It's Now or Never for Jim Harbaugh to Coach Michigan
Michigan fans are giddy with anticipation that Jim Harbaugh will soon be their next head coach.
National sentiment held that Harbaugh would never leave the NFL, but the buzz in Ann Arbor has been consistent, and the combination of a lucrative financial package and loyalty to the program would be difficult for him to resist.
Almost everyone in Ann Arbor expects Jim Harbaugh to be Michigan’s next head coach.
If he decides to coach elsewhere, he will jilt his most ardent supporters, who believe it’s his destiny to lead the Wolverines. During previous searches, Harbaugh’s supporters placed the blame on Michigan for not closing the deal, but this time it’s completely up to him.
Even his waffling in 2011, as reported by Jason La Canfora via CBSSports.com, makes perfect sense in the wake of David Brandon’s troubled tenure.
Fans aren’t angered by the revelation. It makes Harbaugh look like a genius. He foresaw how Brandon would meddle in the program and wanted no part of it.
After the failures of both Rich Rodriguez and Brady Hoke and the resignation of Brandon, Harbaugh is now dealing with an interim athletic director who has reportedly put together a package to make him the highest paid coach in college football, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
Michigan has placed itself in a difficult position. Harbaugh is clearly its top choice. As a result, he can dictate the terms of his return.
It’s hard to imagine circumstances in Ann Arbor ever being this favorable for him again.
"Happy Birthday, Jim. #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/kameWJ7F5S
— Michigan Football (@umichfootball) December 23, 2014"
The roster is stocked with highly ranked if undeveloped talent from previous recruiting classes. A quick turnaround is completely possible if Harbaugh can assemble the right mix of position coaches.
Many may question why Harbaugh would leave the NFL, but Bill Bender of Sporting News nails Michigan’s allure.
"Understand the obsession. Michigan is one of those programs still clinging to ideals more suitable for the Knights of the Round Table. Mystique. Tradition. Winged helmets. “The team, the team, the team.”
Those are principles that don’t carry as much weight in the near-sighted social media age, especially for a school that has become a GIF-o-matic laughing stock since Appalachian State blocked that field goal in 2007.
Harbaugh is the missing link to the legend of Bo Schembechler. He ends the laughter. He restores the faith. He is everything that ties past, present and future. He revives the winningest program in the history of the FBS.
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Michigan fans who consider Harbaugh’s return a fait accompli will be crushed if it doesn't happen. All barriers seem to have been cleared for him to make a triumphant return.
He has refused to discuss his future until after San Francisco’s final regular-season game on Sunday. His players have reportedly tired of his coaching style and his relationship has deteriorated with the front office. For the first time in his NFL head coaching career, his team will not make the playoffs and is expected to sever ties with him shortly thereafter, according to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports.
Until then, speculation will continue.
Fans in Ann Arbor are planning a massive homecoming celebration, but it remains to be seen if the guest of honor has decided to attend.
Harbaugh is currently a fan favorite in Ann Arbor, but if he passes on this opportunity, his supporters will be just as disillusioned as the San Francisco 49ers.
Phil Callihan is a featured writer for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotations obtained firsthand.
Follow @PCallihan
