Jim Harbaugh might not have been too pleased that two of his assistant coaches left Ann Arbor to become members of Ohio State’s staff, but there’s still plenty of respect among the former colleagues.

Greg Mattison and Al Washington both departed from Michigan and joined Ryan Day in Columbus. Mattison wanted the opportunity to be a defensive coordinator again and Washington is a native of the Columbus area. Reasons for leaving Ann Arbor weren’t unjust.

And, at least for Washington, the decision wasn’t easy, either.

Following Ohio State’s spring practice on Thursday, Washington talked about his decision to leave and made it clear that he still has plenty of respect for Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Don Brown.

“I’m just gonna say this, Jim Harbaugh…you talk about influential. I love him,” Washington said in a video captured by Dan Hope of Eleven Warriors. “I learned so much from him. I’m proud to say that. That was tough.

“But I love being here at Ohio State. But, I just want to say that, because it’s important to say.”

Before making the hire, Day reached out to Harbaugh regarding Mattison and Washington and their ability to coach. The Michigan leader gave great reviews for both guys.

Later, Washington was asked what the difference was between Harbaugh’s program and Day’s program. But Washington made it clear that both coaches are elite and have great teams.

“Both elite,” Washington said. “Coach Harbaugh is a great coach. He’s won everywhere.

“Look, they’re both elite places. I’ve been a lot of places, I’ve been at every division…there are vertical steps. This isn’t. I know I may piss some people off, I’m not trying to. I’m just stating the fact that both that they’re both elite coaches.”

Washington spent one season on Harbaugh’s staff at Michigan before coming to Ohio State.