Rice Says Of Harbaugh 'He's Gone'; What Does That Mean For Michigan?
By Christy Strawser, CBS Detroit
DETROIT (CBS Detroit) When the ax fell on the University of Michigan's beleaguered Athletic Director Dave Brandon last week, pundits and football fans across the country referenced the same name over and over as the guy to ride in on a white horse and save the program: Jim Harbaugh.
In fact, 97.1 The Ticket's Mike Valenti said Harbaugh was the only choice for those desperate to unite the fan base and build excitement back up for the team.
Knowing that, Michigan fans had to raise an eyebrow when Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice gave an interview about Harbaugh, currently coach of the 49ers. Weighing in on Harbaugh's future in San Francisco, Rice said "I think he's gone."
USA Today went on to report that Rice is critical of Harbaugh's skills at the NFL level, quoting Rice as saying at an event earlier this week: "I have heard some complaints from some players that he likes to try to coach with the collegiate mentality, and that's just not going to work in the NFL."
Rice also said on the NFL Network, according to USA Today: "I think there might be a little disconnect between Jim Harbaugh and some of the players. His approach to the game, not being willing to listen to those veteran players. Almost like it's my way or you're out the door."
So if this is, in fact, Harbaugh's final season in San Francisco, does that make Michigan more attractive as a soft place to land?
Bloggers, TV pundits and several news sites think so.
Matt Borcas wrote this on the website Grantland.
"On Saturday, Michigan fell, 26-10, to Utah in a literal and figurative deluge, leading pretty much everyone to believe that Wolverines coach Brady Hoke is a dead man walking. Speculation on his replacement has already begun, and wouldn't you know it, Harbaugh's name tops every list.
"Of course, the university would hire the officially licensed Michigan Man in a heartbeat. But would Harbaugh actually consider a move to Ann Arbor?"
If Hoke is a "dead man walking" at Michigan and Harbaugh's days are numbered in San Francisco, should it happen?
Valenti said on air Harbaugh is the guy they should hire, and he thinks they're definitely going to pursue him, but he's unsure if Harbaugh would accept an offer or use U-M to drive up his price in the NFL.
