John (not Jim) Harbaugh takes shot at NCAA
https://apnews.com/article/john-harbaugh-ncaa-51cc15ef8a4a73b6c2757cbe7f3c1662
Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh hasn't really weighed in on the investigation his brother Jim is facing at Michigan.
On Monday, however, he offered a quip about the NCAA while answering an unrelated question.
John Harbaugh was asked about fines levied against NFL players for various infractions, and he said he’ll occasionally make a call to try to find out some information.
“We want to understand how the league views it, also understand that there’s a process that is in place to take a look at that. So it’s not just one-sided,” he said. “It’s not like the NCAA when they’re just the judge, jury and executioner. It’s the NFL, and there’s a Players Association that has an opportunity to create some fairness, which is good. It’s the way it should be.”
Wish he had said Big Ten instead of NCAA but we know what he means.
This is the de facto John Harbaugh appreciation thread.
November 7th, 2023 at 11:05 AM ^
This is also an indirect call for a college football players union, IMO. Good family.
November 7th, 2023 at 11:07 AM ^
I cant imagine losing to my brother in the Superbowl however if he ever gave me one of these displays after a last minute Tecmo bowl win it might explain why I once held him under water long enough to make him question if he were going to live through it.
November 7th, 2023 at 1:33 PM ^
Haha
Needs to be saying, "who has it better than us!?!"
November 7th, 2023 at 11:10 AM ^
Agreed and I love it. Harbs do not fuck around.
November 7th, 2023 at 11:06 AM ^
John Harbaugh, come for the DC's, stay for the shots at the ncaa.
November 7th, 2023 at 12:38 PM ^
A lot of bullshit has been made about how we "suddenly" got good because we started stealing signs a couple of seasons ago. While we all know this is slander, its worth remembering the actual impactful change made before the 2021 season - the hiring of Mike MacDonald. As in the coach of the top ranked defense in the NFL. MacDonald brought NFL concepts to the Michigan defense making it much more difficult for college offenses to take advantage. Minter is almost a like for like replacement in that he kept what was working in place (along with his Ravens lineage).
Mike MacDonald is arguable THE top NFL head coaching candidate for this upcoming NFL offseason. All these talking heads are so quick to forget all the praise they heaped on Jim for making changes to his coaching staff/getting younger, more fiery guys in place. Don Brown's defense worked for a while and then it didn't. We had some leans years once it stopped working. Once we made some actual schematic changes the Michigan of old resurfaced. Why is this so fucking hard for people to understand!?!?!?
November 7th, 2023 at 1:10 PM ^
The "Michigan suddenly got better" is such a goofy argument. Sure, 2020, but before that add a win to almost any OSU game and Michigan is heading to the playoffs.
And they did win in 2016 until the B1G stepped in.
November 7th, 2023 at 11:10 AM ^
Fuck the NCAA
Fuck the Big Ten
Fuck OSU
November 7th, 2023 at 11:10 AM ^
In the very unlikely event that the conference succeeded in getting rid of Jim, it would be hilarious for John to retire from the Ravens so he could take over in Ann Arbor.
November 7th, 2023 at 11:13 AM ^
If the B1G succeeds, I fully expect Jim to spend the rest of his career working with Tom Mars to bring down the B1G and NCAA.
November 7th, 2023 at 11:25 AM ^
If they even succeed in suspending Jim, John should fly out and be the honorary head coach for that game.
November 7th, 2023 at 11:35 AM ^
He wouldn’t have to. Game is in Maryland and they play the Thursday before
November 7th, 2023 at 11:46 AM ^
That would be awesome. He should make sure to dress in khakis.
November 7th, 2023 at 11:50 AM ^
And Jack Harbaugh for OSU.
But can we be sure Jack Harbaugh didn't keep signs from his coaching days? He's Jim Harbaugh's dad. Betcha dirty rotten cheating runs in the family!
November 7th, 2023 at 7:07 PM ^
This mi amigo would be wild.
November 7th, 2023 at 11:10 AM ^
Appreciate you Bro!!!
November 7th, 2023 at 11:12 AM ^
Self impose a 1 game suspension for Jim... Make it the Maryland game. Let John coach the team.
