Michigan’s all-time leading rusher, Mike Hart, recently made a notable move by joining the Wolverines football program as the running backs coach under head coach Jim Harbaugh. This appointment came after Hart spent four years in the same role with the Indiana Hoosiers.
Hart’s addition to the coaching staff under new head coach Sherrone Moore has been highly anticipated, as he is regarded as one of the Wolverines’ most renowned and accomplished position coaches. However, fans have been eagerly awaiting updates on Hart’s status within the team for several weeks.
In a recent episode of the “Locked on Wolverines” podcast, Isaiah Hole, a longstanding Michigan football reporter, provided an update on Hart’s situation. Hole revealed that Hart is currently taking a “leave of absence” from his coaching duties with the Michigan football program. The specific reasons for this absence remain undisclosed.
As part of a discussion on whether Sherrone Moore’s coaching staff had been finalized, Isaiah Hole shared the update regarding Mike Hart’s status. Hole mentioned that the only outstanding factor in completing Moore’s staff was the return of Mike Hart from his leave of absence. However, Hole expressed uncertainty about the situation and whether there was any cause for concern.
Hole confirmed that Hart is indeed on a leave of absence, although the specific details surrounding it have not been disclosed. It’s worth noting that Hart experienced a health scare during a game against the Indiana Hoosiers on October 8, 2022. Following the incident, he spent time in a local hospital before returning to the sidelines the following week for the game against Penn State.
Despite the challenges, Hart’s coaching prowess shone through, as he played a pivotal role in developing one of the most formidable rushing attacks in the nation. Under his guidance, Michigan team captain Blake Corum achieved the distinction of second-team All-American honors in 2023, showcasing Hart’s skill as an architect of a highly successful running game.
