Michigan Wolverine Football Podcast — Jim Harbaugh has left the building

Support the Podcast, Get Gear

Sadness (that it’s over), Anger (Warde!), and Gratitude (that it happened)
Phil @pcallihan and Clint @Clint_Derringer discuss Jim Harbaugh’s departure – don’t miss the audio stinger (it’s a keeper) . With Jim Harbaugh, Warde Manuel (BOO!), Sherrone Moore, Mike Hart, Blake Corum, and JJ McCarthy.

Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora | Stitcher | Email | RSS |


Podcast Archive

Podcast Summary

  • Jim Harbaugh’s departure from Michigan to NFL.0:00
    • Jim Harbaugh returns to NFL as Chargers head coach after leading Michigan to football success.
    • Clint Derringer believes Jim Harbaugh’s NFL return was inevitable, despite Michigan’s efforts.
  • Jim Harbaugh’s decision to leave Michigan for the Chargers.4:00
    • Phil Callihan thinks Jim Harbaugh’s competitive nature and desire to surpass his father and brother’s achievements may have influenced his decision to leave the San Diego Chargers.
    • Callihan believes Harbaugh’s family dynamics and the opportunity to win another national championship may have played a role in his decision to return to Michigan.
    • Phil Callihan expresses mixed emotions about Jim Harbaugh’s departure, citing his happiness for Jim’s success and sadness at the end of an era.
    • Jim Harbaugh’s love for Michigan and its fans is evident in his actions, including a spontaneous gathering at Schembechler Hall after the team’s return from Houston.
  • Jim Harbaugh’s departure from Michigan football.10:03
    • Clint Derringer believes Michigan’s lack of effort to retain Jim Harbaugh was a critical mistake.
    • Clint Derringer believes Harbaugh’s NFL dream could have been handled better, leading to current leverage issues.
    • Jim Harbaugh reflects on past seasons, including a time when he thought he might get fired.
  • Jim Harbaugh’s contract negotiations and potential move to Ohio State.16:11
    • Phil Callihan believes Jim Harbaugh’s mind was set to look elsewhere after the 2020 season due to a perceived lack of support from Michigan fans and administration.
    • Callihan thinks Harbaugh should have been locked up by Michigan after his impressive performance against Ohio State in 2020.
    • Phil Callihan reflects on the Jim Harbaugh era at Michigan, including the TCU loss and NCAA allegations.
    • Phil Callihan suggests Michigan Football could have been distracted by off-field issues, leading to a lack of focus on the field.
  • Jim Harbaugh’s departure from Michigan Football.23:30
    • Clint Derringer suggests that Jim Harbaugh was considering leaving Michigan due to a lack of competitive challenge and potential for dominance in the sport.
    • Clint Derringer believes that Harbaugh was also aware of the eventual transition at Michigan and wanted to leave on his own terms, rather than being forced out.
    • Clint Derringer believes Jim Harbaugh’s departure from Michigan Football was intentional and part of a larger plan, with the program primed for a smooth transition.
    • Derringer suggests that Harbaugh’s own more, Sherrone Moore, should be the next head coach, given his input and involvement in the program’s development.
  • Michigan football culture and leadership succession.29:27
    • Jim Harbaugh’s unique approach created a resilient, competitive culture at Michigan.
    • Phil Callihan questions whether Jim Harbaugh’s culture at Michigan Football will endure after his departure, citing the program’s history of perpetuating a strong culture even after coaches leave.
    • Clint Derringer argues that Sherrone Moore is the best choice to maintain the program’s culture and vibes, citing his role in the team’s turnaround from 2020 to 2021.
  • Jim Harbaugh’s departure from Michigan Football.35:25
    • Sharon Moore’s success as interim coach is attributed to his ability to maintain a positive team culture, with questions remaining about staffing decisions and potential promotions within the coaching staff.
    • Clint Derringer prioritizes finding a defensive coordinator who can continue the successful Ravens-style defense, with stability being key to success in 2024.
    • Jim Harbaugh’s decision to leave Michigan for NFL was disappointing but understandable, with a focus on his best destiny and impact on college football.
  • Jim Harbaugh’s impact on Michigan football.42:02
    • Callihan appreciates Harbaugh’s authenticity and willingness to speak his mind, despite NFL teams’ reservations.
    • Clint Derringer reflects on Michigan football’s recent success and the importance of basking in the program’s historical context.
    • Clint Derringer: Harbaugh’s mentality and approach to football led to a significant turnaround, comparing him to Bo Schembechler and Lloyd Carr.
    • Derringer: Harbaugh’s success includes taking the program to the national level and winning a title, combining the best of past eras.
  • The meaning of being a Michigan man.50:05
    • Jim Harbaugh emphasizes teamwork and doing one’s best.
    • Jim Harbaugh: Being a Michigan man means unanimous support, making it right.
  • Teamwork and camaraderie in Michigan Wolverines football.54:46
    • Jim Harbaugh praises Team 144 players, coaches, and staff for their dedication and teamwork.
    • Michigan Wolverines’ love for the game is genuine, evident in their perseverance, accountability, and teamwork.
    • “We few, we happy few, we band of brothers”

