Serving a self-imposed three-game suspension to open the 2023 season, Jim Harbaugh had plenty of time to absorb college football like a regular fan.
And when it comes to his preferred streaming service, the Michigan head coach has found a favorite in YouTube TV.
So much so that Harbaugh has continued to use the service even after returning to the Wolverines’ sideline this past Saturday. Speaking to reporters at his weekly press conference on Monday, the 59-year-old had high praise for the streaming service, which he said he used to keep tabs on Saturday night’s slate of college football action.
“I was watching. My wife got this YouTube TV. It’s like half the price of DirecTV. No offense DirecTV,” Harbaugh said. “We’re over there on YouTube TV now. There must be 150 games to watch. So I’m in hog heaven on Saturday night watching those games. Watched a lot of them.”
Harbaugh proceeded to marvel at YouTube TV’s unlimited recording features and the ability to restart games that have already started.
“Then you go back and watch them again,” he said. “If you didn’t watch the one, it’s like taped for you right there. So yeah, I was — I don’t know if I learned anything. Just bouncing around, watching a lot of football.”
Harbaugh isn’t the first person to pile praise on YouTube TV, which has been lauded for both its NFL Sunday Ticket experience and its new multi-view option. Many customers, however, remain hopeful that the service will eventually allow users to choose their own games — or even non-football channels — for the multi-view, as opposed to the current option of pre-selected games.
Nevertheless, YouTube TV will certainly take Harbaugh’s unsolicited endorsement amid the ongoing “streaming wars.” And it certainly wouldn’t be a surprise to see Monday’s quote turn into a more official partnership between the Google-owned service and the reigning two-time Big Ten champion coach in the near future.
[MGoBlue]
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.