Why I think Jim Harbaugh will be the next Michigan coach...

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Michigan
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<p>Well, in about 13 days (a good omen for someone born on the 13th such as myself), most of Michigan's EA applicants will be hearing back from the University. Hopefully, several of you be admitted.</p>

<p>In the meanwhile, I thought I would lighten the mood by discussing a completely unrelated topic; the next Michigan football coach. </p>

<p>At first, I bought into the whole "Harbaugh" wants to stay an NFL coach and will not go back to coaching college football. Then I realized most of the "analysts" who were expressing that view were in fact either not fully aware of the appeal of the job, and/or perhaps even slightly biased against Michigan/the Big 10. </p>

<p>The more I look at it, the more I see Michigan as being the perfect next step for Harbaugh. Here's a breakdown of the points being made against his decision to coach at Michigan, and my personal observations:</p>

<ol>
<li>Harbaugh wants to win the Superbowl.</li>
</ol>

<p>That is a fine ambition. Unfortunately, the only two franchises currently believed to be interested in Harbaugh are the Raiders (currently 1-11) and the Giants (currently 3-9). No amount of coaching is going to turn those teams around. They have a shortage of talent. Even if Harbaugh is lucky with his recruiting, it won't be for another 3-4 seasons before he fields a winner at either of those programs since NFL teams can only change/add 8 players each season. At that level, there is a good chance that many of the recruits will not work out, as is often the case with players making the transition from college to pro. </p>

<ol>
<li>The odds of success at Michigan are at least as good, if not better</li>
</ol>

<p>Unlike the pros, a college football coach can turn a team around in 2-3 seasons. Michigan has plenty of talent, it just isn't been developed well. QBs like Morris, Speight and now Malzone. RBs like Green, Smith, Johnson and Isaac. A bunch of four and five star OL, and a potent defense. A coach like Harbaugh will quickly get the most of those players and will automatically bring in classes of 15-20 players who are among the best. </p>

<ol>
<li>Being a successful NFL coach carries athletic and social prestige...but so is being football coach at Michigan</li>
</ol>

<p>This is possibly what many analysts are ignoring. Michigan is regarded as one of the top 5 college football programs historically, and is valued as such. It has a huge fan base and a huge stadium. The University is one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the world; not on par with Stanford, but certainly one of the most prestigious. Michigan alums are among the most influential members of society, and they support the football program wholeheartedly. With the exception of Notre Dame, I cannot think of a football program that is as "prestigious" as Michigan. </p>

<ol>
<li>Leaving his mark. </li>
</ol>

<p>Winning the superbowl is awesome, but be hailed the saviour of a program like Michigan is not too shabby either. Just look at how Michigan faithful revere the likes of Yost, Crisler and Schembechler. Harbaugh could well join them in forming the "Michigan Mount Rushmore". </p>

<ol>
<li>The pay</li>
</ol>

<p>I was under the impression that Harbaugh had a salary far greater than college coaches. It turns out his salary is roughly $5 million, no higher than many college coaches. Michigan could easily match that.</p>

<ol>
<li>Even if it were possible, Schlissel will be resistant to such a high profile hire with such a high salary</li>
</ol>

<p>I think Schissel now understands how disappointing students and alums in the subject of football is lethal at Michigan. He will probably accept bringing in Harbaugh in, no matter the cost.</p>

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<p>I hope you are correct Alexandre. When Harbaugh broke his leg and was in the hospital, Bo visited him. As he was leaving, Jim called him back and near tears asked Bo not to foget about him. Bo told him Michigan won’t forget about him.</p>

<p>Well now the mothership is asking for the return of favor.</p>

<p>The only item in your points that doesn’t work for me is that only Oakland and NY would be interested. When Joe Maddon became available this fall, the Cubs fired their manager of one year to get Maddon. I would think several NFL teams would do the same to get Harbaugh.</p>

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<p>Good point wayandgarth, but I think a successful franchise is unlikely to get rid of its coach. Why rock the boat? Which is why the 49ers desire to get rid of Harbaugh is most bizzare. </p>

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<p>True - it’s not like the Cubs have won a World Series in the last 100 years ;:wink: </p>

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<p>I am not saying he will likely take the job, but I do not think it is as unlikely as many say it is. I give it a 50/50.</p>

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<p>Nice points. His familiarity with the area, school, and the football program are all major pluses. If San Fran dumps him and he isn’t interested in coaching a struggling NFL team, Michigan seems like a strong contender to land his services. </p>

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<p>You’re leaving family out of this.</p>

<p>Bay Area is probably one of the most ideal places to live. He’s gong to have to do some megaexplaining to his wife and kids about the move to Michigan. Ann Arbor is good, but not good enough to justify on locality alone.</p>

<p>Harbaughs have lived in California for a while now. To move, will seem a bit drastic in lifestyle. </p>

<p>Plus, 49ers, he has had a decent record under him. Staying makes the most sense for stability. </p>

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<p>ForeverAlone, I agree; not that living in San Francisco is so much better than living in Ann Arbor as you seem to indicate, but that staying with the 49ers would be optimal. I have lived in the Bay area and in Ann Arbor, and while they are completely different, in many ways (safety, intellectual vibe, quality of life, place to raise kids etc…), Ann Arbor is a superior option, while in other ways (nightclubs, shopping, restaurants) San Francisco is better. But is staying with the 49ers an option? Because moving to Oakland, is NOT an option. They had 6 coaches in 10 years and have finished 4-12 in 2012, 4-12 in 2013 and are now 1-11 so far this season (probably 1-12 after today’s game against the 49ers. Clearly, given the option between becoming a legend at Michigan or a loser in Oakland, the choice is clear.</p>

