the state of Michigan football heading into 2022
2021 was far and away the best year of the Harbaugh era. Michigan finished the regular season 11-1, capping the eight-year losing drought against Ohio State, followed by a dominant win over Iowa to secure the Big Ten crown, the first for UM since 2004.
Michigan's improbable run came to an end against Georgia in their first ever CFP appearance. While the season was great on paper, there's also a new feel to the program – a new culture defined by determination and brotherhood that the program embodied during previous successful eras. They simply seemed to care more, and the chemistry between staff and players lifted UM all year in the face of constant adversity. On the field, the identity was clear: a run-heavy offense that limited turnovers and an experienced defense with a star studded pass rush that bent but didn't break. This success was made possible by excellent coaching that catered to the team's personnel.
Heading into the off-season though, there are questions to be answered. Three offensive linemen are graduating, leaving holes to be filled for what was an outstanding unit. Stud running back Hassan Haskings is also departing. While both were dominant all year, these are spots that can be filled, especially when considering Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards, both of whom had great seasons, will be returning as UM's lead backs in 2022.
Michigan will also carry essentially the same receiver core going into next year. The big question offensively though: who will be starting at quarterback? McNamera proved that he's more than capable of leading a successful offense with the right pieces around him, but McCarthy, who had some highs and lows during his limited playing time, has through-the-roof potential. I think it'll go down to the wire, but as of now, I think the two will split time 50-50 to start the year, with the keys eventually being fully handed to JJ. Defensively, many players won't be returning. First round linemen Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo are declaring, as well as seniors Josh Ross and Brad Hawkins.
And lastly, rumors have been circulating that Jim Harbaugh is interested in various NFL jobs. The reports are few, but this is expected for a coach that had as successful a season as Harbaugh did. If he's interested, the only job I can see him taking is the Bears: they have a young QB and are in a division that looks wide open once Rodgers leaves GB. This could also be a strategy by Harbaugh to try and get a raise. One thing for certain: Harbaugh has immense leverage, and while I don't think he'll leave, it wouldn't be surprising to see some sort of change be made in Michigan's front office, whether that involves any movement or not.
