Key Quotes From Jim Harbaugh Before National Championship

HOUSTON — Jim Harbaugh and Michigan football will be facing the Washington Huskies in the National Championship Game tomorrow evening, marking the first time that the Wolverines have ever played in the title game. Today, Harbaugh spoke with the media — here are some key quotes from Michigan’s 9th-year head coach.

Key quotes from Michigan football head coach Jim Harbaugh before National Championship bout with Washington Huskies

Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer, left, and Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh pose for a photo with the National Championship trophy during CFP National Championship head coaches news conference at Liberty Hall in Houston on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024.

Opening statement from Jim Harbaugh on facing Washington Huskies for all the marbles

“I want to start by saying thank you to the CFP staff, their entire organization. It’s been a phenomenal experience, last week, this week, everything conducive to getting a team ready to play in such a huge game.

“Also want to congratulate University of Washington, coach Kalen DeBoer, his staff. Truly nothing but respect for the job that they have done, that Coach has done. Truly a remarkable coach. I’ve followed your career. Amazing job at Fresno State. And what you’ve done at Washington in a short period of time is truly amazing.

“And we’re honored to be here. We are going to have to play really good. We’re going to have to play really good. And I think our team is ready. Still the hay is not in the barn. It never is for us. Still polishing. Still working. But super excited, super excited to watch our players go out there and compete tomorrow night. Thank you.”

Family playing a factor in his National Championship performance

“My two great loves, the family at work – our players, our coaches, our staff, their families, their parents, their grandparents, they’re parents, they’re brothers and sisters. And my other great love is my family at home. Wife Sarah, the seven kids all are going to be here – mom, dad. Blessed. And brother, sister. We’ve got brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, the whole family all coming together in the same spot. It means the world to me.”

One-track mind

“(I’m) really just not thinking past this game. I don’t really have any thoughts about what will be different about the 12-team playoff next year. Just really happy where we’re at, and our mindset is – it’s a one-track mind. Win the next game. That’s been our goal the entire season, and we are really locked in on that particular mindset.”

Message to Michigan football team 144

“My message to our guys is going to be play as hard as you can, as fast as you can, as long as you can and don’t worry. And just go have at it. It’s been a group of guys that I’ve had to pull them back at times. Have never had to talk them into anything. And I just can’t wait. I can’t wait to watch them compete, watch them have at it. That’s going to be my overwhelming feeling is, let’s just go let it rip. And we’re going to have to play well. This is a tremendous, tremendous team that we’re playing. Just thorough in every way.”

Winning the National Championship — its impact on him and the Michigan football program

“It would mean so much for our players, for them to know what it’s like to be champions. Just be simply referred to as national champions. And for their parents, for their parents to have their son be a champion, a national champion; for their grandparents to have a grandson; for their brothers and sisters to have a brother who is a grandson. What it would mean to me, for my kids to know their dad is a national champion. And for my parents and my brother and my sister. That’s the overwhelming thing, just that so many people would be able to enjoy that, be a part of that.

“For my wife, for her husband to be a national champion. For me, not so much, but for everybody else, yeah, that would be huge.”

Michigan’s running backs, phases of the game

“Every phase is going to be important. I just made the comment last week, I really felt if ever a game was going to be won, it’s going to be won up front – last week. This week, it’s that. That will be huge. All phases, all phases are going to be huge in this game. Our running backs, Blake Corum, he just always comes to play. He is always willing to do anything and everything for the team. Never been around a guy who is more about the team than Blake Corum. And also Donovan Edwards and Kalel Mullings, all three of those running backs had great games last week. And I anticipate they’re ready to roll. And it’s unselfish. If it’s to catch, if it’s to block, if it’s to run, they’re willing to do anything and everything for the team.”

Dealing with pressure of playing Washington Huskies for the title

“Simply go out there and give it your very best. That’s all we can ask anybody. All we can ask of ourselves, all we can ask of anybody else, go out there and give it your very best. And that way you’ll feel good about what you accomplish, no matter what that is.”

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