Jim Harbaugh sent shockwaves through the college football and NFL world with his decision to depart the University of Michigan after nine seasons to accept the Los Angeles Chargers head coaching job. The decision comes several weeks removed from Harbaugh leading Michigan to its first national championship since 1997.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones and guard Graham Glasgow, a pair of ex-Wolverines who played under Harbaugh, knew this day would come at some point. When asked about the departure of his former coach, Peoples-Jones had mixed emotions.
It’s bittersweet,” Peoples-Jones told MLive. “Because he had a great run at Michigan. It really took him a while to get to that point, and then he got (there). So I’m definitely happy for him and hope that this move positively impacts him and his family
People-Jones played three seasons at Michigan under Harbaugh, earning Freshman All-American and two-time Third-team All-Big Ten honors in the process. From his “great quotes” to overall philosophy and approach to football, Peoples-Jones credited Harbaugh’s impact on his football career, sharing, “he definitely inspired me and instilled a lot of good things in me at that young age.”
Glasgow’s perspective on Harbaugh’s departure was in the same ballpark as Peoples-Jones’. He shared with MLive that with Harbaugh leading the Wolverines to three straight Big Ten titles and one national championship, he’s completed everything he probably wanted to at Michigan.
