Citrus Bowl Teleconference: Jim Harbaugh Comment Count

Adam Schnepp

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[Fuller/MGoBlog]

Opening Statement:

“We’re very excited to be invited to the bowl and sounds like it’s gonna be great, fair, honest, healthy competition. We’re looking forward to it.”

Have you decided on your defensive coordinator for the bowl game?

“Yes. Greg Mattison’s going to coordinate the defense and we’ve also hired Chris Partridge to coach the linebackers.”

With Mattison, is that just for the bowl season or is that a permanent change?

“That will be for the bowl season. And we’ll evaluate from there.”

Speaking of the defensive coordinator, do you have a timetable in mind that you’d like to have a permanent hire in place? How are you approaching that?

“We’re approaching it to win our next game. No timetable. We’ll evaluate as we go. Excited to have Greg coordinate the defense. I think he’ll do a fantastic job, and Chris Partridge- great chance to have Chris coaching on the field. He’s done a fabulous job in every task he’s been on top of. I’m excited to watch him coach and Greg coordinate.”

Is it possible that Chris could earn himself a permanent full-time job with you guys as a coach?

“Yeah, very possible.”

Any familiarity with Jim McElwain and how he runs the program and offense? Any familiarity with him?

“Just that he enjoys an incredible reputation in the profession. That would be…I think we all know that. From people I respect and know very well, he has a fine reputation as a good coach.”

You probably haven’t had time to look at Florida, but anything you know about this team, particularly the defensive side of the ball? I mean, DJ Durkin obviously coached there last year.

“Yeah, I watched probably about half of the games right now. Fantastic season they’ve had. They play with great intensity, and much respect for what they’ve done. Heck of a year for them.”

Can you update us on Jake Rudock? Do you expect him to play in the game, and what’s his health status?

“Yeahhhh, I mean, I think it’s just- I’ve talked to him a few times, I think he’ll play in the game. There was a period where- he hasn’t thrown yet, but I think he will be soon.”

[After THE JUMP: “I don’t think of it as a foundation, I think of it more like a train, more like a locomotive.”]

What do you think is the key component of turning around- I know you aren’t where you want to be, but it’s still a turnaround season for the program. What do you think the key component of that was?

“Always think the key component is the way the players play, the kind of job they’ve done throughout this past year. They’ve worked extremely hard, they’ve competed well, and we look forward to having the opportunity to do that again in this game. That’s why we’re so excited about it.”

When a new coach comes in it can be hard to get players to buy in. Might take a couple years for a coach to get his guys in. What does it tell you about the seniors on your team as well as Jim [McElwain’s]?

“I think it speaks very well for the players on both sides. It’s a [inaudible] to go through what the fellas go through and how hard they work and how they compete and the aspirations that they have as an individual senior class and as a team. They care about being good. Very positive.”

What kind of foundation do you feel they’ve left for the program moving forward?

“I don’t know. I don’t really think of it as a foundation. I think of it as more like a process, and we’ll just continue to keep moving at the same pace that they’ve been on. Excited to get back to practice and continue looking ahead.

“I don’t think of it as a foundation, I think of it more like a train, more like a locomotive. Building steam, moving. Not static, not one place.”

Is Ryan Glasgow completely ruled out for the bowl?

“Uh, I would think so, yes. You know, I don’t have any doctor degree.”

I don’t either, that’s why I didn’t know how serious that kind of injury is. Is it something that’s supposed to be healed in a month or does it take several?

“Yeah, again, I don’t have any [inaudible] not playing in the bowl game.”

Bryan Mone: will he be available for the bowl?

“That’s…more a conversation I need to have with Bryan and the doctors that I haven’t had yet.”

Are you considering Greg Mattison for the permanent job [of DC]?

“All possibilities are being considered. That’s one of them. Yeah, absolutely. Fantastic coach. One heck of a good coach, and he’s certainly handled the pressure of calling defenses and he would be excellent so yeah, that’s a possibility.”

