ANN ARBOR, Mich. – University of Michigan Athletic Director Ward Manuel and President Santa Ono issued statements on the departure of former Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh.
Harbaugh announced on Wednesday (Jan. 24) that he was leaving his alma mater and heading back to the National Football League, where he will coach quarterback Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Charges, according to Adam Schefter on X.
“My love for Michigan, playing there and coming back to coach there, leaves a lasting impact. I’ll always be a loyal Wolverine,” said Harbaugh.
Once the announcement became official, Manuel and Ono issued their statements thanking Harbaugh for all he’s done to bring the football program back to prominence.
“I want to thank Jim for everything he has done for our football program, athletic department, and the University of Michigan over the past nine years. Every day, he has worked extremely hard to elevate the stature of Michigan across the world, with the goal of winning championships and developing young men on and off the football field.
Jim did exactly what he sought to do at Michigan: build our program to consistently win Big Ten Championships and compete for national championships, culminating with a record three-straight outright conference titles and the national championship this year. He did the same off the field by graduating his players and providing life experiences through mentorships, internships, and team trips around the globe.
We have been discussing a new contract that would make Jim the highest paid coach in college football. In the end, he wanted to explore and ultimately decided to pursue a return to coaching in the NFL. We can’t thank Jim enough for all that he has done for our student-athletes, staff and Michigan Football. He will always be a huge part of our rich history and will be remembered as an all-time great Wolverine, as both a championship player and coach.
Jim has always been extremely upfront with his communication regarding NFL opportunities and has been helpful with this transition in leadership. We had a great conversation tonight when he informed me of this decision to return to the NFL and offered his assistance in helping identify the needs for the program moving forward.
We are working quickly to hire the next head coach for the program and will do everything possible to keep this current staff and team together.
We appreciate Jim’s dedication and passion for Michigan, the university, and Ann Arbor, and I wish Jim and the entire Harbaugh family much success with the Los Angeles Chargers.”
University of Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel Ward Manuel
Ono said the school and Harbaugh had been in talks for several weeks, but the coach had other dreams and aspirations that he wanted to achieve.
“We have been in talks with Jim Harbaugh for the last several weeks and have tried our best to retain him as our football coach. Jim called me today and let me know that he has made the difficult decision to leave Michigan and join the Los Angeles Chargers in pursuit of his NFL dreams.
For the fans, the players, and for me personally, we are sad to hear of Jim’s departure. His drive and ambition turned our program around, delivered our first national championship in a quarter century, and maintained Michigan as the all-time winningest team in the history of college football.
I thank Jim for all he has done for the University of Michigan and respect his decision. He has been an extraordinary leader and a friend. I will be cheering for Jim as he embarks on this next adventure.”
University of Michigan President Santa Ono
Regent of the University of Michigan Sarah Hubbard posted on X that she and the school did everything they could to keep Harbaugh as the leader of the men in maize, but she knew neither the school nor the program could give Harbaugh a Super Bowl ring.
We put so much support on the table and did everything we could to keep Coach Harbaugh.
— Sarah Hubbard, Regent @umich (@RegentHubbard) January 25, 2024
But at the end of the day we can’t give him a Super Bowl ring.
I hope he goes out and wins one and makes us proud.
💙💛💙💛#GoBlue
Harbaugh led the Michigan Wolverines to their first outright national championship since 1948.
He also led the Wolverines to their first 15-0 season in school history and became the first coach to lead Michigan to three straight outright Big Ten titles, their first No. 1 ranking and national championship since 1997.
With Harbaugh gone, who do you want to see as his replacement?
The obvious response would be offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore. During Harbaugh’s absence, Moore kept the Wolverine’s national championship dreams alive by beating the Penn State Nittany Lions, the Maryland Terrapins, and the Ohio State Buckeyes.