Michigan football offensive line coach Jim Harding joined Jon Jansen on the “In the Trenches” podcast this week. Harding, like some of the other coaches on the staff, has ties to the state of Michigan. Notably, he coached football in Troy, and also has connections in Toledo.

Here is a recap of what Harding had to say:

On returning to the region

Jansen asked Harding about his connections to Michigan and the Midwest. He shared that his wife’s family is anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes from Ann Arbor, making it a lot easier for him, his wife and kids to be closer to family. His family was in the same place for 12 years, but his sons were still pretty responsive to the move. One of his kids plays hockey and recognized the benefits of playing hockey in Michigan.

On his high school coaching background

When it comes to recruiting, we know things have changed a ton over the years, especially with NIL and the transfer portal. That means many of the young kids have agents coming into college football. Harding shared it’s still important to him to get the opinion of high school coaches on the players they’re recruiting. He focuses on character and work ethic. When he was a high school coach, he valued programs who reached out to him about his players, so now he tries to do the same.

On working with HC Kyle Whittingham

Harding says that head coach Kyle Whittingham has a reputation for being tough on his assistant coaches. He respects Whittingham’s approach because he’s willing to ask hard questions and have direct conversations with his staff. He described Whittingham as “demanding, but fair and honest.”

On getting offensive linemen back from the portal

The timing of Michigan’s coaching change took place amidst the transfer portal window. It was a bit shocking to see guys like Jake Guarnerra and Andrew Sprague entering the the portal, and Harding had to convince them to stay in Ann Arbor. He spoke with those two guys and their parents, and he asked them “to take a leap of faith” and stick around. Harding also said the group is made up of guys who truly want to be great and are looking for feedback at every opportunity.

On his early impression of the group

“High care factor, smart, intelligent, ask good questions … I’ve been really impressed with the group.” Harding said this group is pushing themselves to the next level, but it is a challenge to truly see things right now since the pads aren’t on yet. When it comes to spring practice, which starts on March 17, Harding is excited to learn more about the physicality of the group.

Harding has been asked for a good amount of feedback from the group since getting to Ann Arbor. He said one of the biggest things his players said is they want to focus on their friendships off the field. For them, the camaraderie at the position is so important, and they want to make sure they know each other and that their coach knows them, too.

On his goals for spring ball

Harding said he’s going to be looking for his starting five as soon as they get into spring practices, but admitted there are a couple guys that are “out” that may factor into the starting five. He is also looking at depth for the center position — noting that Guarnera is the only one on the team that has ever snapped the ball in a live setting — as well as a “rhino,” which is what he refers to as the team’s sixth offensive lineman. He wants to have the guys establish the right mindset and have a fire as they head into the summer months.

What have you heard about Harding that you find encouraging? Anything that worries you? Let us know in the comments below!