Nebraska Cornhuskers News: Michigan caved before it lost Jim Harbaugh, more

For the last few weeks, it felt like a foregone conclusion that Jim Harbaugh was going to be leaving Michigan. Nebraska Cornhuskers fans got to celebrate the fact that a conference rival was going to be scrambling for a new head coach.

However, it turns out that Harbaugh's departure wasn't entirely a done deal. Wolverines brass made a big push in the last few days to try and keep him. It turns out that in trying to keep their championship head coach, they might have "caved" to one of his demands that should be a bit galling.

""Michigan finally 'caved' on the major issue that had hung up the deal for months, the source said — that Harbaugh could not be fired for any Level I or II sanctions he might face based on the alleged misconduct of Connor Stalions," Angelique S. Chengelis of the Detroit News reported Wednesday night. "Or another member of his staff."

Considering that the odds on favorite to replace Harbaugh is offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore, one has to wonder if things couldn't backfire spectacularly. You might think that Michigan would absolutely not hire someone they think could get hit with NCAA sanctions.

However, Michigan already showed it was willing to give up on morals and principles to keep Harbaugh. It's not hard to imagine the administration would do the same to hire a very popular assistant.

More Nebraska Cornhuskers news

• The Nebraska football program finally announced when it would be playing its Spring Game. This year the game will be kicking off a bit earlier in the day than it usually has. The Huskers will play their Spring Game on April 27, at 11am CT. Trev Alberts said on the radio Wednesday night that the game is kicking off earlier because both the Nebraska baseball and softball teams have games that afternoon.

• Speaking of the Nebraska Cornhuskers softball team, ESPN released it's preseason Top 25 and the Huskers are ranked 17th. It's a safe bet that the offseason addition of Jordy Ball has something to do with NU being in the rankings. First pitch on the season is just two weeks away as they'll open in the Puerto Vallarta Challenge on February 8.

• While the state is still digging out of the snow, the Nebraska football program is Friday Night Lights dreaming about warm June evenings. The Huskers announced several Matt Rhule camps this summer, including Friday Night Lights #1 on June 7.