Greg Harden, the longtime University of Michigan athletics counselor and life coach who worked with thousands of student-athletes across four decades and is most notably credited for Tom Brady’s emergence, has died, the university announced Friday morning. The Greg Harden Michigan death has left a significant void in the world of athletic counseling.
Harden went in to the hospital for a procedure Monday but there were complications that ultimately led to his death.
“There is no one better than Greg Harden and we are devastated as a Michigan family by this news,” U-M athletic director Warde Manuel said in a statement. “Greg has positively impacted the lives of so many student-athletes, coaches, and staff at Michigan. He made an unbelievable impact on my life. I am grateful and lucky to have had him in my life for the past 40 years.
“I will be forever indebted to Greg for all that he did to help shape me into the person that I am today.”
Harden worked at U-M for 34 years, starting as a student-athlete counselor on Bo Schembechler’s staff. He then advanced to associate athletic director and director of athletic counseling. Although he retired from full-time work in 2019, he continued in an advisory role within the athletic department.
He also spent the past three years with the Toronto Maple Leafs as their “peak performance coach.”
While former strength and conditioning coach Ben Herbert was dubbed the Michigan football team’s “x-factor” during its march to the 2023 national championship, others inside the program referred to Harden as the program’s “secret weapon” for helping the team’s mental strength as outside noise of scandal and investigation swirled about.
How Greg Harden Michigan Death Affects Michigan’s Sports Legacy
Furthermore, the loss of Greg Harden is a substantial blow to Michigan athletics. His contributions went beyond coaching; they inspired athletes to excel both on and off the field. The impact of Greg Harden’s death will resonate through the sports community, highlighting his invaluable role in Michigan’s athletic history.
read more
