Former Detroit Lions Executive Matt Millen Gives His Two Cents On Jim Harbaugh

Everyone and their children has been given the opportunity to provide some words of wisdom about Jim Harbaugh since his hiring back in December. Whether it is a story during Harbaugh's playing days, his demeanor as a coach or even adding lighter fluid to his fiery personality.

And this time, the recorder was brought forward to Matt Millen, the infamous former Detroit Lions general manager and president.

Millen, who announced his recent broadcasting move to the Big Ten Network this past May as the lead game analyst, spoke to the media at the Big Ten media days in Chicago on Thursday, detailing his meeting with Harbaugh before the 2001 season.

It was the final year of Harbaugh's career, highlighted by one Pro Bowl appearance and one Comeback Player of the Year award. The Lions signed Harbaugh during the offseason, but relieved him of his duties before trading for Ty Detmer.

Millen said that when he informed Harbaugh that he was being released, the former San Francisco 49ers head coach promised that he intends to keep playing.

"Jim was always real straight with me, that's what I always loved about him," Millen said. "He's a different Jim now than the Jim I knew as a player. But the base and core is still the same, he is still ultra-competitive. He's still not going to take no for an answer, he's going to find his way.

"I think he's great for the Big Ten, I think he's great for college football."

Harbaugh eventually signed with the Carolina Panthers before retiring at the conclusion of the season.

Millen may not have been the Lions' savior a decade ago, but at least he's on the Harbaugh bandwagon.