Skip to content

Michigan's Harbaugh eager for return to sideline after suspension

Aaron J. Thornton / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh is excited to make his return to the sideline after serving a three-game suspension stemming from the alleged sign-stealing scandal.

"My emotions, my focus has been with the team the entire time," Harbaugh said Sunday, according to ESPN's Adam Rittenberg. "It's been a tremendous season, right in the exact position that we hoped for, that we worked so hard to be in. It's onward now. We've accomplished many of our goals, but not all of them yet. ... The next is winning the conference championship, so that's where our focus is."

"I would say it's good to be back, but I never left," Harbaugh added.

The Wolverines won all three games during Harbaugh's suspension, which prevented him from coaching on game days but allowed him to lead the team during the week. The 59-year-old said he spent Saturday's win over rival Ohio State watching the contest from home, celebrating a "glorious moment" for his team.

Harbaugh described safety Rod Moore's game-clinching interception in the final minute as "one of the happiest moments in my life."

He praised offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore, who served as the acting head coach during his suspension, as well as the Wolverines' production in all phases of the game.

"This team, it's a true team, selfless, they play for each other. If you're wondering what's in another man's heart on this team, it's about each other," Harbaugh said.

Michigan will play Iowa on Saturday in the Big Ten championship game. The Wolverines will attempt to win three consecutive outright Big Ten titles for the first time in program history.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox