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Michigan's Greg Harden, who helped Brady, Phelps and others, has died

September 13, 2024, 3:05 p.m. ET

Greg Harden, who advised countless people at the University of Michigan, including Tom Brady, Michael Phelps, Desmond Howard and JJ McCarthy, has died. He was 75 years old.

Dave Ablauf, spokesman for the Michigan Athletics Association, said the family informed the athletic department that Harden died Thursday following complications from surgery.

“He meant the world to me and I could never have had the success I had without the time, energy, love and support he gave me,” Brady, a former Michigan quarterback who won seven Super Bowls in his 22-year career, wrote on social media.

Bo Schembechler, a College Football Hall of Fame coach, hired Harden in 1986 as a personnel consultant and advisor for the personal development program for student-athletes.

Howard, who won the Heisman Trophy in 1991, was part of the first wave of Wolverines who counted Harden as a confidant, mentor and friend.

“Greg brought wisdom, joy and his calming demeanor to every encounter,” said Howard, a college football commentator for ESPN. “His presence will be missed by all of us. Although my family and I are heartbroken, we hold on to the lessons, guidance and memories that will forever be Greg's legacy. We are blessed beyond measure to have had him in our lives.”

After rising to swimming stardom at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Phelps lived and trained in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and worked with Harden on his mental health.

Harden, a Detroit native, earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Michigan. He retired from his position as director of consulting for Michigan's athletic department in 2020, but continued to work and advise Michigan athletes as an elite performance coach for the NHL team, as well as the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Last year he published his first book, “Stay Sane in an Insane World: How to Control the Controllables and Thrive.”

The Michigan Athletics Association announced Harden's death and released statements from several of his many friends who knew him.

McCarthy, a rookie quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, sent his thoughts to the school in the form of a letter to Harden.

“You gave me courage and faith as we stood hand in hand against the demons I have battled my entire life,” McCarthy wrote. “You inspired me with your ability to love everyone and everything unconditionally.”

Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh, who left Michigan after winning the national title last season, said Harden's “perspective was unlike anyone I've ever met, and his wisdom was unparalleled.”

While many famous football players worked with Harden, he was also a trusted advisor to people from all sports and walks of life, including sportscaster Michelle McMahon, who played volleyball at Michigan.

“He poured his heart and soul into thousands of students, athletes and celebrities without expecting anything in return,” McMahon said. “He dedicated his entire life to making a difference and investing in the development of the young, impressionable minds who were fortunate enough to meet him.”

“His captivating presence and charisma captured the rooms he entered. Greg's gift to the world was his unwavering ability to help people see themselves fully, in full acceptance of their weaknesses and their gifts. His relentless approach made it impossible for his mentees to give up on themselves.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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