Is Harbaugh Actually Okay?

Submitted by JamesBondHerpesMeds on November 15th, 2020 at 11:39 AM

We discussed this last year, I believe, but I think the cratering of this team deserves the topic to be raised once again: I have some significant questions around whether or not Jim Harbaugh’s all there anymore.

The erratic behaviors that have become his calling card. The loss of enthusiasm. The dubious decision to start Joe Milton. There is something beyond simply ineptitude that needs to be explored to explain this entire decline in Harbaugh’s performance.

What we know is that myriad NFL players experience post-career mental and physical health declines, and I sit here saddened by the thought that we are seeing this play out in Jim. It is a deeply personal, painful, and career-altering situation if it is, and I would have the utmost sympathy for him and his family if this is occurring and becomes a valid reason to gracefully part ways with him as soon as possible, for the sake of his personal well-being and the university.

mGrowOld

November 15th, 2020 at 12:01 PM ^

There is definitely "something wrong" but what that something is nobody here knows.  Whether it's meds (or lack of meds), health issues, personal issues or something else he's dealing with it is painfully obvious to everyone that Harbaugh 2020 is a shell of Harbaugh 2016.

The guy played for Michigan, loves his school and I'm sure is more upset than anyone at what is happening now.

But he needs to go.  It's sad, but he needs to go for both the program and for his sake.

Joined: 10/04/2010

MGoPoints: 213236

San Diego Mick

November 15th, 2020 at 11:54 AM ^

There are divorce rumors?

I watched his post game on BTN and man does he look like someone who is lost and has no clue how to fix it.

He looked like a deer in headlights while answering. It was sad and depressing. I certainly hope he isn't going through something personal or medical but if he is I just wish the program won't continue cratering like it is.

Joined: 05/11/2011

MGoPoints: 50691

I Like Burgers

November 15th, 2020 at 2:27 PM ^

It's fair to question his mental capabilities.  He thought Milton was a once in a generation player. He thought All was going to be the best TE in Michigan history. He thought this was going to be his best team.  He thought this team is close to putting it together.  And on, and on.

If he TRULY thought all of that, then it's no wonder he looks lost and confused.  Would be like thinking you, as a 5'11" guy are the tallest person in the world and then walking into a room full of 7 footers.

And on top of that, if he's preaching all of these same things to the players, it's no wonder they look checked out.  If you're being told that you're a great team and going to be competing for the championship and then it turns out you're ass, you'd question everything about the people that told you that.

Joined: 10/06/2012

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Blue Me

November 15th, 2020 at 11:47 AM ^

He's a guy who wasn't very bright before getting clubbed in the head a million times.

Draw your own conclusion...

Joined: 02/17/2019

MGoPoints: -3001

jnz

November 15th, 2020 at 12:50 PM ^

So your gonna stand on this hill? He was smart enough to  take a degree from here along with football and turn it into a successful career. My guess is he has been more successful than yourself.

Joined: 01/04/2011

MGoPoints: 628

Blue Me

November 15th, 2020 at 1:22 PM ^

Unlike everyone else postulating here, I actually knew him in college and have a lot of friends who went to secondary school with him in A2.

Even short of that, anyone who listens to him ought to be able to ascertain that the word salad coming from his mouth is not that of a highly educated person.

As for me, I've done very well in my career in software consulting and sales but, no, have never received a bonus baby contract. I'll concede that JH has more money than me if that's the point of your comment.

Even a software guy would know not to hire O line coaches with diametrically opposed philosophies as did Harbs in Drevno and Frey. 

Face it -- he has been a major failure at UM -- are you willing to die defending that hill?

Joined: 02/17/2019

MGoPoints: -3001

jnz

November 15th, 2020 at 3:33 PM ^

If you would read further down I wasn't standing on the keep him hill!!!  I agreed that they should part ways. He tried and wanted nothing more than to succeed. Six years is long enough and the program should be way ahead of where it is. I sure hope no one kicks you while your down. So you equate articulation with intelligence? I hope you don't get hurt when you fall off your high horse.  Some of the most intelligent people I know never spent a day in college.

Joined: 01/04/2011

MGoPoints: 628

Blue Me

November 15th, 2020 at 4:17 PM ^

If I went into meet with senior IT leadership at, say, Ford and laid egg after egg after my $10M project fell flat on its face they would not invite me back.

