Jim Harbaugh has done a lot of good things in his five seasons at Michigan. He’s rebuilt a consistent product in Ann Arbor, hit the ten-win mark three times and has led the Wolverines to bowl games every single season.

There have also been a few obstacles he’s failed to clear. Beating Ohio State, not winning a B1G title and falling short of the College Football Playoff are the three biggest things that come to mind.

Even though those are important hurdles to overcome at Michigan, Harbaugh still believes his teams have been very, very close to competing for and possibly winning national championships.

“I mean, just look back over the last years that we’ve been here, last five years,” Harbaugh said in 247Sports’ Social Distance series. “About as close as you can possibly be.”

Michigan had chances to win the B1G in 2016 and 2018, entering the final game of the season against Ohio State with a 10-1 record each year. However, the Wolverines fell short both times, losing to the Buckeyes 30-27 in an overtime thriller in 2016 and suffering a miserable 62-39 loss in Columbus in 2018.

Had Michigan won those games, they would’ve at least made an appearance in the B1G Championship Game with a chance to earn a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Harbaugh has said earlier this offseason that he understands that Michigan has to beat Ohio State and start winning B1G titles. It’s what “fuels” the team before each season. But just because he hasn’t accomplished it yet doesn’t mean the program has been miles away from bringing another national title back to Ann Arbor.

Well, at least if you ask Harbaugh.