New Era, Same Michigan: What Sherrone Moore and Dusty May Can Learn from Harbaugh and Howard’s Playbook

ANN ARBOR, Michigan: Upon entering any room, Jim Harbaugh and Juwan Howard were among the most well-known individuals present. Michigan nobility. High-profile celebrities and former professional athletes. Millionaires on numerous occasions.

At Michigan, Harbaugh and Howard worked together to instill a sense of significance in their programs. You could go to Schembechler Hall on any given day and watch Ric Flair leaving the structure. Alternatively, visit the Crisler Center and spot Fab Five members seated in the bleachers. Every time Howard and Harbaugh appeared somewhere, it seemed like a big deal.

When they felt like it, both coaches could be affable and lively. Even with colleagues in their departments, they may also be abrasive and aloof. Now that they are both gone, Sherrone Moore and Dusty May, the new coaches, will have to choose how much of themselves to reveal to the public. Their triumphs and setbacks should serve as a lesson for them.

Although Harbaugh wore a Carhartt jacket and appeared like a typical suburban dad taking care of his backyard chickens and lawn, he was actually a strong coach who erected an iron barrier around his team. Howard was much more reserved, in many respects. Howard spoke out in a way he rarely did when he was employed in an honest interview with The Athletic following his dismissal, admitting that his lack of personal ties did not benefit him.

“Folks really don’t know me at all, whatsoever, and part of that is my fault,” Howard said. “Could I have been more politically correct like some of these other guys at other programs, done a better job of playing that game? Letting the world into my private life? If that would’ve saved my job, then yeah, I should’ve.”

That remark was insightful in a number of ways. That coaches who allow outsiders into their life are merely playing a game is a cynical, if not quite untrue, interpretation of authenticity. From the outside, it appeared as though the program’s general collapse was influenced by the lack of transparency and accountability, not only a PR problem. There were few individuals who could reach Howard, and occasionally his gut told him to return as soon as possible following major heart surgery, among other instincts.

Howard’s methods were his own, which he reaffirmed when he said, “This s— works,” amid the Big Ten’s 3-17 result. However, it was a failure, which is why he was fired as Michigan’s coach. This spring feels like a new era for Michigan in many respects, especially because his termination came just two months after Harbaugh left for the NFL.

There have been new football and men’s basketball coaches at Michigan since 1948, a year that shares historical similarities with the current season. In 1947, the Michigan football team, led by athletic director Fritz Crisler, was coming off an undefeated season. Bennie Oosterbaan took over as football coach after Crisler retired, and in 1948 he guided Michigan to yet another perfect season. In the same year, basketball coach Ozzie Cowles departed Michigan for Minnesota, and assistant coach Ernie McCoy was promoted to take his place.

In the years that followed, Michigan had periods of significant transition, beginning with the appointment of Johnny Orr in 1968 and Bo Schembechler a year later. In 1989, Schembechler’s last season, Steve Fisher began his first full season as head basketball coach. Lloyd Carr lasted only one season, starting in the autumn of 2007 under John Beilein.

Michigan men have led the Wolverines’ football and men’s basketball programs for the last five years. Not just any men from Michigan, but two of the most well-known former players in their respective sports. The outcome was a regular allusion to Schembechler’s golden age and the Fab Five era, as well as a strong affiliation with Michigan’s heritage that was perhaps too strong at times.

It is nice to try to bring back the good old days, as Harbaugh has done the last three seasons, but it is not so great when a Michigan legend like Howard is struggling. Athletic director Warde Manuel took a different approach when faced with two coaching openings in quick succession. He promoted Harbaugh’s top assistant and hired one of the most sought-after basketball coaches available.

One was an offensive lineman in junior college, while the other was an Indiana University student manager. Both will be very different from their forebears. The atmosphere surrounding the football program is more Harbaugh-lite, with the same overall concept but without the eccentric head coach, while the basketball team is going through a complete makeover.

 

Harbaugh was the main attraction, even with J.J. McCarthy and Blake Corum at Michigan. Harbaugh was skilled at keeping outsiders at far, but he also knew how to make a statement and occasionally did not seem to know when to stop himself.

Some of Harbaugh’s eye-catching remarks appeared to be staged, either to create excitement for the program or deflect criticism from his players. Whatever the advantages of that strategy, Moore does not think it is the best one. Since Harbaugh’s exit, he has purposefully kept a low profile and appears pleased to avoid the news.

“I don’t want any attention on me,” Moore said. “I want it on our players. Everything that has to do with the players, that’s what it’s all about. I’m going to stay low and hidden as much as I can and let the players get the credit and the limelight.”

Moore does not have to pretend to be someone he isn’t, but as Michigan’s head coach, it can be difficult to remain anonymous. Howard also discovered that. When things are going well, it can be altruistic to divert attention from the players, but far too frequently, Michigan’s issues were the result of Howard’s players.

 

It was evident that Howard’s heart surgery rehabilitation was more challenging than he disclosed, and it had an impact on Michigan’s season. While there was no need for Howard to divulge any of that to the public, it would have been beneficial for all parties to discuss the less exciting parts of the program.

It was always going to be difficult for Harbaugh and Howard, two legends who have been in the public eye for the most of their life, to be so transparent. It will be up to Moore and May to determine whether or not to go in a different direction. They have a lot to learn about each other and their work processes as they are just getting started.

It will be a shame if people don’t know them in the end.

(Photo: Mike Mulholland / Getty Images)