Michigan Football: 3 realistic candidates if Jim Harbaugh goes to NFL

2. Matt Campbell

When there were rumors about Jim Harbaugh possibly not being retained a year ago or possibly going to the NFL then (yes this isn’t new) Iowa State’s Matt Campbell was probably the top choice of Michigan football fans at least.

And his hire would make a lot of sense. Campbell has done an incredible job at Iowa State and put together a consistent winner at a program that’s always been known as a perennial loser.

Iowa State reached the Big 12 title game in 2020 but the Cyclones have also beaten the elite competition in their conference — teams such as Oklahoma and Texas and more than just once so it wasn’t a fluke.

Iowa State is never going to recruit at the same level as those schools, just like Michigan isn’t going to recruit as well as Ohio State, Alabama or Georgia. That’s just the reality. So a coach who is known for developing talent and building an elite culture seems like a perfect fit.

Plus, Campbell was formerly the head coach at Toledo and we all know how important it is for Michigan football to recruit the state of Ohio.

Campbell can do that and if the Wolverines can stand breaking up their coaching staff, he might be the best choice.