Harbaugh endorses Whittingham as Michigan appoints new head coach

Jim Harbaugh has publicly endorsed Kyle Whittingham as the new head coach of the Michigan Wolverines football program, expressing confidence in the former Utah head coach’s ability to lead the team. Speaking on the 'Bussin' With The Boys' podcast with former Michigan player Taylor Lewan, Harbaugh, who is currently the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, stated he believes Whittingham will do an "amazing job" and wished him success.

Harbaugh and Whittingham have a history on the field, having faced each other once previously when Harbaugh debuted as Michigan’s coach; Whittingham emerged victorious in that single encounter. Despite this past result, Harbaugh expressed strong respect for Whittingham’s coaching capabilities, suggesting the hiring would be a positive development for the Wolverines. He joked about supporting both his former college team and his current NFL side, telling Lewan, "Go Blue, both shades -- Chargers, too."

The appointment of Whittingham follows a turbulent transition period at Michigan. Harbaugh had previously groomed Sherrone Moore as his successor, with Moore serving as interim head coach during Harbaugh’s three-game suspension at the end of the 2023 regular season. Moore led the team to victories against Penn State, Maryland, and Ohio State during that interim period. However, after being hired as head coach, Moore was subsequently replaced, leading to Whittingham’s appointment.

Reflecting on his own tenure, which concluded with the 2023 national championship, Harbaugh addressed the likelihood of the team receiving full public credit for the title. He noted that the championship was won amidst controversies in the year-long lead-up to the game. Harbaugh suggested that the current societal and political climate makes public recognition of the achievement a "jump ball," where truth is often met with divided belief.

"First of all, we know. We know. Incredible, is what it was," Harbaugh said regarding the 2023 title. He added that in today’s environment, public opinion on sports and politics is often split 50-50, regardless of the facts. While he acknowledged that the team may not receive universal accolades from the broader public, he maintained that the accomplishment remained undeniable to those involved in the program.

Harbaugh spent four years with the San Francisco 49ers before coaching at Michigan from 2015 to 2023. He is currently in his third year back in the NFL with the Los Angeles Chargers. His endorsement of Whittingham marks a formal closing of his chapter with the university, as he shifts his focus entirely to his current role in professional football.