The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/447116
"I think that the seven-year deal is an attempt to secure that," Hackett said. "But separately, the program has such bandwidth that I think it's going to challenge him for a long time." Everyone, from the players to those involved, couldn't say enough about the job Hackett did in bringing Harbaugh home. Hackett even met with the players via teleconference each Tuesday to keep them abreast of his progress. "He has been great throughout the whole process including with us players, gauging where we're at, what we're think- ing and," rising fifth-year senior center Jack Miller said. "P erson ally, I didn't have much to say. I just sat back and listened and trusted that he was going to do the best job he could. Obviously, he delivered. He's been great, very receptive to us, and we're very appreciative of that." Though it might sound corny, Ste- phenson said, Schembechler's spirit was alive in the guys who made it happen, led by Hackett. Many of the late coach's players have enjoyed great success in life, and they were among those asked to help. "It was a group of those guys that were going to do this the Michigan way — the way things ought to be done," Stephenson said. "You don't break certain rules or put up false names. You just do things the right way. It's been so refreshing. "The first time I started talking with Jim I turned to my wife and said, 'This is like playing for Bo again. Everything has its place, is be- ing done the right way.' "I feel so good about this. Some guys might want to cut corners or an attorney might suggest it's okay to bend the rules. It was so great to be in an experi- ence where it's directed with no shenanigans, the way it ought to be done." In the end, Carr s a i d , H a c k e t t proved to be the perfect guy for the job. "Jim Hackett's a brilliant guy … he's been a great leader in the busi- ness world," he said. "Did I doubt he would land Harbaugh? I knew if anybody could do it, Jim Hackett could. "Hackett can hack it." No bravado — just results. Those who know him best would say that's just the way he prefers it. ❑ Many in the national media, especially those that cover the NFL, scoffed at the idea Harbaugh would come to Michigan, but Hackett had a plan, stayed the course and made the hire. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN