Jim Harbaugh suggests there is ‘disdain for the process’ outside Michigan program: ‘People are very results oriented’

Nearly a decade ago, the Philadelphia 76ers brought the buzz-worthy phrase “Trust the process” into the mainstream of the sports vernacular when rebuilding the franchise.

It appears that we have a new catch phrase in 2020 surrounding the “process.” It has come from Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh. During his Monday press conference, Harbaugh appeared to coin the phrase “disdain for the process.”

Here’s a little more context to tell you where that came from.

Jim Harbaugh, I think, for the first time all season, pushed back against critics, saying that those outside the program are more results-oriented instead of appreciating the process. Harbaugh called it "disdain for the process."

— Kyle Rowland (@KyleRowland) November 30, 2020

Jim Harbaugh says he has a team that is competing and really working at it. “There is distain to the process by some, but that’s part of it.” Says this in reference to people outside the program.

— Anthony Broome (@anthonytbroome) November 30, 2020

Harbaugh: We're a team that's competing and working at it. There's disdain for the process by some, but to us, that's the whole ballgame. The process to us is very important.

— TheWolverine.com (@TheWolverineOn3) November 30, 2020

These quotes from Harbaugh are odd. You aren’t crazy. Just look at one reporter’s reaction.

Jim Harbaugh just said, "People outside of the program are very results oriented."

Correct. In football winning is kind of important.

— Brandon Brown (@BSB_Wolverine) November 30, 2020

Here’s the full exchange between the reporter who asked the question that led to the disdain line and Harbaugh’s full response.

I thought this was an interesting exchange w Harbaugh. I had asked if he can detect what’s missing with the team — confidence? Energy? His comment about “disdain for the process” by people outside the program intrigued me ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️ pic.twitter.com/gyFViv6YNE

— angelique (@chengelis) November 30, 2020

As many have already pointed out, process is great. Process can help a lot. But if the process results in what Michigan has done in 2020, it’s probably fair to question said process.

The Wolverines have hit a number of lows this year, getting beaten at home badly by Michigan State and Wisconsin. Harbaugh’s squad hit a new low on Saturday as they became the first team to lose to Penn State in 2020.

Harbaugh may be coaching his final few weeks at Michigan based on how things are going. But darn it, he’s going to follow the process.

Ryan Williamson