Michigan football players react to Harbaugh leaving, weigh in on replacement

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh fist bumps Michigan running back Blake Corum (2) after winning the national championship at NRG Stadium in Houston on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. Neil Blake | MLive.comNeil Blake | MLive.com

Michigan football players took to social media on Wednesday night to weigh in on Harbaugh getting the Los Angeles Chargers head coaching job, as well as who they feel should replace Harbaugh at Michigan.

Karsen Barnhart, an offensive lineman for the past five seasons, wrote, “One hell of a ride coach! Thank you! Go blue forever!”

Another starting lineman, senior Trente Jones, shared a clip of his own postgame interview after Michigan’s national championship win in which he said Harbaugh was the reason he came to Michigan and played so hard. “Love you coach!!!” he wrote.

Edge Josaiah Stewart, a transfer who has one season at Michigan under his belt and will return for another, wrote that “it was a pleasure” to play for Harbaugh.

“End of an era but it was a hell of a ride,” wrote Khalid Hill, a former fullback.

Hill also made his feelings known about Harbaugh’s successor, posting a photo of Michigan offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore and writing, “Easily next hire… just my opinion.”

“No interviews needed,” offensive lineman Zak Zinter wrote. “It’s Papa Moore’s time.” Sophomore lineman Andrew Gentry shared Zinter’s message and added a clock emoji.

Former kicker Quinn Nordin posted a photo of Moore, implying he supported Moore for the job, and also suggested that retaining strength and conditioning coach Ben Herbert was a “top priority.”

Former offensive lineman Taylor Lewan had posted on Tuesday that Moore should get the job if Harbaugh left. Once Harbaugh’s departure became official, Lewan wrote, “Congratulations to Jim Harbaugh becoming the head coach of the LA Chargers. A true Michigan Man. Simply a champion.”