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What anonymous B1G coaches have to say about Michigan in 2021
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There are some mixed reviews when it comes to Michigan heading into the 2021 campaign.
Each offseason, Athlon Sports releases a list of comments that anonymous B1G head coaches make about other programs within the conference. Some are incredibly complimentary and others might take the occasional shot at an opponent. The protection of anonymity really allows these staffers to open up.
Some believe that Michigan is evaluated a little harsher than other programs. Some believe the Wolverines still have a lot of unanswered questions. Either way, there’s a lot of pressure on Jim Harbaugh to win big in 2021.
That includes a win over Ohio State.
Here’s what some B1G anonymous coaches had to say about Michigan heading into the season, per Athlon Sports:
“If you took the name Michigan off, most coaches in the country would be happy to have the success they’ve had, happy to have the players on that roster and you would assume it’s a stable, functional program. Most of us wish we could hit nine and ten wins a year as a baseline. But they’re Michigan, so we all expect them to better.”
“They look like they’re undecided on offense, like there’s too many cooks. No one thinks that’s the exact offense Josh [Gattis] wants to be calling.”
“The defense fell apart on them and now they’re probably going to a more NFL style 3-4, that’s gonna be really interesting to see with Don [Brown] having been their identity for so long.”
“A smart way to look at this program is the quarterback position. When is the last time they’ve had remarkable, game-changing QB play? Compare that to the schools they’re supposed to keep company with, Ohio State and Penn State. They’re overhauling the QB room because they know it’s been a weak spot.”
“When you look at them from outside, you see a successful program pretty much everywhere but on the field against their true peers. That’s really what it boils down to. They don’t need a complete change, but they have to identify what separates their offensive scheme and their development from the programs they expect to beat. This is not a bad program. This is a good program. But they’re Michigan, so you can’t be good. You can’t be unremarkable.”
Harbaugh enters his seventh season as the head coach of the Wolverines. He’s posted a 49-22 record with three 10-win seasons and five bowl appearances.
Last year, Michigan posted its only losing season under Harbaugh, finishing 2-4.
Michigan will open up the 2021 season at home in Ann Arbor against Western Michigan.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB