Michigan Football Coach Jim Harbaugh Suspended for Three Games in 2023 Season
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — In a surprising turn of events, Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh has been suspended for three games during the upcoming 2023 season. The suspension was handed down by the university as a preemptive measure in response to an ongoing NCAA investigation. While there is a possibility of a longer punishment resulting from the investigation, Michigan decided to take action and self-imposed the three-game suspension.
The suspension means that Harbaugh will miss the Wolverines’ first three non-conference games against East Carolina, Nevada, Las Vegas, and Bowling Green. These are games that Michigan is expected to win comfortably, but the absence of their head coach presents a unique challenge for Harbaugh’s coaching staff.
During his coaching career, which began in 2004, this will be the first time Harbaugh will have to miss a game. While he will still be available for practices and team meetings, the university will announce interim coaching appointments at a later date to handle the head coach responsibilities on game days.
The question now becomes who will step into the role of interim head coach. Let’s take a look at the potential options:
1. Josh Moore: As an assistant coach on Harbaugh’s staff since 2018, Moore has steadily risen through the ranks. He currently serves as both the offensive line coach and co-coordinator. This season, he will also be responsible for play-calling as the lone coordinator on staff. Moore has earned the trust and friendship of Harbaugh, and there was interest in him as a head coach last year. However, the dual roles he already fulfills may make it challenging to assume the head coaching responsibilities on game days. Additionally, Moore may face a potential one-game suspension from the NCAA due to the ongoing investigation, which would render him ineligible for the interim head coach position.
2. Mike Hart: An alum of the Michigan football program and the program’s all-time leading rusher, Hart has a strong connection to the university. He also has experience as an associate head coach in the Big Ten. Hart’s role currently involves coordinating the run game, making it a feasible option for him to take on interim head coach duties. This move would also allow others on the coaching staff to focus on their specific in-game roles. Notably, Harbaugh appointed Hart as one of the two head coaches for Michigan’s spring game earlier this year.
3. Mike Macdonald: Another Michigan assistant, Macdonald has generated buzz in the offseason as a potential head coach. He is entering his second year as the Wolverines’ defensive coordinator and has the respect of his colleagues and players. With his experience and familiarity with the program, Macdonald could step into the interim head coaching role seamlessly. Additionally, his father, Rick Minter, has served as a head coach for 11 seasons at the Division I level and currently works as an analyst on Michigan’s staff.
4. Jay Harbaugh: Although an outside-the-box choice, Jay Harbaugh, Jim Harbaugh’s son, has received praise from his father regarding his coaching skills and readiness to become a head coach. He currently coaches the safeties at Michigan and has coached three different positions at the university, including special teams coordinator. Taking on the additional responsibility of interim head coach may be a lot for him, but it should not be completely ruled out.
The suspense continues as Michigan prepares for the 2023 season without their head coach for the first three games. The university’s decision to impose a self-imposed suspension showcases their commitment to accountability and adherence to NCAA regulations. As the season approaches, the announcement of the interim head coach will undoubtedly generate further intrigue and speculation within the Michigan football community.
In the meantime, the Wolverines will focus on their preparations for the new season, aiming to perform at their best and overcome the challenges posed by the absence of their head coach. The university remains optimistic that this suspension will mark the end of any potential sanctions resulting from the ongoing NCAA investigation and that their football program can continue to thrive under the guidance of whichever coach steps into the interim role.
