5 Jim Harbaugh replacements Michigan needs if he leaves for the NFL

Phil Parker’s defense at Iowa has carried the Hawkeyes for the last decade or so

The other name to keep your eye on in Big Ten Country is of the non-obvious variety, but it just might work. Phil Parker has done extraordinary things coordinating the Iowa Hawkeyes defense. It has been a pillar of success for the program, while the offense has shamelessly sank into the perpetual quagmire we call nepotism. Parker has never been a head coach, but he may be ready.

Although he would have to hire a strong offensive staff, Michigan could be incredibly menacing defensively under Parker’s guidance. Admittedly, he is only a dark horse candidate for the potential opening, but sometimes you have to think outside of the box to solve an ongoing problem. For whatever reason, Harbaugh has been simply unable to win bowl games at Michigan.

By hiring Parker, Michigan can sustain success while Iowa would be destined towards implosion.

Getting The Samurai Dave Aranda to leave Baylor would be undeniably massive

I am not sure he would leave Baylor this soon, but you have to believe Bears head coach Dave Aranda would be a great fit at Michigan. While it remains to be seen where Baylor lands in the new Big 12 once BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF join the league and Oklahoma and Texas depart it, Michigan is Michigan. You are going to have all the resources you will need to contend right away.

In a way, The Samurai’s professorial approach to the game of football may be a breath of fresh over the nervous bird that is Harbaugh. Being calm, cool and collected has served Aranda every step of his coaching career. While we have seen Michigan chew up coaches between Lloyd Carr and Harbaugh, philosophically, Aranda would create great alignment between team and fanbase.

Aranda did win 12 games, a Big 12 Championship and a Sugar Bowl at Baylor only a season ago.