Jim Harbaugh, Sherrone Moore release statements on passing of Michigan's Greg Harden

Former Michigan athletics administrator and renowned life and mental coach Greg Harden has died, the school announced on Friday. Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh was extremely close with Harden dating back to his time as a player and coach with the Wolverines.

Harbuagh released a statement on the passing of Greg Harden through the Chargers on Friday.

“Greg Harden’s purpose in life, as he always talked about, was helping others discover their own. His perspective was unlike anyone’s I’ve ever met, and his wisdom was unparalleled. 

“Greg was a human backboard, a go-to guy in every way. From my playing days at Michigan until I woke up today and learned of his passing, he was always there for me. His words, compassion, love, and care will always be there for me. And I’m not unique in saying that – thousands of Wolverines would tell you the same thing,” Jim Harbaugh said.

“Greg’s life was one of service, wholly dedicated to helping others. He listened to you, he heard you, but he never told you what to do. That was his brilliance. That was his gift. 

“I’m going to miss Greg terribly. The world is going to miss him. But his legacy will live on in all of us who had the privilege to find our purpose thanks to Greg finding his.”

It’s clear from Jim Harbaugh’s statement how close he was to Greg Harden and how important Harden was to his life.

Harden was hospitalized after going in for a procedure on Monday, the university announced on Thursday. A day later, it was announced that Harden, who worked with countless athletes at Michigan and beyond in his career, had died.

Harden is survived by his wife, Shelia, and their three adult children — Brian, Victor and Olivia — as well as his sister, Lynette.

In addition to Jim Harbaugh, current Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore also released a statement about Harden on Friday. Moore credits Harden for helping him get where he is today as the head coach of the Wolverines.

“To me personally, he was more than a friend. Greg was a mentor, confidant and a big brother who would tell us what we needed to hear and guided us through any situation, big or small,” Sherrone Moore said. “He was an incredible human in every way and pushed us all to be great mentally. I loved him dearly and would not be in this position today without his guidance. He will be missed dearly.”