The Athletic story : Jim Harbaugh’s new-look Michigan staff: ‘Jim’s got (the right) guys now. They’ll have his back and Michigan’s’
The linked article is behind the paywall at The Athletic, and most of the information is common knowledge. Quite positive on the changes JH made this off-season.
I would mention a couple of things that were new to me:
1)Harbaugh has gone through 31 assistant coaches, compared with 25 for James Franklin, 20 for Brian Kelly and 18 for Ferrentz. That sums up the instability problem There’s a view that there were too many yes men around
2)Saban reached out to Bellamy
https://theathletic.com/2794190/2021/09/01/jim-harbaughs-new-look-michi…
September 1st, 2021 at 12:52 PM ^
I think one or two of the coaches hired will be the next coach at Michigan if Harbaugh fails. Clinkscale or Hart
September 1st, 2021 at 1:26 PM ^
A position coach to a P5 head coaching gig would be a hell of a leap - especially if he is on the staff that had poor results that resulted in the previous head coach being fired.
My memory isn’t great, but I can’t think of any scenarios like this in the past.
September 1st, 2021 at 2:06 PM ^
"especially if he is on the staff that had poor results that resulted in the previous head coach being fired... My memory isn’t great, but I can’t think of any scenarios like this in the past."
The Detroit Lions have done exactly that repeatedly in the decades since their last NFL championship.
September 1st, 2021 at 2:41 PM ^
Ever heard of a guy named Dabo Swinney? WR coach to Hall of Fame yup I can think of one!
September 1st, 2021 at 11:41 PM ^
Dabo was a WR coach who took over as an interim. Anything could happen.
I personally hope Jim gets his legs under him this year and coaches us to a 9-3 or better, and gives us another decade of building a sustainable program.
Again, anything can happen.
September 1st, 2021 at 2:36 PM ^
Clinkscale? A kentucky position coach to Michigan head coach? Wow
To be honest Hart needs time at OC first but anyone else think he may be the best offensive mind on the team? Seriously he just might be. although it reminds me of a terribly inappropriate line from the movie Waiting about down syndrome.
September 1st, 2021 at 4:36 PM ^
How would anyone (other than the Michigan coaching staff) know if Hart is or is not the best offensive mind on the team?
September 1st, 2021 at 12:55 PM ^
Welp, that article broke my goal… not to get a my hopes up or optimistic for M football again.
I’m all in again and ready to root these kids on. Harbaugh and all the coaches too!
I may not be able to pad up but I can support this team and be a positive fan in a toxic atmosphere that is getting cleaned up… let’s get behind this team, Go Blue!!!
September 1st, 2021 at 12:59 PM ^
"Jim's finally got the right guys": Where have I heard that before?
Unless his guys pull rabbits out of their asses and win at least 9 games, those right guys will be working elsewhere next year.
September 1st, 2021 at 1:14 PM ^
Basing optimistic projections on the fact that the coach "seems more energized" is...one way to go.
This is why Vegas always wins.
September 1st, 2021 at 1:31 PM ^
Hiring Durkin may have been a problem... and then not promoting Mattison and doing a co-DC thing with a young guy... Don't get me wrong I liked Durkin's defense, but coaches that stay a year isn't good.
Then Brown was hired and it became a shift in the type of defender needed in his defense, which doesn't work in the Big Ten unless you have elite corners and a better DL. I will say that Brown's northeast connection has brought many good recruits, more than is realized.
September 1st, 2021 at 2:18 PM ^
It took Harry 7 years to beat Voldemort. Just saying.
September 1st, 2021 at 3:00 PM ^
Im not sure if the stories are true, I'm no insider and don't know any personally. But the reports that after the 2016 OSU game that school leaders implored Harbaugh to tone it down coupled with the watered down guy we've seen lately and then adding this change in demeanor coupled with his goals from last winter (one of which being he's no longer afraid to be fired) has me thinking those reports have substance for sure and this year he said "fuck it, I'm gonna be who I am; consequences be damned."
September 1st, 2021 at 5:12 PM ^
Here’s my favorite excerpt from the article.
Fans and observers have parsed Michigan’s offseason moves carefully, eager for signs that the “old” Jim Harbaugh has returned. The idea of turning back the clock holds powerful sway for those who remember the swashbuckling, take-no-guff coach of 2015 who was going to build a winner at Michigan and didn’t care who he angered in the process. Whether Harbaugh is pushing the blocking sled in practice or bear-crawling up a hill with his players during conditioning sessions, people close to the program see glimmers of the old spark returning.
“I think the old attitude we saw seven years ago when he first came back, you’re starting to see that personality come back again,” Deon Johnson said. “He was more confident, a little bit chippy, a more fired-up type of mentality.”
September 1st, 2021 at 6:10 PM ^
Beat Wisconsin with a successful two-minute drill at the end of each half to remain undefeated and then I will believe.
I think a 4-0 start is possible but I think that we are as likely to have only 5 wins as we are to have 9 or more.
September 1st, 2021 at 6:38 PM ^
I'll take 8-4 seasons like the 1990s where we would let off a few wet ones each year against lesser opponents, but then we would go out and rip out tOSU's heart in an upset, vs. these 9-10 win fool's gold seasons where we get boat raced by them every year. We. Have. to. Beat. Ohio State, nothing else matters at this point.
I'll believe it all when I see it, most importantly when we beat tOSU. I do believe that all the turnover and end-of-season fadeaways are coming from folks getting worn out working / playing for Fredo Harbaugh.
September 2nd, 2021 at 12:30 PM ^
Every year….
September 2nd, 2021 at 6:00 PM ^
On Harbaugh's demeanor, I think he likes what he sees in this seasons preparation. Especially his Qb. And hey, if you've done your best, it will be what it is.
If is true that his attitude is fueled by his perception of this team, then its because of the coaching staff.
On this season, I'm looking for a Defensive scheme that will bring a significant change. Maybe not a top 10 national D. But I'm hopeful. What ever this season brings, it all starts in 42 hours! Go Blue! Just 2 sleeps and it all starts baby!
September 3rd, 2021 at 12:34 AM ^
Yaaaawwwwwwnnnnnnn