It could get worse for Jim Harbaugh and Michigan, you know.
The Wolverines might lose at Rutgers this week.
It’s certainly not out of the realm of possibility. The Wolverines weren’t remotely competitive Saturday night during a 49-11 loss to Wisconsin.
It’s turning out quarterback Joe Milton is more John O’Korn 2.0 than the second coming of Cam Newton. He has regressed with each game. He is not an effective downfield passer and that reputedly was his strength. Michigan is lacking playmakers on defense, and is particularly vulnerable in the secondary. Defensive coordinator Don Brown’s scheme is predictable and lacks flexibility.
The biggest problem of all, though, is Michigan’s lack of fire. The Wolverines simply have not played inspired football while losing to Michigan State, Indiana and Wisconsin. It’s as if Harbaugh, with each passing week, loses more of a grip on his program.
“Who’s got it better than us?”
Ah, pretty much everybody other than Michigan.
A contract extension is unthinkable at this point. It’s difficult to imagine Michigan with Harbaugh entering a lame duck season (this is the sixth year of a seven-year deal). It would make recruiting virtually impossible.
Something has to give. Ideally, it would be Michigan rescued by a desperate NFL franchise. But it’s gullible to believe Harbaugh has nearly the same NFL cache as in 2015. In the ultimate what-have-you-done-lately business, Harbaugh is no longer carrying the reputation as a QB whisperer. Josh Johnson, Andrew Luck and Colin Kaepernick are no longer even in the NFL. Harbaugh’s reputation is more tied to the QBs at Michigan who didn’t pan out.
At this stage, if you’re leading an NFL franchise, would you trust Harbaugh with Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields or Trey Lance?
When Harbaugh was the hottest available coaching commodity, his personality was viewed as quirky and refreshing. Now it could be perceived more as difficult.
It’s a touchy situation for Michigan.
The only certainty is Harbaugh is not the savior of Michigan football.
It’s becoming clear it’s time to part ways. How that will transpire is less vivid, however.
Harbaugh’s stint at Michigan, given the puffery surrounding his hiring, has always been disappointing.
But this is different. It has morphed into a disaster.
Remember when Harbaugh’s second team at UM went into Rutgers and won 78-0?
It was difficult to imagine his program ever losing there. Not anymore.
Such a possibility is beyond telling.
It’s embarrassing.