November 7th, 2023 at 11:13 AM ^
I'm seriously wondering how much more of this nonsense Jim Harbaugh is going to take.
1. He knows now the other schools colluded last year, unsuccessfully, to try and give the B1G title back to OSU
2. He knows that the balance of coaches in the B1G are publicly trashing him and Michigan for doing the EXACT SAME THING they all do. It's just we had a staffer do it (allegedly) while the rest of the league basically traded notes after playing us.
3. He knows the commissioner wants blood and is now saying this is the worst scandal in the history of the league (and he said it without laughing)
4. He knows the national media hates him and have an absolute vendetta to smear him and the program (sorry Reece Davis but you absolutely do and you know it)
I could go on but those are most of the big ones. I'm impressed really with his composure, I'd have snapped long ago and called a press conference to loudly call-out this out and wouldve gotten a massive fine and probably well-deserved suspension.
Then I would've said fuck all of this and taken the Bears job in 2024.
November 7th, 2023 at 11:15 AM ^
Or he says FUCK ALL OF YOU NCAA and sets his jaw.
As for his composure the best description I have is Godly.
November 7th, 2023 at 11:24 AM ^
On the flip side, by all accounts yesterday this is the event that finally galvanized everyone in SUPPORT of Harbaugh. The Regents, powerful alumni, the president etc are all going to bat for him. I don't think we have had fully support behind a coach like this since the Carr days.
This should make Jim feel really good and wanted and with a juicy contract now is the time to cash in for life.
November 7th, 2023 at 11:29 AM ^
I could absolutely see Jim digging his heals in and coaching here for a long time to come. These people attacked his character in an attempt to hurt the program and chase him away. The best fuck you in a situation like that is to sign a long term contract and continue kicking their assess every Saturday until you drop dead.
November 7th, 2023 at 11:40 AM ^
I honestly believe that there is some truth here for Jim. He's clearly a legacy guy and guys like that don't bail on programs they're loyal to in their darkest days. They stay and continue to fight to protect their program, leave their mark and secure their legacy.
November 7th, 2023 at 12:12 PM ^
"If you hate your parents, the man, or the establishment, don't show them up by getting wasted and wrapping your car around a tree. If you really want to rebel against your parents: outearn them, outlive them, and know more than they do.
November 7th, 2023 at 1:02 PM ^
Exactly!!! And I know nothing but this is where my gut goes. He is the type of guy to do this, and with EVERYONE at M backing him, he has the muscle behind him to do exactly that.
The opportunity to turn this into a huge win, with recruits, is tremendous.
"Our opponents are afraid of us plain and simple. I want players to come to Michigan to get a great education, become a great person off the field, and I want players who live to settle scores on the field...thats why I am here and thats why I want you to come to Michigan. We are in the ass kicking business and business is good...you want in?"
November 7th, 2023 at 7:15 PM ^
No matter how this all plays out Jim is a legend to me, and the savior of Michigan football. He acquired back to back wins over the shitstains in Columbus. He gave the most exciting seasons of UM football ever in my 31 years. Rebuilt the brand entirely while the odds were fully stacked against him. Genuinely is a good ass dude who cares for others not just Ws. Really couldn’t ask for a better leader of young men! Pardon my grammar I was born/live in Ohio lol.
November 7th, 2023 at 11:27 AM ^
Part of me wonders if he's actually taking enjoyment in this while knowing his university has his back. After the post-game "handshake" with Walters, he seemed to be beaming with delight seeing how pissed off Walters was after that total ass kicking. I just picture Harbaugh spending what little free time he has cackling with knowing glee at the angst and despair he's causing the rest of the B1G.
November 7th, 2023 at 11:41 AM ^
I am waiting for the $1Billion defamation lawsuit, and the notice of discovery going to all the B1G mouth breathers.
November 7th, 2023 at 11:56 AM ^
The more I think about it, going for it on 4th down deep in our own territory was just as much a middle finger to Purdue as trying something out in a low risk situation. Even better might have been to never punt--might have completed at least half of those 4th downs. We would have still won.
