast, and not every successful college coach can replicate their success there," states fictional football expert, Derek Robinson. "Harbaugh's style, deeply rooted in collegiate traditions and long-term player development, is tailor-made for the college game."

Moreover, Harbaugh's unfinished business at Michigan, including the pursuit of a national championship, presents a compelling reason to stay.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Jim Harbaugh's tenure at the University of Michigan has been more than successful; it has been transformative. His leadership, commitment to excellence, and deep connection with the university make him an invaluable asset to the Wolverines. As Michigan continues to ascend under his guidance, it becomes clear that Harbaugh's place is here in Ann Arbor, continuing to build a lasting legacy in college football.

"Harbaugh's heart is with Michigan, and that's where his future should be too," concludes Madison. And in the hearts of Wolverine fans, there's no doubt that Harbaugh is right where he belongs.

HateSparty

January 21st, 2024 at 2:33 PM ^

I said this in another thread. If Harbaugh is not hired this year, I am of the thought he never will be. If so, the leverage is fully with Michigan. Harbaugh is under contract so there is nothing requiring a new deal. Next year will be a developmental year. If a significant loss on the assistant end occurs, we could be looking at an 8/9 win year. If the QB situation is as big a drop off as some expect, it could be worse than 8. 
 

Although emotionally I want Harbaugh to be given a lifetime deal, an unemotional negotiation would suggest that’s a terrible idea. Warde might be doing this right.

BlueHills

January 21st, 2024 at 7:47 PM ^

In the last couple of weeks I've seen things I never thought I'd see again. Michigan winning the National Championship, straight up. The Detroit Lions defying The Curse, and winning two playoff games for the first time since 1957(!).

I'm now prepared to believe anything. Harbaugh staying? Sure. Great! Happy days. Harbaugh getting an NFL gig? I'll miss you man, but you deserve to do what you want to do, and thank you for restoring this program.

What I'm not going to do is get impatient. Let the string unwind a little and see what happens.