Yesterday, for the first time since his three-game sideline suspension from the Big Ten Conference concluded, Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh had a chance to speak with the media. Obviously, just two days prior, Harbaugh’s Wolverines (led by Sherrone Moore) downed Ohio State, improving to 12-0 on the year heading into the Big Ten title game this weekend. During his press conference, Harbaugh was clearly filled with joy and took time to reiterate his stance and feelings on U-M football.
Michigan football coach clearly loves his team
In 2021 and 2022, Jim Harbaugh led Michigan football to 12+ win seasons with victories over Ohio State, Big Ten titles, College Football Playoff berths, and more. Yet, after both seasons, he had some serious flirtation with the NFL, which has everyone unsure about how much longer he wants to stay at the college level. Still, for the time being, it’s clear that he truly loves his alma mater: Michigan.
Jim Harbaugh shares stance on U-M and his 2023 team
I am not going to pretend to know what Jim Harbaugh wants to do; in fact, I am pretty sure that even Harbaugh himself is unsure (or maybe not even thinking about it) at the moment. That said, when we heard from the long-time Michigan football coach on Monday, he seemed overjoyed with his team’s win over Ohio State and all-in on the Maize and Blue right now.
“I have a saying that you are probably pretty familiar with,” Jim Harbaugh began. “I use it mostly — really, exclusively — with (my) team or my family. It’s: ‘Who’s got it better than us?’ And the proper response is: ‘Nobody!’ It’s something passed down from my dad, Jack Harbaugh.
“It’s more than just a cool saying. What I’m really saying, when I’m talking to the team or the players, what I’m really stating to them is that there is no coach who could possibly have it better than to coach you. There’s no dad that could possibly have it better — when I’m talking to my kids. That’s my love language,” the 9th-year Michigan football coach added. “And when they say ‘Nobody!’ back, what I hear them say is that they love their team, they love their teammates. They love the direction of the program. And nobody could have it better than to be here (at Michigan). So, that’s my emotions; that’s how I’m feeling once again.
“Walking up the steps of Schembechler Hall today and seeing that sign: ‘Those who stay will be champions.’ (It) resonated today, like it resonates every day. Our goal of being Big Ten East Champions has been accomplished,” Harbaugh said. “Now, we move to taking our shot at being Big Ten Champions for the third straight year.”
The Wolverines will have a shot at all of their goals
As Jim Harbaugh said, the attention of the Michigan football program has changed. While beating Ohio State was — and always will be — a major goal in Ann Arbor, it’s clear that this team wants more. Michigan has a shot at a third straight Big Ten title this weekend, which will be followed by a third straight College Football Playoff berth if the Wolverines beat Iowa on Saturday.
Obviously, Michigan needs to continue taking things one step at a time; however, the program is in a fantastic spot right now, and with Jim Harbaugh leading the way, the Wolverines will likely have a shot at making a national title run in January.
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