NFL owner congratulates Jim Harbaugh on recent Michigan success

The Michigan Wolverines have had a season to remember. Michigan just won the Big Ten Championship over Iowa, and in doing so locked up a spot in the College Football Playoff. The Wolverines are No. 2 in the final CFP rankings, and will take on No. 3 Georgia in the CFP semifinal. After Michigan’s recent success, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay congratulated Harbaugh and other coaches on the Wolverines’ staff.

“A big congrats to Colts alums (and U. of Michigan coaches) Mike Hart, Kyle DeVan and ‘Captain Comeback’ Jim Harbaugh on their big victory (in) Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday night,” Irsay tweeted. “We might see them again here on Jan. 10.”

Michigan and Iowa faced off at Lucas Oil Stadium, the home of the Indianapolis Colts, in the Big Ten Championship. The CFP national championship game is also set to take place in the same stadium. If Michigan and Harbaugh continue the success they’ve seen this season, another opportunity for a win in Indianapolis is very possible.

Harbaugh played college football at Michigan before heading to the NFL. He began his career with the Chicago Bears in 1987, but he was a quarterback for the Colts from 1994 to 1997. Irsay was not a full owner of the Colts until 1997, but his family owned the team and he was working with the organization during Harbaugh’s tenure.

Hart, Michigan’s running backs coach, also played three seasons for the Colts. DeVan, an offensive analyst for Michigan, was the Colts’ starting right guard in 2009, when the Colts lost in the Super Bowl.

Michigan’s recent success means a lot to Harbaugh

Harbaugh has received a lot of criticism in the college football world for his inability to win big games. That idea has been put to rest this season. Michigan beat Ohio State in the final week of the regular season to clinch a spot in the Big Ten Championship. Then, the Wolverines completely dismantled Iowa for the Big Ten crown. Now, the Wolverines are heading to the College Football Playoff. Michigan’s success this season is a “great feeling” for Harbaugh.

“For me, just watching our guys give it their very best every day. Whether we were in offseason winter conditioning, whether we’re in spring practice, weight room, fall practice, just a bunch of guys that wanted to give it their very best, and then feel good about what they accomplished. And they’ve accomplished a lot,” Harbaugh said after Michigan was selected to the playoff. “There’s a lot of work, guys, just working and not worrying is what I would say. It’s a great feeling.”

Michigan will take on Georgia at 7:30 p.m. ET on New Year’s Eve in the Orange Bowl, one of two CFP semifinal matchups.