<p>Regardless, like I said, the odds of getting Harbaugh are not good, but I do not think it is hopeless either. There will be a lot of speculation and statements aimed at confusing the public over the next 3-4 weeks. Until Harbaugh himselfs says he is not considering Michigan, I will assume there is a chance.</p>

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<p>Relative to Alexandre’s point #6, and President Schlissel - I would think JH’s work at Stanford would show that he knows how to balance high academic & high athletic standards. (Although it helped to have a guy named Andrew Luck stay for his senior season). </p>

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<p>Great analysis and nice comment by bazaarshopper</p>

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<p>Of course, should Harbaugh choose not to come to Michigan, who will we hire?</p>

<p>Personally, I want a coach who is proven at a major program, but not too established that he does not have the drive and motivation. In other words, no Mullen (one great season does not make him a great coach) and no Miles (he will be 62 next season and way too established). It also obviously means no coordinators (so not Pat Narduzzi) or coaches who succeed at lesser programs (like Kill or Schiano). </p>

<p>My top three, after the Harbaugh brothers, are:</p>

<p>Gary Patterson at TCU seems like a good candidate. Having been bumped out of the National Championship playoff in favor of programs from larger conferences probably made him realize that there is a clear glass ceiling. </p>

<p>Mark Helfrich at Oregon is another interesting one. He definitely has a sweet gig in Eugene (just as nice as Ann Arbor, in some ways even nicer), but one never knows.</p>

<p>Gus Malzahn at Auburn. He has success there, but competing against Alabama year-in, year-out has to be a daunting task.</p>

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<p>Its doubtful any of those three would move as their current situations are better. Michigan is a great job but can’t be viewed as a job where a coach successful at a currently a head coach at a strong program will move to. As far as not hiring a coordinator or a coach of a lesser program, remember that Malzahn’s entire head coaching career before his two years at Auburn was one year at Arkansas State. Helfrich was a Coordinator at Oregon (granted Helfrich was handed over a pristine program). </p>

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<p>Agreed wayneandgarth, but the difference is, Michigan has a sense of urgency. Our program has gotten it wrong with two coaches over the last 7 seasons. We cannot go wrong a third time. Hopefully, the next coach will be a good one.</p>

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<p>Going back to what you said, Alexandre, about the coaches that you wouldn’t want, I agree with what you say about Schiano. A lot of “experts” say that Schiano would be a perfect fit at Michigan, but he reminds me too much of Brady Hoke. They both turned around mediocre programs into something better. No offense to any Rutgers fans, but Rutgers has not historically been known as a big time program. Rutgers is not a big-name school, just like San Diego State. Not only that, but Schiano’s record in the NCAA isn’t that great either it’s barely above .500. Even though Schiano would be a good coach at some programs, like Brady Hoke, I don’t think he would work out at big-time school like Michigan. </p>

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<p>You may have a better chance at Hairball since he lost to the Raiders and the Niners are now looking outside a wildcard spot…</p>

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<p>Harbaugh’s chances of remaining as coach of the 49ers next season are dwindling by the game. I’m pretty sure most of the analysts actually agree that he will not be their coach next year. Plus, I’ve heard there’s a LOT of friction between Harbaugh and the general manager of the 49ers. </p>

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<p>It seems that, in addition to Harbaugh, Jim Mora (UCLA) and Gary Pinkel (Missouri) are both potential candidates. Considering their success at their respective programs, they would certainly be viable candidates. </p>

<p>Sean Payton (New Orleans Saints) and Bob Stoops (Oklahoma) are being mentioned frequently as well.</p>

<p>Hopefully, we will end up with one of those coaches.</p>

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<p>I think both Sean Payton and Bob Stoops are a bit of a long shot. </p>

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<p>The 49ers have been disqualified from the playoffs. It is unlikely that Harbaugh will be retained by that franchise and he will be free to pursue other opportunities as of December 29. </p>

<p>The longer Michigan waits, the more likely it is that Harbaugh is serious about the Michigan coaching job. Although there is much speculation, the fact that Michigan is not moving forward with other candidates is clear indication that Harbaugh has shown tangible interest in the Michigan job. </p>

<p>Given his experience in the NFL, I think Harbaugh sees Michigan as the ideal job. Harbaugh is not at all well-suited for the fickle nature of the NFL (his record at the 49ers 44-18, which is pretty good and he is still unpopular with the manager and owner) and egos of NFL players. Most NFL jobs open at the moment, whether it is the Jets or the Raiders etc…require more than just coaching skill to turn around. We are talking about teams that could potentially end the season no better than 4-12. At Michigan, he will have the opportunity to turn Michigan around in 2-3 seasons and will carve his name in history as Michigan’s savior and one of the four coaches that belongs in the Mount Rushmore of Michigan athletics. </p>

<p>Given his fiery coaching and communication style and the nature of the rebuilding required at most NFL teams that will be pursuing him, Michigan is going to be too good to pass up. </p>

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<p>Things are starting to heat up folks. Still far from being a done deal, but definitely picking up steam. </p>

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