Ravens' John Harbaugh addresses Michigan, Brady Hoke rumors
Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh addressed rumors regarding the uncertainty surrounding Michigan's head coaching job at a news conference on Monday. Harbaugh said he is interested in current Wolverines coach Brady Hoke "being the head coach at Michigan for a long time to come."
It was reported Sunday that Michigan is interested in Harbaugh as a replacement for current coach Brady Hoke even more than brother Jim Harbaugh, who played for the Wolverines from 1983-86. Both brothers grew up in Ann Arbor, as their father Jack was an assistant under former Michigan coach Bo Schembechler, and John graduated from Pioneer High School in the town.
The Baltimore Sun'sAaron Wilson reported later Sunday that Harbaugh is not interested in coaching the Wolverines. John Harbaugh is reportedly content as the coach of the Ravens and doesn't want to go after a position held by Hoke, who is a friend.
From BaltimoreRavens.com:
“I don’t really know why [the rumors have started],” Harbaugh said. “Brady Hoke is a guy that we all believe in. The Harbaughs believe in Brady Hoke. He’s a great coach.
"He has done it everywhere he’s ever been. He believes in Michigan. I believe in what they’re doing there, and they’re going to get it turned around. The team should be galvanized right now, and I would expect them to come out like a bunch of wounded lions and go to work, because they love Brady and they love those coaches, and they just have to go."
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Harbaugh signed a four-year contract extension before last season and a one-year extension after last season that keeps him in Baltimore through 2017, with his $6.5 million salary making him one of the highest-paid coaches in the NFL. The coach recently refuted a report that he disagreed with the way the Ravens handled the Ray Rice domestic violence incident.
Hoke's job security has grown increasingly tenuous with Michigan now 2-3 this season, with blowout losses to Notre Dame, Utah and Minnesota.
He has faced criticism for his handling of sophomore quarterback Shane Morris in Saturday's game against the Golden Gophers. Morris stayed in the game after suffering a potential head injury and later returned to the game despite being pulled due to a leg injury. Hoke said Monday morning Morris was "medically cleared" to return.
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