Michigan Football: 5 reasons why Jim Harbaugh is overrated
By Phil Poling
After just two years with Michigan football, Jim Harbaugh has been made into a god-like figure in Ann Arbor, but here’s why he’s overrated.
Not every coach in college football can get away with being a loudmouth, especially while sporting khaki pants, but Michigan football’s Jim Harbaugh is afforded that luxury. But why?
During his seven years as a college football head coach, Jim Harbaugh’s compiled a 49-27 record, a .645 win percentage. His team’s win total improved every year while at Stanford, culminating in 2010 when the Cardinals went 12-1 and won the Orange Bowl. But he had something special that season, a once-in-a-generation type player named Andrew Luck. Take that season away from him, and he isn’t even .500, sitting at 17-21.
He tested the NFL waters following the 2010 campaign (and somehow lost to his brother in Super Bowl XLVII) before returning to his alma mater in Ann Arbor in 2015. You may have heard some of his quotes while coaching Michigan, but even when he played there in the ’80s he was a big talker.
Let’s take a look at five reasons why the Michigan head coach mat be slightly overrated. Moreover, opposing college football coaches feel the same way.
5. The loudmouth in khakis
“We’re going to play in the Rose Bowl this year,” said a confident young Harbaugh in 1986. “I guarantee it.” He wound up quarterbacking them to the Rose Bowl that year, but ultimately lost to Arizona State.
With statements like that we learned early on that Harbaugh oozed confidence, but his shortcomings are all brought on by his own hubris.
"“Top to bottom, Michigan is about excellence, greatness. You have my pledge I will carry forward the excellence of Michigan football.” – Jim Harbaugh"
If you look at Michigan’s track record since Harbaugh’s graduated, they’ve only had nine double-digit win seasons in 27 years. Brady Hoke won a Sugar Bowl with Rich Rodriguez’ players in 2011. The entire Rich Rod-era was a disaster and he never should’ve bolted from West Virginia. But before that, Lloyd Carr never had a losing season.
Harbaugh’s special, though. He’s a Michigan kid, an alumnus, and he’s coached a team to the Super Bowl in the NFL.