In my 32 years at U of M Health System, I was always aware of the responsibility that comes with being in a senior leadership position. At U of M if your department or college was not highly ranked nationally you would not be in your position for long. Even that wouldn’t save you if it was determined the ranking was falling under your watch. Here are some examples of national rankings at the University of Michigan.
Public university ranked #3 nationally: Medical School #5, Business school #3, Engineering #6, Undergraduate Teaching #6, School of Nursing BSN program #1, School of Music #3, U of M Hospital #5, University bond rating AAA (the highest ranking).
In athletics U of M finished in the top 5 in the Diretors Cup for overall athletic performance 13 of last 20 years, Baseball 2019 national finalist, Softball 12 college world series appearances and national finalist 2015, Men’s Golf 2013 national runner up, Men’s Gymnastics national champs 2010, 2013 and 2014, Men’s Basketball national runner up 2013 and 2018, Ice Hockey 9 national championships, 24 frozen fours and 21 NCAA appearances in a row (a record), Men’s Lacrosse national champs 2008, 2009, 2010, Men’s Swimming and Diving 19 national championships including 2013.
Then there is football. Last national championship 1997.
Jim Harbaugh’s 2020 record 2 wins and 4 losses and he hasn’t played OSU. Big 10 championships 0, Big 10 East Division championships 0, record against OSU 0-5, record against MSU 3-3, bowl record 1-4 with four losses in a row.
This is coming from a coach whose salary of $7 million is more than 7 times that of the university president Mark Schlissel ($900,000). If Harbaugh was a dean of any college within the university, the faculty of the college would be revolting and demand his resignation or that his contract not be renewed.
The Ford family finally decided to hold the Lion’s general manager and head coach accountable for their record by firing them today. It is time for Jim Harbaugh to be held to the same standards that the rest of the leaders at U of M are held to.
“If I ever find a pitcher who has heat, a good curve, and a slider, I might seriously consider marrying him, or at least proposing.” George “Sparky” Anderson