Ad Disclosure
Jim Harbaugh using specially made T-shirts as extra motivation this spring
Published:
We’ve all heard of the phrase “bulltetin board material,” but Jim Harbaugh is putting his own unique twist on that idea.
Coaches have often used that phrase, referring to teams being disrespected by other teams, talking heads and other media sources. It’s been implemented as a motivational tool in the past, hoping to energize a team to prove the non-believers wrong.
In 2018, Michigan finished the season 10-3, a solid year by most standards. But it wasn’t good enough for the Wolverines. After failing to win a division title because of a blowout loss to Ohio State and falling flat in the Peach Bowl against Florida, Michigan’s once-promising season had a disappointing end.
So, Harbaugh made T-shirts to remind players how the year ended. Tight end Sean McKeon told The Detroit News about the team’s “gift” from the head coach.
“Coach Harbaugh gave us some shirts the other day with the co-Big (Ten) East champs on the front and then all the scores of the games we lost on the back,” McKeon said. “I took that shirt and hung it up in the tight ends room with the scores (showing), just a reminder how the season ended. We don’t want to do that again, obviously.”
Michigan has lost seven straight games to Ohio State, including a 0-4 record under Harbaugh. The Wolverines have also failed to win a division title and haven’t made an appearance in the College Football Playoff.
The expectation when Harbaugh took the job in 2015, was to be a consistent B1G East champion.
Already, Michigan is an early favorite in all five of its major matchups next season according to Vegas — predicted to win games against Wisconsin, Penn State, Notre Dame, Michigan State and Ohio State. But having the odds in your favor and producing results on the field are totally different things.
Harbaugh wants to give his players that extra motivation so they can achieve their lofty goals next fall.
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