Desmond Howard explains why Jim Harbaugh being on the field is important moving forward

Jim Harbaugh can still coach and prepare during the week for Michigan amid his suspension, but can’t coach on game day. Desmond Howard explained the importance of Harbaugh on the sidelines during Saturdays including this weekend against Maryland.

Harbaugh did not coach the Wolverines this past weekend in a 24-15 win over Penn State. Sherrone Moore was the acting head coach and could very well be the guy again against the Terrapins.

But Michigan is at its best with its head coach on the sidelines and as Howard put it, they make their money on Saturdays.

“I think that people need to understand that coaches, they make their money on Saturday,” Howard said on Get Up. “That’s when they’re the most valuable to their team, not to take away anything that they do throughout the week because when you look at this Michigan team, they’re an incredibly prepared team for every game that they go into. They can go into a game, winning it in various ways. You saw that just last week.” 

Howard made it clear that Michigan adapted against Penn State and decided to keep its foot on the gas pedal with 32 straight runs to beat the Nittany Lions. No doubt that was preparation from Harbaugh and company.

“Everyone was pointing at the game against Penn State,” Howard said. “So when you look at a team that’s prepared like this, I do think it will have its effect on them, especially in a game of that magnitude. But don’t forget Greeny.

“They started the season off with Jim Harbaugh not being able to coach, suspended for three games. So now they just had the biggest games so far this season on the road in Happy Valley against Penn State, ranked No. 10, not knowing until the 11th hour or maybe the 11th minute if their coach is going to even coach.” 

Howard’s point is that Michigan has to at least know ahead of time. Regardless if Michigan plays Maryland or Ohio State, Harbaugh makes a huge difference.

“Sherrone Moore did an exceptional job and those guys rallied behind him,” Howard said. “So I think there would be an absence, he would be missed. But I still think those guys they are on such a mission. When you look at them, and you listen to them, you understand that they understand the mission, and it’s gonna be full steam ahead, no matter who’s on the sideline, coaching those young Wolverines.”