Jim Harbaugh

[GunnerBill]

Did he find a way to lose another big game last night? Oh look.... he did.

[row_33]

Sparty beat them. Plain and simple.

[YoloinOhio]

But he takes the team to Europe for spring practice, and wears khakis!

 

One of the more interesting aspects of his tenure there so far is he's never played "his" QB. He's had Hoke holdovers or grad transfers. Jake Rudoch, Wilton Speight, John O' Korn. He has true freshman Dylan McCaffrey who probably isn't ready and Brandon Peters waiting in the wings. Neither of them could be worse than can o'corn at this point.

 

I wonder if he will go back to the NFL sooner than later. I've always thought the Colts with Andrew Luck just made too much sense.

Edited October 8, 2017 by YoloinOhio

[GunnerBill]

I wonder if he will go back to the NFL sooner than later. I've always thought the Colts with Andrew Luck just made too much sense.

And that job will be open next January. I just wonder whether Ballard will want someone that firey, but you are right... it makes a lot of sense. And hey... Indi love a big game let down too.

[JohnC]

And that job will be open next January. I just wonder whether Ballard will want someone that firey, but you are right... it makes a lot of sense. And hey... Indi love a big game let down too.

He's a terrific coach but his eccentricities can exhaust those who have to deal with him. At Stanford the administration was appreciative of what he did for the program. He elevated a foundering program. However, the bosses in the athletic department were worn out by his constant high wattage approach. Behind the curtain when he left for the 49ers there was a sigh of relief. The administration was more than happy that David Shaw took over the reigns. And they are very happy that this more normal pers has been able to keep Stanford a relevant program at the national level.

 

When Harbaugh took over the 49ers he quickly elevated a dormant program. Again, his intense style created friction within the organization. Harbaugh is brilliant in taking over damaged products and in relatively short order fixing them. The real issue for him and the organization that he works for is how long can the parties coexist. Any one who wants to hire him must realize that he is who he is. And when he is running the show he is doing it with total authority.

 

When you are rich and crazy you are considered an eccentric. If you are poor and crazy you are simply nuts. With Harbaugh as long as he is winning at a high rate his eccentricities are tolerable. When the winning percentage goes down then you don't want to deal with this oddball.

[YoloinOhio]

He pretty much *has* to beat Ohio State this year at home. It would get very interesting with his job status if he doesn't imo.

 

I don't think he would get fired. But the seat would be hot.

[/dev/null]

Harbaugh is safe if he beats either Penn St or Ohio St this year

 

If Michigan loses both he'll jump to a vacant NFL job for another short in the Pros

[YoloinOhio]

Harbaugh is safe if he beats either Penn St or Ohio St this year

 

If Michigan loses both he'll jump to a vacant NFL job for another short in the Pros

PSU would be a big win in and of itself, but if he's 1-5 vs his two Rivals it's going to be a problem. Sparty used to be their "little brother" and losing to them at home when their program is "down" is just embarrassing. If he goes 0-3 vs Urban it will be cause for great unrest in TSUN.

[GunnerBill]

He's a terrific coach but his eccentricities can exhaust those who have to deal with him. At Stanford the administration was appreciative of what he did for the program. He elevated a foundering program. However, the bosses in the athletic department were worn out by his constant high wattage approach. Behind the curtain when he left for the 49ers there was a sigh of relief. The administration was more than happy that David Shaw took over the reigns. And they are very happy that this more normal pers has been able to keep Stanford a relevant program at the national level.

 

When Harbaugh took over the 49ers he quickly elevated a dormant program. Again, his intense style created friction within the organization. Harbaugh is brilliant in taking over damaged products and in relatively short order fixing them. The real issue for him and the organization that he works for is how long can the parties coexist. Any one who wants to hire him must realize that he is who he is. And when he is running the show he is doing it with total authority.

 

When you are rich and crazy you are considered an eccentric. If you are poor and crazy you are simply nuts. With Harbaugh as long as he is winning at a high rate his eccentricities are tolerable. When the winning percentage goes down then you don't want to deal with this oddball.

Yep. For those who know soccer... he is the Jose Mourinho of football. Except Jose has won more big games.

[KD in CA]

He's a terrific coach but his eccentricities can exhaust those who have to deal with him. At Stanford the administration was appreciative of what he did for the program. He elevated a foundering program. However, the bosses in the athletic department were worn out by his constant high wattage approach. Behind the curtain when he left for the 49ers there was a sigh of relief. The administration was more than happy that David Shaw took over the reigns. And they are very happy that this more normal pers has been able to keep Stanford a relevant program at the national level.

 

When Harbaugh took over the 49ers he quickly elevated a dormant program. Again, his intense style created friction within the organization. Harbaugh is brilliant in taking over damaged products and in relatively short order fixing them. The real issue for him and the organization that he works for is how long can the parties coexist. Any one who wants to hire him must realize that he is who he is. And when he is running the show he is doing it with total authority.

 

When you are rich and crazy you are considered an eccentric. If you are poor and crazy you are simply nuts. With Harbaugh as long as he is winning at a high rate his eccentricities are tolerable. When the winning percentage goes down then you don't want to deal with this oddball.

 

Good post, but I would think Michigan is a still a long way from being tired of him given their re-emergence as a nationally relevant program.

[Mark Vader]

Did he find a way to lose another big game last night? Oh look.... he did.

Bull

 

The defense played great last night for Michigan. Considering how many players they lost on defense last year, that unit as a whole has played outstanding.

 

The offense has the issues.

 

Granted, you cannot lose to inferior teams like that, and Harbaugh does have to take that. But he's not the reason why they lost yesterday.

[GunnerBill]

Bull

 

The defense played great last night for Michigan. Considering how many players they lost on defense last year, that unit as a whole has played outstanding.

 

The offense has the issues.

 

Granted, you cannot lose to inferior teams like that, and Harbaugh does have to take that. But he's not the reason why they lost yesterday.

He is never THE reason. But his record in the biggest games is not good and too often he loses them to less talented teams.

[Mark Vader]

He is never THE reason. But his record in the biggest games is not good and too often he loses them to less talented teams.

Ohio State & Florida State are less talented?

[GunnerBill]

Ohio State & Florida State are less talented?

I don't just mean at Michigan. He lost a Superbowl to the Ravens when he had a stacked roster. He lost an NFC title game to a Giants team he had more talent than too. I think he is a bit anti-clutch as a coach because he is so intense. The biggest games his teams often come our looking tight to me.

[YoloinOhio]

Vader, IF he loses to Ohio state again (I actually think this is the year they beat them, but hypothetically) ... are you still optimistic about Harbaugh? Think he's still in the building stage? Just curious the view from the other side... over here, we end up judging seasons and coaches based on that game as a huge factor.

[JohnC]

 

Good post, but I would think Michigan is a still a long way from being tired of him given their re-emergence as a nationally relevant program.

I agree with your take that there is still plenty in the tank to draw from. Without a doubt in short order he revitalized a program that plateaued. What he is doing in Michigan is the same thing he did with the 49ers, Stanford and Univ. of San Diego. He quickly added a jolt of energy to struggling operations.

 

Make no mistake what I'm saying in my prior post. He deserves a lot of credit for his turnarounds. Wherever he has gone in short order he has not only stabilized the operation but he has quickly elevated it. There is no doubt that he is going full throttle at Michigan. He is a whirlwind of activity in all aspects of the program. How long will it last? I'm not sure. Will he get antsy and look back to the pro game for his next venture and challenge? That's an interesting question.

[Mark Vader]

He's a terrific coach but his eccentricities can exhaust those who have to deal with him. At Stanford the administration was appreciative of what he did for the program. He elevated a foundering program. However, the bosses in the athletic department were worn out by his constant high wattage approach. Behind the curtain when he left for the 49ers there was a sigh of relief. The administration was more than happy that David Shaw took over the reigns. And they are very happy that this more normal pers has been able to keep Stanford a relevant program at the national level.

 

When Harbaugh took over the 49ers he quickly elevated a dormant program. Again, his intense style created friction within the organization. Harbaugh is brilliant in taking over damaged products and in relatively short order fixing them. The real issue for him and the organization that he works for is how long can the parties coexist. Any one who wants to hire him must realize that he is who he is. And when he is running the show he is doing it with total authority.