There would be some choice comments made about me to my face and after I left.

Welcome to the real world -- we are all judged on our results and ability to handle pressure.

Harbs fails on all counts. 

 

Joined: 02/17/2019

MGoPoints: -3001

Brodie

November 15th, 2020 at 12:48 PM ^

because some people don't know how to separate their disappointment in the team's performance from personal outrage and the only way they can deal with it is lashing out and insulting Jim Harbaugh, by all accounts a decent guy and a legendary player here

at this point it's not working out anymore and it's probably best for both parties for him to move on, but nobody should shit on the man or speculate about his health or personal life. it's enough that he doesn't seem to know how to fix the problems

Joined: 11/19/2008

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Robbie Moore

November 15th, 2020 at 1:05 PM ^

Wasn't very bright? 14 year NFL career. Built a horrible Stanford program up to 12-1. Took the Niners to the Super Bowl. You can't accomplish that without your fair share of intelligence. Whatever is going on now I don't know. He is not the same guy he was when he got here. 

Joined: 12/01/2008

MGoPoints: 46167

Blue Me

November 15th, 2020 at 1:59 PM ^

So, he and the staff dedicated a lot of time to satellite camps, right? What was the output of those?

Did they bring any difference makers to UM?

I don't recall any. Wasn't Josh Metallus the only one who was a multi-year starter? This board was never very kind to him.

Meanwhile, Harbaugh has whiffed on most top rated guys while focusing on these "hidden gems".

Next in this series we could talk about player turnover.

Joined: 02/17/2019

MGoPoints: -3001

Montana41GoBlue

November 15th, 2020 at 11:50 AM ^

According to the MGOBLOG experts, Jim is in very high demand, NFL and College. Would be swiped up immediately for a new Head Coaching gig.

Seriously though, he's lost his mojo, spirit has been broken.  Low T maybe too?!

Joined: 09/12/2020

MGoPoints: 3

Bo Harbaugh

November 15th, 2020 at 11:59 AM ^

There are many rumors out there about his health.  I would never share details as it is irresponsible and they are RUMORS, even if they are coming from some solid sources.

That said...and this is what is most telling, there is no consistency to any of the rumors.  In other words, my friend at the AD says that there are like 4 contradictory rumors running around about Harbaugh's mental state, physical well-being, and family issues.  So...basically, it's all BS, until something real comes out.

The weather here is in La Paz is gorgeous btw, but even from Bolivia, I won't share any of these rumors as it would just create internet trash with zero veracity.  The eye test obviously tells us that something changed after OSU 2016 regarding his demeanor, but nobody outside his family and inner circle/higher ups probably really know what's going on.

Joined: 08/03/2019

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MGoStrength

November 15th, 2020 at 12:00 PM ^

Unfortunately JH's quirkiness appears to be exactly what's holding us back.  All the shit that seemed like unsubstianted talk from the talking heads is beginning to sound accurate.  All that stuff like

  • JH wears on people
  • JH can't retain good coaches
  • JH can't develop and retain his players
  • JH plays favorites
  • JH doesn't motivate his players and get them up for big games
  • JH cares too much about the little things and not enough about the big things
  • JH doesn't have a recruiting plan
  • JH doesn't hold enough meetings and manage the team
  • JH can't let go of control of the offense

Some of these simply have to be accurate and why despite having good players they don't produce enough wins.

Joined: 07/29/2010

MGoPoints: 20002

jasgoblue

November 15th, 2020 at 12:19 PM ^

"JH wears on people"

I'll get downvoted for this, but I have a good example. Back in 2015 or so, Harbaugh became buds with Michelle Obama, when she was promoting her exercise and nutrition initiative for kids. I remember an article about Harbaugh's involvement and maybe a trip to the White House (?) or maybe it was a picture from one of Michelle Obama's trip to Michigan (?). There was a picture where he wore a tie with elephants on it to the event. He made a passive aggressive political statement while getting focus and attention from the FLOTUS' initiative. I get that people have differing political views, but what a dickish thing to do.

I can't seem to find the picture any more. I've googled for it on and off a few times. I'd love to see it again just to remove the 1% doubt in my mind that he did that.

Joined: 11/16/2011

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