Posted by It is good, but it is more accurate to call it appropriate, self-promotion and all.
This, the top story at ESPN.com this afternoon, is so stupid—it doesn’t say anything. It seems like a PR piece, which we all know the NFL is good at. I don’t know that many in the broad Michigan community who would refer to Jim Harbaugh as an “icon.” He was a very good quarterback on good teams. The clamor from Michigan folks is based on a staggering need and Harbaugh’s proven ability to win. The whole thing is based more on what can you do for me now.
This is like predicting a game. Opinions are fun. Michigan is in dire need—the Brandon and Hoke fiascos mean that revenue is at stake. The people in charge know that the spigots are open and the flow is relentless. These same people (e.g., Hackett, Schlissel, and the regents) now know, from recent history, that they will be judged by these decisions. They are going to look mentally challenged if Harbaugh is not the next coach. Put another way, everyone and their mother knows M is waiting and made a very strong offer. There is no way Michigan can be waiting in vain.