Jim Harbaugh addresses future after Michigan chokes away bowl game
It’s a reasonable conclusion to draw.
The University of Michigan capped off a disappointing 8-5 season by blowing a 16-point lead to South Carolina in the Outback Bowl.
After three years back at his alma mater, Jim Harbaugh has led the Wolverines to an underwhelming 28-11 record, and there are currently six NFL teams without head coaches, with the potential for more still to come.
So why wouldn’t people wonder if Harbaugh is considering a return to the pros?
Well, some people may be wondering, but the embattled coach made one thing clear Monday: he’s staying in Ann Arbor.
When asked whether this was his last game at U of M, Harbaugh answered the Detroit News with one word.
“No.”
Asked if this was his last game at Michigan. Harbaugh responded "no"
— angelique (@chengelis) January 1, 2018
One can certainly understand the question, after the Wolverines turned the ball over on three of their last four possessions.
A 19-3 lead quickly turned into a 26-19 embarrassment.
It was the Big Ten’s only loss in eight Bowl games.
Afterwards, Harbaugh admitted the obvious by saying the Wolverines were unable to maintain the momentum that gave them a big lead.
“Yeah, one thing, it’s being able to just kind of sustain the momentum, keep the momentum, and then get the knockout punch,” he said.
For as much success as Harbaugh had during his NFL career — resurrecting the 49ers all the way to the Super Bowl — it’s clear why teams would love to lure him away.
Two of those teams would surely be the Colts and Lions. Harbaugh starred in Indianapolis, and the Lions play just 45 minutes away from campus.
While the coach says he’s not planning on leaving Michigan, some Michigan alums seem open to the idea.
Read what a former Michigan player had to say about Jim Harbaugh! 😭😂 pic.twitter.com/7CJ0xn2BAa
— Buckeye Videos+ (@BuckeyeVideos) January 1, 2018
Earlier in the week, Harbaugh again addressed rumors of his departure.
Asked Jim Harbaugh about those who continue to list him as a candidate for jobs elsewhere: "That's like warmed up oatmeal. I'm not a fan of warmed up oatmeal."
— Nick Baumgardner (@nickbaumgardner) December 28, 2017
Whether his oatmeal is reheated or not, another season of coaching rumors will include Harbaugh’s name, regardless of how much he denies having any interest in leaving.
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