Three Reasons why Michigan Fans Should Have no Worries Post-Harbaugh

Number One: Culture

After the first few seasons under Jim Harbaugh, it was obvious he was building a culture in Ann Arbor. The names on the jerseys would change, and the coaching staff seemed like a revolving door at first. But one thing began to become clear as the years passed — this program was rebuilding the culture of toughness for which it was once known. Physical practices, battles for starting spots, and seeking out experienced players in the Transfer Portal who espoused toughness, Michigan wanted to be known as a tough team. You could see it in their style of play. Joe Moore Award-winning offensive lines, brutal, smash-mouth football in the trenches, winning the line of scrimmage every down. These are things Michigan became known for on their path to the CFP Championship. Never was this more obvious than the Penn State game in 2023 when Michigan ran the ball 32 consecutive plays in the second half and a good Nittany Lions defense seemed powerless to stop them. Michigan physically dominated their opponents. They did it down the stretch against Ohio State, Iowa, Alabama, and Washington.

Then Harbaugh left. Everyone knew it was coming eventually after all the indecisiveness and NFL interviews but he left a capable heir. Moore has been a part of the reinvention of Michigan Football for six seasons. His performance as acting Head Coach during Harbaugh’s suspensions seemed like an audition. He’s a culture fit, and his fingerprints are all over this program. Moore was the Offensive Line coach for the only back-to-back Joe Moore Award-winning offensive lines in NCAA history, he brought in tough coaches who have experience in what Michigan does. Kirk Campbell has been in the program for years and is now the OC. Wink Martindale is known as “The OG” of the Baltimore Ravens defensive scheme that produced Mike McDonald and Jesse Minter. Do not expect anything to change for the Wolverines on the defensive side of the ball. Especially with three projected First Round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft in Mason Graham, Will Johnson, and Kenneth Grant. If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.

Number Two: Discipline

It might sound like a stretch to mention that word in the era of student-athletes signing multi-million-dollar NIL deals, but one thing that stands out is when you hear Michigan players talk about their next goals. They are all laser-focused on their goals for next season. The players are deservedly proud of their 15-0 National Championship season, but their sights are set on the future. You won’t hear any of them dwelling on coaching staff changes, players who were drafted, or who transferred.

It’s a singular-minded approach to what is in front of them, and by all appearances, the outside noise hasn’t broken their focus. It takes a unique level of cohesiveness and unity to remain so disciplined, and that looks to be a trait of this Michigan team. In an unexpected way, all the turmoil surrounding last season may have galvanized this 2024 team even more. They have something to prove to the College Football World and to themselves.

Number Three: Loyalty

When the season ended, the Connor Stalions, sign-stealing investigation was still plodding along, and the COVID recruiting violations investigation was wrapping up. Michigan’s players were focused on each other and celebrating the National Championship when Harbaugh signed with the Chargers. He took Minter and Herbert with him. The naysayers were out in full force. They said he was jumping ship before the NCAA dropped the hammer. They said there would be massive player defections via the Transfer Portal. Michigan fans everywhere held their collective breath.

However, the coaching change portal window came and went with little movement. Spring practice started, the Spring Game was played, and the spring portal passed. Seventeen players had left (with one returning via the portal), but very few were expected impact players. The leaders on this Michigan team, veterans like Colston Loveland , Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, and Will Johnson are stepping into their roles as expected. And as this untested coaching staff has passed their first test, they have earned the loyalty of the roster. That is no easy thing to do, especially in less than four months. The famous phrase “Those Who Stay Will Be Champions” is alive and well in Schembechler Hall.

Is Michigan the favorite to repeat as National Champions? Not in any prediction currently available. That’s a tough hill to climb in any season, let alone with the schedule they drew this year. They may not be the front-runner this season, but Michigan Football is going to be fine.