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Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh wants Obamas to be honorary captains

By Joshua Sutter

Apr 15, 2017; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Jim Harbaugh is seen during the Michigan Spring Game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2017; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Jim Harbaugh is seen during the Michigan Spring Game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jim Harbaugh is planning to ask Barack and Michelle Obama to serve as honorary captains for Michigan.

Jim Harbaugh has already had Michael Jordan and Derek Jeter serve as honorary captains at Michigan, but he has his sights on going even bigger this year. Harbaugh is planning to ask the former president and first lady, Barack and Michelle Obama, to be honorary captains for the Wolverines this fall. Harbaugh has made many larger splashes on the public sphere since being back at a Michigan, but getting Barack and Michelle Obama to come to the Big House as honorary captains would be one of his best off-field accomplishments yet.

Harbaugh has made many larger splashes on the public sphere since being back at a Michigan, but getting Barack and Michelle Obama to come to the Big House as honorary captains would be one of his best off-field accomplishments yet.

Coach Harbaugh was able to spend time with the Obamas earlier this week in his visit to Washington, D.C. His relationship with the Obamas extends back to working with Michelle Obama on different education initiatives.

Harbaugh told reporters Saturday, via ESPN: “We’re making those asks. Official asks. In the process of making an official ask. There’s been, ‘Hey, we’d like you to do it,’ and now we’re doing official asks.”

The speculation was fueled by Harbaugh’s son Jay posting a photo of the time spent together on Instagram.

Harbaugh was in town to speak at a congressional hearing as a member of the Legal Services Corporation council. He discussed closing the gap in terms of access to legal representation during the session last Wednesday.

“It was incredible. We had 39 wonderful minutes with President Obama. Saw Mrs. Obama as well,” Harbaugh said. “He was great. He was really relaxed, working on a lot of things, book and several things that he shared. Shared a lot of insights.”

The Obamas wouldn’t be the first high profile guests to be honorary captains at a Michigan home game. Former captains that have come during Harbaugh’s reign include Michael Jordan and Tom Brady.

The Wolverines open the 2017-18 season Saturday, September 2 against Florida at the AT&T Stadium. The first of six home games for Michigan starts September 9 against Cincinnati.

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