John U. Bacon
Essay / Analysis, Sports CommentatorJohn U. Bacon has worked nearly three decades as a writer, a public speaker, and a college instructor, winning awards for all three.
Bacon earned an honors degree in history (“pre-unemployment”) from the University of Michigan in 1986, and a Master’s in Education in 1994. In 2005-06, the Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowship named him the first recipient of the Benny Friedman Fellowship for Sports Journalism.
He has authored ten books on sports, business, health, and history, the last six of which are national bestsellers, including Bo's Lasting Lessons, Endzone, and The Great Halifax Explosion.
Bacon has also pursued his passions for radio, television, coaching and teaching. In 2007 he was invited to give weekly sports commentary on Michigan Public every Friday morning and appears weekly on Michigan Public's Stateside, and occasionally on National Public Radio, which awarded him the PRNDI prize for nation's best commentary in 2014. He appears often on TV, including HBO, ESPN, Fox Business, MSNBC, and the Big Ten Network, where he is a frequent contributor to both “Icons” series.
Bacon has taught at Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism, and teaches at the University of Michigan, where the students selected him for the 2009 Golden Apple award, given annually to the University’s top teacher.
Bacon delivers speeches on the themes taken from his books, and coaching and teaching experiences — including leadership, diversity, motivating millennials, and creativity — to corporations, universities, and other groups around the country and the world.
Bacon is an average hockey player, a mediocre Spanish speaker, and a poor piano player — but this has not stopped him from enjoying all three. He lives in Ann Arbor with his wife and son.
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Michigan Radio's John U. Bacon says an NCAA investigation into alleged sign stealing by University of Michigan football could have broader implications for the program. -
Michigan Radio's John U. Bacon weighs in on allegations Michigan football has been stealing signs. He also offers a preview of the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry game. -
In football, the Michigan Wolverines are No. 2 in the nation and the Detroit Lions are in first place in the NFC North. Michigan Radio's John U. Bacon delivers analysis. -
Michigan Radio's John U. Bacon discusses the fallout for MSU after firing football coach Mel Tucker. Also, Michigan football's hot start and Miguel Cabrera's retirement. -
Michigan Radio's John U. Bacon discusses the scandal involving Michigan State football coach Mel Tucker, and Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh's return from a suspension. -
Michigan State University suspended head football coach Mel Tucker without pay yesterday. Tucker is accused of sexually harassing activist and sexual assault survivor Brenda Tracy.
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Michigan Radio sports commentator John U. Bacon joined guest host Katheryne Friske on Morning Edition to talk about what fans can expect from the season openers. -
The University of Michigan is suspending football coach Jim Harbaugh for three games. Michigan Radio sports commentator John U. Bacon shares his analysis of the news. -
It is unclear whether the NCAA Committee on Infractions will accept a negotiated resolution from the University of Michigan related to alleged recruiting and coaching infractions by Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh and his staff. -
University of Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh may have to sit out the first four games this fall. Michigan Radio sports commentator John U. Bacon weighs in.
