Coach Jim Harbaugh’s Unique Coaching Methods Lead to Newsworthy Team Trip
11 May 2018
Jim Harbaugh, head football coach for the University of Michigan Wolverines, is known for his unconventional coaching style. A believer that the unique experiences his student-athletes are able to share strengthens team chemistry, Coach Harbaugh implemented annual spring team trips—and his recent one to France has had a lasting impact.
Players visited famous sites such as the Eiffel Tower and Mona Lisa, as well as the American Cemetery and Memorial at Omaha Beach in Normandy, a powerful, prideful experience moving many to tears as a sobering reminder of what it took to fight for their freedom. Previous trips included Rome and a visit to the Vatican, where Coach Harbaugh conversed with Pope Francis and left him an iconic University of Michigan winged helmet.
Promoting a family-like atmosphere during travel, Coach Harbaugh emphasizes themes of unity, leadership and respect. Star Michigan defensive end Chase Winovich reflected on this approach:, “These trips kind of (have) to do with the reflection of why we came to (college) in the first place...to be well-rounded human beings and the best possible people we can be. Those aspects will carry over for us later in life.”
Coach Harbaugh and his team are already planning their next trip, which could be to South Africa, Greece, Spain or Cuba. A popular keynote speaker, Jim Harbaugh attacks each day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind. His keynotes will inspire audiences to live boldly, lead authentically and approach challenges with passion and persistence.