Jim Harbaugh, J.J. McCarthy, Tom Brady and more pay tribute after passing of Greg Harden

The Michigan Wolverines community is mourning on Friday with news of the loss of long-time administrator Greg Harden, best known as a mental coach for U-M athletes and a confidant to coaches and others in admin. Harden passed away due to complications from a surgical procedure earlier this week.

Harden was at Michigan from 1986-2020 as the Associate Athletic Director and Director of Athletic Counseling, but continued to work with athletes – including the football team – over the last few years. He also spent the last three years as the peak performance coach for the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs.

“There is no one better than Greg Harden and we are devastated as a Michigan family by this news,” athletic director Warde Manuel said. “Greg has positively impacted the lives of so many student-athletes, coaches, and staff at Michigan. He made an unbelievable impact on my life.  I am grateful and lucky to have had him in my life for the past 40 years. I will be forever indebted to Greg for all that he did to help shape me into the person that I am today.”

Several tributes and reflections came out Friday after news of his passing became public. Here are some of the Michigan football voices that have weighed in on Harden’s impact.

Current head coach Sherrone Moore (2024-).

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. 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!

Quarterback and former head coach Jim Harbaugh (2015-23)

Greg Harden’s purpose in life, as he often talked about, was helping others discover their own. His perspective was unlike anyone 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. 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.

Quarterback Tom Brady (1996-99)

I’m so sad to hear the news of Greg’s passing. I’m heartbroken as he was a dear friend and mentor. There are so many beautiful qualities Greg had that endeared him to so many people over his years at Michigan. He meant the world to me and I could never have had the success I had without the time, energy, love and support he had given me. He will be truly missed.

Quarterback J.J. McCarthy (2021-23)

To OG,
I can’t even begin to describe the gut-wrenching feelings that I am experiencing right now. The intensity of this pain is so immense only due to the impact that you have had on my life. You gave me the courage and belief as we fought hand and hand against the demons that I’ve spent my entire life fighting. You have inspired me by your ability to unconditionally love everyone and everything. No matter how big or small, how significant or insignificant. You inspired me to seek the truth about who I really am, why I am the way I am, and lifting the veil of my limitless potential. Showing me what true freedom feels like as you assisted me in my escape from the cage within my mind. But, most importantly, you told me the things that my ego did not want to hear. Always guiding me to the places within myself that I did not want to confront. Your timeless wisdom, omnipresent sense of humor, and genuine authenticity left lasting impressions on so many hearts that we will carry with us for the rest of our lives. Especially mine. I am not the person I am today without you, G. Thank you, for everything. Love you man.
Sincerely, 9

Wide receiver Desmond Howard (1988-91)

There are no words I can form right now that can adequately express the profound loss I am feeling. I was just 18 years old when I met Greg Harden after arriving at the University of Michigan. Greg was everything you could ever want in a friend, mentor and confidante. His guidance helped change the trajectory of my life and our friendship spanned nearly four decades.

Over the years, he positively impacted the lives of countless other student-athletes and their families. Greg brought wisdom, joy and his calming nature to every encounter. His presence will be missed by all of us.

Although my family and I are heartbroken, we hold on to the lessons, guidance and memories that will forever be Greg’s legacy. We are blessed beyond measure to have had him in our lives.

Offensive lineman Jon Jansen (1994-98)

The impact Greg Harden had on my life and so many other student-athletes at the University of Michigan can’t be measured in wins or losses or in championships. It is measured by those he mentored who found success in competition, academics but most of all life. His impact flowed through those who have gone on to find their success outside of the University and have passed those lessons on to friends, family and coworkers. His leadership and influence have impacted nearly every industry, at every level, but at the core he was simply concerned about a single individual and the impact he could make on one life. I’m forever grateful one of those individuals was me.

Freshman quarterback Jadyn Davis (2024-)

One of the first people I interacted with during my first visit here. You taught me a life’s supply of knowledge in the short time I’ve been here. Will always remember and cherish your late night calls checking on me. Love you forever G! Forever a Michigan Man!