2014 Michigan Football: Dammit Jim, we need a Harbaugh. And a miracle worker.

[Zososoxfan]

yeah that was entirely hopeless. The players showed a lack of focus, especially on offense with Fuchess's drops and multiple false starts. I was watching the game with my girlfriend, and I explained that Spielman's criticisms were on point and that when the announcers are seeing stuff the coaches aren't, it's a really bad sign. 2 comments really stood out - 1) Devin throwing off his toes and dropping his eyes and 2) the protection keys that UM's offense (I think he was specifically referring to RBs, but I don't remember for sure) was missing.

The lack of development of players is noteworthy - these are highly recruited players that seem consistently overmatched. The few players that have improved, like Ryan and Countess, have regressed due to position changes and scheme changes, respectively. This loss seals Hoke's fate for me. This MSU team is good, but not as good as last year's squad, and UM NEVER EVER had a chance to win. Combine this with other significant errors, such as not trying to save a possession at the end of the half and his stubborn insistence on using antiquated punting schemes (Hagerup had a punt land on or around the 5 yard line and there were only 2 gunners who had a chance to pin it in instead of 3 or 4) and not having the awareness or wherewithal to adjust the offensive scheme to take advantage of Gardner's skills and the positives Hoke brings (recruiting, uniting the factions of UM football after RR) and it's not particularly debatable whether he should retain his job. At this point, I think even Dave Brandon would fire him. Hopefully, DB won't be the AD who gets to make the next coaching hire, though.

 

[sachmoney]

Do you back the truck up for Les Miles?  (assuming he'd take it, and I doubt it, but it's probably the only place he'd leave LSU for)

I would if he brought along Chavis. I'm not sure Les would be able to field a good team without him. However, I think Chavis could get the LSU job if Les goes to Michigan.

 

[Dan to Theo to Ben]

I would if he brought along Chavis. I'm not sure Les would be able to field a good team without him. However, I think Chavis could get the LSU job if Les goes to Michigan.

What if it was just Les, Cameron, and say Brick Haley was promoted to DC?

 

[twibnotes]

Every good coach in college football started somewhere smaller or had a smaller role at a big school. I'd like to see UM target guys with a demonstrated ability to develop talent and outscheme his opponent (eg, Urban Meyer at Utah, B Kelly at Cinci, C Kelly as OC at Oregon). Why do we want to settle for Les Miles, who is on the back nine, when there are no doubt excellent guys out there entering their primes? Given the long hours and hustle required to compete at the highest level, Michigan needs one of these guys. If brandon can't identify the right coach, get an AD who can.

 

[Carmen Fanzone]

Michigan State is the pettiest program in FBS. I'll never forget the Spartan players rushing out to "protect" the midfield logo it after blowing a 16-point 4th quarter lead against Notre Dame. (I miss John L. Smith.) I thoroughly enjoy the fact that Notre Dame has ruined their only two decent seasons in the last fifty years.

I was at the game is South Bend a few years ago when MSU players planted a flag at midfield after the final gun. So their sensitivity here is rich.

 

[sachmoney]

Every good coach in college football started somewhere smaller or had a smaller role at a big school. I'd like to see UM target guys with a demonstrated ability to develop talent and outscheme his opponent (eg, Urban Meyer at Utah, B Kelly at Cinci, C Kelly as OC at Oregon). Why do we want to settle for Les Miles, who is on the back nine, when there are no doubt excellent guys out there entering their primes? Given the long hours and hustle required to compete at the highest level, Michigan needs one of these guys. If brandon can't identify the right coach, get an AD who can.

I'm not saying Les Miles is my top choice by any means, but I think that the other side of that is having a coach that surrounds himself with good coaches. Miles has Chavis and has kept Chavis around. He brought in Cam Cameron who helped improve the offense from what it was. Whether they've benefited from being where they are or not (talent rich Louisiana), Miles and his coaches have taken those athletes and put them into the NFL. That's important.
 
