We ‘tried our best’ to keep Jim Harbaugh

The Michigan football program is officially tasked with replacing one of the best coaches of its modern era.

Jim Harbaugh has accepted a position to become the next head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers on Wednesday.

Shortly after the Chargers social media team had its fun with some gifs and then confirmed it had found its next leader, U-M athletic director Warde Manuel and president Santa Ono released a joint statement addressing Harbaugh’s exit.

Manuel, who hired Harbaugh in December 2014, thanked his former U-M teammate for returning to Ann Arbor to take over their former program and return it to the top of the college football world, which he said was the vision when the two joined forces nearly a decade ago.

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh talks to athletic director Warde Manuel during the national championship celebration at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024.

“I want to thank Jim for everything he has done for our football program, athletic department and the University of Michigan over the past nine years,” his statement began. “Every day, he has worked extremely hard to elevate the stature of Michigan across the world, with the goal of winning championships and developing young men on and off the football field.

“Jim did exactly what he sought to do at Michigan, build our program to consistently win Big Ten Championships and compete for national championships, culminating with a record three straight outright conference titles and the national championship this year. He did the same off the field by graduating his players and providing life experiences through mentorships, internships and team trips around the globe.”

Harbaugh, 60, leaves after nine years in Ann Arbor, with a 86-25 overall record, 60-17 in the Big Ten.

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/michigan-ad-warde-manuel-president-025818929.html

Author : Detroit Free Press

Publish date : 2024-01-25 02:58:18

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