Mike Hart is a Michigan legend and was a major piece of Jim Harbaugh’s staff. However, he is not returning to the program on Sherrone Moore’s staff.

That’s according to a Friday news story first reported by Angelique Chengelis with The Detroit News. He is the latest piece of Harbaugh’s staff to leave the program following the head coach’s departure to the NFL.

As a player, Hart set Michigan’s program for rushing yards with 5,040 yards. He is still 4th on the all-time list with 41 rushing touchdowns for the Wolverines.

Hart spent 2017-20 as a key piece of Tom Allen’s Indiana staff. He joined Michigan in 2021 as the running backs coach and added the role of run game coordinator in 2022. Hart served as a co-interim head coach for this year’s game against UNLV.

Why it matters

While with the program, Hart helped tutor some bright running back pieces, beginning with Hassan Haskins in 2021. Haskins set a single-season record with 20 touchdowns that year while rushing for 1,327 yards.

Blake Corum would go on to set multiple program records while working under Hart, and Donovan Edwards has regularly been praised for his versatility in the group. In 3 seasons working with the RBs, Hart’s group produced a trio of 1,000-yard seasons, including two seasons with a 1,000-yard rusher and a 900-yard rusher.

The reasons for Hart’s decision to not return were not immediately clear, so it’s possible Moore has a potential replacement already in mind. His departure is far from the most surprising or significant moves this offseason. However, it is another piece to account for in a major season of change for the reigning national champions.