Signed. Sealed. Delivered. He's ours.

A while back I wrote about the day Michigan football changed. Today, I'm going to write about the same topic, but with a much different tone. The previous blog covered the day Bo died and how Michigan had never been the same since that day. Things have been on a downhill slide for about the last decade. That all changed today.


Today, Michigan got it's man. In a well orchestrated coaching search conducted by Jim Hackett, an interim Athletic Director, Michigan landed the hottest coach in football.The guy that was the long shot. The guy that no one, No. One. thought they could land. The guy that had NFL dreams and would never "come back down" to college. The guy that was at the prime of his career and could have any job in the country, NFL or college. What people don't understand, is that Jim Harbaugh loves Michigan. He said in his press conference that he's dreamed of this job since he was 9 or 10 years old.


Today, a man gets to live out his life long dream. While standing at the podium delivering his press conference speech; he smiled a lot, spoke of how grateful he was for the opportunity, offered thanks for the faith and trust Jim Hackett has shown him, and gave a pledge that he will uphold the greatness and excellence of Michigan.


Today, Michigan fans are united. The factions that once existed that prevented Michigan from landing him 4 years ago are gone. The argument of spread versus pro-style are a thing of the past. Today everyone is just excited to see how this develops.


Today, bygones were set aside, mistakes were admitted, and forgiveness was given. No doubt things have been rocky these past few years. Things have been said and done that left many hard feelings. Those days are nothing but a memory and all the people that matter are rallying behind the new coach and offering support in anyway they can. Former coaches, players, equipment managers, businessmen, university officials, were in attendance today to show their support.


Today, a wife supported her husband. It had been widely reported that Sarah Harbaugh, Jim's wife, didn't want to move again. She loved the west coast and wasn't interested in coming to the Midwest, much less Michigan in December. But she sat in the front row with their children, attended the after party and supported her husband and his life-long dream.


Today, families were reunited in Ann Arbor. Jack and Jackie Harbaugh, Jim's parents, are reportedly moving back to Michigan. They, along with his sister and her family were in attendance. Clearly they are all supportive of Jim and excited with his new coaching position.


Today, thanks was given to the men of the past. Jim credited past coaches with building a great foundation for over a century. There was an absence in body in the crowd, but everyone knew Bo was there and smiling down on that press conference today. No doubt they could all feel it.


Today, it wasn't about money, it was about love of Michigan. Details of Jim's contract have been released and the reported 6 years for $48 million was inaccurate. His contract was the same he was making at the 49ers, $5 million for 7 years, with incentives.  He told Jim Hackett that he didn't want to be the highest paid coach in the NCAA or even the B1G, he wanted to save some money so he could hire awesome assistants and pay them accordingly.


Today, is one of the days I'll tell my kids about. I'll know exactly where I was and what I was doing. I traveled to my parents' house so I could watch the press conference with them, one of my brothers, and my girls. This was a family occasion, and I wouldn't have had it any other way.


Today, I wore my maize and blue and wasn't feeling like I needed to be prepared with a comeback for heckling that was sure to be thrown my way. I wore it with a smirk on my face and with a renewed sense of excitement and anticipation.


Today, rivalries were renewed and faith was restored.


Today, was a good day. The great days are still ahead.


My Pick 6 quotes from the press conference by Jim:
1. I'm not comfortable with being referred to as the savior of Michigan football.
2. I don't believe this is a turn-around, this is greatness.
3. I want to build one and live in it permanently.
4. Like you know your name, I know Michigan football.
5. I'm standing on a foundation that has been built for over 100 years.
6. I made a decision from the heart.


Go Blue!
~Bekki