The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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FEBRUARY 2024 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 33 attended the Ravens' playoff win over the Houston Texans. "I just take the counsel from God and the Holy Spirit," Harbaugh said. "And Mr. Jack Harbaugh, my dad, and my wife, Sarah. Just taking the advice, living one day at a time … one day at a time, one game at a time, one play at a time." Harbaugh was still in the process of setting up a second interview with the Falcons, as well, but those were the only two teams that had reportedly shown interest at that point. Michigan, meanwhile, currently has a contract extension on the table for Harbaugh for a reported six years and $69 million, which would make him the highest-paid coach in the Big Ten and one of the highest-paid coaches in college football. There's been no talk of potential salary with the Chargers, though they're not known to open the checkbook for coaches. Michigan offensive coordinator Sher- rone Moore would almost undoubtedly be the next head coach should Harbaugh go, while many believe defensive coor- dinator Jesse Minter would accompany Harbaugh to Los Angeles (or head to an- other NFL team if that didn't work out). There have been various opinions on which other assistant coaches might follow Harbaugh to Los Angeles, but lately many have been leaning toward the majority of coaches staying with Moore in Ann Arbor, including (poten- tially) strength coach Ben Herbert. This year's flirtation has brought re- cruiting pretty much to a standstill, but none of Harbaugh's players begrudged him the opportunity to chase his dream. Like him, they have their own NFL aspi- rations and seem to understand it com- pletely. "We just won a national champion- ship," Michigan rising senior running back Donovan Edwards said. "He can do whatever he wants to do. He de- serves it. So whatever choice he makes, the University of Michigan should be happy — in his heart he'll be happy, his family will be happy, his players and his coaches will be happy. "If he stays — awesome. If he goes — awesome. He deserves it." Either way, Harbaugh was expected to make a final call by Feb. 15. ❑ Michigan DC Jesse Minter Could Be NFL-Bound Michigan defensive coordinator Jesse Minter proved his worth as one of the best coordinators in football this year, helping lead a dominant defense that propelled the Wolverines to a national title. He should be one of the most coveted assistants in football in the offseason, and many believe the NFL is his next stop. But after holding Washington's powerful offense to only 13 points and 301 yards in a 34-13 win in the CFP National Championship game, Minter had only one thing on his mind — celebrating with his family, his fellow coaches, and the 2023 squad. "I love Michigan. I love Coach [Jim] Harbaugh," Minter said. "This group is so, so special. To even be thinking about anything else right now would be disrespectful. "A lot of our players are going to have those choices, decisions to make about their own futures, and I just want to be a resource for them and help them make the best decisions. I love it here. Hopefully, we can win another one next year." That didn't stop the speculation, especially after Minter emerged as a leading candidate for the vacant Jacksonville Jaguars DC position, a year after he interviewed with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Jags job eventually went to Atlanta DC Ryan Nielsen, but the Eagles job opened again, and some believe he'll be a candidate for that once more. There's also the distinct possibility Minter would go to Los Angeles if head coach Jim Harbaugh gets the Chargers job. If Minter does leave, he goes with his legacy intact. The Wolverines had to overcome adversity all year, none more pronounced than the NCAA and Big Ten coming after them for alleged illegal on-site scouting. The expedited investigation cost them linebackers coach Chris Partridge, at which point Harbaugh promoted Minter's dad, longtime respected coach and then U-M analyst Rick Minter, to take his place. Rick didn't know it, but his son went into the season with his dad on his mind — not in that role. But it played out that he worked directly for his own son on his defensive staff, another of the incredible stories about Team 144. "It's a dream," Jesse Minter said. "I remember being a 10-year-old kid, and he was defensive coordinator at Notre Dame. They beat FSU in 1993 in the game of the century, we're No. 1, one game away from potentially winning the national title. They lost the next week, and then ended up where it still potentially could have been a split deal, but they voted Florida State. That's as close as he had gotten. "When we came here in 2022, I don't think I ever told him, but that was a goal of mine. I wanted to get him a national championship ring, and mission accomplished." — Chris Balas Minter, the second-year U-M coordinator whose unit was No. 1 in scoring defense (10.4 points allowed per game) and total defense (247.0 yards allowed per game) this season, is a prime candidate for an NFL coordinator job and could perhaps even go with Harbaugh if that move occurs. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL