Harbaugh wants Big Ten success in 2021: 'We’re going to do it or die trying'

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh understands the need to beat Ohio State and compete for a Big Ten title.

The Wolverines have struggled against the Buckeyes, losing eight straight matchups to their bitter rival. OSU has also won the conference title in four straight campaigns dating back to 2017.

"I'm as enthusiastic as I always am, ever am, even more, to have at it," Harbaugh said during Big Ten media days on Thursday, according to Yahoo Sports'Nick Bromberg. "To win the championship, to beat Ohio ... our rivals Michigan State. Everybody. That’s what we want to do."

"And we’re going to do it or die trying," he added.

Michigan hasn’t been in the conference championship hunt since Harbaugh arrived on the sideline for his alma mater. Harbaugh has a 49-22 record since returning to the Maize and Blue.

The 57-year-old has led the Wolverines to three 10+ win seasons while adding a single bowl win to his resume in 2015.

Michigan finished with a 2-4 record in a shortened campaign due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After the season, questions arose about whether the former NFL sideline boss would be around when his contract concluded at the end of 2021. However, athletic director Warde Manuel opted in January to sign Harbaugh to a four-year extension through 2025.

The program made several changes to the coaching staff, including parting with former defensive coordinator Don Brown in favor of Mike Macdonald.

Despite the turnover, Harbaugh appears optimistic entering his seventh campaign in Ann Arbor. The coach compared the Wolverines' goal of reclaiming the top of the conference to a climb up a mountain that he shared with his daughter this offseason.

"She's got that gene in her, and I was darn glad to see it," Harbaugh said. "I've got that gene in me."And some of the (players) we've talked about here already ... we've got that gene in us. We've got to get to the top."