OTish: Ted Lasso based on Harbaugh

Submitted by Caesar on October 4th, 2021 at 12:47 PM

At some point during the Wisco game, the sideline reported conveyed Jason Sudeikis's comments that he based his Ted Lasso character on Harbaugh. Anyone seen that program and parallels between Harbaugh and that character? 

Carpetbagger

October 4th, 2021 at 6:39 PM ^

Oh, I hear about this golden age thing all the time, and then I watch one of these shows and I realize several things. One, actors are really good compared to back in the day in aggregate. Two, they've fired every competent writer in Hollywood. Three, there are no great actors or actresses to compensate for number 2.

The writing is horrible, awful, terrible. I cannot possibly express how bad it is. Community is probably the last TV show I can remember I truly enjoyed. 

gmoney41

October 4th, 2021 at 1:00 PM ^

I read an article on Ted Lasso and Sudekis, and he was talking about Harbaugh and his fashion sense, and wanted Ted to have a distinct look that was similar to Harbaugh.  He discussed talking to Jim a couple of times, and that Harbaugh was a fan of the show. 

Couzen Rick's

October 4th, 2021 at 1:01 PM ^

Ted Lasso is one of my favorite shows of the last several years. In the show Lasso is extremely quirky, makes very obscure and specific references, and is almost unbearably positive (which is contrasted by some internal struggles he faces which adds to the plot and his character arc).

Definitely see how some of his quirks in show could be modeled off Harbaugh (who is famously weird, in a good way)

BTB grad

October 4th, 2021 at 1:22 PM ^

Except Lasso cares more about having fun with winning being secondary whereas Harbaugh would probably get into a physical altercation if he heard one of his coaches say that in his locker room. Other than some quirks and clothing, they couldn’t be more different as coaches.

AZGoBlue

October 4th, 2021 at 1:02 PM ^

I don't see it at all.  Lasso is almost Ned Flanders-like glass is more than half full and is always looking at what is in the best personal interests of his players and work colleagues. 

He handed a big part of the coaching to an equipment manager/ball boy.  I've not seen Harbs turn over control in anything like that manner.

Blue Ninja

October 4th, 2021 at 5:25 PM ^

I agree, Lasso is more Ned Flanders than Harbaugh other than wardrobe choice. If Harbaugh really was like Lasso the program would be having huge problems and Lasso knows absolutely nothing about his sport, although as time goes on he is starting to catch on.

I like the show but there are a few parts that are absolutely horrid, like pretty much anything with Nate the ballboy. He was unbearable before but now he has gone over the edge being stuck on himself. What the show needs is MORE Roy Kent!

TESOE

October 4th, 2021 at 1:04 PM ^

Ted Lasso is a great program that goes into many ideas about being a coach, loyalty to your team, and the concept of belief. 

Not to get too OTish - but Lasso flees Witchita State to address problems he's had with his marriage caused from issues with his father's suicide. He knows nothing about the sport he coaches. Lasso is funny in a pertinent coach way. 

Harbaugh is nothing like Lasso in any of the above.  He loves Michigan, he came to fix problems we are all too aware of, knows Football better than most other coaches in the world, has none of the Dad/Marriage issues Lasso does, and most of all Harbaugh is funny in his own very Michigan, very football way.

Harbaugh is also Beardless and not as quick as Lasso.

 

Macenblu

October 4th, 2021 at 1:08 PM ^

One drinks milk, the other drinks beer.  One is guarded with the media to say the least and the other is an open book.  I love Michigan.  I love the show.  I don't see the comparison though

DennisFranklinDaMan

October 4th, 2021 at 1:37 PM ^

Even when listening to the sideline reporter I thought, "hmm, that's a pretty weak connection." Essentially her report boiled down to "we reached out to Jason Sudeikis, and he said, 'Ted Lasso cares about his team, Harbaugh cares about his team.'"

It's a good way of allowing the reporter to make the connection so that as many people watch the show as possible, but ... come on. That's weak.

wahooverine

October 5th, 2021 at 10:50 AM ^

Don't overthink it.  Both are eccentric, oddball personalities that routinely say interesting, baffling, cerebral or funny things in public and have offbeat but often effective approaches to player motivation.