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There are few coaches in sports who make it through a career without feeling some heat.
Jim Harbaugh, who was hired six years ago to restore the football pride at Michigan, appears to be one of those who is feeling a warm breeze on his neck.
After losing to 25-point underdog Michigan State last Saturday at home, the Wolverines skipper could very well be on the grill.
Harbaugh is paid roughly $5 million (not counting perks) annually by the U of M.
That hefty salary is not being paid to lose every game against bitter rival Ohio State. Or to have a 1-3 mark against MSU at Michigan Stadium.
Measured against any standard, Harbaugh has not done the job in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines have merely been a mid-power team under his tutelage — not good enough for a program that has always prided itself as being in the elite class in college football.
What's the solution to this dilemma? A few more victories, notably solid ones, would help the beleaguered coach.
For instance, Michigan meets an improving Indiana squad this Saturday. The Hoosiers are a team that can cause most teams troubles. But they can't be put in the same class as Penn State, Wisconsin or Ohio State.
The defeat to Michigan State was puzzling to say the least.
The Spartans killed themselves with mistakes the week before against Rutgers, which is not considered to be even a .500 team.
But State unsung quarterback Rocky Lombardi exploited the Wolverines with long-range passing. Most of those went to true freshman Ricky White.
Coach Mel Tucker earned himself a few years in East Lansing with his first really big win.
But Jim Harbaugh, with Ohio State still to play, could very well be running out of time in Ann Arbor.