Sherrone Moore Names Jim Harbaugh’s Replacement as Michigan’s Week 1 Honorary Captain

After making major news with the program's honorary captain for their Week 1 matchup with the Fresno State Bulldogs, Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrrone Moore announced Tuesday that former head coach Jim Harbaugh would no longer hold such distinction.

Harbaugh, who is now head coach of the NFL's Los Angeles Chargers, was issued a four-year show-cause penalty from the NCAA on Aug. 8 for impermissible contact with recruits and players during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Instead, Moore announced that Jim Harbaugh's parents, Jack and Jackie Harbaugh, will serve as the honorary captains for the program's season-opener.

"Yesterday, he called me and told me that he didn't feel that he could leave his team... In true Coach Harbaugh fashion," Moore said.

"And wanted to be 'in the foxhole' with his team and not want to make it look like he was taking a deep, long bow. So he's not going to make it for the game. But, we're going to have some of our guys that are there, and Jack and Jackie Harbaugh are going to take his place. So, super excited about that."

Jack Harbaugh served in numerous off-field roles throughout Jim Harbaugh's nine-year tenure with the Wolverines, but also was an assistant coach with Michigan from 1973-79 under the staff of legendary head coach Bo Schembechler.

While the beloved Jim Harbaugh will not be able to serve as the honorary captain for the Wolverines' Week 1 matchup, his replacement with his parents will still allow the Michigan faithful to thank the Harbaugh family as a new era begins.

The No. 9-ranked Wolverines' season opener with Fresno State is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. (ET) kickoff from Michigan Stadium, airing on NBC and Peacock.