Former Michigan sports consultant and “secret weapon” Greg Harden dies

Longtime University of Michigan athletic advisor Greg Harden, once called the school's “secret weapon,” has died.

In a statement released Friday, the school said Harden died this week from “complications from surgery.” No further details were released, but Michigan previously said Harden entered the hospital Monday for a procedure and “remained hospitalized due to complications.”

Harden worked as an athletic consultant for Michigan for 34 years, working his way up to assistant athletic director before retiring in 2020. He continued to work in an ad hoc capacity while also serving as a life coach to others.

One of his most famous student-athletes was Tom Brady, who to this day thanks Harden for helping him get through the ups and downs of life as a backup quarterback in college. Brady once considered transferring from Michigan, but it was Harden who helped him overcome the mental hurdle and persevere.

Harden told the story in his book, “Stay Sane in an Insane World: How to Control the Controllables and Thrive,” which he released last August. At the time, he told MLive, “We're not just trying to make athletes better athletes, we're trying to get people to think about, 'How can I take my life to the next level of excellence? How do I get mentally fit?'”

His work was featured in a 2014 CBS “60 Minutes” special, which called Harden Michigan's “secret weapon” for success. Former Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard said on the show, “If Greg Harden hadn't been at Michigan in the late 1980s, I wouldn't have won the Heisman.”

A Detroit native, he graduated from Southwestern High School and attended the University of Michigan, where he earned bachelor's and master's degrees. Harden is survived by his wife, Shelia, three adult children, Brian, Victor and Olivia, and his sister, Lynette.

“The family is grateful for all the thoughts and prayers, but asks that they be given some privacy as they process the loss of their loved one,” the statement from Michigan said. “In the future, they look forward to celebrating Greg's life with many who were fortunate to know him.”

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