President Santa Ono breaks the news: Jim Harbaugh is back
So much for all the talk that new Michigan President Santa Ono wouldn’t be that involved in athletics … football, in particular. Not only was the new U-M president instrumental in ensuring head coach Jim Harbaugh knew he was wanted, but he also helped seal the deal with the coach on a new contract.
Harbaugh had interviewed with the Denver Broncos, but Ono broke on twitter that he’d be back.
“I just got off the phone with Coach Harbaugh and Jim shared with me the great news that he is going to remain as the Head Coach of the Michigan Wolverines,” he tweeted. “That is fantastic news that I have communicated to our Athletic Director, Warde Manuel.”
Added Harbaugh in a statement released by Michigan football twitter: “I love the relationships that I have at Michigan — coaches, staff, families, administration, President Santa Ono and especially the players and their families. My heart is at the University fo Michigan. I once heard a wise man say, ‘don’t try to out-happy, happy.’ Go Blue!”
A week ago, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, Harbaugh was one of the top candidates for the Broncos’ job after going through a two-hour Zoom interview. Former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton was also on the short list with the Michigan coach.
“The Broncos kicked off their head coaching search on Monday by conducting a virtual interview with Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh,” Pelissero said on Good Morning Football. “The sides spoke, I’m told, for over two hours. Harbaugh of course, put out a statement just last week saying that while things can change, ‘I expect to be enthusiastically coaching Michigan in 2023.’ It’s no secret Harbaugh has been weighing his NFL options in recent weeks, he now has emerged as a top candidate in Denver.”
Harbaugh repeatedly said he expected to coach Michigan in 2023, but left the pro door open. He reiterated last week that he expected to coach in Ann Arbor for at least one more season.
“I am aware of the rumors and speculation over the past few days,” Harbaugh said. “College and NFL teams have great interest in all our personnel, from players to coaches to staff, and I truly believe that is a testament to the strength of our University of Michigan football program. As I stated in December, while no one knows what the future holds, I expect that I will be enthusiastically coaching Michigan in 2023.
“I have spoken with President Santa Ono and Athletic Director Warde Manuel and appreciate their support of me and our program. Our mission as Wolverines continues, and we are preparing for the 2023 season with great passion and enthusiasm. As our legendary coach Bo Schembechler said … ‘Those who stay will be champions.’”
Harbaugh is 74-25 in eight seasons, including a 12-2 record last year and 13-1 this season. His teams have pounded Ohio State twice, beating Ohio State twice 42-27 at home last year and 45-23 this season in Columbus.
Michigan earned its highest winning percentage over two years since the Wolverines went 20-1-1 in the 1973 and 1974 seasons and finished in the AP top-3 for the first time since the national title seasons of 1947-48.
Watch for more on this development in the hours to come …
