Jim Harbaugh on Michigan job: ‘I didn't really weigh any other options’
Jim Harbaugh was tied to several coaching jobs after parting ways with the 49ers, but he says he "didn't really weigh any other options" before choosing to accept Michigan's offer.
“I have to do a good job, this is personal, it's more than personal,” Harbaugh said on ESPN Chicago's Waddle and Silvy Show on Thursday, ahead of Big 10 Media Days. “I grew up there, went to school there in college and I'm back coaching.”
“I can’t screw it up. I have to do good,” Harbaugh said. “That’s the way we’re approaching things and I’m proud to report that things are going well.”
Harbaugh agreed to become the Michigan head coach in late December and takes over a team that finished last season with a 5-7 record.
Harbaugh grew up in Ann Arbor and played for the Wolverines from 1983 to 1986. He wrapped up his career as a Wolverine with a third place finish in Heisman Trophy voting and a school record 5,449 passing yards.
• Ohio State ranked No. 1 in preseason coaches poll
The Harbaugh family ties to the program run deeper, as Jim's father, Jack, served as an assistant coach for Michigan from 1973 to 1979.
This past offseason, Harbaugh was also considered a candidate for the Chicago Bears head coaching job. The Bears selected Harbaugh with the 26th pick in the first round of the 1987 NFL draft. He played six seasons for the Bears before also playing for the Indianapolis Colts, Baltimore Ravens, San Diego Chargers and Carolina Panthers.
- Christopher Chavez
