Ohio State Buckeyes Could Put Jim Harbaugh's Career At A 'Crossroads'

According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, a loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes could put the career of Michigan Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh in jeopardy.

The matchup between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Michigan Wolverines is already set to be one of, if not the most impactful game of the 2023 college football regular season. 

Even without looking at it from a College Football Playoff or Big Ten Championship perspective, the bragging rights for this year's matchup are in another stratosphere compared to previous installments.

However, according to ESPN college football insider Pete Thamel, it could carry even more weight than we expected. 

Most specifically for that of Michigan head coach, Jim Harbaugh.

Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh reacts during the third quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 30-27 / Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

"I think the most interesting part of the stakes of this game, that makes it so unique amid this historic rivalry, is that the real stakes are it could send Jim Harbaugh back to the sideline," Thamel said during an appearance on ESPN's Monday Blitz. "Obviously, if Michigan wins this game, it plays in the Big Ten title game against Iowa and then would go on to the third consecutive College Football Playoff appearance. If Ohio State wins in Ann Arbor, it would put Jim Harbaugh's coaching career at a crossroads."

In other words, it sounds a lot like if Ohio State beats the Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, it could very well be Harbaugh's last time taking part in the rivalry - even though he won't be on the sidelines.

Harbaugh, of course, is already on a short leash with the impending NCAA investigation stemming from his team's alleged sign-stealing controversy that came to light last month and resulted in a three-game suspension from the Big Ten.

Not to mention, outside of the last two seasons, Harbaugh is just 2-5 against the Buckeyes in his seven seasons in Ann Arbor.

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Does that mean Michigan will fire Harbaugh if he loses? Not necessarily. According to Thamel, multiple scenarios could take place with a Michigan loss.

"It's not outlandish to say that he could be facing a suspension for the first half of next season from the games," Thamel continued. "Does he want to do that? He's flirted with the NFL for the last two years. Does Michigan want to do that? They've already lost their head coach for 6 of the 12 games this year. So it's going to be a really interesting crossroads that they would stare at if that clock hits zero and Ohio State is ahead on the scoreboard."

Michigan and Ohio State will kick off in Ann Arbor at noon ET on Saturday.