Michigan Wolverine Football Podcast — Perfect – Michigan 34 Washington 13

Support the Podcast, Get Gear

Phil @pcallihan and Clint @Clint_Derringer discuss Michigan’s 34-13 victory over Washington to capture the National Championship. With QB JJ McCarthy, RB Blake Corum, and Head Coach Jim Harbaugh.

Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora | Stitcher | Email | RSS |


Podcast Archive

Podcast Summary

  • Michigan’s National Championship Game.0:00
    • Michigan Wolverines win National Championship, players reflect on teamwork and brotherhood.
    • Harbaugh’s motto “nobody has it better than us” reflects gratitude and attitude of gratitude.
    • Michigan dominates Alabama with depth and resilience.
    • Phil Callihan highlights Donovan Edwards’ dominant performance, including two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, as Michigan defeats Washington 34-13.
    • Michigan’s defense consistently shuts down Washington’s offense, while the Wolverines’ offense wears down their defense for a convincing victory.
  • Michigan Wolverines’ dominant performance in the first quarter and their defense’s success in containing Washington’s offense.9:36
    • Clint Derringer highlights Michigan’s explosive offense in the first quarter, with 443 total yards and a 17.6 yards per play average, leading to a 69% success rate.
    • Michigan’s defense held Washington to 4.6 yards per play in the first quarter, with a 9% success rate, and continued to perform well throughout the game.
    • Clint Derringer and Jim Harbaugh highlight the resilience of the Michigan defense, who overcame challenges and adversity to secure a victory.
    • The defense’s performance was capped off by Mikey Sr.’s interception and Blake Corum’s touchdown, marking a perfect ending to the season.
  • Michigan Wolverines football team’s success and defense.15:20
    • Michigan’s defense led the team to a championship this season, with the offense providing just enough support.
    • Phil Callihan reflects on Michigan’s recent games, including the Penn State and Washington contests, and how the team’s defense has consistently performed well despite facing strong offenses.
    • Callihan highlights the team’s resilience and ability to come back from setbacks, such as the TCU game, and how they’ve shown growth and improvement throughout the season.
    • Phil Callihan reflects on the inconsistency of Michigan Football during the Rich Rodriguez and Brady Hoke eras, wondering if the team will ever return to its former glory.
    • Callihan expresses excitement for Jim Harbaugh’s return to the team and their potential for success, but acknowledges a rocky start to his tenure.
  • Michigan football’s turnaround under Jim Harbaugh.23:47
    • Clint Derringer reflects on 2020 season, argues program needed paradigm shift with Harbaugh at helm.
    • Harbaugh’s leadership and coaching transformed Michigan football, leading to a College Football Playoff appearance in 2021.
  • Michigan Football’s leadership and culture under Jim Harbaugh.27:56
    • Jim Harbaugh highlights the team’s resilience and ability to turn setbacks into opportunities for growth.
    • The team’s culture and leadership have been key to their success, with players and coaches working together to overcome challenges.
    • Phil Callihan reflects on Jim Harbaugh’s return to Michigan Football, noting that he was initially hesitant due to the administration at the time.
    • Callihan recalls the environment surrounding Harbaugh’s hiring, including the need for someone with the “flexibility and cachet” to keep improving the program.
  • Michigan Wolverines football culture and leadership.34:07
    • Phil Callihan reflects on his frustration with Michigan football under Rich Rodriguez, Brady Hoke, and Jim Harbaugh, particularly the 2015 Appalachian State game and the 2016 Penn State loss.
    • Callihan praises Harbaugh for his ability to ignore the noise and improve the team despite the challenging environment, but notes that progress has been slow.
    • Michigan football players set a culture of excellence after Aidan Hutchinson’s departure, with a focus on continuous improvement and upholding the program’s high standards.
  • Michigan Wolverines football culture and player insights.39:38
    • Michigan Football coach Phil Callihan highlights the team’s culture and player dedication, with no off-field distractions.
    • Phil Callihan discusses the constant speculation surrounding Jim Harbaugh’s future at Michigan, including NFL rumors and coaching changes.
    • Callihan shares his frustration with the lack of knowledgeable reporting on the topic, particularly from ESPN Talking Heads.
    • Phil Callihan highlights the culture of fun and enjoyment among Michigan football players, who support and encourage each other both on and off the field.
    • Roman Wilson shares his desire to be a leader and step out of his comfort zone, even if it means being more vocal and taking risks.