I'm not sure that there are a lot of guys who can both develop and out scheme out there. I definitely don't know if Michigan can get one of those guys. If we can't, we can do a lot worse than Miles. I'm with you on wanting that kind of guy, but I'm trying to be practical or realistic here.

 

[Morgan's Magic Snowplow]

Every good coach in college football started somewhere smaller or had a smaller role at a big school. I'd like to see UM target guys with a demonstrated ability to develop talent and outscheme his opponent (eg, Urban Meyer at Utah, B Kelly at Cinci, C Kelly as OC at Oregon). Why do we want to settle for Les Miles, who is on the back nine, when there are no doubt excellent guys out there entering their primes? Given the long hours and hustle required to compete at the highest level, Michigan needs one of these guys. If brandon can't identify the right coach, get an AD who can.

 
I don't really follow Michigan much but Gary Patterson is the name that jumps out at me as the best of both worlds right now - demonstrated ability as an Xs and Os coach who can overachieve at a smaller school, but this year also showing that he has been able to adapt to the Big 12 and thrive within a major conference.  For a defensive guy whose teams traditionally ran the ball first, its particularly impressive that he's been able to change with the times and build a passing-oriented spread offense that can average 50-60 against Big12 competition.  I'd much rather hire him than Miles.

 

[twibnotes]

 
I don't really follow Michigan much but Gary Patterson is the name that jumps out at me as the best of both worlds right now - demonstrated ability as an Xs and Os coach who can overachieve at a smaller school, but this year also showing that he has been able to adapt to the Big 12 and thrive within a major conference.  For a defensive guy whose teams traditionally ran the ball first, its particularly impressive that he's been able to change with the times and build a passing-oriented spread offense that can average 50-60 against Big12 competition.  I'd much rather hire him than Miles.

Patterson is a very attractive candidate. Of course, a legit case could be made that he's better off staying at TCU. All those high schools down there spread the field and throw the ball all over the place. Even with all the competition, it's a pretty good place to recruit and run a program.

 

[twibnotes]

The lead story on mgoblog seems to indicate that there may be some truth to the claims from alums and fans that Dave Brandon has sent them emails that are best described as unprofessional.

Really feels like schlissel, who is said to be a thoughtful, methodical guy, needs to move fast and get brandon out. We need someone in there sooner than later to bring stability and get a head start on the coaching search.

 

[Dan to Theo to Ben]

I'm not sure that there are a lot of guys who can both develop and out scheme out there. I definitely don't know if Michigan can get one of those guys. If we can't, we can do a lot worse than Miles. I'm with you on wanting that kind of guy, but I'm trying to be practical or realistic here.

Motivation is also key, especially in football. I think you need minimum 2, but possibly all 3. (Scheme, development, motivation). If you look at top guys like Saban, Sumlin, CK before he left, Mayer, and maybe even Chizik (not sure about development) they have all 3. 

 

[snowmanny]

The lead story on mgoblog seems to indicate that there may be some truth to the claims from alums and fans that Dave Brandon has sent them emails that are best described as unprofessional.

Really feels like schlissel, who is said to be a thoughtful, methodical guy, needs to move fast and get brandon out. We need someone in there sooner than later to bring stability and get a head start on the coaching search.

That is unbelievable. If it's all real zhe shouldn't last the weekend.  What university has officials talking to alums (or anyone) like that?
 
http://mgoblog.com/content/david-brandon-i-suggest-you-find-new-team

 

[WayBackVazquez]

Dear Dave Brandon Petition Signers,



Weeks have passed since the initial petition and protest calling for the removal of Dave Brandon as Athletic Director of the University of Michigan, and Mr. Brandon is still in charge. Meanwhile, negative press and troubling revelations continue to pour out about Brandon and the athletic department (http://mgoblog.com/content/david-brandon-i-suggest-you-find-new-team). This continues to be a black eye for the university and prevents the athletic department from progressing forward. President Schlissel said that the department needs "a culture change". Change begins by removing Dave Brandon, and that change needs to happen now!



