Jim Harbaugh is Michigan's new quarterbacks coach

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Before he was ever a head coach in college or the NFL, Jim Harbaugh was the quarterbacks coach of the Raiders from 2002-03. It was his first job in the industry.

He's returning to his roots at Michigan.

As part of the makeover of his coaching staff, Harbaugh is taking over as quarterbacks coach, Michigan announced on Monday.

The team's former quarterbacks coach, Ben McDaniels, was not retained following a season in which Michigan finished 44th in the country in passing yards per game.

Harbaugh was hailed as a QB whisperer prior to his arrival at Michigan, a reputation he bolstered by maximizing the talent of transfer Jack Rudock in his first year on the job. But the program's quarterback development has been lacking ever since.

Now Harbaugh is taking matters into his own hands. And one of his first pupils will be arguably the most highly-touted recruit of his tenure: J.J. McCarthy, the No. 2-ranked pro-style QB in the class of 2021.

Michigan is also set to return Cade McNamara and Joe Milton under center. Milton lost the starting job midway through last season to McNamara, who showed some flashes down the stretch.

Monday's news came within the official announcement that former Michigan receiver and longtime West Bloomfield head coach Ron Bellamy is returning to the program as the wide receivers coach.

“Ron is a high character individual as well as an outstanding coach and mentor,” Harbaugh said. "He displays a lot of energy and enthusiasm for teaching and developing young men and has created lasting relationships with his players."

Michigan also announced contract extensions for Jay Harbaugh, who will coach the tight ends in addition to his current role as special teams coordinator, and for Sherrone Moore, who will become co-offensive coordinator and coach the offensive line. Moore spent the past three seasons as tight ends coach.

Offensive coordinator Josh Gattis will also coach the receivers alongside Bellamy. If Harbaugh succeeds in his new role, those receivers will have a quarterback who can get them the ball.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Leon Halip / Stringer