Harbaugh Completed 2-Hour Virtual Interview With Broncos Yesterday
Considered a "top candidate" afterwards. Article here.
I love Coach Harbaugh, and really hope he stays at UM forever. That being said, I have a feeling that spending two hours on Zoom with Jim would be...weird. He's the kind of guy that stares directly at his web cam and uses the "raise hand" button when he wants to talk and the "applause" button when someone says something he likes...
January 10th, 2023 at 10:23 AM ^
For 100 years of Michigan dominance? I’m a team player.
January 10th, 2023 at 10:42 AM ^
Sam Webb, Angelique, etc should be interviewing and keeping in touch with the AD
LOL
Has it occurred to you that Warde Manuel would refuse to be interviewed about this right now?
Manuel has demonstrated a pronounced disinclination to make any public statements about anything of crucial importance until decisions have been made. Neither Webb or Angelique can force somebody to consent to an interview.
January 10th, 2023 at 10:48 AM ^
No. But reporters still tend to do their jobs even when management isn’t quite forthcoming. They tend to reach out to people further down the totem pole. Report that Warde was asked “this,” but declined to comment on “that.” Idk. I don’t have a journalist degree but I know that they don’t just throw their hands up when their subject isn’t cooperating fully.
January 10th, 2023 at 9:52 AM ^
If he wants to go back to the NFL, that's fine. I won't begrudge a man for chasing his ultimate goals. But at this point, all this dragging out is doing is hurting Michigan on the recruiting trail. Especially now that this has been done two years in a row.
At this point, Warde, just offer the man a "take it or leave it" contract. Offer him money that's worthy of his accomplishments, but if he doesn't take it, then respectfully tell him to step down so he can pursue his NFL aspirations full-time and allow the program he's built to move on.
All this is doing right now is hurting Michigan. Keeping Michigan in a holding pattern for two stinking offseasons in a row is not fair to the program. I'm not talking about being fair to the fans. We aren't owed much in all of this because we don't have a real stake in anything beyond being entertained on Saturdays. But its absolutely not fair to the program, the players, and the staff who still want to be here.
What recruit with a choice is going to want to commit to a coach that they can't even be sure will be here next month? Let alone in four years?
January 10th, 2023 at 9:58 AM ^
This. Are teams even "negatively recruiting" against Michigan when it's true?
January 10th, 2023 at 9:58 AM ^
Just out of curiosity, do you think it is it unfair to the fans who now do have a real stake in the program now that the AD is soliciting donations for NIL collectives? Is the end result of all of this we end up like the Packer's season ticket holders that are "owners" because they got sold some bogus shares in exchange for some false sense of program ownership? I'm not being snarky, I honestly wonder if the "you don't really have a stake in this" changes when you're going well beyond paying for a seat in the stands or some merchandise from time to time.
January 10th, 2023 at 11:04 AM ^
Fair points to raise.
Yeah I'm not too sure. I guess its easier to de-prioritize said fans because all they have to do, if they're really that mad, is stop writing a check. For the players and staff, this is their lives and their careers, so they have much more on the line than even the biggest NIL donors.
As a donor, your life, your career, your legacy, those things really aren't impacted (or shouldn't be) by what Harbaugh does, because at the end of the day you're still just a fan who is fortunate enough to have enough extra money in your pocket that you're willing to throw it at 18-22 year old kids. I suppose you have more of a stake in what happens than the average fan and are potentially "owed" more, but again, said fans can make their voice heard by telling the Warde that he can forget about finding their check in the mail next month.
But those who don't contribute to NIL, or those who just buy some tickets and merch from time to time, yeah my answer doesn't change. Those fans, including myself, really aren't owed anything.
January 10th, 2023 at 11:46 AM ^
I'm not talking about being fair to the fans. We aren't owed much in all of this because we don't have a real stake in anything beyond being entertained on Saturdays. But its absolutely not fair to the program, the players, and the staff who still want to be here.
Many of us pay state income taxes and sales taxes, some of which goes to the university and then the program indirectly. Some of us also pay/paid tuition to the university. We also pay for tickets, watch the broadcast's commercials (ugh) and buy the logo apparel that directly funds the program. Some of us also contribute to NIL.
So I'd say it's not fair to the program AND not fair to the fans.
January 10th, 2023 at 9:55 AM ^
At this point, I begrudge the man nothing. That said, I do wish his approach to his own career were a little less cavalier.
January 10th, 2023 at 10:08 AM ^
The TCU game has me thinking that maybe this is as good as it gets with Harbaugh. Unfortunately, I don't have any reason to believe that Warde will find a better replacement. Meanwhile, Jadyn Davis is probably going to go to a school that doesn't have to wonder if the coach is going to leave every year.
January 10th, 2023 at 10:16 AM ^
Elite recruits hate uncertainty, more than anything else. He's probably already gone.
January 10th, 2023 at 11:06 AM ^
OSU is putting the full court press on Davis right now. Won't be surprised to see him end up in Columbus when this is all said and done.
January 10th, 2023 at 12:25 PM ^
This was my fear too. Now that they lost Dylan Raiola, they have been going at Davis hard. He was also an OSU lean at the very beginning. Not good.
January 10th, 2023 at 12:29 PM ^
Sounds like the most Michigan thing ever...
January 10th, 2023 at 1:00 PM ^
This doesn't make what Harbaugh's doing OK, but there's no such thing as "certainty." These coaches up and go somewhere at the drop of a hat all the time. Look at last year, Kelly and Riley were thought to be stable and certain until they weren't - and Riley took half the roster with him on his way out to door, ensuring that Oklahoma was kneecapped for at least a couple of years.
Any one of these college coaches would bounce for a good NFL opportunity and double the money. None of them would think twice about it. The only 2 differences are that 1) unlike the VAST majority of college coaches, Harbaugh is actually in some level of demand with the NFL, and 2) he's not lying about it. Well, he lied last year when he said it "wouldn't be an every year thing," but now the truth is obvious. Bottom line, if other coaches aren't giving the impression they'd go to the NFL every January, it's only because the NFL isn't talking to them every January.
Wherever Jadyn Davis winds up, he'll have to worry about the coach leaving every year. It's always on the table. That's why the NCAA has made transfer rules so much more relaxed.
January 10th, 2023 at 9:59 AM ^
I have no clue what to think anymore. Harbaugh puts out an official release that he expects to be back then takes a 2 hour interview with an NFL team. Was that release just an awful attempt at maintaining some recruiting momentum while still trying to leave? Because everyone saw right through it. Is this just some weird way of playing hardball contract negotiations with Warde? Because if it is, it's stupid and shooting Michigan in the foot after yet another successful season
January 10th, 2023 at 11:32 AM ^
I think it's mostly the former. They were just trying to throw some bone out there to attempt to reassure the fans and recruits that he was coming back. But awful is a good word to describe it. It did nothing to dispel the fog of uncertainty hovering around the program. If we lose Davis because of this, me and many other Michigan fans are going to be really pissed.
January 10th, 2023 at 11:54 AM ^
I don't think we can blame Warde for this. What choice does he have? Given the current contract, the only one is firing Harbaugh and can you imagine the fan base's rabid reaction to that? This is 100% on Harbaugh. He's the one who got an agent and is pursuing interviews. Let's not infantilize him by making it seem like Warde is in the driver's seat.
January 10th, 2023 at 1:30 PM ^
People blame Warde bc they want to think Harbaugh loves Michigan more than life itself, but you’re right that this is 100% on him. People saying Warde should give him some ridiculous ultimatum can’t be taken seriously. Warde is stuck with a coach that’s way too to good fire but who would rather coach in the NFL (under certain conditions).
