Warde Manuel is aware of the status of his friendship with Jim Harbaugh. The former Michigan football coach and the athletic director seem to be at odds, but Manuel dismisses this as little more than idle chatter on social media.
But none of that matters now, truth be told about their connection. When Harbaugh left to join the Los Angeles Chargers, he took himself out of the picture. In the meanwhile, Manuel easily elevated offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore to head coach, partly with Harbaugh’s approval.
Manuel recalled telling Moore, “Just know, you’re gonna be the first person I sit down with, I promise you that,” prior to Jim making the announcement. Just have patience, then. Get ready. I want to know your perspective on how you’re gonna do things.’ That talk took place approximately a week or ten days prior to Jim calling to inform me that he was heading to the Chargers.
In its lengthy and illustrious history, Michigan was looking for a candidate who could build on one of its most prosperous periods. Fortunately for the team, four coaches—including Moore for four games—were able to get under the radar following Harbaugh’s two three-game suspensions. Those were pivotal games in showcasing his abilities to Michigan.
Manuel expressed his continued hope that he could get Harbaugh back, though. According to the Detroit News, he worked with Harbaugh’s attorneys to the very last and ultimately gave in on a contentious contract clause.
As for the previous two years, Manuel stated, “I was very hopeful that he would ultimately make a decision to come back.” However, he didn’t. Again, I’m happy for him but sorry for the university that I won’t be seeing him every day in many respects. I’m also sad for myself that I won’t be seeing him every day. I felt that way back then. I’m okay with Sherrone taking the lead now. So everything will work out.
According to Harbaugh, Manuel wasn’t able to take much action.
Harbaugh said to CBS Sports, “I love the NFL, but I love Michigan too.” The Lombardi Trophy does not exist in college football.
Even before he left, in the middle of the season, Harbaugh actively chose his replacement. Harbaugh has always praised Moore as a potential head coach, but after Moore led the team to a top-10 victory over Penn State barely ninety minutes before kickoff, he and Manuel also discussed Moore’s fate.
Manuel remarked, “After discussing him with Jim, I realised that this could be our next head coach— at some point.” “Obviously, I didn’t think that would happen at the end of the current season, but it might happen eventually. And following the game, I told Jim how much I had impressed him and that he was correct to believe that he would eventually be ready to take over as head coach.
After Harbaugh left, he made his decision to go with Moore really quickly. Manuel stated that while he did interview a few outside applicants, he only spoke with Moore. And Moore sat down with Manuel to sign his contract and take over the role a few days after Harbaugh left.
Whether or not Manuel’s departure was caused by Harbaugh and his connection with him, the outcome of his contract negotiations has ushered in a new era for Michigan football. While Harbaugh is accumulating NFL trophies, his hand-selected successor in Ann Arbour intends to do the same.