This shit has succeeded in getting me really salty. If I still lived in MI I would 100% find my way to Ann Arbor to stir the pot before, during and after the Game. I still seethe with anger about the Dead Schembechlers. I swear to god if I ever come across any of those motherfuckers....
November 7th, 2023 at 12:09 PM ^
Love this take. And I hope it goes x 1,000,000 against Thee OSU.
Keep being salty. If the super-salty Dead Sea can come through things still alive, still thriving, you can too.
November 7th, 2023 at 11:40 AM ^
FWIW, on TMI when Bacon and Sam have spoken about Harbaugh's coaching future over the last year or so, more than the money it is continually brought up that he wants to "feel the love." He wants to feel wanted and supported wherever he is coaching. As messy and as ridiculous as the last 3 weeks have been, the Michigan fanbase and president, possibly AD (haven't heard much out of Warde) have shown an incredible level of support for Harbaugh.
As many others have pointed out, can you imagine a response like this - telling the B1G to pound sand - even a few years ago from Michigan? Of course not, which is what emboldened everyone to take their shots at Michigan and make this a witch hunt in the first place - Michigan won't fight back, they will obey the NCAA gag order while under investigation. They will take any punishment handed out, then hang their head in shame over breaking the rules while happily torpedoing their program for a decade, all so they can keep their claim as the most virtuous program in college football. No more. Finally.
November 7th, 2023 at 12:38 PM ^
Honestly I think how Ono & the regents are handling this is making it more and more likely by the day that Jim finishes his coaching career here. The university enthusiastically has his back. Must feel nice for a guy who's constantly trashed for no good reason.
November 7th, 2023 at 11:47 AM ^
Then I would've said fuck all of this and taken the Bears job in 2024.
He still may . . .
November 7th, 2023 at 12:07 PM ^
Thankfully Santa doesn't feel the same way. The gift may be belated but it's coming.
November 7th, 2023 at 11:50 AM ^
He is a man of grit and steel in his spine.
He doesn't need you to like him; he is too busy with being excellent to care.
November 7th, 2023 at 12:04 PM ^
Yeah you would. Thankfully you're not.
People are taking the glass half empty of what Jim has had to endure. I'm no glass half full myself but you know what I consider Harbaugh's actions to be?
Wins. People like you can feel there have mostly been no changes for the better, and Harbaugh is getting only flack from others and no support. This is true. The outcomes are like many people's opinions. Shitty, didn't end up in the toilet like they're supposed to, and too many of the idiots who shat don't think their shit stinks.
But Coach Harbaugh takes it in stride. He didn't go anywhere. And I don't think he's going anywhere any time soon.
November 7th, 2023 at 12:16 PM ^
I generally upvote all of your good posts mGrowOld...but don't you dare wish Harbaugh to the NFC North. That's the last thing us Lions fans want to see.
November 7th, 2023 at 11:18 AM ^
It would be great to see him on the sidelines during the Ravens' bye week. Especially since that would mean Michigan beat Ohio State and was likely playing Iowa in the league championship game.
John's done a remarkable job with the Ravens - maybe HoF caliber. Once again, he's got a legit Super Bowl contender.
November 7th, 2023 at 11:35 AM ^
They all want Jim gone? Fine. Jim goes to the Ravens, John comes here. Nothing changes, UM and Ravens still roll over all competition.
November 7th, 2023 at 11:36 AM ^
Thanks Bro !
November 7th, 2023 at 11:36 AM ^
This entire family is awesome! Maybe some reporter will see Jack ambling about around Schembechler Hall and ask for an opinion? Would love to hear him spout off, too!
November 7th, 2023 at 11:49 AM ^
"Stop whining and make a damn tackle."
November 7th, 2023 at 11:47 AM ^
Sweet response. Direct.
November 7th, 2023 at 11:50 AM ^
There will be no hug!
November 7th, 2023 at 12:35 PM ^
Was literally about to post this…
Jim coming out saying players deserve a share in the TV rights followed by NCAA nonstop trying to get him ousted. Then John stands up for the players and says they should have a players union to get those rights. Amazing.