Michigan icon and Tom Brady’s life coach dead at 75: Tributes pour in for ‘secret weapon’ Greg Harden

Greg Harden, who advised countless people at the University of Michigan, from Tom Brady to Michael Phelps, Desmond Howard to JJ McCarthy, has died.

The 75-year-old underwent surgery on Monday, but complications that followed led to his death. Michigan Athletics spokesman Dave Ablauf said the family informed the athletic department that Harden had died on Thursday.

The late College Football Hall of Fame coach Bo Schembechler hired Harden in 1986 as an advisor and supervisor of the personal development program for student-athletes.

“He meant the world to me and I would not have had the success I did without the time, energy, love and support he gave me,” said Brady, a former Michigan quarterback who won seven Super Bowls in his 22-year career.

Howard, who won the Heisman Trophy in 1991, was among the first group of Wolverines to regard Harden as a confidant, mentor and friend.

Brady worked with Harden during his time as a student-athlete at the University of Michigan

“Greg brought wisdom, joy and his calming nature to every meeting,” Howard said. “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 beyond blessed to have had him in our lives.”

Harden, a native of Detroit, earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Michigan.

Phelps lived and trained in Ann Arbor, Michigan, after becoming a swimmer at the 2004 Athens Olympics. He worked with Harden on his mental health.

Harden retired in 2020 as director of counseling for Michigan’s athletic department. He continued to work, advising student-athletes at Michigan and the Toronto Maple Leafs as the NHL team’s peak performance coach.

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

Michigan Athletics announced Harden’s passing and shared statements from some of the many people who knew him.

McCarthy, a quarterback who has not previously played 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 fighting the demons I have battled my entire life,” McCarthy wrote. “You inspired me with your ability to love everyone and everything unconditionally.”

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

“He poured his heart into thousands of students, athletes and celebrities without any expectation of anything in return,” McMahon said. “He dedicated his entire life to making a difference and investing in the growth of the young, sensitive minds who were fortunate enough to encounter him.

“His mesmerizing presence and charisma captured the rooms he walked into. Greg’s gift to the world was his unwavering ability to help people see themselves fully, in complete acceptance of their flaws as well as their gifts. His relentless approach made it impossible for his mentees to give up on themselves.”