 

When you are rich and crazy you are considered an eccentric. If you are poor and crazy you are simply nuts. With Harbaugh as long as he is winning at a high rate his eccentricities are tolerable. When the winning percentage goes down then you don't want to deal with this oddball.

Fair enough.

 

Now let me ask this.....How are Stanford & the San Francisco 49'ers doing as teams since Harbaugh is no longer the head coach there?

[JohnC]

I don't just mean at Michigan. He lost a Superbowl to the Ravens when he had a stacked roster. He lost an NFC title game to a Giants team he had more talent than too. I think he is a bit anti-clutch as a coach because he is so intense. The biggest games his teams often come our looking tight to me.

When Harbaugh left the 49ers the operation collapsed. The franchise still has not fully recovered since he was fired. When he left Stanford and David Shaw was hired the program for the most part didn't skip a beat. The point I'm making here is that you have to build an infrastructure so if and when he leaves the operation has a foundation to sustain itself.

Fair enough.

 

Now let me ask this.....How are Stanford & the San Francisco 49'ers doing as teams since Harbaugh is no longer the head coach there?

 

See post #19.

Edited October 8, 2017 by JohnC

[Mark Vader]

Vader, IF he loses to Ohio state again (I actually think this is the year they beat them, but hypothetically) ... are you still optimistic about Harbaugh? Think he's still in the building stage? Just curious the view from the other side... over here, we end up judging seasons and coaches based on that game as a huge factor.

Yes, I am optimistic that they will let Harbaugh continue to work with the team he's building.

 

Yes, the Ohio State game is a huge factor, and after last year's screw job from the officials in that game, I think they'll give Harbaugh a mulligan for that.

 

The optimism at Michigan I feel is much higher than when Rodriguez and Hoke were there. At least that is how I feel.

 

Also, Harbaugh has made teams winners, and that goes a long way. Who else could they possibly find that is better than him right now?

[GunnerBill]

He is the best turnaround coach there is. I don't dispute that for a second. But the exact thing that makes him the best turnaround coach - that intensity - is what stops him being a Champion coach and, as John C says, makes his shelf life short.

[bbb]

There is no way Michigan is firing Harbaugh..............They were irrelevant before he got there - for a number of years.

[Mark Vader]

When Harbaugh left the 49ers the operation collapsed. The franchise still has not fully recovered since he was fired. When he left Stanford and David Shaw was hired the program for the most part didn't skip a beat. The point I'm making here is that you have to build an infrastructure so if and when he leaves the operation has a foundation to sustain itself.

 

See post #19.

Have you seen Stanford lately?

 

That's alright though. Historically Stanford is not a traditional college football powerhouse.

 

He is the best turnaround coach there is. I don't dispute that for a second. But the exact thing that makes him the best turnaround coach - that intensity - is what stops him being a Champion coach and, as John C says, makes his shelf life short.

So let me ask this.

 

If Michigan loses to Penn State & Ohio State, should Michigan fire Harbaugh?

Edited October 9, 2017 by Mark Vader

[GunnerBill]

 

If Michigan loses to Penn State & Ohio State, should Michigan fire Harbaugh?

I don't think Michigan should fire Harbaugh. I just don't think they will ever win a National Championship with him. I think in all probability he jumps back to the NFL before there is any question of a firing.

[JohnC]

Have you seen Stanford lately?

 

 

For the most part Stanford has been consistently good under Shaw since the departure of Harbaugh. This isn't Alabama where football takes a priority over literacy. If you review the Pac 12 where no program is guaranteed to dominate, including USC, Stanford has had more than a respectable record.

[Bill from NYC]

For the most part Stanford has been consistently good under Shaw since the departure of Harbaugh. This isn't Alabama where football takes a priority over literacy. If you review the Pac 12 where no program is guaranteed to dominate, including USC, Stanford has had more than a respectable record.

As I said, it's like clockwork. One close game and out crawl the jealous, the extremely bitter, and the haters . I am however surprised to see it from you John.

 

Since his arrival, Saban has been responsible for bringing in hundreds of millions to the school, the majority used for academic programs. Their academic rating has climbed and their tuition is affordable. Many extremely poor kids of all colors and ethnicities have turned their lives around by attending the University of Alabama, hatred and jealousy notwithstanding.

Edited October 9, 2017 by Bill from NYC

[JohnC]

As I said, it's like clockwork. One close game and out crawl the jealous, the extremely bitter, and the haters . I am however surprised to see it from you John.

 

Since his arrival, Saban has been responsible for bringing in hundreds of millions to the school, the majority used for academic programs. Their academic rating has climbed and their tuition is affordable. Many extremely poor kids of all colors and ethnicities have turned their lives around by attending the University of Alabama, hatred and jealousy notwithstanding.

Bill, What are you talking about? Haters? Are you serious? Anyone who makes a comment that you perceive as being critical to the Crimson Tide sets you off in a torrent of vitriol.

 

I made the point that Stanford is dealing with a different academic standard, an immensely more rigorous standard, that schools such as Alabama, Mississippi, LSU, Clemson, USC etc don't have to contend with. That is a fact! If it bothers you then that is your problem.

 

I didn't say that Bama runs a dirty program like some others. All I said and insinuated is that Stanford has challenges due to academics that many of the other major football programs don't have to worry about. If that isn't a true statement then tell me why it isn't so?

 

What the heck is the matter with you? You act as if someone made an inappropriate comment about a family member. Cool down and respond to what is actually being said instead of going off like a rabid dog because of what you perceived to be said.

[row_33]

Michigan football isnt totally about winning, as much as at other schools. It was a lesson learned during my 6 or so years of season tickets during the Llllloyd Era.

[YoloinOhio]

Michigan football isnt totally about winning, as much as at other schools. It was a lesson learned during my 6 or so years of season tickets during the Llllloyd Era.

what is it about?

[Mark Vader]

As I said, it's like clockwork. One close game and out crawl the jealous, the extremely bitter, and the haters . I am however surprised to see it from you John.

 

Since his arrival, Saban has been responsible for bringing in hundreds of millions to the school, the majority used for academic programs. Their academic rating has climbed and their tuition is affordable. Many extremely poor kids of all colors and ethnicities have turned their lives around by attending the University of Alabama, hatred and jealousy notwithstanding.

I don't think that what JohnC said was hateful.

 

Although it was definitely pompous.

[Bill from NYC]

Bill, What are you talking about? Haters? Are you serious? Anyone who makes a comment that you perceive as being critical to the Crimson Tide sets you off in a torrent of vitriol.

 

I made the point that Stanford is dealing with a different academic standard, an immensely more rigorous standard, that schools such as Alabama, Mississippi, LSU, Clemson, USC etc don't have to contend with. That is a fact! If it bothers you then that is your problem.

 

I didn't say that Bama runs a dirty program like some others. All I said and insinuated is that Stanford has challenges due to academics that many of the other major football programs don't have to worry about. If that isn't a true statement then tell me why it isn't so?

 

What the heck is the matter with you? You act as if someone made an inappropriate comment about a family member. Cool down and respond to what is actually being said instead of going off like a rabid dog because of what you perceived to be said.

John, sorry if I came on too strong. Did you? I'll leave this for you to decide.

 

As far as Stanford is concerned, they are a top 10 academic university year after year, right there with the Ivies. Now, do you think their football team is held to these standards? Really? I strongly doubt if they are fielding a squad of 80 or so Ryan Fitzpatricks. Is this what you think is happening at Stanford?

 

I got annoyed because I felt that you singled out The Tide. Bama may not have the same academic system in place for football players as does Harvard, but neither does Stanford.

 

10 years ago when my oldest daughter was in undergrad, Delaware was the school that hundreds of downstate students would go to when they either couldn't get into or couldn't afford the Ivies. Now, many of them are applying to and attending Alabama. Because of the money football brings in, tuition is reasonable and the school (including their law school and other grad schools) have moved up in the rankings. They are not doing things much differently than other universities, they are just doing it much better than most.