January 10th, 2023 at 9:59 AM ^
People need to get over it and stop whining.
NFL interest in Harbaugh every year is part of the deal. All the crying and bitching about it changes nothing.
January 10th, 2023 at 10:07 AM ^
Wanting our program to not be hijacked and held hostage by one guy is whining? Then let’s just archive the “No man is more important than the team…” quote now. No longer applies.
”Leaders and best” nah, shelve that too. We are now “backup plan and second choice.” Change the fight song. I’m joking, but…..
January 10th, 2023 at 10:14 AM ^
NFL interest in Harbaugh every year is part of the deal. All the crying and bitching about it changes nothing.
"NFL interest" is not what people are "crying and bitching" about. People are rightfully annoyed and upset about how Jim and Warde have dealt with it
January 10th, 2023 at 10:19 AM ^
Exactly.
32 NFL teams will probably contact Kirby Smart today. And he will refuse to speak to all of them.
THAT is how you handle it if you intend to stay. If.
January 10th, 2023 at 1:14 PM ^
I find it extremely unlikely that Kirby Smart would both 1) receive that much NFL attention and 2) turn it down categorically if he did.
Not every single good college coach attracts NFL attention. Harbaugh does because he's demonstrated success at that level. Saban and Urban prove that excellent college coaches may be mediocre (or downright terrible) in the pros in the absence of other pro experience.
January 10th, 2023 at 8:46 PM ^
You don't hyperbole much, do you?
January 10th, 2023 at 1:50 PM ^
Nope. Saban and Smart are busy winning championships without talking to NFL teams between conference championship Saturday and the first playoff game. Harbaugh isn't a god and his biggest influence said no man, no coach is bigger than the team. It doesn't have to be "part of the deal" every year. Some people are just allowing it.
January 10th, 2023 at 9:59 AM ^
If he wants to be in the NFL, then I wish him the best. I just hope that this will not be an annual distraction that is detrimental to the program. I never wanted him out and didn't think we would have been better off replacing him after 2020 but I am confident that the program is now in a state where we can find someone either internal or external to take over and lead us to good things.
January 10th, 2023 at 10:03 AM ^
It already IS an annual distraction.
January 10th, 2023 at 10:01 AM ^
Look, Harbaugh wants to go back to the NFL. He has said so many different times, in many different ways. That is never going to change.
And he's earned it. He has gotten Michigan back to at least where Bo had it, probably even better. He's already a Michigan legend from here on, if he does not sabotage the program.
So he should stop trying to have a foot in both waters. Work out a transition with Warde and chase your dream, Jim.
January 10th, 2023 at 10:05 AM ^
Just get this over with. Warde is seriously a dumbass. He should not be our AD.
January 10th, 2023 at 11:18 AM ^
To be honest, Warde can only do so much with money as opposed to an NFL team. The NFL will always outbid a college if it wants to. However, I don't think Harbaugh is about the bottom line at all costs. He wants to know he's wanted and respected - and this Warde can do.
Warde can offer him the money and support he wants/needs, and (I believe) Jim would turn down a crappy NFL job with more money associated. But what Harbaugh wants, Warde has historically not produced. Warde has a history of only doing what is required (as mentioned in a previous tweet somewhere) and has zero history of publicly supporting his coaches and programs. If Jim wants public backing against the NCAA, he won't get it from Warde.
Its my opinion that if Harbaugh leaves for the first NFL shitpost (Denver, Indy, Carolina...) then Warde Manuel is 95% to blame. And yeah, its cause for replacing him.
January 10th, 2023 at 10:06 AM ^
Damn it.
January 10th, 2023 at 10:06 AM ^
Did they spend the first hour asking him to break down his coaching decisions leading up to and in the game vs TCU?
Pretty relevant question, and even moreso after last night's result.
January 10th, 2023 at 10:11 AM ^
The lack of preparation for the TCU game was serious coaching malfeasance.
