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3 Head Coaching Options for Michigan if Wolverines Part Ways With Jim Harbaugh

By Scott Rogust

Three candidates to replace Jim Harbaugh if Michigan opts to move on.
Three candidates to replace Jim Harbaugh if Michigan opts to move on. / Leon Halip/Getty Images

Another year, another Michigan Wolverines bowl loss under head coach Jim Harbaugh. On New Year's Day, Michigan lost 35-16 to the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Citrus Bowl without Tua Tagovailoa on the field.

That brings Harbaugh to 1-4 in bowl games, 1-10 as an underdog, and 0-5 against the Ohio State Buckeyes in his tenure. His status should be in question, and if the program is to part ways with Harbaugh, here are three candidates they should consider.

3. Wake Forest Head Coach Dave Clawson

There's no denying the work that Dave Clawson has done with Wake Forest.
There's no denying the work that Dave Clawson has done with Wake Forest. / Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Dave Clawson seemingly did the unthinkable, and that's reinvent the identity of Wake Forest. Clawson has led the Demon Deacons to four straight winning seasons and to four consecutive bowl games. Unlike Harbaugh, Clawson has a winning bowl game record (3-1). If he can do this with Wake Forest, imagine what he can do with Michigan.

2. Boise State Head Coach Bryan Harsin

Bryan Harsin led Boise State to a 12-2 record this year, including a perfect 8-0 conference record.
Bryan Harsin led Boise State to a 12-2 record this year, including a perfect 8-0 conference record. / Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Bryan Harsin has made a name for himself for his tremendous work with Boise State. This season, Harsin led the Broncos to a 12-2 record and a dominant 8-0 record in the Mountain West Conference. While he may want to stay, the allure of coaching a Power 5 team like Michigan could change his mind.

1. Clemson OC Tony Elliott

OC Tony Elliott has received buzz as an NFL head coach candidate, so why not Michigan?
OC Tony Elliott has received buzz as an NFL head coach candidate, so why not Michigan? / Grant Halverson/Getty Images

Clemson co-offensive coordinator Tony Elliott emerged as an NFL head coaching candidate, but declined interviews amid doubts of their legitimacy. Elliott is known for his work with the Tigers offense, especially with stud running back Travis Etienne. The NFL might not be a viable option in his mind, but earning an offer to become a Michigan head coach could be too good for him to pass up. After all, the Wolverines' issues have been on offense.