HOUSTON — There was a not-so-subtle question lingering Monday night as Jim Harbaugh walked off the NRG Stadium field after winning the College Football Playoff National Championship. The ultimate Michigan Man had become a maize & blue legend beating Washington 34-13 for Michigan’s first national title since 1997.
Now what?
That query will continue hanging in the air longer than some of Michael Penix Jr.’s misaimed passes Monday night. In continuing not to provide an answer in the aftermath of the Wolverines’ dominant victory over the Huskies, Harbaugh was as stalwart as his defense that held down the nation’s No. 1 passing attack.
“I just want to enjoy this,” Harbaugh told the media. “I hope you give me that. Can a guy have that? Does it always have to be, ‘What’s next? What’s the future?'”
It does when a now-national championship coach is stiff-arming not only his employers but his program and its adoring fans. They deserve to know sooner than later because Harbaugh is just that damn good. Perhaps too good for Michigan at this point.
“He certainly has fulfilled [his destiny],” Michigan president Santa Ono said. “I hope he stays. I’m going to do everything I can to encourage him to stay, but if he doesn’t, the Michigan tradition will move on.”
Add college football to that list of entities hanging on Harbaugh’s decision. With Harbaugh donning his block “M” cap, Michigan threatens to become a dynasty. Without him, well, what is that saying about never being the guy to follow the guy? The next Michigan coach — suspected to be offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore if there is an opening — has a big pair of khakis to fill.
And no matter what comes from the dual ongoing NCAA investigations, it has become clear that Monday’s achievement will…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/with-sun-shining-on-michigan-again-jim-harbaugh-must-find-his-motivation-potential-dynasty-or-super-bowl/
Author : Dennis Dodd
Publish date : 2024-01-09 14:04:52
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