As news breaks that Jim Harbaugh is headed to Michigan, three words come to mind. Boom or Bust. Either Harbaugh will make Michigan great (and it's not official he's coming yet; his John Hancock hasn't been smeared across any Victors contract) or he'll just continue the trend Michigan has seen recently. The signing of Harbaugh will definitely stop the dumpster fire from burning down Main Street in Ann Arbor but it won't stop the ashes from smoldering. There is no guarantee for success, as it is with all coaching hires. Just think, the 49ers had it good for a bit but now it's a different story.
Harbaugh is obviously a big name. One that will draw attention from all over but his name doesn't guarantee W's at the Big House. It's what he does with what he has. Obviously he inherits Brady Hoke's recruiting class and he'll have to actually develop them. Remember, recruiting is only part of winning; developing talent is the other. Harbaugh's name will cause a stir among recruits but he'll have to recruit for his system. Remember who else was a great recruiter? Brady Hoke. How'd that one end up?
Rich Rodriguez and Hoke were supposed to be saviors of Michigan much as Harbaugh will be. Not everything pans out as supposed to. The victories may not come right away. Michigan has no QB, (Alex Malzone hasn't dawned a winged helmet yet), horrible run game, and atrocious defense. Harbaugh has to turn everything round first before Michigan can win a game. Harbaugh also inherits a Big Ten East Division with talented and fast MSU and Ohio State. Not an easy first year.
Can it be done? Yes it can. But will it? Most likely not. Harbaugh, if he coaches how he is capable he can and will turn around Michigan. The fan base just can't get greedy. Nothing is guaranteed and it will take three years before Michigan will win a Big Ten title. The name Michigan doesn't carry the weight it used to. It can but things will have to be different otherwise those smoldering ashes will find a new spark and com-bust into a larger dumpster fire.
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