Ranking all eight of Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan football teams

During the seven seasons that preceded Jim Harbaugh’s tenure in Ann Arbor, Michigan football saw two coaches combine for a 46-42 overall record. From 2008-2014, the Wolverines saw three losing seasons, one ranked finish, one 10-win season, and one win over Ohio State.

Without a doubt, these were the dark years of Michigan football, but in late 2014 everything changed; the University of Michigan hired Jim Harbaugh as its newest head football coach. The Wolverines’ program took off, and the rest is history. Now, eight seasons later, here is how we ranked all of Harbaugh’s Michigan teams to date.

8. 2020

Oct 24, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Joe Milton (5) drops back and throw a pass in the first quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

After the 2019 season, Jim Harbaugh and Co. saw a challenge that few were prepared for: a global pandemic struck the US. After months of waiting, the Big Ten finally decided to play football in late October; a 9-game schedule that saw the Wolverines start on the road at No. 18 Minnesota, who had finished 11-2 a season prior.

Shockingly, Michigan football floored the Golden Gophers in what turned out to be the Wolverines’ only enjoyable game of the year. Michigan’s 49-24 victory at Minnesota was shortlived as the Wolverines lost to Michigan State the following week, which was the beginning of the end. Wisconsin and Indiana blew out Michigan before finally getting back in the win column.

Michigan’s 3OT win over Rutgers was a small bright spot in a horrific season, which ended the following week after a 27-17 home loss to 0-5 Penn State. In hindsight, Michigan fans appear more understanding — no one was prepared for the circumstances that Harbaugh had to work with during the pandemic. Additionally, only some take the COVID-19 season seriously. That said, the 2020 squad might be the worst Michigan football team of all time.

FINAL RECORD: 2-4 (2-4 Big Ten), no postseason