College Football: Colin Cowherd: Brian Kelly should replace Jim Harbaugh at Michigan

Now that Jim Harbaugh has officially bid farewell to Michigan for the alluring embrace of the Los Angeles Chargers, the Wolverines find themselves in the unenviable position of searching for a new head coach. While internal options such as Sherrone Moore are being bandied about, Colin Cowherd, the esteemed sports pundit, has a bold suggestion: Michigan should cast its net far and wide and consider none other than Brian Kelly, the current head honcho at LSU.

Colin Cowherd’s Unconventional Perspective

Cowherd, known for his incisive commentary and unconventional opinions, takes aim at the traditional approach to coaching hires, which often involves promoting from within or relying on connections to the previous coach. He posits that this well-trodden path often leads to a “no-win proposition,” wherein the new coach is constantly measured against the legend they replaced, a burden that few can bear.

Cowherd argues that universities, in their quest for continuity, tend to elevate someone already on staff or seek out a candidate with a connection to the departed coach. However, he believes this approach rarely yields another successful coach, as the new hire is often unable to escape the shadow of their predecessor.

Instead of perpetuating this cycle of mediocrity, Cowherd urges Michigan to embrace a more audacious approach, one that involves hiring someone who is not afraid to make people uncomfortable, just like Jim Harbaugh did during his tenure in Ann Arbor.

The Case for Brian Kelly: A Harbaugh Doppelgänger

Cowherd proposes Brian Kelly, the man who currently prowls the sidelines at LSU, as the ideal candidate to fill the void left by Harbaugh. He draws parallels between Kelly and Harbaugh, highlighting their shared traits of winning records, instant success, and a knack for rubbing people the wrong way.

Cowherd acknowledges that Kelly’s proximity to greatness as an assistant coach at Notre Dame, where he served under the legendary Lou Holtz, does not guarantee his own success as a head coach. However, he believes that Kelly’s impressive resume, which includes a national championship and multiple conference titles, speaks volumes about his potential.

Cowherd also points out that Kelly’s experience in the SEC, arguably the most competitive conference in college football, has prepared him for the rigors of the Big Ten, where Michigan resides.

Alabama’s Bold Move: A Lesson in Hiring Excellence

Cowherd lauds Alabama’s recent decision to hire Kalen DeBoer, a relatively unknown coach with no ties to the Crimson Tide program, as their new head coach. He sees this move as a testament to Alabama’s willingness to break away from the traditional hiring process and embrace a fresh perspective.

Cowherd believes that Alabama’s decision to hire DeBoer sends a clear message: the Crimson Tide are not content with resting on their laurels; they are always striving for perfection, even if it means taking risks and making unconventional choices.

The Reality of the Situation: Practicality vs. Perfection

Cowherd acknowledges that Brian Kelly may not be a realistic option for Michigan, given his lack of a Super Bowl win, NFL offers, or a national championship as a head coach. He understands that the safer and more comfortable choice would be to promote someone from within or hire a candidate with a connection to Harbaugh.

Cowherd concedes that Michigan’s decision to prioritize stability and continuity is understandable, especially considering the success Harbaugh brought to the program. However, he believes that the easy and comfortable choice is rarely the perfect one.

Conclusion: Striving for Perfection

Cowherd reiterates his belief that Brian Kelly would be the best choice for Michigan, but he recognizes that he is unlikely to be hired. He acknowledges that the young coach who eventually gets the job deserves a chance and wishes him the best.

Cowherd emphasizes the importance of striving for perfection, even if it means taking risks and making uncomfortable choices. He believes that Michigan, and indeed all universities, should never settle for mediocrity and should always strive to be the best, even if it means ruffling a few feathers along the way.

Call to action:

Do you agree with Colin Cowherd’s assessment of the Michigan coaching situation? Who do you think should be the next head coach of the Wolverines? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!