Following the show’s end in 2023, “Ted Lasso” star Jason Sudeikis recently shared a hilarious college football story from the filming of the first season. It includes a surprise reference that might catch Michigan fans off guard.
While “Ted Lasso” is steeped in British culture and soccer, Sudeikis revealed that he managed to sneak in a Jim Harbaugh nod during Season 1.
Michigan Legend Jim Harbaugh’s Iconic Style Shaped Jason Sudeikis in ‘Ted Lasso’
During a recent “Men in Blazers” live panel in Los Angeles, Sudeikis and Harbaugh appeared alongside other well-known names from inside and outside college football.
The two shared personal stories about their friendship, and Sudeikis revealed that the former Michigan head coach inspired part of the Ted Lasso character.
“I’m gonna tell you exactly what he wrote, as we’re in the middle of filming episode two of that ‘Ted Lasso’ show I’m doing for Apple, I had a small silly question for you about what you coaches wore during game day to and from the stadium,” Sudeikis said.
“I wear the same clothes every day, khakis and a blue sweatshirt, same to the game that I coach in, and will wear the same thing to the post interview, and to home as well,” Harbaugh told him ahead of the show’s release.
Looking back at his time at Michigan — three Big Ten titles, a 15-0 perfect season, and a national championship — Harbaugh stuck to that outfit the entire way. The look became part of his legend.
JIM HARBAUGH WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR TED LASSO? 🤯 pic.twitter.com/6gpCUfZJfj
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) June 14, 2025
In a recent interview with NBC Sports’ “Pro Football Talk,” former Michigan star and first-round pick Colston Loveland recalled a hilarious early-morning workout with Harbaugh. Yep, he was still wearing khakis.
“He came out wearing his khakis. He gets in late. We’re all just sitting and talking shop at the table. He looks at me and is like, ‘So what time are we working out tomorrow?’
“We get in there at 7 o’clock and we’re doing squats. He’s doing squats with me and does his whole workout in his khakis,” Loveland said.
Harbaugh’s now-infamous khaki uniform became the blueprint for Lasso’s look. Sudeikis embraced it, and Lasso was born in the same gear — khakis and a sweatshirt — throughout the series and all its promo material.
But the admiration goes both ways. Harbaugh shared during the same panel that he’s a massive fan of “Ted Lasso,” and the character helped shape his coaching outlook.
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“I look at Ted Lasso, and the way Jason played the role … and Jack Harbaugh. It reminds me of my dad. When I watch it, I want to be that kind of coach, that kind of leader, making the fellas the best version of themselves on and off the field,” Harbaugh said.
Now coaching in the NFL, Harbaugh’s legacy at Michigan is secure. He helped shape NFL stars like Colston Loveland, J.J. McCarthy and Aidan Hutchinson — while also influencing one of TV’s most beloved characters.
