Michigan interim AD Jim Hackett "utilized a search firm but also used a cadre of former players and coaches, alums and others to help him in finding the right coach" for the school's football team prior to Tuesday's introduction of former 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh, according to Rod Beard of the DETROIT NEWS. That group "was tight-knit, as its plans were kept secret for the most part, until all the final preparations were made." Among the confidantes "was former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr, who admired the way Hackett handled the entire process." Carr: "He was able to do it in a way that every single day, you didn't have things being leaked. ... It's pretty clear (Harbaugh) was the lead candidate from the beginning, but there was a lot of things going on." An advisory council of former players, "including Jon Jansen, Derrick Walker, John Wangler, Marlin Jackson and Jarrett Irons -- along with some consultation from Brian Griese, Charles Woodson and Marcus Ray -- also aided Hackett in the process." Hackett, who formerly served as CEO of Grand Rapids-based furniture manufacturer Steelcase, "used a business mentality to aid him in laying out the framework for the process and stuck with it throughout." That "enabled him to stay in constant contact with all of those involved." While Hackett utilized the search firm Korn Ferry to assist in the process, Irons said that Hackett "did a lot of homework on his own and was well versed on the potential candidates." Hackett in the wake of the Harbaugh hire "could have the interim tag removed from his title soon." Carr: "He's been a great leader in the business world. Did I doubt he would land Harbaugh? I knew if anybody could do it, Jim Hackett could. Hackett can hack it" (DETROIT NEWS, 12/31).
ARMS WIDE OPEN: In Detroit, Jeff Seidel writes Harbaugh's introduction to the news media Tuesday "felt more like a coronation than a news conference." There were 33 TV cameras that "circled the room, and it was broadcast live on several national networks." A group of fans "stood outside in the cold, their heads popping up, as several tried to scale a window, like spiders climbing up a web, trying to get a glimpse of Harbaugh." Seidel cites longtime observers of UM athletics as saying that the events "was the largest news conference in U-M athletic history." It "was bigger" than former coaches Bo Schembechler and Carr's retirements (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 12/31). Also in Detroit, Bob Wojnowski writes Harbaugh on Tuesday "was back, confident and self-deprecating, recognizing the fervor without bathing in it." It was "a noisy day in Ann Arbor, that's for sure, and Harbaugh didn't even feed the fever." The news conference was "low-key" and "tinged with humor." There was "nothing showy or boastful" (DETROIT NEWS, 12/31).
