Michigan recruits understand Harbaugh rumors are 'cyclical,' says QB coach Ben McDaniels
The rumors involving Jim Harbaugh have been swirling around Ann Arbor really since he started the job in 2015. Each year, there’s some news about the Michigan head coach being interested in a position in the NFL.
So far, that’s not been the case.
The 2019 rumors started up again this week, following Michigan’s 28-21 loss to Penn State. On Tuesday, FootballScoop reported that Harbaugh was planning an “exit strategy” from UM and that he was interested in diving back into the NFL.
On Wednesday, Harbaugh fired off a statement to parents of current players and recruits, reassuring them that he was staying at Michigan. He called the report “total crap” and that he doesn’t even have an “agent or representative.”
Following the 24 hour gossip, Michigan quarterbacks coach Ben McDaniels was asked about the rumors involving Harbaugh, particularly the impact it could have on recruits. He said that everyone the Wolverines are recruiting are aware of the situation that occurs every year.
“All of our recruits at this point are very aware of this being a cyclical thing every year, some of that storyline getting out,” McDaniels told Angelique Chengelis of the Detroit News. “I just know I’m glad he’s here, I know I’m glad I’m here. I know I’m glad he’s not going anywhere.”
Michigan has been able to rope in highly-ranked recruiting classes on a yearly basis under Harbaugh, despite the rumors.
In past years, Harbaugh has been tied to potential NFL openings with the St. Louis Rams, Indianapolis Colts and Green Bay Packers, to name a few. Each time, he’s denied having any interest in those jobs.
He’s lived up to his word through the first five years at Michigan. It doesn’t sound like he plans on leaving anytime soon, either.