Jim Harbaugh Officially Introduced as New Michigan Coach

Over the past two weeks, it's been the worst kept secret in football.  Jim Harbaugh, who had coached his team to three straight NFC title games and one Super Bowl appearance, was parting ways with the San Francisco 49ers to become the new head football coach at the University of Michigan.  It's a homecoming for Harbaugh, who played quarterback for legendary Wolverine coach Bo Schembechler in the 1980's.  His presence in Ann Arbor has almost immediately breathed new life into a program that has experienced limited success since they won their last national title in 1997.

Initial reports that Harbaugh would be paid up to $8 million a year proved false as the administration announced the actaul figure of around $5 million a year.  Still, it's a hefty sum, and proof that Michigan was serious about bringing in the absolute best to ressurect their program.  Harbaugh's credentials as a coach are unquestioned, not only due to his run in San Francisco, but also due to his four years at Stanford where he won the Orange Bowl and mentored future NFL star Andrew Luck.

Today, the University of Michigan officially introduced the man tabbed to lead the Wolverines to the promised land.  Harbaugh's introductory press conference was his first victory as the new man in Ann Arbor.  He was jovial, engaging and tactful.  He invoked the pride Michiganders have in the program without taking shots at the Wolverines' top rivals.

Just how big was the announcement?  His brother John Harbaugh, coach of the Baltimore Ravens, was in attendance despite preparing his team for a playoff game at Pittsburgh.  Even Bo Schembechler's widow, Cathy, was in attendance.  That kind of endorsement shows just how highly thought of Harbaugh is in this circle.

It won't be a simple task to bring the Michigan program back to championship caliber.  Their current recruiting class is in shambles, and top rival Ohio State has owned the Big Ten since Urban Meyer took over the reigns in Columbus.  However, even if the Wolverines struggle next season, they are once again relevant.  That makes all the difference in recruiting, booster support and fan attendance, all three of which make up the foundation of a successful program.