The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/447116
HARBAUGH'S MEASURED APPROACH Dear The Wolverine: I watched and listened carefully to the Jim Harbaugh introduction as the 20th head football coach at the University of Michigan. He was not boisterous, or flamboyant. He did not make wild predictions. He sounded humble. He sounded reserved, almost understated. He was not the fiery, jumping up and down, finger-pointing coach that I witnessed on the sidelines of games that he was coaching. But he did say that his personal- ity was the only one he had. There- fore, I strongly suspect that we will experience some display of those actions in the coming seasons. I look forward to some passionate sideline animation, rather than hand clapping after the second or third consecutive "three-and-out" by the offense. He said that he pledged to carry forward the tradition of excellence of the Michigan football program. He said he knows Michigan football, and he believes in Michigan foot- ball. He said he wanted to win on the practice field, in the classroom, in the community, and on Saturday. He did not mention Ohio State, or Michigan State, or a time line for success. Frankly, I liked that. What I heard in the tone of his remarks was that there were many goals that he would address as he strives for excellence in all phases of the Michi- gan program. I thought I heard him imply that he was not inheriting a crumbling program. Most would agree that the returning players will benefit from game experience on both sides of the ball. We realize that the lack of quarterback game experience, along with the loss of Devin Funchess, who had a down year in my opin- ion, offer challenges to offensive FROM OUR READERS Readers of the magazine and on our web- site were thrilled with the hiring of Jim Harbaugh to be Michigan's new head foot- ball coach. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN Be Heard! Send your letters to: Wolverine Letters • P.O. Box 1304 Ann Arbor, MI 48106 Or e-mail: jborton@thewolverine.com Letters may be edited for clarity or length.