HEADLINE

Michigan hires rushing leader Mike Hart as RB coach

Field Level Media

January 14, 2021 at 5:18 am.

Mike Hart, Michigan’s all-time rushing leader, is returning to Ann Arbor.

Hart will take over as the running backs coach on Jim Harbaugh’s staff, the school announced Wednesday. He held the same position at Indiana the past four years.

“Michigan has always held a special place in my heart,” Hart said in a statement. “It is a place that always believed in me and a place that I have always believed in. I am excited to join Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan staff, and can’t wait to get to work with a talented running back group.”

Harbaugh added in a statement, “I am excited about the addition of Mike Hart to our offensive coaching staff. Mike is a great coach and Michigan Man who has shown the ability to develop and elevate the performance of the running backs that he has mentored.”

Hart starred for Michigan from 2004-07, racking up a program-best 5,040 yards on 1,015 carries and running for 41 touchdowns. He was the 2004 Big Ten Freshman of the Year and made three All-Big Ten first teams.

A sixth-round draft pick of the Colts in 2008, Hart appeared in 21 games over three seasons in Indianapolis, making one start. He produced 264 yards and two touchdowns on 71 carries.

Hart, 34, subsequently served as an assistant coach at Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan and Syracuse before landing at Indiana.