A prominent college football coach who didn’t have a “high grade last year” is named by Paul Finebaum.

College football is a sport that demands constant adaptation, innovation, and success. Coaches are judged not only by their historical performance but also by their ability to navigate ever-evolving circumstances—from roster turnover and injuries to the changing dynamics of recruiting and the increasingly competitive nature of the sport.

In the world of college football, public opinion can swing quickly. Coaches who were once considered legends can find themselves under pressure following seasons that don’t meet expectations, and those who have underperformed may be given another chance to turn things around. As fans and analysts dissect teams’ performances, a prominent name is often mentioned as part of the conversation surrounding coaches on the hot seat.

One such coach was recently named by ESPN’s Paul Finebaum, who pointed out a well-known college football figure who “didn’t have a high grade last year.” Finebaum’s assessment adds to the growing conversation about a coach whose future is now the subject of intense scrutiny. This piece will dive into who this coach is, the circumstances that have led to their current situation, and what this means for their future in the world of college football.

Who is the Coach in Question?

Paul Finebaum, known for his candid commentary on college football, has been a go-to source for insightful analysis and commentary on the state of the sport. On his widely followed show, Finebaum doesn’t shy away from calling out underperforming coaches, especially those at programs with high expectations and pressure to deliver championships.

The coach in question, who Finebaum referred to as not having had a “high grade last year,” is none other than Jim Harbaugh, the head coach of the University of Michigan Wolverines football team.

Harbaugh, who took over as Michigan’s head coach in 2015, was expected to immediately restore the Wolverines to national prominence. His track record as a successful coach, with previous stops at Stanford and the San Francisco 49ers, made him one of the most high-profile hires in college football at the time. When he arrived in Ann Arbor, expectations were sky-high, and Michigan fans believed that Harbaugh could bring them back to the glory days of the program.

However, despite his initial success, Harbaugh has faced mounting pressure over the past few seasons. Michigan has failed to break through the ceiling that the program has long been trapped under. A strong, but not championship-caliber, team has led to disappointing losses, most notably in high-profile games like the annual rivalry game against Ohio State. Harbaugh’s inability to secure a win over Ohio State, as well as his struggles in big bowl games, have led many to question whether he is the right man to lead Michigan to a national championship.

The “High Grade” That Harbaugh Didn’t Achieve

In recent years, Michigan has enjoyed periods of success under Jim Harbaugh, but these successes have often been marred by key defeats. In particular, the program’s failure to consistently win big games—especially against Ohio State—has weighed heavily on Harbaugh’s tenure.

The 2020 and 2021 seasons were particularly turbulent for Harbaugh and Michigan fans. While Harbaugh managed to keep the program competitive, the Wolverines failed to rise to elite status. Despite consistently recruiting top talent and boasting a strong roster, Michigan fell short of the Big Ten Championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff.

In 2020, Michigan had a rough season, finishing with a 2-4 record, which left Harbaugh’s job security hanging by a thread. In 2021, Michigan showed improvement, finishing 12-2 and securing a Big Ten title. However, despite the success of that season, the Wolverines’ early exit from the College Football Playoff after a loss to Georgia was another bitter pill to swallow for Michigan fans, who had hoped for a shot at the national title.

In Finebaum’s eyes, Harbaugh’s grades have been less than stellar because of the lack of sustained success in critical games. Even though Michigan’s 2021 Big Ten Championship win and its return to the College Football Playoff were notable achievements, the failure to make it past Georgia exemplified the ongoing struggles Harbaugh has had in pushing Michigan to the top tier of college football.

The Increasing Pressure on Harbaugh

Jim Harbaugh’s tenure at Michigan has been one of the most scrutinized coaching careers in college football in recent years. The high expectations and pressure to deliver championships have only intensified over time, especially in light of Michigan’s failure to secure a national title since 1997.

While Michigan has been competitive under Harbaugh, it has failed to reach the next level. The inability to consistently win key games—most notably against Ohio State, but also in bowl games and the College Football Playoff—has placed Harbaugh in a precarious position.

Some argue that Harbaugh is a victim of his own success. His arrival in Ann Arbor brought renewed hope and energy to a program that had struggled under previous head coach Brady Hoke. Yet, as Harbaugh has failed to win the biggest games, his once-promising tenure has increasingly come under fire.

The rivalry with Ohio State has become emblematic of Harbaugh’s struggles. For years, Michigan has looked to Harbaugh to deliver the one victory that would be a game-changer for the program and his career: a win over the Buckeyes. The Wolverines have not defeated Ohio State under Harbaugh, a fact that has only added fuel to the fire of criticism. In fact, for many Michigan fans and analysts, this rivalry game defines the success or failure of a season, making Harbaugh’s inability to defeat his biggest rival a crucial issue in his evaluation.

What Does This Mean for Harbaugh’s Future?

Finebaum’s comments are a reflection of growing discontent with Harbaugh’s performance. While Michigan has had some solid seasons under his watch, the pressure to perform at the highest level has only increased. For a program like Michigan, with its rich history and resources, winning the Big Ten Championship and securing a spot in the College Football Playoff are the bare minimum. A failure to meet those standards, especially against rivals like Ohio State, will inevitably lead to scrutiny.

Harbaugh’s future at Michigan is not necessarily in jeopardy, but the window for him to achieve lasting success is closing. It’s important to understand that Harbaugh has a strong resume as a coach, and he’s done more than most coaches in terms of returning Michigan to national relevance. However, Michigan is no longer content with being competitive; it expects national championships, and anything less could result in calls for change.

If Harbaugh continues to fall short in big games, particularly against Ohio State, the pressure to make a change will only intensify. College football programs are notorious for making swift and decisive moves when it comes to coaching decisions, especially when programs with such rich traditions feel that they are underperforming. Michigan, given its stature and history, will not hesitate to act if it feels that the program is stagnating under Harbaugh’s leadership.

The Changing Landscape of College Football and Harbaugh’s Challenges

One thing to consider in the equation is the changing landscape of college football, particularly with the increasing influence of the SEC and the rise of programs like Alabama, Georgia, and even programs such as Oklahoma and Texas. With the College Football Playoff expansion on the horizon, the road to a national championship will only become more competitive, and Harbaugh’s challenges will grow.

In recent years, the SEC has dominated college football, with Alabama and Georgia leading the charge. These programs, backed by elite recruiting classes and deep rosters, have set the bar high. Michigan, while certainly one of the top programs in the country, faces the challenge of navigating a broader and more competitive college football environment. The increasing disparity between the elite programs in the SEC and those in other conferences has only made it harder for Harbaugh and Michigan to break through to the top.

Additionally, with the influx of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and the shift toward a more player-centric landscape, recruiting has become even more vital. Harbaugh’s ability to navigate these changing dynamics and continue to attract top-tier talent will be key to his success moving forward.