The University of Michigan formally announced Tuesday that former 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh will take over its football team, capping off weeks of media speculation.
Students welcomed the new coach to Michigan by suiting up in Harbaugh's favorite pants for Tuesday evening's U-M basketball game in an event called a "Khaki Out." The gesture was organized by the school's student fan group, the Maize Rage, who also handed out prizes for the best Harbaugh attire.
In honor of the man himself: Jim Harbaugh, Maize Rage will be hosting a "Khaki out" for the game on Tuesday. Wear your khakis and GO BLUE!
— Maize Rage (@UMMaizeRage) December 29, 2014
Harbaugh's penchant for pleated pants is well-documented. Earlier this year, Harbaugh's wife called into CBS Radio's Fernando and Greg to complain about the $8.00 Walmart-bought khakis that her husband sports religiously, often paired with a black turtleneck. She also appeared in a Father's Day ad campaign for Docker's called #StopDadPants.
True to their word, khaki-clad Wolverine fans turned out en masse at the game.
Yeah, Michigan fans are really excited, and for good reason. pic.twitter.com/NEzTyINUtf
— Brent Yarina (@BTNBrentYarina) December 30, 2014
BAUGHLL don't LIE pic.twitter.com/n78Fqb94v5
— Cork Gaines (@CorkGaines) December 30, 2014
This is amazing. I'm actually cheering for Michigan #KhakiOut pic.twitter.com/R4do42Xaqr
— Alex Achorn (@alexachorn) December 30, 2014
CBS News reported that Michigan's student store is already peddling the signature pants, though there was no word on whether they are staying true to the $8 price tag.
Harbaugh's @umichfootball jersey is already on the shelves. Yes, those are khakis next to it http://t.co/Q8OhdFKRw3 pic.twitter.com/CSWPGr9JxC
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) December 30, 2014
In true Harbaugh no-nonsense fashion, the coach chose not to wear his usual garb to the game. Instead, he greeted the sea of khakis at half-time wearing a suit and slacks.
If you missed it, here's what Jim Harbaugh told the fans at halftime of the @umichbball game. http://t.co/o2RUVNQqig
— Brent Yarina (@BTNBrentYarina) December 30, 2014
Harbaugh not wearing khakis to his khaki-out is a bad start imo.
— Chief (@BarstoolChief) December 30, 2014
Jim Harbough heard Michigan fans were gonna do a khaki out in honor of him and he doesn't wear khakis? He already hates you all
— Delaney Durbin (@TheRealDelaneyD) December 30, 2014