January 10th, 2023 at 10:06 AM ^
I'm a fan of Harbaugh, but I wish this were resolved. Either get his Michigan contract figured out or someone from the NFL hires him. Let's move on together or not.
I completely understand the NFL interest. But damn, why not go after Kirby that just dismantled a team that Harbaugh struggled with.
January 10th, 2023 at 10:12 AM ^
You think Kirby Smart would leave GA (his alma mater) that has won the NC two years in a row and is the favorite to win again next year?
January 10th, 2023 at 10:23 AM ^
You think Jim Harbaugh would leave Michigan (his alma mater) that has won the Big Ten two years in a row and is the favorite to win again next year?
January 10th, 2023 at 10:34 AM ^
Is this really a serious comment? Yes, I think Jim would consider taking an NFL job. No, I don't think Kirby Smart would leave his alma mater/current death star and 5 star recruiting factory in the SEC to come to Michigan.
January 10th, 2023 at 10:49 AM ^
My bad
January 10th, 2023 at 10:49 AM ^
Pretty sure they were talking about the NFL going after Kirby and Kirby leaving to go to the NFL. Not Michigan going after Kirby.
January 10th, 2023 at 1:53 PM ^
YES on Harbaugh. No on Smart. And only one of those guys has national championships.
January 10th, 2023 at 10:07 AM ^
Sam Webb reports Harbaugh is the "leading candidate" for the job. He gone, boys and girls...
January 10th, 2023 at 10:08 AM ^
It was said yesterday that TOP recruits in 2023/2024 have reps who are being told Harbaugh is gone if offered. This is 100% hurting recruiting - UM cant afford 2 years of sub standard recruiting. The portal is a different game, but they are still outside of the top 10 in 2023 with the portal additions.
January 10th, 2023 at 10:19 AM ^
" UM cant afford 2 years of sub standard recruiting."
Great point!
I as a fan, can't afford this embarrassing 24 months of JH bringing us to a second CFP and wins against OSU. I am so sick of the success he has brought.
I don't care about wins and losses. I want a coach who can get us some 5 stars!
JH, quit using championships as an excuse for your FAILURE!!!
/s
January 10th, 2023 at 10:25 AM ^
We are winning with 5 stars . . . JJ, Edwards, Johnson. We don't win at this level without them.
That well is drying up because of the Harbaugh/NFL dance.
Yeah, stars matter. Look at last night.
January 10th, 2023 at 11:49 AM ^
And you've got effectively a 5* C and RG that those guys are running behind. If recruiting doesn't get fixed, this will be the peak of the program and we will slide back to being a 9-3 type team
January 10th, 2023 at 12:17 PM ^
" If recruiting doesn't get fixed, this will be the peak of the program and we will slide back to being a 9-3 type team"
And if JH isn't our coach, we have an even greater chance of being a 9-3 team at best.
Harbaugh could better be replaced with _____________.
Go ahead. Fill in the blank with a single plausible name.
Our quirky coach has a higher likelihood of winning with his current recruits than anyone else does with any other group of recruits we are likely to attract in the next few years. Yes, stars matter, but anyone who thinks Harbaugh leaving would be better than him staying is in total denial.
I wish he would stay without flirting with the NFL and we would soon be better than Georgia is now. But that isn't an option. Let's stay within reality and weigh the options that are actually possible.
January 10th, 2023 at 2:00 PM ^
There will be life after Harbaugh. You'll be okay and the sun will still rise. He is going to leave, and likely soon. Maybe this year, maybe next. Really, you'll be ok. Hell, others have even won the Big Ten before he was here. Crazy, right?
January 10th, 2023 at 2:20 PM ^
"There will be life after Harbaugh."
There will be something after Harbaugh. CFPs? Less likely. Again, no one is putting forth a single plausible name that will come close to keeping things at the current level.
Are we all trusting the current administration to magically find the next great coach?