After serving his three-game suspension, Michigan Head Coach Jim Harbaugh is ready to make his triumphant return to the sidelines.
Harbaugh’s absence from the Wolverines the past three weeks has been noticeable – but as expected, his loaded team rolled on and remain undefeated.
In a candid interview with Austin Meek of The Athletic, Harbaugh opened up about his suspension and how it has affected him as a coach.
“I went to a place I’ve never been. Seeing the game in a different way, through a different lens, I think it’s made me a better coach.” Harbaugh said.
Jim Harbaugh on his suspension: “I went to a place I’ve never been. … Seeing the game in a different way, through a different lens, I think it’s made me a better coach.” Says he’s implemented new policies to “make sure I never get sidelined again.”
— Austin Meek (@byAustinMeek) September 18, 2023
During Harbaugh’s suspension, the Wolverines faced some slight concerns about how the team would perform without their leader. However, Michigan didn’t miss a beat in any phase of their first three games.
Harbaugh didn’t hesitate to praise the team’s standout quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, and the offense for their stellar performance during his absence.
“I just loved the way how we’re starting these football games – long drives, so explosive in the passing game. J.J. is phenomenal. So on fire, so on point. The throws that he is making from the pocket, doing severe damage when he leaves the pocket, keeps his eyes downfield, and getting big chunk plays and yardage.”
In addition to reflecting on his suspension, Harbaugh shared his commitment to preventing any future suspensions.
According to Meek, Harbaugh has implemented new policies to “make sure I never get sidelined again.”
"I'm a new guy, now. I'm a new guy. I'm cool now." 😂
Jim Harbaugh learned a lot during his suspension, including that he has a new respect for the media.#B1Gtoday pic.twitter.com/xsVeQDGHve
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 19, 2023
Where do you rank Michigan among the best teams in the country?
Do you think they will make the Playoff?
Will Harbaugh deliver the national championship to Ann Arbor this season???
B1G football coaches realizing that Jim Harbaugh returns to coaching Michigan games this week pic.twitter.com/MHTDWVOtk7
— Swanky Wolverine (@swankywolverine) September 18, 2023