The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/447116
T he idea to many, especially those in professional football circles, was far-fetched: why would Jim Harbaugh exit the NFL to coach college football? Most NFL insiders would not even entertain the thought, with ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL.com's Ian Rapo- port the loudest to denounce such a suggestion until it became obvious Har- baugh would indeed return to his alma mater in early Janu- ary. For some, there is no choice; of the 21 coaches that com- manded an NFL team and then later in their careers also guided college programs, seven were fired from their professional jobs. Another nine coaches resigned their posts in the NFL and would then wind up in the college ranks, including legends Gene Stallings (the NFL's Arizona Cardinals to Alabama), Steve Spurrier (the NFL's Washington Redskins to South Caro- lina) and Nick Saban (the NFL's Mi- ami Dolphins to Alabama). Harbaugh, however, is believed to be one of only four coaches in NCAA history that produced an overall win- ning record in the NFL and a non- losing record in his final season coaching in the pro ranks be- fore returning to col- lege. Harbaugh was 44-19 with the San Francisco 49ers, and was 8-8 in 2014 before parting ways with the franchise on Dec. 28. Pete Carroll was 33-31 in four NFL seasons (the first with the New York Jets and final three with New England) and 8-8 in his final season with the Patriots be- fore being fired. He would then coach Southern Cal from 2001-09, accumulating a 97-19 record and winning national championships in 2003 and 2004 — the Trojans were recognized as college football's No. 1 team by the Associated Press in 2003, but not by the coaches' poll/BCS. Al Groh went 9-7 in his lone sea- son with the New York Jets in 2000 before opting to return to his alma mater, Virginia, from 2001-09. Lou Saban, who may or may not have been second cousins with Nick according to his widow, Joyce, was MAIZE N' VIEW MICHAEL SPATH Jim Harbaugh Has Company After four seasons coaching in the NFL, Harbaugh returned to the col- lege ranks to lead the Wolverines. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN