Michigan Football: 3 Things Jim Harbaugh needs to do next
After a lengthy negotiation, Jim Harbaugh has agreed to a long-term extension with Michigan football and here are three things he should do next.
The cloud hanging over the Michigan football program has finally lifted as the Wolverines and head coach Jim Harbaugh have agreed to a new deal.
It was a contract that was seemingly months in the making and it will keep Harbaugh in Ann Arbor as the head coach for the next five years, at least if the deal is seen through.
There are low buyouts on both sides and even after the 2021 season, Michigan football could get rid of Harbaugh for just $4 million, which was much lower than after 2020.
This is an insanely Michigan-friendly deal, and one that leaves both sides with a ton of flexibility. I think that's a positive no matter whose "side" you're on.
— Scott Bell (@sbell021) January 8, 2021
Also, for as bad as you may think Jim Harbaugh's coaching was in 2020, his negotiating just blew it out of the water. pic.twitter.com/T4as6CvXFt
In terms of the deal, Harbaugh was serious when he said he was betting on himself. He is one of the lower salaried coaches in the Big Ten conference, but if he is able to deliver and get Michigan over the hump he will be justly rewarded, which is why I think this deal is a win-win.
That being said, there is still work to do. Harbaugh has reportedly hired Baltimore Ravens assistant Mike Macdonald as the new DC. He’s coached positions with the Ravens but it remains to be seen if he will be the sole coordinator or not and that’s where we start:
Get Tim Banks as co-defensive coordinator
There have been a lot of different rumors about Tim Banks and it’s hard to know if he’s been contacted by Michigan football or not. But if he hasn’t been, he should be.
Banks is from Detroit and has done a really good job of recruiting the area for Penn State, plus he’s been part of a defensive staff that’s done a solid job, especially against Ohio State.
While I love the hire of Macdonald (I do), it does seem like it would be beneficial to bring on someone as a co-defensive coordinator. That being said, Brian Jean-Mary has been a college defensive coordinator before and he could be a candidate for that role too.
But the Wolverines will likely need a new safeties coach and Banks could fill that role, while adding more defensive experience and a dynamic recruiter to the staff.
It makes all the sense in the world and Harbaugh needs to make it happen.