Jim Harbaugh Backs Brother in Law, Ex-Michigan Coach, For Arkansas Razorbacks Basketball HC Role, as Per NFL Analyst Amid John Calipari Rumors

The USC basketball team has placed its faith in Eric Musselman- the coach from Arkansas. “His track record of building winning programs and his unwavering commitment to a culture of excellence make him a perfect fit for USC,” USC athletic director Jennifer Cohen had said. But his move led to a hole in Arkansas Razorbacks that they would have to fill quickly. It seems Jim Harbaugh wanted his brother-in-law, Tom Crean, to be picked for the new role. And rightfully so!

Back in 2020, he made it to ‘The 100 Most Influential People in College Basketball’ list. Many consider him the man behind pulling Indians from turmoil (2008-2017). Now, during the latest episode of ‘The Colin Cowherd Podcast’, Colin revealed what Jim Harbaugh wanted. “Tom Crean is a- Jim Harbaugh texted me, you know. A lot of people were in the Tom Crean corner, you know. They really really like Tom. I thought Tom would have been a fine choice. But I think Musselman made a good choice, but it’ll be interesting with Calipari.”

“Because it would be like Nick Sabin was winning natties every other year and Calipari was getting dusted every other year in the tournament.”

Crean would have been a good choice. Remember how IU had only two players when Crean took over in 2008? He had to rebuild the program from scratch. The initial few seasons were rough, but the fourth season is where things changed. He recruited Cody Zeller, who took the team to 27 wins- a major jump from 12 wins the year prior. They even went to the Sweet 16. No doubt, this turnaround is considered one of the best in college basketball.

That season Crean’s team defeated No. 1 Kentucky, No. 2 Ohio State, and No. 5 Michigan State. As a result, Tom Crean was announced as the ‘Sporting News Big Ten Coach of the Year’ and ‘ESPN.com National Coach of the Year’. Apart from Indiana, Crean previously coached Marquette, Pittsburgh, and also Michigan State. In his stint with Michigan from 1995 to 1999, he was an assistant coach.

However, the new void left by Musselman in Arkansas is soon to be filled by John Calipari. Although nothing has been confirmed yet, there are rumors that he is set to leave Kentucky for Arkansas. The reason? Chicken money. ESPN highlighted that John Calipari and John H. Tyson, owner of Tyson Foods, are good friends. What’s more, Tyson is also a major benefactor to Arkansas. At Arkansas, Calipari could sign a contract that will eclipse his previous $8.5 million earnings in Kentucky.

Jim Harbaugh did not get what he wanted regarding the Arkansas Razorbacks, and something similar might happen in Los Angeles.

Jim Harbaugh showers high praise on JJ McCarthy

At a recent league gathering, the Los Angeles Chargers’ new HC Jim Harbaugh was effusive in his praise for J.J. McCarthy. “I think he plays quarterback the best of any quarterback in the draft,” Harbaugh articulated.

Harbaugh, who previously coached McCarthy during their triumphant national championship run at Michigan, has become an ardent advocate for McCarthy’s prowess since transitioning to the NFL. He also recalled his Pro Day exploits.

“That was the best throwing day I’ve ever seen,” Harbaugh shared. He also spoke at length about McCarthy’s nuanced understanding of the game and his natural leadership on and off the field.

As the draft approaches, speculation abounds. It’s clear that Harbaugh would love to have him over in LA. However, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. forecasted McCarthy’s move to the Minnesota Vikings at No. 11. All that remains to be seen if the Chargers could negotiate a trade pick that would set them in the perfect position to draft McCarthy.

Read more: Jim Harbaugh’s “Method to the Madness” Decoded as Chargers HC Sets Priorities Straight in “Whacky” Press Conference