Jim Harbaugh spent Sunday afternoon scheming his way to victory against the playoff-bound Arizona Cardinals. He stood at a podium in Ann Arbor less than 48 hours later, providing a resounding message for fans of Michigan and college football at large.
The Wolverines' new leader, fresh off three conference championship appearances and a Super Bowl berth in four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, is ready to bring top-tier talent to a program that's near and dear to his heart:
Harbaugh, who previously resurrected a downtrodden Stanford program, doesn't face as tough a task at Michigan, but there's certainly work to be done.
The Wolverines have finished with a losing record three times since 2008. Prior to the Rich Rodriguez and Brady Hoke eras, Michigan hadn't suffered a losing season since 1967.
The university clearly understands its storied program is in peril. Administrators acted swiftly and aggressively to secure a long-term commitment form the most coveted head coach at any level of football.
"Coach Harbaugh coming to Michigan is the best choice for many reasons," 4-star Wolverines quarterback Alex Malzone told Bleacher Report. "He's going to bring attitude back to the team. He's going to bring in the right guys that want to play for Michigan."
For Malzone and future Michigan targets at his position, the opportunity to learn from a former star Wolverines passer is immeasurable.
"As a quarterback, I couldn't be more excited," Malzone added.
He could have more offensive weapons at his disposal within a few weeks. Cordell Broadus, a 4-star uncommitted receiver from Nevada who is the son of hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg, expressed interest in a Harbaugh-led squad earlier this week:
Former Michigan commit Chris Clark, a 4-star tight end from Connecticut, is another candidate to end up in Ann Arbor. He told MLive.com the Wolverines "would instantly move toward the top of his list again" with Harbaugh on board.
OsaMasina is one top Michigan target who won't be swayed by the development. The 4-star Utah linebacker has narrowed his focus to USC, UCLA and Arizona State.
"If Harbaugh had been hired earlier, it may have changed my mind," he said. "But it's just too late right now and I'm comfortable with my three finalists. It's an awesome move for Michigan, though. I'm sure it will pay off."
The presence of an accomplished NFL coach breathes new life into a despondent program. The 2015 Michigan recruiting class currently consists of just six commitments and ranks 90th in 247Sports' composite rankings behind Louisiana-Lafayette, South Alabama and FBS newcomer Old Dominion's.
"I see a situation like this having the ability to fuel a much-anticipated turnaround," said 4-star 2016 prospect Josh Imatorbhebhe, who holds a Michigan offer. "Truly nothing short of revolutionary."
The coveted Georgia wide receiver believes the university found an ideal fit.
"This hire is a match made in heaven," Imatorbhebhe said. "You have a successful NFL head coach step down to be a head coach at his alma mater, whom he led to the Rose Bowl."
Fellow 2016 Wolverines target Ahmir Mitchell agreed Harbaugh's arrival represents a new chapter Michigan desperately needed.
"That's huge for Michigan to have a coach of that caliber," the 4-star New Jersey athlete said. "He could bring huge things and players to Michigan and have a fresh start."
Heralded 2016 Illinois running back Kentrail Moran also chimed in, providing another positive glimpse of early feedback for long-frustrated Wolverines fans:
Even a top-tier Ohio State commit had to tip his cap at the move.
Detroit running back Michael Weber, a Buckeyes pledge who decommitted from Michigan in November, believes the Harbaugh hiring is a step in the right direction for his soon-to-be rival.
"Jim Harbaugh is a great coach," Weber said. "I think he’s going to change things around there a bit with how the team gets ready for big games. He’ll get some guys in there who actually want to win. He has some work to do, so we’ll see.”
Harbaugh has plenty of slots to fill in hist first Wolverines recruiting class with just six weeks remaining until national signing day. Based on first impressions, that won't present problems for a man and a program who've stolen the national spotlight leading up to the inaugural College Football Playoff.
Quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report national recruiting analyst Tyler Donohue unless otherwise mentioned.
Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.
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