It’s been nearly 68 years since the University of Michigan last won an outright national championship. Yes, 68 years. Despite being known as one of college football’s premier programs, the Wolverines have had their fair-share of struggles, especially over the last decade.
Following the retirement of coach Lloyd Carr in 2007, the program hit rock-bottom, going 3-9 in 2008 in Rich Rodriguez’ first season at the helm. From 2008 to 2014, Michigan went a disappointing 46-42 under Rodriguez and Brady Hoke.
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In addition to the removal of Hoke in 2014, athletic director Dave Brandon resigned following outcries from the student body calling for him to step down. The program was in shambles.
Then, every Michigan fan’s biggest dream came true.
On December 30, 2014, Jim Harbaugh was hired as the new head coach in Ann Arbor. Harbaugh was a star quarterback at the university in the mid-80’s under legendary coach Bo Schembechler and was eager to return to his alma mater.
In his first head coaching stint at an FBS program, he turned Stanford, despite the school’s academic constraints, into a national powerhouse. Following four successful seasons in Palo Alto, Harbaugh made the transition to the NFL when he was hired as the 49ers head man. In his four seasons in San Francisco, the 49ers went 44-19-1, including a trip to the Super Bowl in 2012.
It wasn’t all flowers and butterflies, however. Harbaugh alienated players and struggled to get along with his higher-ups. Following an 8-8 season, his first season not making the playoffs, Jim Harbaugh and the San Francsico 49ers split ways.
Moral of the story: he’s a winner.
Last season, Harbaugh completely turned around the program. A 10-3 record, a 41-7 Citrus Bowl win over Florida and the fifth best recruiting class in the country put Michigan back into the upper echelon of teams. Big Ten beware, they’re just getting started. Here’s why: the Modern Art Effect (Yes, I invented that).
In high school, I learned about modern art, and what made it unique, in an English class. Why does a canvas splattered with random paint stains attract so many people? How does a simple, clear glass cube sell for thousands of dollars. My teacher said it’s because they, the artist, did it first. That is the Modern Art Effect; being the first to do something and reaping the benefits.
Jim Harbaugh is the artist. What other coach wears a Cal Ripken Jr. and a Ray Lewis jersey to a satellite camp in Baltimore? No one. What other team will have the Air Jordan logo on their uniforms?
None. Just imagine Jabrill Peppers patrolling the secondary while rocking a pair of Jordan 11 cleats! It’s unique. It’s avant-garde. Recruits, fans and media outlets have taken notice. Michigan will enter the 2016 campaign as conference and national title contenders. And it’s only year two of the Harbaugh era.
There are two requirements for Michigan to be successful under their khaki-wearing head coach: beat Ohio State and protect Harbaugh from himself.
Since the turn of the century, the Wolverines are 3-12 against their hated Buckeye rival. An 11-1 season with a loss to the Buckeyes might as well be a disappointing year. It’s well documented that Jim Harbaugh has issues with authority and has quite the ego. The athletic department must make sure they keep him in check and maintain a good relationship.
If both of those stipulations are met, which is a big “if”, then there is nothing stopping this program from being a year in and year out contender.
The painting is being painting. The sculpture is being sculpted. Michigan football is back.