Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh led the Wolverines to their first national championship in over 20 years with a thrilling last-second victory over Washington on Monday night. However, Harbaugh’s future with the program remains up in the air amid speculation that he could return to the NFL.
Michigan Claims Long-Awaited Championship in Instant Classic
Behind a stellar performance from quarterback J.J. McCarthy and a shutdown effort from the defense, Michigan took down the previously unbeaten Huskies 38-35 to capture the school’s first national title since 1997.
McCarthy delivered in the clutch all night, throwing for 278 yards and 3 touchdowns while adding a rushing score. But it was his throw on the final drive that will live in Michigan lore forever. With the Wolverines trailing 35-31 and time winding down, McCarthy scrambled to his right before firing a bullet to the back of the end zone that star receiver Roman Wilson came down with for the championship-winning touchdown with just 3 seconds remaining.
It capped a remarkable turnaround for Michigan under Harbaugh after going just 2-4 in the COVID-shortened 2020 season. Now they stand atop the college football world thanks to their gutsy performance against Washington.
| Final Stats | Michigan | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 420 | 487 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 2 |
| Time of Possession | 32:41 | 27:19 |
Harbaugh Noncommittal on Future With Michigan
In the afterglow of Michigan’s hard-fought victory, the attention quickly turned to Harbaugh’s future in Ann Arbor. His name has been heavily linked to multiple NFL vacancies in recent weeks, and Harbaugh did little to dispel that speculation when asked if he would be back with Michigan next season.
“I just love coaching football,” Harbaugh said vaguely. “It’s what I was born to do. We’ll just see what opportunities come up and go from there.”
The lukewarm response will surely spark more rumors about Harbaugh looking for an NFL return. He is reportedly drawing significant interest from the Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders among other teams.
Harbaugh does have a strong connection to Michigan as an alum and former Wolverines quarterback himself. But at age 60 and having already accomplished the ultimate goal of bringing a championship back to his alma mater, Harbaugh may be tempted to take one more shot at NFL glory. After all, he did reach a Super Bowl with the 49ers, so he has proven he can win at the pro level.
Sources tell ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Harbaugh is expected to take a few days to weigh his options before making any definitive decision on 2024 and beyond. Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said he plans to sit down soon with Harbaugh once the national championship celebration dies down.
Championship Game Attracts Notable Guests
While Michigan and Washington battled it out to determine this year’s national champion, the star-studded crowd drew nearly as much attention.
Several big names were in attendance to cheer on Harbaugh and the Wolverines under the bright lights of NRG Stadium in Houston. Notably, Harbaugh’s brother and Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh made the trip to support his sibling in the biggest game of his coaching career. John was visibly emotional and excited as Michigan pulled out the exhilarating last-second victory.
Also taking in the game was Michigan basketball coach Juwan Howard along with his son and star forward Jace. The Howards have helped fuel basketball fever in Ann Arbor with the hoops squad currently ranked No. 3 in the country, so Jim Harbaugh returning the favor made for an unforgettable night for Michigan athletics.
The Road Ahead for Michigan
Regardless of what Harbaugh ultimately decides about his future, the Wolverines are well-positioned to remain a powerhouse in 2024 and beyond. They are absolutely loaded with young talent on both sides of the ball.
McCarthy, just a sophomore, has established himself as an elite college quarterback with tremendous upside. He is surrounded by explosive weapons like Wilson and Blake Corum, who should both be back in the Maize and Blue next season.
Additionally, the Michigan defense returns several All-Big Ten performers from this year’s fearsome unit including defensive end Mike Morris, linebackers Junior Colson and Nikhai Hill-Green, and defensive back Rod Moore. They have all the pieces in place to make another championship run.
The big question is who will be roaming the Michigan sideline as head coach. Harbaugh’s potential departure would no doubt be a huge blow. But the program has the culture and talent foundation now to sustain success even without the man who led them back to glory after years of frustration.
This National Championship Game victory will go down as one of the most memorable moments in Michigan football history. But there are surely more magical nights ahead for the Wolverines no matter how Harbaugh’s NFL courtship unfolds in the coming weeks. The future remains bright at the Big House even amid the current uncertainty.
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