I want to reiterate the respect and support that we all share for all of our student-athletes. We ask that you join us in the "White Out, Dave Out" by wearing a white shirt to the football game this Saturday vs. Indiana as a show of protest against the current athletic director. A change-minded alumni donor has generously purchased 2,000 shirts to be worn during the game. T-shirts can be claimed on Friday, October 31st at the Diag from 2pm - 4pm. If you do not get a t-shirt please still wear white to the game and encourage all other fans support our message to President Schlissel by wearing white as well. Go Blue!



Sincerely,



Craig Kaplan

University of Michigan - Class of 2015

 

[sachmoney]

Brandon DMed me when I complained about the new bleachers at Yost. I forget whether I tagged him in the original tweet or not. He told me to "pay attention" and that they were replacing them with new bleachers. While I still preferred the old bleachers (still do), I thought it was cool at the time that an AD or his chronies were reaching out. It seems much more snarky now.

 

[twibnotes]

Brandon DMed me when I complained about the new bleachers at Yost. I forget whether I tagged him in the original tweet or not. He told me to "pay attention" and that they were replacing them with new bleachers. While I still preferred the old bleachers (still do), I thought it was cool at the time that an AD or his chronies were reaching out. It seems much more snarky now.

I wonder if Brandon responds to all his own emails? Guess he's stuck either way if the emails are legit. Saying he wasn't the one who actually wrote the emails would actually make him look worse.

 

[sachmoney]

I don't think he can look any worse. This is a guy who alienated the majority of the fan base including alumni and current students. This is a guy that hired this coach who is in way over his head. He's at rock bottom. Is there a sub rock bottom that I am not aware of? I don't know if whether he has control over everything representing him or not makes a real difference here. His department has done a terrible job as a result of his failed leadership.
 
I get not firing Hoke until the end of the season, but I don't get why they're not firing DB and looking for and hiring a new AD.

 

[Zososoxfan]

I don't think he can look any worse. This is a guy who alienated the majority of the fan base including alumni and current students. This is a guy that hired this coach who is in way over his head. He's at rock bottom. Is there a sub rock bottom that I am not aware of? I don't know if whether he has control over everything representing him or not makes a real difference here. His department has done a terrible job as a result of his failed leadership.
 
I get not firing Hoke until the end of the season, but I don't get why they're not firing DB and looking for and hiring a new AD.

 
I think the powers that be are negotiating/determining how to dismiss DB and lining up his replacement. I certainly share your impatience though, and I check every day, multiple times a day, for that wonderful news breaking of DB being no longer associated with UM.
 
As for the coaching search, I think there are 4 tiers of candidates:
 
1. Either of the Harbaughs and Mullen - slam dunks
2. Miles - not a bad hire necessarily, but he would be coming here to get the ship back on course and I don't think he would win any titles in his first 3 years and would probably be looking to get out after 5 years or so
3. Patterson, Graham - established coaches who would probably benefit from UM's cachet
4. Stoops, Sumlin, Jones - exciting coaches, but who carry more risk
5. the field
 
Gundy should be in there somewhere, but not sure where. He's also probably not leaving and neither is Briles.
 
I also just read an article proposing that RR would be a good fit at Florida, and I don't think it's all that farfetched. I don't know that RR would be interested in starting another project so quickly, but man, you give RR some Florida speed and his offenses would likely explode.

 

[twibnotes]

Mgoblog's podcast raised another candidate who is interesting: Ohio st OC Tom Herman. He's done very well in role, is a sharp guy (Mensa) and has learned from one of the best.

Doesn't hurt that he'd be a big loss for Ohio st.

 

[sachmoney]

1. I check multiple times a day for Brandon firing and coaching search news.
2. I agree with that list. If Rich Rod goes to Florida and we get a free shot on Mullen and we don't end up with him, we better have f'n Jim Harbaugh.
3. I like Herman. He would be amongst the top coordinators for me.

 

[Dgilpin]

Mgoblog's podcast raised another candidate who is interesting: Ohio st OC Tom Herman. He's done very well in role, is a sharp guy (Mensa) and has learned from one of the best.

Doesn't hurt that he'd be a big loss for Ohio st.

