Herbstreit wants Jim Harbaugh to put his money where his mouth is

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh has been stirring up SEC trouble since last Spring, but it’s gotten especially intense in the last month.

Harbaugh is holding part of Michigan’s spring practice at IMG Academy in Florida, and the SEC has taken offense to that.

So Harbaugh went to war with SEC coaches and the SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, and Twitter has been the primary battleground.

Here’s a look at the timeline:

After Sankey asked the NCAA to prohibit Harbaugh’s spring practices in Florida, Harbaugh sent out a subtweet presumed to be in response.

Question of the day: Does anyone find whining to be attractive? Just curious.

— Coach Harbaugh (@CoachJim4UM) February 10, 2016

But his taunting didn’t stop there.

Talented Magicians are masters of deception, they divert attention w/ 1 hand to conceal & deceive w/ the other hand. https://t.co/GGUSlIDdNc

— Coach Harbaugh (@CoachJim4UM) February 15, 2016

Excited to announce that @CoachArtBriles will be kicking off our clinic on Thursday, March 10th. #CollegialSpirit pic.twitter.com/w1CHbzPvCJ

— Coach Harbaugh (@CoachJim4UM) February 17, 2016

It’s not just the SEC having a difficult time swallowing Harbaugh’s antics. The NCAA President Mark Emmert expressed his personal opinion and displeasure with Harbaugh.

“There’s a difference between not being prohibited and being OK,” Emmert said.

On February 19, Harbaugh dismissed complaints made by Sankey as well as Sankey himself.

“I guess [Sankey] is stating a case, but it doesn’t hold water to me,” Harbaugh said. “I think there’s been some humor about it. I think it’s comical that he’s taken exception to it.”

On February 22, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart told the Macon Touchdown Club he disagreed with Harbaugh’s spring practice decisions.

“I can’t comment other than to say they’re obviously trying to gain a competitive advantage,” Smart said. “That’s their right but I think the NCAA, in due time, will have to step in and keep it from getting out of hand.”

Then Harbaugh posted this…

We cordially invite @FlaHSFootball coaches to all 4 practices & open up March 4th to family, friends & fans! pic.twitter.com/1tVnOIyp39

— Coach Harbaugh (@CoachJim4UM) February 24, 2016

After early meetings & lift tomorrow with our players. Thinking about heading to watch an open practice tomorrow at IMG with the staff. #WPS

— Bret Bielema (@BretBielema) March 2, 2016

Harbaugh “finally” responded to Smart.

If the Georgia coach is implying any intent on our part to break rules, he is barking up the wrong tree.

— Coach Harbaugh (@CoachJim4UM) February 24, 2016

But other coaches were already jumping on board with Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema.

Want to do lunch? #V4MSU https://t.co/5Us82hFySk

— Mark Dantonio (@DantonioMark) March 2, 2016

https://twitter.com/UTCoachJones/status/705177707131379712

Harbaugh couldn’t resist dragging Tennessee through the mud.

Suggestion to my Rocky Top colleague, rather than lunch in Florida you might spend your time and focus attending to your present team.

— Coach Harbaugh (@CoachJim4UM) March 3, 2016

The NCAA blocked Bielema from attending the IMG open practice.

Just found out from NCAA office we can't go to IMG open practice because in NCAA football it's a quiet period ?

Maybe next year #Jamaica

— Bret Bielema (@BretBielema) March 3, 2016

Ole Miss head coach Hugh Freeze also requested to attend the practice.

ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit seems to be sick of Harbaugh’s drama, and he wants him to take it to the field.

Wonder if my guy Dave Brown (aka The Matchmaker for early season CFB games) can set up a tilt between @umichfootball & @Vol_Football? Be fun

— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) March 4, 2016

Will Harbaugh step up and take this battle off the Internet and onto the gridiron?

Jessi Lee