Jim Harbaugh Left Michigan Over Major Trust Issues, New Book Claims
Trust issues reportedly played a major role in Jim Harbaugh leaving Michigan for the Los Angeles Chargers.
Harbaugh ditched the Michigan Wolverines for the Chargers after winning the national title this past season. The move came after being suspended a total of six games during the regular season.
He first had to serve a school-imposed three-game suspension over alleged NCAA recruiting violations during the pandemic. Then, Harbaugh was suspended the final three regular season games of the year after Connor Stalions' alleged cheating operation was exposed.
Yet, Michigan still finished the season as the undefeated national champions. Despite having an offer to make him the highest-paid coach in college football, the newly-minted national champion coach jumped to the NFL.
Jim Harbaugh left Michigan after winning the national title this past season. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
New book shares details of why Jim Harbaugh left Michigan.
The upcoming book "The Price: What It Takes to Win in College Football's Era of Chaos" by Armen Keteyian and John Talty claims trust issues between Harbaugh and UM AD Warde Manuel might have ultimately pushed him out.
The book states the following details on why Harbaugh left the Wolverines, according to an excerpt published by CBS Sports:
During a two-day getaway with his wife Sarah on Coronado Island off the coast of San Diego, Harbaugh unloaded to longtime friend Todd Anson. He told Anson he wanted to remain at Michigan but believed Manuel—no matter his public pronouncements—was not the advocate he needed in his corner, particularly in front of the Board of Regents. He also raged against Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti, who before the three-game Big Ten suspension had promised to meet Harbaugh in Ann Arbor and brief him on what the conference was doing, only to stand him up. [Through a spokesperson, Petitti declined an interview request.]
The day after his outburst to Anson, Harbaugh had an initial interview with the Los Angeles Chargers. Afterward, his tone had softened. Leaning toward taking the NFL job, if offered, he dialed down the Manuel rhetoric, no longer interested in a potential legal battle and fighting people he later said were "gunning for me." It suggested in attitude and tone that his days in Ann Arbor were numbered.
Upcoming book shares new details on why Jim Harbaugh left the Michigan Wolverines. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
The book's revelations aren't the first time the claim has been made Harbaugh and Manuel weren't incredibly close. Paul Finebaum reported in late 2023 when the sign stealing chaos was unfolding that the two had a "tense relationship."
Now, Keteyian and Talty are claiming the same in their new book, and taking it to a new level. If the details are accurate, it sounds like Harbaugh definitely didn't have much faith in Manuel to protect him amid rising issues. Add in the fact Tony Petitti had already slapped him with one suspension, and it's not hard to see why Harbaugh wanted out.
Jim Harbaugh left Michigan for the Los Angeles Chargers after this past season. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
He jumped to the Chargers, landed a big contract and the former Michigan leader now has a fresh start. It will be interesting to see where the Wolverines and Harbaugh both go from here. Let me know what you think of the new details at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.