I really like Herman as well, from what I have been reading he's seems to have a lot of influence on what's been going at Ohio St. , as Meyer is not quite involved to the same levels as he was at Florida.

 

[Zososoxfan]

He's a seemingly strong coordinator, but after Hoke's past season and a half, I want a head coach. Furthermore, they have to be really good at managing a program, not just a team. I look at Muschamp and shudder. I place a significant amount of value to success in a power 5 conference pretty high as well. At the risk of sounding like the quintessential arrogant UM fan, UM should be able to land someone from a power 5 program. Not dismissing that there's talented coaches in other conferences, but a coach coming from a midmajor would require a bigger transition and likely carries more risk. At the end of the day though, it's easier to directly compare 2 coaches as opposed to prioritizing criteria in the abstract.

 

[twibnotes]

He's a seemingly strong coordinator, but after Hoke's past season and a half, I want a head coach. Furthermore, they have to be really good at managing a program, not just a team. I look at Muschamp and shudder. I place a significant amount of value to success in a power 5 conference pretty high as well. At the risk of sounding like the quintessential arrogant UM fan, UM should be able to land someone from a power 5 program. Not dismissing that there's talented coaches in other conferences, but a coach coming from a midmajor would require a bigger transition and likely carries more risk. At the end of the day though, it's easier to directly compare 2 coaches as opposed to prioritizing criteria in the abstract.

I think they need to consider a range of options for the simple reason that there is no guarantee they will get their ideal candidate.

As it relates to coordinators, doesn't the Hoke experience teach us that you want the smartest, best coach you can get, regardless of title? Hoke was a borderline successful head coach, and he's totally overwhelmed.

I don't think there are hard and fast rules. Hiring is tough in any organization. Bc Richrod didn't work, does that mean you need Michigan ties and a manball preference? (Clearly no - see hoke, brady). Hell, I bet there are even business people out there who could be good ADs (not that they are in a position to try that again).

 

[Zososoxfan]

I think they need to consider a range of options for the simple reason that there is no guarantee they will get their ideal candidate.

As it relates to coordinators, doesn't the Hoke experience teach us that you want the smartest, best coach you can get, regardless of title? Hoke was a borderline successful head coach, and he's totally overwhelmed.

I don't think there are hard and fast rules. Hiring is tough in any organization. Bc Richrod didn't work, does that mean you need Michigan ties and a manball preference? (Clearly no - see hoke, brady). Hell, I bet there are even business people out there who could be good ADs (not that they are in a position to try that again).

 
I absolutely agree that the search needs to have a broad range, my comment regarding utilizing an ad hoc analysis was meant to espouse that. The Hoke experience highlighted the importance of Power 5 experience to me. The scrutiny at high profile programs requires someone with that experience. Also FWIW, Hoke was a .500 coach before UM. The RR experience is hard to glean lessons from because there were so many factors. If RR had the support of the UM family (namely former coaches, ADs, and players), was able to bring Casteel with him, and he had been a little less stubborn, he would've established an outstanding program here. Seeing what he's done already in Arizona demonstrates that the problem was largely UM and not RR.
 
Nevertheless, to practice what I preach, I would rather have either Harbaugh, Miles, Mullen, Patterson, Graham, or Gundy over Herman. Once you get down to the other names like Stoops, Sumlin, Jones, etc., it gets closer to even IMHO.

 

[RedOctober3829]

Brett McMurphy ‏@McMurphyESPN 1m1 minute ago
Dave Brandon is resigning as Michigan’s AD, source told @ESPN. Press conference this afternoon
 

 

[sachmoney]

I have the biggest smile on my face. I want to let out a scream of joy, but I'm at the office and there really is no place this can happen. Every office should have a sound proof room for these type of occasions.

 

[Zososoxfan]

FUCK. YES.

 

[Zososoxfan]

Bates, Long, Manuel? Who ya got? I'm going with Long. It would be a coup to get someone so close to the CoFoPO into the program.

 

[czar]

Our long national nightmare is over!

