How long will Michigan, Jim Harbaugh stay atop college football?

Long live the victor.

The University of Michigan, the winningest program in college football history, regained the sport's crown for the first time in 26 years with a 34-13 victory over No. 2 University of Washington in the national championship Monday night.

This is Michigan's first national title since splitting the 1997 championship with Nebraska, and the school's first solo crown since 1948.

Michigan took an early lead on two long touchdown runs by Donovan Edwards.

The nation's top defense then held the Huskies to a season-low 13 points, nearly 25 points below their average.

Washington trailed by seven points midway through the fourth quarter and had a chance to tie the score with five possessions in the second half, but Heisman Trophy runner-up Michael Penix Jr. missed multiple open receivers and threw two interceptions. He struggled throughout the match, including turning the ball around.

By ending Washington's winning streak at 21, the University of Michigan (15-0) avenged several years of losing streaks in the College Football Playoff, capping off a dominant season that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago.

The Wolverines lost at least three games in Jim Harbaugh's first six seasons. The former Michigan quarterback was on the hot seat in 2021, but was asked to take a pay cut by the school after a 2-4 campaign in 2020.

Now, Harbaugh will accomplish what the legendary Bo Schembechler never could and make an immortal name in Ann Arbor. The question is whether Harbaugh has accomplished everything he wanted to do at his alma mater and whether he will pursue a return to the NFL.

After a season in which the University of Michigan coach received two three-game suspensions, and with the possibility of additional discipline next season, Harbaugh will receive significant interest from the NFL. He led the 49ers to a Super Bowl championship and three of four NFC Championship appearances. season.

Harbaugh, 60, met with the Vikings two years ago and had talks with the Broncos after last season, but chose to return to Michigan and lead a squad capable of winning a national championship.

Prior to Monday's victory, Michigan State reportedly offered Harbaugh a 10-year, $125 million offer to remain at the school. He was able to finish his career at home and is forever respected by everyone on his campus.

Or you can chase the championship you missed.

Today's back page

blue monday

Brian Daboll is the first Giants head coach since Tom Coughlin to survive multiple Black Mondays. Still, his staff could not escape without major disruption.

The day began with Daboll announcing the firing of special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey and offensive line coach Bobby Johnson.

Hours later, the surprise resignation of defensive coordinator Wink Martindale was announced, following the firings of outside linebackers coach Drew Wilkins and his brother, defensive assistant Kevin.

Daboll said Monday morning that he expects Martindale to return to the Giants next season.

The Giants rank 27th in total defense this season, but are tied for the league lead in forced turnovers (31).

The paper's Paul Schwartz compiled a list of candidates for the Giants' defensive coordinator position.

patriot games

Atlanta fired Arthur Smith. Washington fired Ron Rivera.

Bill Belichick remains a Patriot for now.

The 71-year-old legend returns for his 25th season in New England following Belichick's worst season as head coach (4-13) and a reported rift with owner Robert Kraft. NFL Black Monday ended with no one knowing whether or not it would happen. .

“I'm under contract,” Belichick said Monday. “I'm going to do what I always do, which is come to the team every day and work as hard as I can to help the team in any way I can.

“It's too early to make any decisions or direction for next year.”

The potential delay in the anticipated breakup may simply be the Patriots gauging the trade value of the coach who led them to six Super Bowl championships. Belichick, who has 27 more wins to break Don Shula's career win record, may need to move on again.

If he leaves New England, he should have options.

There are currently five head coaching openings (Chargers, Falcons, Raiders, Commanders, Panthers).

The list could grow even further if the playoffs collapse (Cowboys, anyone?).

Belichick gave the impression that he intended to relinquish control of personnel decisions and focus strictly on coaching, but that message could easily be interpreted as an optical ploy.

As he said, Belichick still has time left on his contract. He cannot decide what will happen next.

Wild weekend ahead

The NFL postseason is approaching. Last year, the show accounted for his five most-watched TV broadcasts of 2023. The average viewership for his six games in the wild card round was approximately 28.4 million viewers.

Not all people are created equal. Let's rank the best games:

1. Rams vs. Lions (Sunday, 8:15 p.m. ET, NBC): Detroit will host a playoff game for the first time in 30 years and will be looking for its first playoff win since 1991. Lions (12-5) The biggest game in decades will take on added meaning with Matthew Stafford's first game in Detroit since being traded in 2021. Stafford, who made the playoffs in three of 12 seasons with the Lions, brings a Super Bowl ring with the Rams, seven wins in the last eight games and one of the league's most dynamic receiving duos (Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua). I came here. The Lions are second in the NFL in passing yards (4,575), along with fellow former No. 1 overall pick and trademate Jared Goff.

2. Dolphins at Chiefs (Saturday, 8 p.m. ET, Peacock): Another notable homecoming will take place at Arrowhead Stadium, with Dolphins star receiver Tyreek Hill returning for the first time since his trade to Miami in 2022. Both teams enter the playoffs after disappointing finishes to the regular season, but fireworks are still likely against Patrick Mahomes and a team that ranks second in the league in points. The Chiefs won the game 21-14 in Germany on Nov. 5, helping Miami to 1-5 against teams batting above .500 this season. The game will air exclusively on Peacock. I have already set a reminder on my phone to cancel my service on Monday morning.

3. Packers vs. Cowboys (Sunday, 4:30 p.m. ET, Fox): The unified combination instantly evokes a sense of nostalgia. Also, this production should be exciting. The 50.5 over/under is his second-highest number on the weekend and features his top two leaders in passing touchdowns in the league. Jordan Love finished his first season as a starter on a high, throwing 18 touchdowns and one interception in the past eight games. Dak Prescott and the Cowboys have won 16 straight games at home, but it's been 28 years since they reached the NFC Championship, and all the pressure is on the league's highest-scoring offense. In his first step, Mike McCarthy will face the team he led to the most recent Super Bowl championship.

4. Browns vs. Texans (Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET, NBC): The 22-year-old Rookie of the Year candidate and 38-year-old former Super Bowl MVP will headline the first game of the playoffs this weekend. The Texans entered the season with the league's worst playoff odds (+650), but won the AFC South behind rookie coach DeMeco Ryans and No. 2 pick C.J. Stroud. Joe Flacco, who has won four straight games since being plucked off the couch to join Cleveland in late November, will make his first playoff start in nine years.

5. Steelers at Bills (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS): Josh Allen may look like either the best player in the NFL or the careless one. In any case, it is impossible to take your eyes off him. Ignore the 10-point difference because the Bills tend to play down to their opponent's level, with Allen having 18 interceptions this season. The Steelers suffered a major setback with TJ Watt likely out with an injury, but they have caused numerous upsets this season thanks to the league's third-best turnover differential. Pittsburgh is 3-0 since Mason Rudolph took over as QB.

6. Eagles vs. Buccaneers (Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET, ABC): The Bucks (9-8) are about as fascinating as Todd Bowles' press conference. The Eagles (11-6) are in freefall, losing five of their last six games, including Sunday's blowout loss to the Giants. Star receiver AJ Brown injured his knee during the game, and quarterback Jalen Hurts dislocated his middle finger while pitching. hand. Philadelphia won 25-11 against Tampa Bay on September 25th, and their record against playoff teams this season was 1-5, but they failed to score a touchdown in the must-win Week 18 game against the Panthers. Ta.