Michigan Football Where Are They Now: Mike Hart

Nov 1, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; General view of the student section during the game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Indiana Hoosiers at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The Lloyd Carr era at Michigan produced great moments, great players, and even a National Title. Many of the players who played under Carr have achieved tremendous success since leaving Ann Arbor, both on and off the field. One player who has achieved a lot is former Michigan running back Mike Hart.

More from GBMWolverine

For my money, Hart is the greatest running back in Michigan history. He is currently Michigan’s all-time leading rusher with 5,040 career rushing yards. He also ranks first in school history in rushing attempts and third in rushing touchdowns. Hart was small in stature but had excellent vision, strength, and could make a cut on a dime. Hart, along with Jamie Morris, are the only two running backs in Michigan history to lead the team in rushing all four years they played in Ann Arbor.

After a great Michigan career Hart went on to the NFL. He wasn’t drafted until the 6th round by the Indianapolis Colts due to his lack of size and top end speed. Hart didn’t play much and suffered an injury during his rookie season. Overall he played three seasons and compiled 71 carries for 264 yards and two touchdowns. One career highlight was a 12 carry, 84 yard performance on a Monday Night game in 2010. He also had a couple carries in the Colts’ Super Bowl XLIV loss to the Saints.

His NFL career may not have gone as well as he wanted but Hart’s new career has gotten off to a fast start. After leaving the NFL he started the next chapter in his career as a coach. In 2011 Hart was hired as the offensive quality control coach for Eastern Michigan University. He was brought in by former Michigan defensive coordinator Ron English. After his first season with EMU he became the running backs coach for 2012-13. In 2014 Hart moved on to his current role as the running backs coach for Western Michigan University. This past season Hart was instrumental in the development of WMU freshman running back Jarvion Franklin. The freshman ranked 16th nationally in rushing yards and 4th in rushing touchdowns for 2014.