Forty Years in the Big House ─ Michigan Tales from My Four Decades as a Wolverine

An inside look at the University of Michigan’s football program from the man who was the team’s equipment manager for more than four decades

Forty years ago, Michigan equipment manager Jon Falk began his legacy, becoming a living encyclopedia of Michigan football tradition and history. Hired by Bo Schembechler in 1974, the now retired Falk shares his firsthand, inside stories from in the locker room, on the sideline, and on the road with one of college football’s most storied institutions. He may not be as well known as the Big House or the Little Brown Jug, but among coaches, players, and a good portion of the Michigan football faithful, Jon Falk has fashioned a lively legend of his own. Falk’s recollections connect the past and present to highlight the importance of the relationships created during the best four years of any college player’s life and it’s those relationships that drive the Wolverines to success.

Jon Falk is the now retired equipment manager for the University of Michigan football team. For four decades he embodied the team’s traditions and history as a living encyclopedia, mentor, and friend to players, coaches, and proud alumni. He lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Dan Ewald is a former newspaper writer and longtime public relations director for the Detroit Tigers. He is the author of 12 books, including works with Sparky Anderson, Bo Schembechler, Al Kaline, George Kell, and Ron Kramer. He lives in Troy, Michigan. Jim Harbaugh is a former Michigan quarterback who served as head coach of Stanford and the San Francisco 49ers before returning to Michigan as head coach. He lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.