Jay Harbaugh details what it means to have three generations coaching football
Michigan football is truly a family affair. Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh works alongside his father Jack Harbaugh and son Jay Harbaugh with the Wolverines.
Jack is the assistant head coach for Michigan, while Jay is in his ninth season with the Wolverines and coaching running backs and special teams.
Jay Harbaugh was asked at National Championship Media Day in Houston ahead of Monday night’s matchup with Washington what it is like working with his father and grandfather.
“It’s a blessing,” Jay Harbaugh said. “I don’t take it lightly that there’s people that never get that opportunity to be able to work with a mom or a dad or a grandparent. It’s pretty rare. Really thankful for that.”
Jim Harbaugh is also in his ninth season at Michigan, after previously coaching the San Francisco 49ers.
Jim’s father Jack is a longtime coach who previously spent time at Iowa, Michigan and Stanford and several other schools.
Jay started his full-time college coaching career with Michigan in 2015.
“It’s part of what makes it really special being at Michigan for me and for my kids is the family aspect, like you said, and really just thankful for that every single day,” Jay Harbaugh said.
The three Harbaughs will attempt to win a national title with the Wolverines on Monday. Kickoff against Washington is set for 7:30 p.m.
Jay Harbaugh shares how he’s reacted to hearing criticism of his father
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh received some criticism ahead of his team’s run to the national championship game.
Before the matchup with Washington, his son Jay Harbaugh spoke about the criticism he hears about his father, explaining that he’s used to hearing it at this point.
“I mean, it stinks, but you get so used to it,” Jay Harbaugh said. “That’s my entire life I’ve been accustomed to hearing other people’s opinions about my dad. So, I’m kind of numb to it. It doesn’t really bother me anymore. You build up a callus to it.”
Criticism of Jim Harbaugh has changed over the years. He has certainly been criticized for his approach as a coach, often acting strangely. That was particularly true early in his time at Michigan when he did things like sleeping over at a recruit’s house and drinking more milk than most other people do.
Those were goofy things, though. For years, on the field, the criticism of Harbaugh had a lot more to do with his lack of big game success. In particular, his struggles against Ohio State over the years. However, those criticisms have passed in recent years. Now, the focus tends to be on his recent suspensions and the sign-stealing scandal.