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Jim Harbaugh on facing pressure to win in 2021: ‘I thrive in that environment’
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For as much criticism as he’s received throughout his time at Michigan, Jim Harbaugh has never run from expectations. He understands that winning B1G titles and beating Ohio State should be the standard at his alma mater.
Obviously, that hasn’t happened.
Through six seasons, Harbaugh has yet to lead the Wolverines to a B1G title or defeat arch rival Ohio State. It’s led many to put the head coach on the hot seat year after year.
Michigan is coming off a 2-4 campaign in 2020, the only losing year of the Harbaugh era. As he heads into his seventh season in Ann Arbor, there’s an expectation for the team to be much more competitive than it was last fall.
Harbaugh says the pressure to get back on track isn’t something that bothers him. Instead, he embraces it.
“I kinda feed on it, as a matter of fact,” Harbaugh told Big Ten Network’s Dave Revsine. “It’s not my first time being in a pressure situation. I look at that on a daily basis. It’s really giving energy to me. I kinda thrive in that environment.”
In six seasons at Michigan, Harbaugh has compiled a 49-22 record with three 10-win seasons. Until 2020, the Wolverines had reached 8 wins every year and played in a bowl game at the end of each season.
That’s a pretty solid standard.
However, the 0-5 record against Ohio State and the inability to bring a B1G East title back to Ann Arbor have been a frustrating aspect of Harbaugh’s tenure.
Will those fortunes change in 2021? It’s hard to tell. But Harbaugh is embracing the opportunity.
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