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Lions Star Says ‘It’s Over’ for Michigan Without Jim Harbaugh

It’s a new era in the Big Ten, and things are looking very different for both Michigan and Michigan State going into the new season. Now, one Detroit Lions star…

One Detroit Lions star is saying the Michigan football's reign as the best is over now that head coach Jim Harbaugh has left.

HOUSTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 08: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates after defeating the Washington Huskies during the 2024 CFP National Championship game at NRG Stadium on January 08, 2024 in Houston, Texas. Michigan defeated Washington 34-13. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

It's a new era in the Big Ten, and things are looking very different for both Michigan and Michigan State going into the new season. Now, one Detroit Lions star is saying the Michigan football's reign as the best in the Big Ten, and in the country, is over now that head coach Jim Harbaugh has left for the Los Angeles Chargers. It's a lofty claim, and time will tell if he's right. But, football season is starting, so that means it's time to talk some smack.

Detroit Lions Star Says Michigan is Hopeless Without Jim Harbaugh

Michigan has a new head coach this season in Sherrone Moore. He's not new to the program, since Moore was Michigan football's acting head coach for four games during the team's 2023 season. Those games took place when Harbaugh wasn't allowed to coach at the sidelines due to alleged NCAA violations. Moore has also been with Michigan football since 2018, so he's very familiar with the program. Michigan State, meanwhile, also has a new head coach in Jonathan Smith, who took over after Mel Tucker was let go. So things look different for both teams, but Michigan is the team that's getting the most attention, since they won the national championship for the 2023 season.

Here's where the Detroit Lions star comes into play. During an episode of the "Bussin' With The Boys" podcast, hosted by former NFL players Taylor Lewan and Will Compton, wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown was asked about the USC Trojans becoming part of the Big Ten this season. He attended USC and played football there, so he has some stern thoughts on it. "I love the move. We're not worried about the Big Ten, though," St. Brown said of the Trojans joining the Big Ten.

Switching gears to the topic of Michigan Wolverines being the current national champions, St. Brown said he didn't think it would last. "All Michigan wants to do is run it. Just pack the box, they can't throw," he said. "Make them throw. It's all good. Harbaugh's gone now. It's over." He later commented that Michigan is "done," adding, "They had their one shot, it’s over with."

This was really all just fun and games, since host Lewan went to Michigan. I find it funny, and I hope you do, too. I certainly don't think St. Brown was trying to hate on Michigan fans. Too much.

It's been quite a wild NFL offseason already. I feel like every day, I wake up to some kind of major news breaking about one or more NFL teams. But, a lot of the changes happened right before the end of the season, in the form of a bevy of new coaches. So, let's get into ranking every coach NFL hired for 2024.

It's hard to believe, but the NFL is replacing a quarter of its head coaches in 2024. That's so wild. I guess it goes to show that there is very little forgiveness in the NFL when it comes to those leaders. The same is true of college football, too. If coaches aren't able to deliver in a few years, they're out. The football world can also be very fickle. When you're winning, you're on top. When you're losing, you're out. I get it, though, because these teams want to win. There's a lot of money and pride on the line. So, let's hope the new coaches for the NFL this year deliver some good games.

Some of the head coaching changes have been shocking. For example, I was surprised when the Seattle Seahawks let Pete Carroll go after so many successful seasons. Another shocker, albeit not quite as surprising, was Bill Belichick. Sure, the New England Patriots had a terrible season. The worst. But, there's no denying that Belichick is one of the greatest NFL coaches of all time. Will Carroll or Belichick resurface as the head coach of another NFL team down the line? Time will tell. But, for now, they'll be watching from the sidelines. So, here I go with ranking the NFL's eight new head coaches. While all of these guys look solid, some moves are just more winning than others. Reach out to me with your thoughts on the new NFL coaches here.

8. Dan Quinn, Commanders

The Commanders looked like favorites to get Ben Johnson from the Detroit Lions as their new head coach, but Johnson decided to stay in the Motor City. So, they snagged Dan Quinn. Of course, Quinn got the Falcons all the way to Super Bowl 51, so he has experience. But, it's not really an exciting hire. Sill, Quinn could deliver the goods.

7. Brian Callahan, Titans

Brian Callahan is the new head coach of the Tennessee Titans, and he comes with football in his blood. His father, Bill, once took the Raiders to the Super Bowl. Brian stands on his own, though, and helped take Cincinnati on the Super Bowl run with Joe Burrow. Let's see if he can bring that magic to Nashville.

6. Jerod Mayo, Patriots

Jerod Mayo has big shoes to fill as the new head coach for the New England Patriots. He's replacing the great Bill Belichick. They're keeping it in the family, though, as Mayo has been with the Patriots for years. Robert Kraft promoted the former Patriots star from within, much like former player Dan Campbell was given the head coaching role with the Detroit Lions.

5. Raheem Morris, Falcons

Like many of the coaches on this list, Raheem Morris has his work cut out for him with the challenging Atlanta Falcons. He's no stranger to the NFC South and was with the Buccaneers years ago. Of course, Morris' name got big as the defensive coordinator for Sean McVay when the L.A. Rams won the Super Bowl. Let's see if he can make it happen in Atlanta.

4. Antonio Pierce, Raiders

Antonio Pierce helped Las Vegas come back at the end of last season, after Josh McDaniels was let go after his short time there. The players and fans seemed to really love Pierce and what he was doing in just a few games. So, this pick definitely makes sense.

3. Jim Harbaugh, Chargers

Well, Jim Harbaugh finally got back to the NFL. Every year, it seemed like Harbaugh was flirting with the NFL, trying to snag a gig and leave the Michigan Wolverines. Well, hot off a national championship win with the Wolverines, he's back, now with the Chargers. He's super motivated to get a Super Bowl. He also already has a good roster. So, this could go up quickly.

2. Mike Macdonald, Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks let go of a great coach in Pete Carroll, but they got a great one, too. What's more, the Seahawks knabbed a defensive-minded coach, which is a rare gem in the NFL. I mean, the NFL is usually so offensive-minded, so it's nice to see someone on the defensive side of things leading the pack. MacDonald has a lot on his side, including some strong players and a great GM in John Schneider. He's also known to be well-liked by players, which can go a long way.

1. Dave Canales, Panthers

It's ironic that one of the most challenged teams has the No. 1 new coach on this list. But, it's true. Dave Canales is a great fit for the Panthers, and boy, do they need the help. Canales has lots of history with the Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He should be a great QB-coaching fit with Bryce Young, too.

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.