There is an anecdote about Jim Harbaugh’s longevity. As many say, his welcome wears out quickly.
But after living in Michigan for nine years, it appears he’s welcome to stay as long as he wants.
After last night’s 34-13 win over Washington, clinching the school’s first national championship since 1997, the Michigan State Villains made it clear they want Harbaugh back.
“i am trying my best” Michigan President Santa Ono said after the game, via MLive.com’s Aaron McMann. “And I hope he stays. As they said, we are the champions. Those who stay will be the champions.”
Athletic director Warde Manuel knows it won’t be easy to keep Harbaugh.
“The guy went to the Super Bowl, won a conference championship, went to the Super Bowl, came back to the conference championship,” Manuel said through McMann. “How many shots did they fire today? It’s like an annual thing. If I were in the pros, I would want to talk to him too, considering what he’s accomplished. But I is not a professional, so I would like to continue with him as my coach…
“I want him to stay at Michigan. I said that. I believed it. Three or four years ago, when people said they wanted me to get rid of him, I said I didn’t. I believed it then, and I believe it now.”
If Harbaugh stays, he will have to deal with multiple pending NCAA investigations. Maybe he doesn’t want anything to do with the NCAA at all. If he wants to return to the NFL, there’s no better time than now.
He will never have more influence. He won’t be interested anymore. He will never have a better choice.