  • Michigan Wolverines football team’s past and present, including coaching changes and player development.46:20
    • Clint Derringer highlights AJ Barner, Darius Henderson, and Josh Wallace as examples of leaders who transferred to Michigan under Jim Harbaugh, citing their selflessness and fit for the program’s culture.
    • Derringer praises Jay Harbaugh, Jim Harbaugh’s son and special teams coordinator, for his ability to coach multiple position groups and recruit well, demonstrating the staff’s strength in self-evaluation and self-awareness.
    • Clint Derringer reflects on JJ McCarthy’s tweet from 2020, where he encourages Michigan fans to take deep breaths and understand that the program is doing everything it can to be great.
    • JJ McCarthy shares his insight on the situation in 2023, saying that he knew the program was not in a good place and that he had a gut feeling that something would happen to turn it around.
  • Jim Harbaugh’s leadership and coaching abilities at Michigan Football.52:54
    • Michigan Football team’s resilience and adaptability under Jim Harbaugh’s leadership.
    • Jim Harbaugh has had a successful coaching career, including nearly winning a Super Bowl and rebuilding the Michigan Football program.
    • Harbaugh’s return to Michigan was facilitated by David Brandon’s departure and the program’s desire to give him everything he needed to be successful, including new facilities and a rebuilt Football program.
    • Phil Callihan praises Jim Harbaugh for his ability to adapt and improve the Michigan football team, citing his willingness to bring in new coaches and players to elevate the program.
    • Callihan highlights Harbaugh’s success in beating Ohio State, despite initial doubts from ESPN and talk radio hosts, and notes that the team’s improvements were evident in their ability to bounce back from losses and continue to get better.
  • Ohio State-Michigan rivalry and its impact on coach Ryan Day.1:01:21
    • Clint Derringer highlights Michigan’s physical domination of Ohio State and their mental toughness in bouncing back from losses.
    • Derringer believes Jim Harbaugh is living rent-free in Ryan Day’s head after Michigan’s recent success against Ohio State.
    • Ohio State coach Ryan Day’s focus on beating Michigan is evident in his team’s performance.
    • Phil Callihan believes Michigan’s culture is better than Ohio State’s, leading to the Wolverines’ success on the field.
    • Callihan attributes Michigan’s success to its strong culture, which attracts and develops great players.
  • Michigan Wolverines football culture and coaching.1:09:00
    • Phil Callihan reflects on Michigan’s culture of loyalty and resilience.
    • Callihan believes Harbaugh’s love for Michigan is his best coaching destiny.
    • Phil Callihan reflects on Michigan’s 1000th win and the emotions it evoked, sharing personal experiences and the significance of the moment.
    • Callihan expresses happiness for the players, acknowledging their hard work and the unique nature of their achievement.
  • Jim Harbaugh’s coaching future at Michigan.1:16:30
    • Fans and former players shower Jim Harbaugh with love and appreciation.
    • Clint and Phil discuss Jim Harbaugh’s potential decision to leave Michigan for the NFL, with Clint arguing that Harbaugh’s love for Michigan and his family ties make it the best place for him, while Phil suggests that Harbaugh may want to pursue a rivalry with Pete Carroll in the NFL.
    • Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh’s leadership and player motivation led to a “magical” season despite off-field drama.
  • Michigan Football and its impact on families.1:23:42
    • Clint Derringer shares fond memories of watching Michigan football games with his family, including his first memory of being a fan.
    • Clint Derringer reflects on the joy of watching his children experience Michigan football games, and how he looks forward to sharing those memories with them in the future.
    • Phil Callihan shares a personal memory of meeting Desmond Howard at Michigan and how it influenced his brother’s fandom for life.
    • Phil Callihan appreciates the opportunity to share experiences with his family and friends through Michigan Football, including reading stories to his daughter in the womb and now attending games together.
    • Clint Derringer values the chance to contribute to the press box experience and reconnect with his fandom through spending time with Phil and his brothers, joking that he considers himself an honorary Callaghan.
  • Michigan Football culture and gratitude.1:30:30
    • Clint Derringer expresses gratitude for Michigan football fandom and the positive vibes surrounding the team.
    • Clint Derringer and Phil Callihan express gratitude to Michigan Football teams and coaches for bringing pride and positive memories.
    • Coaches and players emphasize teamwork and culture at Michigan football program.

Michigan Wolverine Football Podcast — Chasing Perfection – National Championship Preview

Support the Podcast, Get Gear

Phil @pcallihan and Clint @Clint_Derringer the National Championship game versus Washington with special guest Andrew Percival @PDawg206 also RB Blake Corum, QB J.J. McCarthy, and Jim Harbaugh.

Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora | Stitcher | Email | RSS |


Podcast Archive

Podcast Summary

  • Michigan football’s chances against Washington based on SP plus ratings.0:00
    • Offensive players emphasize teamwork and balance in attacking opponents.
    • Clint Derringer expects a strength-on-strength battle between Michigan’s defense and Washington’s offense.
    • Michigan offensive game plan was better than initially thought, despite sputtering at times.
  • Michigan’s strength in computer rankings.6:27
    • Percival highlights Michigan’s exceptional performance in advanced metrics, ranking them #1 in the country per their model.
    • The model favors Michigan over Alabama, despite Michigan not playing a non-conference P5 opponent, as the Big Ten is ranked #4 in the country.
  • Washington Huskies’ football team’s journey and performance.9:27
    • Phil Callihan reflects on Michigan Wolverines’ three-year journey, including their dramatic victory over Alabama and the team’s resilience despite setbacks.
    • Andrew Lange characterizes the team’s ride this season as “so much fun,” highlighting their strong start, mid-season ups and downs, and notable wins.
    • Percival highlights Washington’s close games against Oregon and Utah, describing them as “torturous nerve-racking” experiences.
    • Percival recounts Washington’s dramatic victory over Washington State, including a fourth-down conversion and a 25-yard touchdown reception.
    • Percival highlights Washington’s exceptional performance in close games, including a 3-point win over Oregon and a 4-point win over Texas as an underdog.
    • Phil Callihan expresses disappointment that Michigan and Washington won’t face off in the Rose Bowl, but is content with the win over Alabama.
  • Michigan football’s defense and their matchup against Washington’s Heisman-contending quarterback, Michael Penix.17:36
    • Michigan’s defense has remained consistent under different coordinators, with a focus on parallel strategies and successful game planning.
    • Clint Derringer sees Michael Penix as a transformed quarterback who went from good to great after developing his pocket passing skills, and now has the potential to lead Washington to victory against Michigan.
    • Phil Callihan agrees, noting that Penix’s game has evolved significantly since his Indiana days, and he now has the Heisman Trophy credentials to back it up.
  • Quarterback Penix’s accuracy and power.23:23
    • Penix has an “electric arm” with accuracy and power, demonstrated by his deep balls and ability to throw at a lower trajectory.
    • Penix’s progressions are quick, and he can throw with both power and accuracy, often completing passes beyond 25-30 yards downfield.
  • Michigan football quarterbacks and their strategies.26:22
    • Phil Callihan notes that Mike Sain is the X factor in the Michigan defense, with his sneaky speed and intelligent playmaking ability.
    • Clint Derringer compares JJ McCarthy to Penix, highlighting the difference in aggression and experience between the two quarterbacks.
