Michigan Great Mike Hart Will Not Return to Program as Running Backs Coach, per Report

It appears the Wolverines’ staff will not include their all-time leading rusher in 2024.

As it eyes a new season, Michigan appears set to part ways with a familiar face.

Wolverines running backs coach Mike Hart will not return to the program in 2024, according to a Friday afternoon report from Angelique Chengelis of The Detroit News.

Hart, 37, has served as Michigan’s running backs coach in some capacity since 2021. He also worked as the Wolverines’ run game coordinator from 2022–23, and coached the team to a 35–7 win over UNLV on Sept. 9, during Jim Harbaugh’s first suspension of the ’23 season.

As a player, Hart rushed for 5,040 yards from 2004 to ’07. He finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting in 2006, and played three years in the NFL for the Indianapolis Colts.

Mike Hart, one of the best running backs in Michigan football history, is out as assistant coach on Sherrone Moore’s staff :: Junfu Han/USA TODAY Network

Upon the conclusion of his playing career, Hart broke into coaching as an offensive quality control coach for Eastern Michigan. He spent time with Western Michigan, Syracuse and Indiana before Michigan hired him in Jan. ’21.

The Wolverines are scheduled to open their national title defense under new coach Sherrone Moore on Aug. 31 against Fresno State.