Jim Harbaugh makes notable jump in newest Big Ten coach rankings

This time last year, many college football fans and analysts were dismissing the Michigan Wolverines’ 42-27 victory in Ann Arbor during the 2021 season as a “fluke.” However, in the 2022 season, the Maize and Blue proved their strength by securing a dominant 45-23 win over No. 2 Ohio State in their own stadium, ultimately earning a second-consecutive Big Ten title and a College Football Playoff berth. In 2023, the Wolverines aim to make it three in a row. With his program’s recent success, Jim Harbaugh has been making notable strides in the latest Big Ten coach rankings by CBS Sports.

Jim Harbaugh ranked No. 1 in newest Big Ten coach rankings

The Michigan Wolverines are heading into year nine of the Jim Harbaugh era in Ann Arbor. So far, during his first seven full seasons as head coach, Harbaugh has compiled an impressive 72-21 overall record with two Big Ten titles, two CFP appearances, six ranked finishes, three top 10 finishes, and two top 3 finishes. Over the past two seasons alone, Harbaugh is 2-0 against Penn State and Ohio State, claiming a pair of Big Ten titles and playoff berths along the way. Additionally, his 25-3 overall record and 19-1 Big Ten record highlight one of the best resumes in college football this decade.

Heading into the 2023 season, CBS Sports released new Big Ten coach rankings, and Jim Harbaugh has found himself on the move in a positive direction. According to these new rankings, Harbaugh is now considered the best coach in the Big Ten conference, surpassing Ryan Day and others.

Last year, the Michigan Wolverines’ head coach was ranked No. 2 in the Big Ten, trailing behind Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes. However, over the past two seasons, Harbaugh has defeated the Buckeyes by a whopping 85-50 total score, finishing with higher rankings than the Buckeyes in both years as well.

While a national title has eluded Jim Harbaugh thus far during his time in the Maize and Blue, it’s clear that the Michigan Wolverines are getting closer. This year, Harbaugh’s roster is likely the strongest he has had during his time in Ann Arbor, meaning a lot is on the line for the future of the program. According to new Bet MGM odds, Michigan is considered the fourth most likely team to win it all this year, which is a significant improvement compared to previous years for the Wolverines.

Other notable Big Ten coach rankings include Ryan Day (2), James Franklin (4), and Mel Tucker (10).

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