Where are they now? Former U-M OL Jonathan Goodwin coaching, helping son with recruiting

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Jonathan Goodwin took a unique path to the University of Michigan.

After attending Lower Richland High School in Hopkins, South Carolina, Goodwin enrolled at the University of Ohio as a recruit without much fanfare. After one season with the Bobcats, Goodwin began exploring transfer options. Moving back home and playing for the South Carolina Gamecocks was certainly an appealing option.

However, Goodwin ended up staying in the Midwest and following in his brother’s footsteps. Goodwin’s older sibling, Harold, played for the Wolverines from 1992-1995 and served as a graduate assistant for two years following his playing career — Harold is now the assistant head coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL.  

After a few discussions with Harold and former Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr, Jonathan was sold.

“I appreciate Coach Carr,” Goodwin said. “There weren’t many Power Five coaches taking transfers from the Mid-American Conference. I always felt like Coach Carr took a big chance on me by allowing me to transfer to the University of Michigan. I’m forever grateful for that. It wasn’t an opportunity I was going to pass up. He changed my life by giving me that opportunity.”

Goodwin went on to be a key fixture along Michigan’s offensive line, helping the Wolverines win multiple bowl games and earning second team Associated Press All-American honors as a senior.

“It was great to get the experience of playing in The Big House and attending such a prestigious university like the University of Michigan,” Goodwin said. “Some of my favorite memories were going down to the Horseshoe and beating Ohio State in 2000 as well as winning the Orange Bowl. Those are some things that jump out at me right away.”

Goodwin was selected by the New York Jets in the fifth round of the 2002 NFL Draft and had more than a decade-long career in the league. Goodwin earned a Pro Bowl invitation in 2009 and was the starting center for the Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints that same season.

Goodwin signed a one-year contract with the Saints five years later and retired as one of the most accomplished Michigan alums in the NFL. 

“Leaving Michigan and going to the NFL, never in a million years did I think I would be fortunate enough to play for 13 years,” Goodwin said. “It felt like it flew by. Starting 13-0 with the Saints and winning the Super Bowl, it’s hard to put into words. You’re at the top of a mountain you’ve always dreamed of. I know a lot of guys haven’t experienced that, so I’m grateful.”

Goodwin did have the opportunity to return to the Super Bowl as a member of the San Francisco 49ers in 2012. While the 49ers came up just short in a loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Goodwin cherished his time with the organization.

He started every game at center for fellow Michigan Man Jim Harbaugh, who is now the head coach at their alma mater.

“When he first got the job at the University of Michigan, I had a different perspective because I think me and Braylon Edwards were the only alumni that had played for Coach Harbaugh,” Goodwin said. “I was excited because I knew what his expectations were and his philosophy. It went well with a lot of the things I learned at the University of Michigan. I knew once he got time that he would have the program heading in the right direction.

“I enjoyed playing for him. He’s a straight up, honest coach, and that’s all you can ask for. I really appreciate my time with him. I wish we could have gotten him that Super Bowl, but he’s a great coach and has done a great job everywhere he’s been.”

Goodwin and Harbaugh have been in touch a lot lately.

After all, Goodwin’s oldest son, Channing, is a three-star wide receiver recruit in the 2024 recruiting class and a top priority for the Wolverines next cycle. Jonathan has been on multiple visits to Michigan with Channing and has shared his knowledge about the program and recruiting process.

“Obviously, I’ve talked to him about the alumni network and the brotherhood,” Goodwin said. “I’ve talked to him about past football players and how close we all are. I just let him know about my experience, and my experience at Michigan was all good. I enjoyed my time there. I enjoyed my teammates. I enjoyed going to school there. I try to be upfront about it as possible.”  

Both Harbaugh and wide receivers coach Ron Bellamy, who played with Jonathan during his time at Michigan, have been leading the charge in Channing’s recruitment. Those bonds are obviously going a long way for the Wolverines.

“It’s positive when he gets recruited by people you know,” Goodwin said. “You feel like you’ll get the honest truth on how they feel. That’s definitely an advantage. It’s another thing that makes you realize you’re getting older when your younger teammate is recruiting your son to your alma mater (laughs). Ron has been great. Coach Harbaugh has been great. Christina DeRuyter has been great as well. It’s definitely been a positive experience with Michigan so far.”

Michigan is considered the team to beat early on. However, Channing also holds offers from Kentucky, Louisville, Maryland, Missouri, NC State, Pitt, South Carolina and several other programs.

Jonathan wants to make sure Channing does his due diligence when it comes to his recruitment, but the whole process will have to take a back seat this month. That’s because both Jonathan and Channing are in the middle of a playoff run.

Jonathan is actually an assistant coach at Charlotte (N.C.) Providence Day, which is home to Channing as well as his younger brother, Jace. Jonathan works closely with the offensive line and gets to spend time with his sons while being around the game he loves.

“Coaching has been fun,” Goodwin said. “I get to scratch my competitive itch by coaching and being involved with the team. At the same time, I get to see my boys play up close and personal. The good thing is Channing doesn’t play the position I coach, so he can have his space, and I can see him play at the same time.”

Away from football, Jonathan owns a salon suite franchise, IMAGE Studios. The business allows him to keep looking his best and continue to be a part of the most important thing in his life — his family.

“I came across a franchise consultant who was actually a Michigan graduate,” Goodwin said. “He told me about that franchise, and we looked into it. We ended up loving the idea, and we went from there. It’s been great because it doesn’t pull me away too much from family. When I was player, and I came home, I didn’t really want to do much.

“Once football was over, I spent a lot of time coaching my kids and being around them. In a lot of ways, I became a stay-at-home dad. I have four kids, so I’m just trying to enjoy my family. Time flies, and I want to make sure I can enjoy the moments with them.”