Jim Harbaugh’s introductory meet-and-greet Tuesday in Ann Arbor wasn’t just a high-profile press conference—it was an event, perhaps long overdue, held on hallowed ground.
Years from now, regardless of allegiance or favorites, football followers everywhere will likely remember where they were and what they were doing as Bo’s star quarterback announced that he was taking over as the head coach at Michigan.
To one day have that sacred position was always a childhood dream, Harbaugh said while fondly gazing up on his family—which was seated in the front row—and dozens upon dozens of media members.
That dream has now become a reality, and he’s more than ready to execute his office to the best of his ability. He said he'll rebuild the program by following tradition and encouraging values learned long ago—the same lessons he learned while at Michigan, and the same ones which he intends to pass on to this, and the next, generation of Wolverines.
Of course, Harbaugh, a finalist for the 1986 Heisman Trophy, focused on the here and now during his homecoming celebration, leaving speculation about the future for another time and another place.
He artfully skipped past questions regarding Ohio State and Michigan State, he floated by a question asking if his personality was better suited for college and he gently pushed aside talk about who’ll round out his royal cabinet.
So let’s do it for him.
The game is easy.
At this point, it appears that at least one coach from Harbaugh’s 49ers regime could be on his way to Ann Arbor. There’s also a former SEC coordinator who could join the mix. That said, picking ideal candidates for offensive and defensive coordinator should be relatively easy—it’d be Harbaugh’s reported picks, of course.
However, there are also position coaches to discuss because there are no guarantees stating Brady Hoke’s former assistants will be welcomed by the Harbaugh camp, which could be filled out by coaches from San Francisco.
Offensive Coordinator
Michigan’s offense was supposed to get a fuel injection from Doug Nussmeier—but not even Alabama’s former OC could kick-start the Wolverines, who finished 2014 with the Big Ten’s No. 13-ranked scoring offense (20.9 PPG) and No. 14-ranked total offense (333 YPG).
Or, in other terms: Far less than what was expected.
As of now, the hot talk surrounds Greg Roman, Harbaugh’s OC with the Niners, as the clear-cut favorite to replace Nussmeier, who’s now at Florida.
While under Roman’s control, San Francisco’s offense had the potential to blow away opponents each Sunday, but things didn’t always work out that way.
This past fall made that clear.
However, previous experience and the 2012 and 2013 seasons lend to Roman’s expertise, proving that his schemes and ideology can—and probably will—be successful elsewhere.
In 2012, the Niners finished ranked No. 11 in scoring with 397 points in the regular season. They later lost Super Bowl XLVII to the Baltimore Ravens, coached by John Harbaugh. In 2013, they finished No. 11 overall with 407 points.
While coaching tight ends and offensive tackles in 2009 and 2010, Roman helped Stanford rule the trenches in much the same way Michigan did back during its glory days. In 2010, the Cardinal barreled its way to 213.8 yards per game, good enough for No. 17 overall. The year prior, Stanford rushed for 218.2 per outing, placing them at No. 11 in the nation.
Roman is the obvious choice. He knows Harbaugh’s system and could make a seamless transition back into the college ranks.
Defensive Coordinator
Greg Mattison deserves a role within the new staff. Whether or not he gets it remains to be seen. He’d make an excellent linebackers coach. His experience, energy and dedication are invaluable. Mark Smith, the D-line coach under Hoke, deserves consideration too.
His line was a huge contributor in 2014.
That said, the next DC will inherit a run-stopping, lane-plugging line, a nice variety of linebackers and a secondary that’s due for redemption in 2015.
According to the winds that blow, via Gregg Henson, Mattison’s successor will probably be D.J. Durkin, Florida’s former coordinator (and Roman as the OC).
Despite a 6-5 record and the tumultuous end of Will Muschamp’s reign, the Gators clocked out of the 2014 regular season with the nation’s No. 9-ranked total defense—one spot ahead of Mattison’s Wolverines.
No defense is perfect. Mattison’s wasn’t, and neither was Durkin’s. But stopping the run, a must in the Big Ten, is one of Durkin’s priorities. His rushing defense was ranked No. 13 in 2014, two spots ahead of Mattison’s; it ranked No. 5 overall in 2013, and Michigan had the No. 13-ranked total D.
At 36, Durkin has years and years ahead of him, not to mention a respectable track record of coaching special teams, linebackers and ends. Should he take the job, Michigan would have another Mattison-esque defensive mind on file—one that’d be an ideal replacement for the man who deserves credit for returning Michigan’s defense to prominence.
Position Coaches
Running backs coach Fred Jackson has survived the Gary Moeller, Lloyd Carr, Rich Rodriguez and Hoke eras. The 23-year Michigan vet has produced eight first-round draft picks at running back and has also assisted as an offensive coordinator and head coach.
Jackson knows how to recruit and wouldn't need to be brought up to speed or trained. An obvious catch for any staff, he seems like a logical option for Harbaugh.
However, Harbaugh could turn to Niners running backs coach Tom Rathman for guidance. Since 2009, Rathman's played a vital role in the development of Frank Gore, one of the best ball-carriers in the NFL. His expertise would complement Michigan's next coaching staff.
Former Michigan star and current Buffalo Bills running backs coach Tyrone Wheatley has also been mentioned in conversations as a potential hire for the same position in Ann Arbor. He also has a son, Tyrone Jr., who seems destined for Michigan.
Two Wheatleys are better than one, so keep an eye on the father and son combo.
Receivers coach Jeff Hecklinski entered with Hoke and did a respectable job with players such as Devin Funchess and Jeremy Gallon. Respectable, not exemplary.
That said, he could be replaced by John Morton, who's been with San Francisco since 2011. Morton's also a Western Michigan grad. Having ties to the state never hurts.
Corners coach Roy Manning hopes to stay in Ann Arbor.
The former letter-winning Wolverines linebacker (2001-2004) is well-respected by players and fans. He switched from coaching linebackers to corners this season and helped mold a talented backfield. However, Michigan's corners had issues in 2014; but while at their peaks, Jourdan Lewis and Blake Countess proved that they're among the best in the Big Ten.
Manning's tutelage has benefited them and would continue doing so if hired by Harbaugh.
The list goes on for days. Really, anyone with connections to Michigan and/or Harbaugh could be a candidate. Most coaches have staffs ready to go, so it's doubtful that Harbaugh is scrambling to find help.
But if he finds himself short-handed, the following guys could get a call (if they haven't already): Niners D-line coach Jim Tomsula, O-line coaches Reggie Davis and Mike Solari and possibly tight ends coach Eric Mangini.
The hard part is done. Harbaugh's home.
The rest is just part of the process. New coaches could be identified and introduced within the next week, as a staff-less team doesn't have a ton of curb appeal when it comes to luring recruits.
Follow Bleacher Report's Michigan Wolverines football writer Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81
Unless otherwise noted, all quotes were obtained firsthand by the writer
Who would you like to see join Harbaugh's staff? Feel free to comment with your nominations.
Read more Big Ten Football news on BleacherReport.com