Replacing a head coaching legend like Jim Harbaugh is no easy task, particularly when key members of his staff are also leaving with him. Earlier today, reports surfaced that head strength and conditioning coach Ben Herbert informed the team that he would be joining Harbaugh in Los Angeles, marking another huge blow to the staff remaining in Ann Arbor.
Although Harbaugh’s impact on the team is undeniable, Herbert was widely viewed as the heartbeat of the program. In fact, Harbaugh often referred to Harbaugh as the X-factor of the program.
“To me, Ben Herbert, X-factor in our entire football program,” Harbaugh said back in 2022. “The level of conditioning, the level of strength, the lesson of mental toughness. That’s been the center of it. I would have to give equal amount of credit and gratitude to Ben Herbert. X-factor in this program.”
After news broke that Herbert’s time was over, several prominent players shared their reaction on social media.
Alex Orji, QB
Will Johnson, CB
Rod Moore, DB
Mason Graham, DL
Kalel Mullings, RB
Tristian Bounds, OL
Raheem Anderson, OL
Although Sherrone Moore indicated that he had confidence he’d be able to retain Herbert, it’s not become another big piece of the puzzle that he’ll need to replace – along with finding a new defensive coordinator. According to a report by Angelique Chengelis of the Detroit News, Moore plans to promote from within when it comes to Herbert’s replacement.
