Back in the winter, just as he and his Michigan football staff began to conceptualize what this next team may look like, Jim Harbaugh was asked whether he planned to remain in his post beyond 2023. He could have responded with a strong declaration reminding his audience of the long-term commitment he made to his alma mater.
But he didn’t.
Each of the past two offseasons launched with Harbaugh entering the mix for an NFL job opening, which signaled his future in Ann Arbor was tenuous. He didn’t seem to dispel that notion, indicating that coaching the Wolverines had become a year-to-year proposition for him.
“That’s something you assess,” he said. “You assess … after every season. That’s something that I will do after every season.”
HIGH RANK: Michigan starting No. 2 is a shortcut to College Football Playoff
The words hung in the air. Almost six months later they still do, leading some to wonder what will factor into the calculus behind his next big decision and whether the final outcome for this Michigan team will sway Harbaugh one way or another.
Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh on the field during the spring game at Michigan Stadium, April 1, 2023 in Ann Arbor.
It’s a fraught question, which is probably why Harbaugh didn’t seem keen on answering it when it was presented Tuesday.
Instead he chose to recite the mantra of his father, Jack.
“Attack each day,” Harbaugh began. “Attack this day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind.”
MORE FROM SABIN: Jim Harbaugh stole the spotlight from Michigan’s promising team … again
Throughout a 27-minute news conference, Harbaugh tried to steer the conversation away from what lies in the distance back toward the here and now. He ran through the depth chart, dispensing compliments to the players who make up a team picked No. 2 in the country in both…
..
