New York Giants coach John Harbaugh served as commencement speaker at Miami University this weekend and referenced his recent dismissal by the Baltimore Ravens during the address. Harbaugh, who was hired by the Giants in January after leaving Baltimore, used the episode as a lighthearted example of resilience in a 16-minute speech.
“There’s going to be tough times. They’re going to show up, too. You might get a call with some bad news. Maybe about your job. Maybe they’ll tell you they don’t want you anymore. Time to move on,” Harbaugh said with a chuckle. “It happens. In those moments, I hope you’ll find resilience. And you’ll be able to rejoice in all the good you’ll still have. And all the people who still care for you. That you’ll come to understand that there is a great opportunity on the next horizon of your life. And you can still walk together into every uncertain future with the people you love.”
Harbaugh is a Miami University alumnus, graduating in 1984. He played defensive back for the RedHawks before embarking on a coaching career that includes a Super Bowl title.
The coach delivered the speech at Yager Stadium in Oxford, Ohio, where graduates sat in sporadic rain wearing clear ponchos. He recounted a humorous memory of playing in the stadium’s first game while his father yelled at him from the opposing sideline as a coach, took a jab at the University of Miami by declaring that Miami University is the only Miami, and mentioned some of his favorite hangouts from his student-athlete days.
The address centered on what Harbaugh described as the “amazing power of caring and encouragement,” urging graduates to take time to look people in the eye and point out something special in them. The remarks offered a glimpse of how Harbaugh communicates with his players and teams, and prompted some attendees to wonder why the university had not invited him to speak sooner.
