Jim Harbaugh’s departure from Michigan was shocking but not surprising. After leading the Wolverines to their first national title in 27 years, Harbaugh has decided to return to the NFL, where he had previously coached the San Francisco 49ers to three consecutive NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl appearance. Harbaugh has accepted the head coaching job of the Los Angeles Chargers, a team with a young and talented quarterback in Justin Herbert, and a roster that could compete for the playoffs in the AFC.
Harbaugh’s decision to leave Michigan was motivated by his desire to win the ultimate prize in football: the Lombardi Trophy. Harbaugh had come close to winning it with the 49ers but lost to his brother John and the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII. Harbaugh had fulfilled his dream of restoring Michigan to its former glory; I believe he felt he had nothing left to prove in college football.
Harbaugh’s legacy at Michigan will be remembered as one of the greatest in the program’s history. Harbaugh took over a team that had struggled under Brady Hoke and turned it into a powerhouse that dominated the Big Ten and the nation. He went 118-46 in nine seasons, winning three Big Ten titles, a Rose Bowl against coaching legend Nick Saban, and one College Football Playoff National Championship. Harbaugh ended the long losing streak to Ohio State, beating the Buckeyes three straight times, including a 36-30 statement win this year. He developed several players into NFL stars, such as Jabrill Peppers, Rashan Gary, Devin Bush, and Aiden Hutchinson. Harbaugh also became a force to reckon with while recruiting, bringing in top prospects like J.J. McCarthy, Donovan Edwards, Daxton Hill, and freshman Jayden Davis.
Harbaugh’s departure from Michigan will leave a huge void in the program. The search for his successor, Sherrone Moore, was an easy decision. Moore, in the suspension of Harbaugh, led Michigan to key wins against Penn State, Maryland, and Ohio State. The Wolverines are in a good spot with Moore, as he has proven to be a talented upcoming coach; Moore was previously the offensive coordinator and tight end coach for the Wolverines. However, Harbaugh has offered his assistance in helping identify the needs for the program moving forward and has expressed his gratitude and love for Michigan.
Harbaugh’s move to the Chargers will be a challenging task, as he will be in one of the most challenging conferences in the NFL. He will face a tough division that includes the Kansas City Chiefs, the Denver Broncos, and the Las Vegas Raiders. He will also have to deal with the high expectations and pressure of coaching in Los Angeles, a city that demands excellence and entertainment. Harbaugh will have to adapt to the changes and trends in the NFL and to the different rules and regulations that govern the league. And most importantly, he will have to rebuild his reputation and credibility in the NFL after leaving the 49ers on bad terms in 2015.
Harbaugh’s career has been marked by his passion, intensity, and innovation. He has won at every level, from playing quarterback at Michigan and in the NFL to coaching at San Diego, Stanford, San Francisco, and Michigan. He has been a builder, a leader, and a champion. He has also been a controversial, polarizing, and unpredictable figure. He has made bold moves, risky decisions, and surprising choices. He has left his mark on every team he has coached and where he has been. He has been one of the most influential and successful coaches in football history. And he is not done yet.
