Jim Harbaugh: Younger coaching staff not due to 'disconnect' with players last season

Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh said his decision to bring in seven new assistants was not motivated by a "disconnect" between his assistant coaches and players. Rather, he wanted to improve his staff to ensure that the team does not end up repeating what happened in 2020.

"I didn't find any kind of disconnect, but wanted to be strong in all areas, making improvements to everything," Harbaugh said, per ESPN's Adam Rittenberg.

Last year was easily the worst of the Harbaugh era, as the Wolverines went 2-4, causing many to assume that Harbaugh's time with Michigan was coming to an end. But instead, Harbaugh and Michigan ended up agreeing on an extension that will keep him with the Wolverines through 2025. 

Since the extension was announced, Harbaugh has made significant changes to his coaching staff, and it has been noted that most of the new coaches he has brought in are in their 30s, perhaps an attempt to help players relate more to the staff. But Harbaugh insists that is not the case.

"Just looking for great coaches, really," Harbaugh said. "That was the thing I was looking for the most. ... I feel that they're already accomplished coaches for their age and definitely coaches that are going to do great things in this profession."