Fenton, MI — January 4, 2021
With the NFL and College Football regular seasons now complete, it’s open season for the firing and hiring of head coaches. Let’s take a look at both the Detroit Lions and Michigan Wolverines coaching situations.
University of Michigan
Jim Harbaugh’s status seems to change daily. When Defensive Coordinator Don Brown was fired, most people assumed this was an indication Harbaugh would return with a retooled coaching staff. There were even reports the deal was done and ready to be signed. As time moved forward the pendulum swung the other direction and Harbaugh was mentioned in several conversations about expected NFL head coaching openings.
Here is the latest. Sources say the deal for Harbaugh’s return to Michigan is indeed done. But, the paperwork remains unsigned. The contract provides a five-year extension through 2026 along with a pay cut and a reduction of the buy-out clause amount. Harbaugh’s reluctance to sign may be due to his desire to return to the NFL. He has apparently decided to see if one of the professional teams express an interest in talking to him. Look for the situation to kick into high gear as teams make decisions on who to interview and ultimately hire.
The Detroit Lions
Given the number of poor hiring decisions by the Lions’ organization over the last few decades, it is no wonder they want to make sure to take their time and pick the best candidate. The problem with that is, the available pool of good talent diminishes daily.
It would seem Detroit is going to take a pass on Jim Harbaugh as that move could have been culminated by this time. Of course, if the Lions are waiting to hire a General Manager first and have the new GM pick a coach, it’s time to get moving on the executive hunt.
A new name from the college ranks has caused a bit of a buzz this past weekend. Former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer has indicated he would be open to a move to the NFL if the circumstances are right. Meyer’s name seems to pop up every year as teams search for the magic hire to turn around a program. Is Meyer’s return to coaching a possibility? Only he knows. High School, College, Pros, it appears Urban likes to hear his name mentioned as the best possible man to fix any football team in a crisis.
One thing is certain once all the hiring decisions are made, hope will again spring eternal in Ann Arbor and Detroit.