(What to do with 2,000 #FireBrandon shirts?)

 

[Chemistry Schmemistry]

While Brandon certainly contributed to his own demise, why celebrate? It's just more upheaval. And it doesn't bring us any closer to a winning football team.

 

[Zososoxfan]

While Brandon certainly contributed to his own demise, why celebrate? It's just more upheaval. And it doesn't bring us any closer to a winning football team.

 
Because fans have been treated badly, the AD has been acting like a boob, our coach looks overmatched, and this is the first step in trying to fix all of that. I think this will seem less upheaval-like if a top coach is brought in and whips this team into shape next year. In other words, you don't think that Harbaugh, Mullen, or Miles takes this same group of players and produces a better record next year?

 

[Average Reds]

For the students, it's very personal.
 
Brandon doubled the pricing and (more importantly) changed the structure of student seating.  Changing the seating was a HUGE issue, especially for those who had waited patiently for good seats only to get boned by Brandon.
 
So yeah, I can see them dancing on his corpse. If I were in their shoes, I'd do it.

 

[bowiac]

While Brandon certainly contributed to his own demise, why celebrate? It's just more upheaval. And it doesn't bring us any closer to a winning football team.

If, like me, you think Brandon showed poor judgment in thinking Hoke was capable of running a major football program, then removing him does bring us closer to a winning football team. Hiring a good coach is hard. Not hiring someone who looked as out of his depth as Hoke is not hard however. Brandon was faced with a tough choice after RichRod, and made the worst plausible hire he could. Getting him out of the way is a major step towards getting someone in there who knows what he's doing.

 

[Granite Sox]

While Brandon certainly contributed to his own demise, why celebrate? It's just more upheaval. And it doesn't bring us any closer to a winning football team.

 
I agree with you, but I think Brandon being the first to go signals that Michigan isn't going to patch pot holes or take half measures to fix "this".  
 
The overt message from Schlissel is: I'll try and get this right and hire the best candidate, whether it's a chummy, political Michigan Man[SIZE=11pt]™ [/SIZE]or not.

 

[WayBackVazquez]

For the students, it's very personal.
 
Brandon doubled the pricing and (more importantly) changed the structure of student seating.  Changing the seating was a HUGE issue, especially for those who had waited patiently for good seats only to get boned by Brandon.

 
Yes, but that lasted just one year, and those that it really negatively impacted (seniors) are mostly gone. Freshman indisputably were advantaged by the policy, and it was generally a benefit to sophomores as well, especially since the student section was not full last year. So, juniors lost their seniority advantage for a year, and they've had it back this year.
 
And by the way, they're considering it East Lansing, too. Student attendance is down across the country, and departments are understandably trying to find solutions.

 

[twibnotes]

While Brandon certainly contributed to his own demise, why celebrate? It's just more upheaval. And it doesn't bring us any closer to a winning football team.

Of course it does. They need a new coach and finding an AD who can bring in the right one is critically important. Needed to be done and done fast.

 

[doldmoose34]

I think that Bates has done a good job bringing us back from the shit show that DiFlippo and Spaz was, and I'd hate to see him go, but the call of his school is tough to turn down.

If he goes he's walking into a problem he has already addressed here and that's got to help

 

[sachmoney]

I've seen various athletes post something along the lines of "DB would run through a wall for his student-athletes." The problem with that is that the bricks from that wall were landing on the alumni, students, and fans. While the Athletic Director is the head of the Athletic Department, he/she is a servant of the school and those that make it what it is. Brandon did not get that.
 
I don't think his student athletes get that either as I saw some very, how do you say, pompous remarks coming from a couple of student-athletes as far as their regards to other students, fans, and alumni. It's unfortunate that that is the attitude and culture that's been cultivated there. You get the sense too that a lot of football players think they're better than everyone because they're at Michigan. I'm not sure how they justify their standing after getting their teeth kicked in on a weekly basis. The whole situation is very embarrassing.
 
