There was a palpable sense of pride and anticipation surrounding Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh in the lead-up to the 2024 NFL Draft. As a former Michigan coach, he had nurtured a strong bond with his players, and it was a moment of immense joy for him to see 13 of his former Wolverines enter the draft. The prospect of drafting a few of them for his new team filled him with hope and excitement.

However, it was not just sentimentality that guided the Harbaughs’ draft strategy. Jim Harbaugh’s son, Jay Harbaugh, who had spent nine seasons coaching alongside his father at the University of Michigan, brought a strategic eye to the table. His experience at Michigan had given him a keen understanding of the potential of tight ends, and he wasted no time securing one of his former Wolverines for the Seattle Seahawks. It was a move that mirrored his father’s strategy of building a roster filled with familiar faces. 

Jay Harbaugh reunites with his former tight end

The Seattle Seahawks made a significant move in the draft, selecting Michigan tight end AJ Barner with their 121st overall pick in the fourth round. The announcement was met with a wave of excitement, particularly from Jay Harbaugh. The Seahawks’ special teams coordinator, known for his passion and dedication, couldn’t contain his enthusiasm. He took to his X handle, posting, “Let’s get it @ajbarner !!! The Barn Owl becomes a Seahawk!!!” 

Barner had a solid single season at Michigan, starting eight games while playing in 15. He also recorded 22 catches for 249 yards and one touchdown with the team. Interestingly, the tight end made his mark on special teams, where he worked directly with Jay Harbaugh. Now, Barner can provide much-needed depth to the Seahawks offense, and Jay is all excited to reunite with him on his new team. It seems Jay hopes to follow in his father’s footsteps, who also managed to draft some of his former players.

Jim Harbaugh builds a roster with familiar faces

The Michigan Wolverines had a strong showing in the 2024 NFL Draft, with their star quarterback J.J. McCarthy leading the way. He was the first Michigan player selected in the draft, picked 10th overall by the Minnesota Vikings. While many expected Harbaugh to grab McCarthy or another Wolverine early on, it wasn’t until the third round that he made his move.

Jim Harbaugh finally drafted one of his own, Michigan linebacker Junior Colson, the fourth Wolverine off the board. Following Colson, wide receiver Cornelius Johnson joined his former teammate. The Bolts closed their draft by selecting him in the seventh round, leaving two Michigan stars in the Chargers’ roster. Though it’s only two players, the additions seem promising, as Harbaugh went for one defensive and one offensive player. It looks like both Jay and Jim Harbaugh are hoping their former stars will ease the transition to their new franchises. The father-son duo wants familiar faces to build their new teams around.