Jim Harbaugh reveals emotions being back on the sideline
On Nov. 10, the Big Ten handed Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh a three-game suspension, preventing him coaching his team against Penn State, Maryland and Ohio State. Nonetheless, with Sherrone Moore as the team’s acting head coach, Michigan finished the regular season undefeated.
Now, the Wolverines will have a chance to bring home their third-straight conference title. On Sunday, Harbaugh discussed his excitement to get back on the sidelines.
“My emotions, my focus has been with the team the entire time,” Harbaugh said. “It’s been a tremendous season. Right in the exact position that we hoped for, that we worked so hard to be in. It’s onward now. We’ve accomplished many of our goals, but not all of them yet, and some still are out there.
“Beating Michigan State, beating Penn State, beating Ohio State, winning the Big Ten East. Now, the next is winning the conference championship and that’s where our focus is. I would say, you know, to be back, but I never left.”
Harbaugh was not allowed to coach on game days, but he still led his program during the week. Of course, the 59-year-old head coach also provided advice for his staff, who could be at the game. After Michigan’s win over Ohio State on Saturday, Moore revealed what Harbaugh told him before the game.
Jim Harbaugh affects the game despite suspension
“Yeah, a big thing he said to me was, you know, he loved me and do me,” Moore said. “I told him the same thing. I love him and we got his back. So, like I said in interviews, we got his back and will do anything for him. Players will run through a wall for him, so will the coaches. So we were just prepared to go win this game for him.”
Harbaugh’s suspension only grew Michigan’s bond. Defensive lineman Cam Goode paraded a sign that read “Free Jim” above his head as players from both teams met on the field after Michigan’s win against Penn State.
Running back Blake Corum and Moore delivered tearful postgame speeches, squeezing out Harbaugh’s name through tears. Michigan legend and FOX analyst Charles Woodson, along with thousands of passionate fans, donned “Michigan Vs. Everybody” shirts.
Despite the theatrics, Moore claims the team is attempting to stay focused on the task at hand.
“Not trying to look at the outside world and what people are saying. We know what we have in that building and staying together as a group is the most important thing for us.”
Now, the Wolverines have their pack leader again. On Saturday, Michigan will square off against Iowa at 8 p.m. ET in the Big Ten Championship. The game will be broadcast on FOX.