You’re right if you believed you saw Tom Crean during Monday’s College Football Playoff national championship. Being Jim Harbaugh’s sister Joani’s husband, he was able to enjoy the postgame festivities following Michigan’s victory over Washington.
After Michigan completed the preparations for its first national championship since 1997, Crean spent the game and the evening with the Harbaugh family, gaining access to the field. But when he did make it to the top of the mountain, he got to sit with Harbaugh back at the hotel while he recovered.
In what ways did the Michigan coach relish the win? Yes, in typical Harbaugh fashion.
“He was just relieved, and it was a reflection,” Crean stated on SiriusXM College. “I believe he had a sip of wine. That’s all there is to it.
“And since I don’t think he ate too much during the day, [he] ate pizza after that.”
While the team celebrated separately, Tom Crean and the other members of the Harbaugh family occupied a separate floor in the hotel. After his greatest career win, Harbaugh chose to spend some time with his family and unwind, even though his wife was upstairs.
“Everything was done on the fourth floor for the team late that night after it was all over,” Crean remarked. “Well, the family used the second floor more. And they performed an amazing job with it. When Jim does arrive, he just kind of hangs out with his parents on the side. And by then his wife, Sarah, was up with the children. Thus, he intended to spend some time down there before heading up to see her. However, after spending between 45 and an hour, people would approach and strike up a conversation.
In the game, Michigan defeated Washington 34–13 to win its first national championship in 26 years. When Jim Harbaugh was the quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts in his third season, the Wolverines had their most recent championship. Now in his ninth season leading his alma mater, Harbaugh accomplished his goals. He returned Michigan to the pinnacle.
However, speculation about Harbaugh’s future—specifically, his potential return to the NFL—grew. Andy Staples of On3 questioned Harbaugh about his list of accomplishments, and he replied that he just wanted to enjoy winning the Super Bowl.
He sure did, with his wine and his pizza.
Harbaugh remarked, “I just want to enjoy this.” “I’m hoping you grant me that.” Can a man possess that? Is it always about what’s coming up next, what’s in store for us? Yes, I do hope to have a future, as I mentioned the other day. I’m hoping for tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, the following week, the following month, and the next year.
