NATIONAL BESTSELLER From the “poet laureate of Michigan football," a riveting inside chronicle of the Jim Harbaugh era, and "an unprecedented look at the inner workings" (Sporting News) of a big-time college football program John U. Bacon received rare access to Head Coach Jim Harbaugh’s University of Michigan football team: coaches, players, and staffers, in closed-door meetings, locker rooms, meals, and classes. Overtime captures this storied program at the crossroads, as the sport’s winningest team battles to reclaim its former glory. But what if the price of success today comes at the cost of your soul? Do you pay it, or compete without compromising? In the spirit of HBO’s Hardknocks, Overtime delivers a deeply reported human portrait that follows the Wolverine coaches, players, and staffers. Above all, thisis a human story. In Overtime we not only discover what these public figures are like behind the scenes, we learn what the experience means to them as they go through it – the trials, the triumphs, and the unexpected answers to a central question: Is it worth it? From the “poet laureate of Michigan football” (according to New York Times’s Joe Drape), and one of the keenest observers of college football, Overtime offers a window into a legendary program and the sport itself that only John U. Bacon could deliver.

John Harbaugh: A Coaching Legacy Unveiled" invites readers into the riveting narrative of a coaching maestro whose impact reverberates far beyond the gridiron. This compelling book delves into the life and career of John Harbaugh, the visionary architect behind the Baltimore Ravens' rise to prominence. From his early coaching roots to the pinnacle of Super Bowl triumphs, Harbaugh's journey unfolds in vivid detail, revealing the strategic brilliance and unwavering commitment that define his coaching legacy. Readers will embark on a captivating exploration of the defining moments that shaped Harbaugh's trajectory, from intense rivalries to iconic games that etched his name in football history. More than a playbook analysis, this book unravels the layers of Harbaugh's coaching philosophy-highlighting the emphasis on player development, mentorship, and the ability to navigate challenges with grace. Through engaging storytelling, readers gain insights into the holistic approach that distinguishes Harbaugh's coaching style, providing valuable lessons for leaders in any field. Beyond the football field, "John Harbaugh: A Coaching Legacy Unveiled" delves into the personal side of this coaching icon. The book explores Harbaugh's journey of balancing family and coaching life, showcasing the resilience, adaptability, and dedication that define him not just as a coach but as a person. As readers turn the pages, they witness the transformative impact Harbaugh has had on the lives of players and the community. The narrative unfolds with philanthropic endeavors, community engagement, and a commitment to instilling values that extend far beyond the realm of sports. This book stands as a tribute to John Harbaugh's enduring legacy-a legacy that continues to unfold with each game, each season, and each life touched by his coaching prowess. Whether a football enthusiast, a leadership aficionado, or anyone seeking inspiration, "John Harbaugh: A Coaching Legacy Unveiled" offers a captivating journey through the life and impact of one of the most influential figures in the world of coaching.

A story of grit, resilience, and unwavering passion, "John Harbaugh: The Ravens' Head Coach Forged in Family and Fire" delves deep into the life and career of the Baltimore Ravens' iconic head coach. Born into a footballing family, John Harbaugh's path to the Ravens' helm was paved with the lessons learned on dusty practice fields and in the crucible of fierce sibling rivalry. This book takes you beyond the X's and O's, exploring the formative experiences that shaped Harbaugh's leadership style, his unwavering belief in his players, and his ability to forge a championship-caliber team from the fires of adversity. Witness Harbaugh's journey from small-town Ohio to the bright lights of the NFL, where he honed his coaching skills under the tutelage of legends like Bill Belichick and Nick Saban. Relive the highs and lows of his tenure with the Ravens, from the electrifying Super Bowl victory to the gut-wrenching playoff defeats. This is not just a biography; it's a testament to the power of family, faith, and hard work. "John Harbaugh: The Ravens' Head Coach Forged in Family and Fire" offers a captivating portrayal of a man who not only leads a football team but also inspires a city, leaving an indelible mark on the game and the hearts of Ravens fans everywhere.

"John Harbaugh's Touchdowns and Tactics" delves into the strategic genius and remarkable journey of one of the NFL's most revered coaches. From the gridiron to the locker room, this comprehensive exploration takes readers on a gripping narrative of Harbaugh's coaching philosophy, his innovative offensive and defensive strategies, and the pivotal moments that defined his illustrious career. As the architect behind some of the most memorable touchdowns in football history, Harbaugh's meticulous approach to the game is dissected, revealing the intricate details that set him apart. The book not only captures the thrill of those triumphant touchdowns but also peels back the curtain on the tactical brilliance that unfolded behind the scenes. Harbaugh's unique coaching style, marked by a blend of discipline and inspiration, is vividly portrayed, providing readers with an intimate understanding of his leadership principles. Beyond the Xs and Os, the narrative weaves through Harbaugh's personal and professional challenges, showcasing the resilience and determination that shaped his coaching trajectory. From underdog victories to navigating the complexities of the NFL, this book presents a nuanced portrait of a coach who transformed adversity into opportunity. "John Harbaugh's Touchdowns and Tactics" is a must-read for football enthusiasts, coaching aficionados, and anyone eager to unravel the strategic mind of a coaching legend. This literary journey through Harbaugh's career not only celebrates his victories but also explores the intricacies of the game that make it an enduring spectacle on and off the field.

The paperback version of Endzone includes an all-new, 57-page Afterword covering Michigan's triumphant 2015 season, and never-dull 2016 off-season. Informed by exclusive, in-depth interviews with Jake Rudock, Blake O'Neill, Jake Butt, Jim and Sarah Harbaugh and his parents, the Afterword addresses the players' initial shock at Harbaugh's long practices, their renewed confidence, and the story behind the stunning finish to the Michigan State game, the Wolverines' comebacks against Minnesota and Indiana, and their Citrus Bowl victory over Florida. It also goes a long way to answering the question on everyone's mind: How long will Harbaugh stay in Ann Arbor? Bestselling author John U. Bacon's Endzone tells the story of how college football's most successful, richest and respected program almost lost all three in less than a decade - and entirely of its own doing. It is a story of hubris, greed, and betrayal - a tale more suited to Wall Street than the world's top public university. Endzone takes you inside the offices, the board rooms and the locker rooms of the University of Michigan Wolverines to see what happened, and why - with countless eye-opening, head-shaking scenes of conflict and conquest. But Endzone is also an inspiring story of redemption and revival. When those who loved Michigan football the most recognized it was being attacked from within, they rallied to reclaim the values that made it great for over a century -- values that went deeper than dollars. The list of heroes includes players, students, lettermen, fans and faculty - and the leaders who had the courage to listen to them. Their unprecedented uprising produced a new athletic director, and a new coach - the hottest in the land - who vindicated the fans' faith when he turned down more money and fame to return to the place he loved most: Michigan. If you love a good story, you'll want to dive into Endzone: The Rise, Fall and Return of Michigan Football.

An uplifting leadership book about a coach who helped transform the nation’s worst high school hockey team into one of the best. Bacon’s strategy is straightforward: set high expectations, make them accountable to each other, and inspire them all to lead their team. When John U. Bacon played for the Ann Arbor Huron High School River Rats, he never scored a goal. Yet somehow, years later he found himself leading his alma mater’s downtrodden program. How bad? The team hadn’t won a game in over a year, making them the nation’s worst squad—a fact they celebrated. With almost everyone expecting more failure, Bacon made it special to play for Huron by making it hard, which inspired the players to excel. Then he defied conventional wisdom again by putting the players in charge of team discipline, goal-setting, and even decision-making – and it worked. In just three seasons the River Rats bypassed 95-percent of the nation’s teams. A true story filled with unforgettable characters, stories, and lessons that apply to organizations everywhere, Let Them Lead includes the leader’s mistakes and the reactions of the players, who have since achieved great success as leaders themselves. Let Them Lead is a fast-paced, feel-good book that leaders of all kinds can embrace to motivate their teams to work harder, work together, and take responsibility for their own success.

All eyes and ears turned toward Ann Arbor in late 2014 when it was announced that Jim Harbaugh would be returning to the Big House as the new head coach of Michigan football. Now, Angelique Chengelis, longtime chronicler of the Wolverines for the Detroit News, gives the inside story on how exactly Harbaugh restored the Michigan program to national title contender status. Learn how he instilled a new culture and rankled rivals with outspokenness, creative tactics, and relentless recruiting. Get the behind-the-scenes story on how and why Harbaugh chose to come back to the university he led to glory as its starting quarterback in the early 1980s. Follow along as Jabrill Peppers, Jake Butt, and others develop into true stars. Michigan Man is a comeback tale, an examination of the rapid turnaround from a five-win team in 2014 to squads that earned 10 wins plus trips to the Citrus and Orange Bowls in 2015 and 2016 respectively. Featuring extensive interviews with Harbaugh himself, this is a book Wolverines faithful and football fans in general will not want to miss.