Jim Harbaugh Won’t Attend Michigan’s Home Opener, Cites Loyalty to Los Angeles Chargers
In a surprise move, Jim Harbaugh, the new head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, will not be attending Michigan’s home opener this month. Despite being announced as an honorary captain less than a week ago, Harbaugh has decided to prioritize his duties with the Chargers over his alma mater.
According to Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore, Harbaugh’s absence was due to his loyalty to his current team. “He didn’t feel like he could leave his team in true Coach Harbaugh fashion and wanting to be in the foxhole with his team and not wanting to make it look like he was taking a deep long bow,” Moore explained.
Instead, Michigan will host Harbaugh’s parents, Jack and Jackie Harbaugh, as honorary captains for the game against Fresno State on August 31. Harbaugh will continue to prepare the Chargers for their own season opener, scheduled for September 8 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Harbaugh’s decision not to attend the game may not have been ideal for Michigan, as it could have amplified two narratives the program would like to dampen: the NCAA’s ongoing investigation into recruiting violations and questions over whether Moore can hold up as a successor to Harbaugh.
Despite the controversy surrounding his departure from Michigan, Harbaugh’s legacy at the university remains strong. He led the Wolverines to nine consecutive bowl games and won 74 games during his nine-year tenure.