    • Clint Derringer analyzes Michigan’s offensive strategy, highlighting their NFL-style run game and passing game built for big plays.
    • Jim Harbaugh is prepared to dust off 2021 game film against Washington, showing he’s comfortable handing off 20-30 times in a half if it’s working.
  • Michigan football’s run-heavy strategy vs. Washington.31:33
    • Jim Harbaugh highlights the importance of running the ball, citing George Patton’s success on the ground.
    • Clint Derringer believes Michigan will focus on running between the tackles to shorten the game and limit possessions, potentially limiting Washington’s offensive opportunities.
    • Clint Derringer agrees with Percival that Michigan’s commitment to running the ball will be tested by Washington’s ability to get up early and make the game shorter.
    • Derringer believes that while shortening the game favors the underdog, Michigan’s defense must continue to make plays to slow down Washington’s explosive offense.
    • Clint Derringer analyzes Michigan’s offensive strategy, highlighting their reliance on the run game to create explosive plays and wear down defenses.
    • Derringer notes that while Blake Corum hasn’t had as many long runs as in previous seasons, he’s still finding ways to break tackles and score touchdowns, often from 8-15 yards out.
  • Michigan Wolverines football strategy and analysis.39:36
    • Phil Callihan observes that JJ McCarthy’s shaky starts are a pattern, and Washington could try to exploit this by encouraging him to throw underneath and potentially get an interception.
    • Jim Harbaugh emphasizes the importance of running the ball effectively against Michigan’s defense, even if it means sacrificing some passing yards.
    • Clint Derringer and Phil Callihan discuss the impact of rule changes on college football, specifically the reduction of plays and possessions per game due to the clock no longer stopping on first downs.
    • Clint Derringer and Andrew discuss the importance of special teams and the potential for opponents to send everyone on every kick to try to make something happen.
  • College football playoffs and predictions.44:42
    • Percival is in disbelief that Michigan and Washington are in the college Football semi-finals, despite being an underdog in each game.
    • Percival is excited about the potential for an upset, citing the small point spread and history of underdog teams winning national championships.
    • Percival believes Michigan is overrated and predicts a Washington victory with a score of 31-28.
    • Percival acknowledges the challenges of playoff expansion and its impact on teams like Washington and Michigan.
  • Michigan football’s chances against Ohio State with analysis and predictions.51:03
    • Clint Derringer highlights the significance of the expansion model and its impact on the game, particularly the excitement of seeing southern powers play in northern games.
    • Derringer analyzes the similarities between Michigan’s recent games against Ohio State and the upcoming game, with a focus on the offensive line’s improved performance.
    • Clint Derringer expects Michigan to win the game by a score of 31-24, with their defense being the key to their success.
    • Andrew Percival is on Twitter at @PDAWG206, where he shares his research and insights on Michigan football.
  • Teamwork and belief in a sports program.55:54
    • J.J. McCarthy and Blake Corum discuss their team’s mentality and goals, with a focus on believing in themselves and overcoming obstacles.