Barnwell's take on what happened (NFL tenure confirmed his strengths)...
Relevant paraphrased quote: "Harbaugh is not Nick Saban. He’s not Butch Davis or Steve Spurrier.... The professional ranks did not expose his weaknesses. They confirmed his strength."
Link: (will need to scroll down to skip Shield MVP musings) http://grantland.com/the-triangle/week-17-wrap-up-the-mvp-finale/
December 30th, 2014 at 9:41 AM ^
December 30th, 2014 at 9:43 AM ^
December 30th, 2014 at 9:43 AM ^
Is the rare breed that has proven to be able to coach at a high level in both CFB and the NFL. If that doesn't confirm to our rivals that he's the real deal, then I don't know what will. Outside of laying a beat down on them I guess :)
December 30th, 2014 at 9:48 AM ^
'til this fall!
December 30th, 2014 at 9:49 AM ^
"...nobody can truly understand the pull his alma mater has on the departing 49ers coach."
Anyone who has read this blog over the past month understands.
This is a religion. Once you play for Michigan, you never forget. Go Blue!
December 30th, 2014 at 10:08 AM ^
Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad
December 30th, 2014 at 9:53 AM ^
December 30th, 2014 at 9:54 AM ^
Good write-up minus his paragraph about Ross not going after him at the Dolphins that is blissfully unaware of Ross' alumni status and his statements about wanting Harbaugh at Michigan instead of Miami.
December 30th, 2014 at 10:28 AM ^
On the other hand, the fact that he doesn't have that kind of M-Obsessive knowledge in a way adds weight to his more general conclusions on the import of the move. Was surprised to see Barnwell even writing on the topic since he's such a huge NFL stats guru.
December 30th, 2014 at 10:37 AM ^
that stuck out for me also. Glad I read through the replies before posting somthing simmilar. You said it way better than I was thinking it!
December 30th, 2014 at 9:55 AM ^
The quote that the OP pulled says very well one of the things - perhaps the primary thing - that makes this hire spectacular on every level. Jim Harbaugh has proven himself an excellent developer and motivator and, even better, to have a great football mind. He is also extremely active in the game and the operation of the team, something I don't think we had for four season under Hoke and something that can only help Michigan regain its footing. If there is anyone that can undertake this project, it is the successful coach who once quarterbacked this team.
December 30th, 2014 at 9:58 AM ^
And the article is worth a read. The money quote is just that, but the article also spells out why this move makes sense and why we might see more good NFL coaches do the same. A good counterpoint to the "he'll be back as soon as good opportunities arise" crowd.
December 30th, 2014 at 10:02 AM ^
got it better than us?
NOBODY