[JohnC]

I don't think that what JohnC said was hateful.

 

Although it was definitely pompous.

What was pompous about it?

[YoloinOhio]

Clay Travis calls Jim Harbaugh nation's most overrated coach

https://ohiostate.247sports.com/Bolt/Clay-Travis-calls-Jim-Harbaugh-nations-most-overrated-coach-108654297

[JohnC]

 

 

John, sorry if I came on too strong. Did you? I'll leave this for you to decide.

 

As far as making a comment that was demeaning to your beloved institution your interpretation of what I said is not only wrong but absurdly wrong. Your response is your response. It had no relationship to what I actually said.

 

 

 

As far as Stanford is concerned, they are a top 10 academic university year after year, right there with the Ivies. Now, do you think their football team is held to these standards? Really? I strongly doubt if they are fielding a squad of 80 or so Ryan Fitzpatricks. Is this what you think is happening at Stanford?

 

Do you honestly think that I am naïve enough to believe that a large percentage of the football players would get in Stanford if they applied separate from the football program. That's not what I said and meant. What I did say is that the academic standards for the football program is higher than most tier I football programs. That's a fact! That was my point before you misinterpreted what I actually stated when you surprisingly vigorously responded

 

 

 

I got annoyed because I felt that you singled out The Tide. Bama may not have the same academic system in place for football players as does Harvard, but neither does Stanford.

 

I used as an example Alabama, among other big time programs, to illustrate a point that Stanford has challenges in recruiting that other programs don't have. There is nothing demeaning about that comment although you took it as such. It's simply true.

 

 

 

10 years ago when my oldest daughter was in undergrad, Delaware was the school that hundreds of downstate students would go to when they either couldn't get into or couldn't afford the Ivies. Now, many of them are applying to and attending Alabama. Because of the money football brings in, tuition is reasonable and the school (including their law school and other grad schools) have moved up in the rankings. They are not doing things much differently than other universities, they are just doing it much better than most.

 

You are treating my comment as if I was making a scathing moral judgment on Alabama and other programs. You are diving too deep when the issue is much more shallow. Your raw nerve is your raw nerve. I wasn't tweaking anyone or program.

Edited October 10, 2017 by JohnC

[Mark Vader]

Clay Travis calls Jim Harbaugh nation's most overrated coach

https://ohiostate.247sports.com/Bolt/Clay-Travis-calls-Jim-Harbaugh-nations-most-overrated-coach-108654297

Boring, but everyone has an opinion.

[YoloinOhio]

Boring, but everyone has an opinion.

clay Travis is kind of a troll. He usually goes way overboard for clicks.

[row_33]

Michigan fans seemed to be quite happy with Lloyd giving them one or two totally inexplicable losses each year.

 

Bo kinda cursed the school by mouthing off against mythical national titles, that the Big Ten title was all that mattered and he has mostly got his wish.

[Mark Vader]

Michigan fans seemed to be quite happy with Lloyd giving them one or two totally inexplicable losses each year.

 

Bo kinda cursed the school by mouthing off against mythical national titles, that the Big Ten title was all that mattered and he has mostly got his wish.

I am never happy about Michigan losing, period.

 

What you say about Bo is very true, and that mentality appears to live on in some way with a certain amount of people. Although, I don't think Bo was the only person in the Big 10 who felt that way about national titles.

 

Personally, I want to see Michigan win the national title.

[Willyville Guy]

I'm not buying that Michigan takes losing in stride. Michigan was so content with Lloyd and his losses that they showed him the door.

 

Bo and many other old school B1G people long believed in the following team goals, in the following order:

 

Beat your rival

Win the conference

Win the Rose Bowl

 

I love that line of thinking, but the CFB world has changed a lot since the BCS era started. Michigan knows that as well as anyone.

[C.Biscuit97]

Love the hot takes. Hes one of the best coaches in football and wins everywhere.

[Augie]

He is the best turnaround coach there is. I don't dispute that for a second. But the exact thing that makes him the best turnaround coach - that intensity - is what stops him being a Champion coach and, as John C says, makes his shelf life short.

Agreed, I certainly wouldn't want him as my team's coach.