Harbaugh: U-M ‘innocent,’ not rattled by tumult

• Dave Wilson, ESPN Staff WriterJan 9, 2024, 01:58 AM ET Close Dave Wilson is an editor for ESPN.com since 2010. He previously worked at The Dallas Morning News, San Diego Union-Tribune and Las Vegas Sun.HOUSTON– After leading

Michigan to a national championship and 15-0 record amidst a troubled season in which he was suspended twice, coach Jim Harbaugh said that”it couldn’t have gone much better. “Despite a three-game suspension

to open the season after an NCAA examination into supposed recruiting offenses in 2020, followed by a sign-stealing scandal and the subsequent dismissal of team member Connor Stalions that led to another three-game suspension, Harbaugh stated the Wolverines were never ever rattled.”It went precisely how we desired it to go to win every game,”Harbaugh stated Monday night after No. 1 Michigan beat No. 2 Washington 34-13.”The off-the-field concerns, we’re innocent and we stood strong and tall since we knew we were innocent. And I wish to point that out.Editor’s Picks 2 Associated “These guys are innocent. Conquer that … it wasn’t that

tough because we

understood we were innocent. “Harbaugh discussed just how much it implied to him to”examine the biggest box”

in bringing Michigan back to the pinnacle of college football. He was asked later if he was making a list– if winning a Super Bowl would be another objective, a nod to continuous speculation about interest from NFL groups.”I just wish to enjoy this, “Harbaugh said.”I simply wish to enjoy this. I hope you provide me that. Can a guy

have that? Does it constantly need to be what’s next, what’s the future? Like I said recently, yeah, I hope to have a future. I hope there’s a tomorrow, a day after tomorrow, a next week, a next month, a next year. “Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel, for his part, stated he comprehends “why individuals in the pros want to hire Jim Harbaugh and speak with him about being a coach.””The man went to a Super Bowl, won a conference championship … returned to the conference championship in that league. “If I was in the pros, I would want to speak to him because of what he accomplished. Nevertheless, I’m not in the pros and I wish to keep him as our [coach], that’s my cross to bear. However I am proud that Jim is our coach.” “Some day, when they toss dirt over the top of me, if somebody who is eulogizing me … if they would merely state, ‘He was a Michigan Guy,’that would imply whatever,”said Jim Harbaugh.”Would imply everything to me.” Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire Harbaugh, whose father, Jack, coached for Bo Schembechler before Jim Harbaugh played quarterback for him, said being a”Michigan Guy” leading the Wolverines to a title made him” extremely proud.” “Some day, when they throw dirt over the top of me, if somebody who is eulogizing me … if they would just state,’He was a Michigan Man, ‘that would imply everything. Would suggest everything to me. “He stated he guaranteed his players that if

they went 15-0, he ‘d get his very first tattoo. His plan, he stated, was to get a block M in maize and blue, with the M also representing the Roman character for 1,000, which was special to him with Michigan becoming the very first football program to win 1,000 games.”No high school has actually gotten to a thousand

wins. No other college has gotten to a thousand wins. No other pro group has actually gotten to a thousand wins, “Harbaugh said.”University of Michigan. To reach a thousand wins and win the championship game in the same year, male, doesn’t get much better than that. I would truly ask you that.”Who could possibly have it much better than us? No one.”ESPN’s Pete Thamel contributed

to this report.