Fact or Fiction: Jim Harbaugh Flirting with the NFL (again), James Laurinaitis, Josh Gattis

In today’s Fact or Fiction, I look at three big recent topics in college football and decide whether the statement is indeed FACT or if it’s FICTION.

1. Jim Harbaugh continues to play with Michigan.

Farrell’s take: FACT

Well, kinda. He said he’s coming back to Michigan all over a week ago but the recent news that he met with the Denver Broncos is surprising. I know it was a final meeting and he had withdrawn his name from consideration but why meet at all? I keep waiting for an announcement on his new extension and salary but while we wait he does this? If I remove myself from consideration for a job I don’t need to meet with that company again. Especially with recruiting on the line and a roster set for a big season. It’s not a huge deal but it’s another link to the NFL and it’s odd.

Oct 8, 2022; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh yells during the second half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium. Wolverines won 31 to 10.

2. James Laurinaitis is a big loss for Notre Dame.

Farrell’s take: FACT

He’s only a grad assistant but by all accounts, the former LB great is going to be a great coach in college. It’s not a surprise he’s headed to Ohio State in a lateral move but I think grad assistants have a bigger impact than ever before in on-campus recruiting and on-field development and this hurts the Irish.

Sep 3, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State former linebacker James Laurinaitis, now a coach with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, watches as his team warms up prior to the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium.

3. Gattis needed to go at Miami.

Farrell’s take: FACT

Josh Gattis is not a bad Offensive Coordinator. We saw what he can do at Michigan and he didn’t inherit a lot at Miami as they had a weak group of receivers. But this had to happen. Tyler Van Dyke regressed badly, the offense was stagnant even compared to a very average season last year, and recruiting momentum is important. The boosters and fans were very vocal about this and for a program trying to rebuild a new face is needed even with Gattis just finishing year one.