Former Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh has withdrawn from his designated role as the team's honorary captain for the 2024 season opener against Fresno State on August 31. The current head coach, Sherrone Moore, announced Harbaugh's decision, citing his commitment to his new team, the Los Angeles Chargers.
Former Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh has unexpectedly withdrawn from his appointed position as the team's honorary captain for their 2024 season opener against Fresno State on August 31. The current head coach, Sherrone Moore, revealed the news, explaining that Harbaugh expressed concerns about being away from the Los Angeles Chargers for an extended period as he prepares for his first season back in the NFL.
Harbaugh Withdraws from Honorary Captaincy at Michigan Season Opener
Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel had previously announced Harbaugh's intended role as the honorary captain for the team's first game since securing the national championship. "I look forward to seeing him in September and having him back in Ann Arbor for the game," Manuel remarked on the latest episode of the "1 Star Recruits" podcast.
In his final season as Michigan's head coach, Harbaugh guided the Wolverines to their third consecutive Big Ten title, earning the number one seed in the 2024 College Football Playoff and ultimately winning the national championship. Under Harbaugh's leadership from 2015-2023, Michigan achieved an impressive 89-25 record, including six seasons with 10 or more wins, three College Football Playoff appearances, three Big Ten titles, and three consecutive victories over the Ohio State Buckeyes from 2021-23.
As a player, Harbaugh played a significant role as Michigan's primary quarterback from 1985-86, leading the team to 10-plus wins in each of his full seasons. His impressive performance earned him a first-round pick in the 1987 NFL Draft.
However, Harbaugh has faced recent scrutiny for his alleged involvement in Michigan's sign-stealing scandal, which he denies. He has also been suspended from coaching in the collegiate ranks for one year, should he ever return to college, due to findings of impermissible contact with players and recruits during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Harbaugh received a four-year show-cause penalty as well.
Moore, who replaced Harbaugh as head coach after serving as offensive coordinator, has also been implicated in both scandals but has not yet received official punishment.
Meanwhile, Michigan's Week 1 opponent, Fresno State, finished the previous season with a 9-4 record (4-4 in Mountain West play) and a victory over New Mexico State in the New Mexico Bowl. The Wolverines' first game to be broadcast on FOX is scheduled for September 7, when they face the Texas Longhorns on "Big Noon Saturday."
As fans eagerly await the upcoming season, they will be deprived of Harbaugh's prominent presence as Michigan's honorary captain. However, his legacy as a successful coach and former player remains intact, and his contributions to the program will not be forgotten.