I don’t think we’ve talked to you since Jim Hackett announced he was getting ready to step aside. Can you just comment on your relationship with him over the last year?

“The relationship has been A++. I still want to talk him into staying. Wish he’d give that a shot…is the way I feel about it. It’s been outstanding working with Jim. He’s done some marvelous things and as a friend he’s been really good to this great university. He’s done a great job. Still lobbying for him to stay.”

DJ Durkin worked with you twice now. What are the qualities about him as a coach and what kind of job do you think he’s going to do at Maryland?

“I think he’s going to do an outstanding job. Pleasure working with him both at Stanford and this year. I think he did a job well done here at Michigan and he’s just a competitor. I know he’ll be a fierce competitor. I wish- both Sarah and I, my wife, wish Sarah and coach Durkin all the best and much success I’m sure they’ll have at Maryland.”

In terms of the athletic director’s job, how much of a role do you expect to have? This is obviously a vital position for you as well as the other coaches. Do you want to have a say in who the next AD will be?

“I don’t really think that’s my responsibility. I’m out recruiting and working hard on that and coaching the football team. You’ve been to my office, right? I’ve got that sign that says ‘Just coach the team.’”

Comments

MGoBourbon

December 7th, 2015 at 6:33 PM ^

Whoever ends up as permanent AD better not piss in our Harbaugh Cheerios. There should be some sort of standardized test, perhaps based on ENDZONE, that AD candidates must take when applying.

Seriously, though, continued calm, servant leadership like Hackett is needed. Get Harbaugh what he needs in order to win, and get out of the way.

JFW

December 7th, 2015 at 8:07 PM ^

The risk is that a guy comes in and thinks he is to the AD position what Harbaugh is to coaching, or that he's a latter day Canham and can do what he wants.

A guy like that might try to York Harbaugh around. If he does, and he leaves, then of course he'd get run out on a rail. But the damage would be done.




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RainbowSprings

December 8th, 2015 at 8:29 AM ^

It is my understanding that the UM AD search committee will include Hackett as well as Carol Hutchins Hutch supposedly will present the input of all the coaches impacted by the new hire. I was surprised the coaching rep wasn't Beilein, but I guess he'll be rather busy for the next few months (hopefully up through April 4).

dragonchild

December 8th, 2015 at 8:02 AM ^

FFS Harbaugh isn't made of glass and if he's anything like the people I know with similar intensity, if you're scared of him he's likely to find you annoying.  Harbaugh doesn't strike me as the kind of guy who wants to be led by a doormat.  He wants you to know your shit and do your shit, not be full of shit.

If I was to project my inner Harbaugh, he wants an AD who loves Michigan as fiercely as he does.  We need the next AD to be a strong advocate for Michigan, not Harbaugh's lapdog.  Someone who'll hold the athletic department to high standards, hack through mountains with his/her bare hands to get the best talent, fight the B1G on their BS with blood-stained teeth and above all, honor Michigan tradition and value what the colors represent.  Such a person WILL tangle with Harbaugh from time to time.  But it'll be good.

Anyway, between Schlissel, Hackett and Harbaugh all having input (regardless of what Harbaugh says) and the Regents keen on avoiding another walking PR disaster, I think it's unlikely we get another tinpot dictator appointee.  Hackett's been good but Brandon's lowered my expectations to the point that I'll happily take mediocre.

UMProud

December 7th, 2015 at 8:36 PM ^

The new AD needs to stay out of the news, stay out of Jim Harbaugh's office and for god sakes don't stand in any lines to shake player hands unless they're graduating!

thedeauxabides

December 7th, 2015 at 11:30 PM ^

IMO JH will consult with Money and the MD's and directly ask him to play if he wants to. I said it last night, JH wants to win this and every game and if you're healthy and eligible he will promote you. He is less concerned with redshirts rather the next game on the schedule.
Morris' RS is a recruiting measure and generous gesture unrelated to this situation.
God I admire him..."