Jim Harbaugh earns Big Ten coach of the year ... Michigan defenders Mazi Smith, Mike Morris, others honored
Michigan finished a perfect 12-0 in the regular season and will face Big Ten West champion Purdue in the Big Ten title game Saturday in Indianapolis. Head coach Jim Harbaugh earned Big Ten coach of the year honors after leading the Wolverines to a second straight 12-win season … and the Wolverines aren’t done yet.
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Harbaugh captured the award from both the media and the coaches, becoming the 4th Michigan coach to win the award.
The Michigan coach gave credit to his players and coaches after the game, deflecting the praise. His players, however, carried him on their shoulders into the locker room, where he hugged them all as they walked in.
“I’m so proud of them … couldn’t be more proud,” Harbaugh said. “I knew the team was focused and determined as they have been all season. And it is a locker room of heroes. We talked about it last night — there would be [more than] one or two heroes. We need a whole team of them. It was a great team win.”
Michigan defensive linemen Mike Morris and Mazi Smith were also both honored, earning first-team all-Big Ten accolades by both the coaches and media. Morris was banged up against the Buckeyes and didn’t play much, while Smith was outstanding in the middle against the run in the second half.
“Mazi Smith has asthma. He completely changed his body in the weight room to become the football freak No. 1,” Harbaugh said Monday.
Morris also captured the Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year Award. He followed Aidan Hutchinson, who won it last year in representing Michigan.
“There was so much pressure. I’m not going to lie to you,” he said of stepping into Hutchinson’s shoes. “Just being Aidan’s backup last year, then Aidan and David Ojabo being potential first round [picks]. Just me … I have to be the next guy up.
“I just realized myself, there shouldn’t be pressure, because I’m cut from the same cloth as them … I’m just thankful to be there. I just knew if I put in the work, God would take care of the rest.”
Michigan sophomore linebacker Junior Colson and senior cornerback DJ Turner also earned second team All-Big Ten from the coaches.
Finally, Michigan kicker Jake Moody won the Bakken-Andersen Big Ten Kicker of the Year award for the second straight year. He made 26 of his 32 kicks, including a game-winner against Illinois in a 19-17 victory.
