Jim Harbaugh: Would Staying at Stanford Be Good For Him?

If history is a way to predict the future, then I believe Jim Harbaugh's best move is not to move.  The vast majority of  college coaches have failed to make the jump to the NFL.  He has returned a slumping program back to prominence and polished the image of the Stanford Cardinal, when many doubted his ability.  His extensive background in developing young players goes back to his Michigan playing days, when he would assist with his father's football camp.  This has given him a unique background to draw on going forward.

Harbaugh Is The Key To Luck's Success

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MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03: (L-R) Quarterback Andrew Luck and head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Stanford Cardinal celebrate on stage after Stanford won 40-12 against the Virginai Tech Hokies during the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 3,

Andrew Luck is a quality player and formidable quarterback.  Jim Harbaugh's background has him uniquely positioned to help Andy Luck improve over the next year.  Harbaugh's influence on Luck can be seen in the quarterback's determination to complete and extend plays with positive results.  Luck could easily become the Heisman winner if Harbaugh is there to coach him in 2011 and the number 1 pick in the NFL draft.

National Championship Run?

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MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03: Stefan Taylor #33 of the Stanford Cardinal runs the ball in the second half against the Virginai Tech Hokies during the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 3, 2011 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Ge

Let's just say that Jim Harbaugh has an ability to motivate and improve the play of the young men he has coached.  He proved this at the University of San Diego, and he has proved it again by taking a 1-12 team 4 years ago to 12-1 and a BCS Orange Bowl win.  His innate ability to get the most out of these players and to improve their level of play is a testament to his knowledge and love of the game.  Can he generate the success necessary to to take the next step to the BCS Championship Game?  I would say the answer is a definite yes.

Recruiting

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MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03: Players from the Stanford Cardinal hold up the Orange Bowl Champion trophy after they won 40-12 against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 3, 2011 in Miami, Florida. (Photo

 Recruiting is always a major process for any college coach.  Stanford needs to keep Jim Harbaugh in the fold and happy, if the university wants to experience continued success in the PAC-10.  The hype associated with the Orange Bowl win is a big draw in the recruiting of high school athletes.  I believe Jim Harbaugh and the culture of success he has bred over these last years is the bigger recruiting tool.  Players want to play for a winner and a coach that truly loves and respects the game.  But with Jim Harbaugh they get an added plus, he respects his players as only a coach who has been there can.

Can Stanford Make a Run at The PAC-10 Championship?

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MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03: Quarterback Andrew Luck #12 of the Stanford Cardinal calls signals out at the line of scrimmage against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 3, 2011 in Miami, Florida. Stanfo

The big question here is if the Cardinal can address the obvious issue of the offensive line next year.  With the loss of four 5th year seniors from the starting group, can they replace them?  I think that the Cardinal coaching staff has been preparing their underclassmen to step in for the 2011 season and beyond.  If they haven't, then they have done a tremendous dis-service to their team and the university.  If we know anything about Jim Harbaugh, then we know this is not the case.  Stanford and Oregon will again vie for the PAC-10 Championship.

To Stay Or Not To Stay?

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MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Stanford Cardinal celebrates as he is lifted up by his players including Orange Bowl MVP Andrew Luck #12 (R) after Stanford won 40-12 against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the 2011 Discover Orange B

Jim Harbaugh is in a unique position.  He has multiple programs interested in him, both at the college level and in the NFL.  He is riding a wave of success with a program that he has essentially built into a winner.  The draw to his alma mater is probably a strong one and I believe is the only place he'd go to if he were to stay in the college ranks.  The allure of the NFL and the prestige and money that comes with it, must be tempting.  But there is the one thing to remember here.  Every year, the NFL is looking for new coaches for as many as 8 teams.  Already he has been associated with Carolina, Denver, San Francisco and Miami as possible places for him to land in the NFL as a head coach.  His knowledge of the pro game and the mind set of NFL players from his playing days gives him a perspective missing in most coaching candidates.

My take would be to stay and complete what he started in building a self-sustaining program, as he can make the jump to the NFL anytime.  Harbaugh's teams will continue to be winners, just as he has been and will be in the future.  Not just as a coach, but as a man who cares more about those around him and helping them achieve success in their endeavors.  That has always been the key to his success.