Greg Harden, an influential performance coach who worked with countless athletes at the University of Michigan and more recently with the Toronto Maple Leafs, has died.
The University of Michigan said that Harden died after complications from surgery. The university did not disclose his age.
Harden worked as an administrator and life coach for Michigan athletics from 1986 to 2020 and for the last three years was a peak performance coach for the Maple Leafs.
While at Michigan, Harden advised thousands of athletes including Tom Brady, Michael Phelps, Desmond Howard, J.J. McCarthy, Jalen Rose and Juwan Howard.
According to a statement from the university, “Harden specialized as a mental coach for athletes, coaches, university personnel, executives, and others on the world’s biggest stages. That he maintained close personal relationships with so many, even decades after their competitive or working days had ended, reflects the enormous impact of his work on their performance and lives.”
Tributes from across the sports world poured in after the announcement of Harden’s death. Here is a sample of some of the many reflections.
Tom Brady: “I’m so sad to hear the news of Greg’s passing. I’m heartbroken as he was a dear friend and mentor. There are so many beautiful qualities Greg had that endeared him to so many people over his years at Michigan. He meant the world to me and I could never have had the success I had without the time, energy, love and support he had given me. He will be truly missed.”
Toronto Maple Leafs: “Greg was a man with perpetual positivity. He was a source of strength, wisdom, and unwavering support for our entire organization. Our deepest condolences go out to Greg’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
J.J. McCarthy: “I can’t even begin to describe the gut-wrenching feelings that I am experiencing right now. The intensity of this pain is so immense only due to the impact that you have had on my life. You gave me the courage and belief as we fought hand and hand against the demons that I’ve spent my entire life fighting… Your timeless wisdom, omnipresent sense of humour, and genuine authenticity left lasting impressions on so many hearts that we will carry with us for the rest of our lives. Especially mine. I am not the person I am today without you, G. Thank you, for everything. Love you man.”
Jim Harbaugh: “Greg Harden’s purpose in life, as he often talked about, was helping others discover their own. His perspective was unlike anyone’s I’ve ever met and his wisdom was unparalleled… Greg’s life was one of service, whoally dedicated to helping others. He listened to you, he heard you but he never told you what to do, that was his brilliance. That was his gift.”
Desmond Howard: “There are no words I can form right now that can adequately express the profound loss I am feeling. I was just 18 years old when I met Greg Harden after arriving at the University of Michigan. Greg was everything you could ever want in a friend, mentor and confidante. His guidance helped change the trajectory of my life and our friendship spanned nearly four decades.
Over the years, he positively impacted the lives of countless other student-athletes and their families. Greg brought wisdom, joy and his calming nature to every encounter. 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.”