I still don't understand how Brandon justified how he treated the students. Yes, there was a problem with students showing up on time, but they were showing up, even with the iffy records. Additionally, the students pack in those rows more than what is fire code acceptable. That would leave some rows in the back. I'm not saying that attendance isn't a problem. It's a problem everywhere. I just don't think his actions addressed the problem. I mean, the whole line thing was stupid. Tailgating/pregame are a part of the culture and tradition. So is moving down as you spend more time at the university. Changing that was idiotic. Making kids wait in line to get decent tickets instead of making memories with friends? Then following it up with raising ticket prices in a shortened home schedule with no rivalry games? Are you fucking kidding me?
 
It wasn't all bad though. Brandon has successfully sparked a plan to redo the athletic campus and he brought Lacrosse to varsity level, a program that I think that can be amongst the best in the country. Brandon thought big, but the problem was that he could not execute big. I'm so relieved that he's gone. It's a weight off my shoulders. I hate feeling that there is a division between different sects of people that care so deeply for the school, its success, and its image. I think that we're due for some better days.
 

 

[sachmoney]

Interview with CSG President: https://soundcloud.com/wcbnsports/exclusive-interview-with-bobby-dishell?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=twitter

 

[kenneycb]

I've seen various athletes post something along the lines of "DB would run through a wall for his student-athletes." The problem with that is that the bricks from that wall were landing on the alumni, students, and fans. While the Athletic Director is the head of the Athletic Department, he/she is a servant of the school and those that make it what it is. Brandon did not get that.
 
I don't think his student athletes get that either as I saw some very, how do you say, pompous remarks coming from a couple of student-athletes as far as their regards to other students, fans, and alumni. It's unfortunate that that is the attitude and culture that's been cultivated there. You get the sense too that a lot of football players think they're better than everyone because they're at Michigan. I'm not sure how they justify their standing after getting their teeth kicked in on a weekly basis. The whole situation is very embarrassing.
 
I still don't understand how Brandon justified how he treated the students. Yes, there was a problem with students showing up on time, but they were showing up, even with the iffy records. Additionally, the students pack in those rows more than what is fire code acceptable. That would leave some rows in the back. I'm not saying that attendance isn't a problem. It's a problem everywhere. I just don't think his actions addressed the problem. I mean, the whole line thing was stupid. Tailgating/pregame are a part of the culture and tradition. So is moving down as you spend more time at the university. Changing that was idiotic. Making kids wait in line to get decent tickets instead of making memories with friends? Then following it up with raising ticket prices in a shortened home schedule with no rivalry games? Are you fucking kidding me?
 
It wasn't all bad though. Brandon has successfully sparked a plan to redo the athletic campus and he brought Lacrosse to varsity level, a program that I think that can be amongst the best in the country. Brandon thought big, but the problem was that he could not execute big. I'm so relieved that he's gone. It's a weight off my shoulders. I hate feeling that there is a division between different sects of people that care so deeply for the school, its success, and its image. I think that we're due for some better days.
 

I dunno, that just sounds like entitlement more than tradition and culture.  Though I guess that can be part of the tradition and culture.  I can't speak to the raising ticket prices thing but the idea that the people that show up early getting the best seats is a perfectly rational and salient point, tradition be damned.

 

[Chemistry Schmemistry]

A lot of us thought Hoke was the best hire at the time. A lot more of us felt Hoke was a great hire when he went 11-2 in his first season. He put together highly ranked recruiting classes in an environment that's increasingly tilted toward the SEC because of geography.

It was in subsequent years, getting these highly touted athletes in the door, then losing badly in games where Michigan was out-hustled and out-toughed and out-schemed, that we started to question Hoke. And this year has been a disaster - enough that Hoke has worn out his welcome.

I couldn't care less about student seating plans. If not enough students are attending, drop the price. Isn't that what he planned to do? One of the old complaints, going back to when I was there, was that it was sometimes difficult to sit with friends you made during the year (we'd pile in anyway). His plan addressed that. In most sports, we've seen improvement, though he can't take credit for Beilein and the system he has built.

Yes, it's all about football here, but if he got canned in part because he's a snotty jerk to people who are snotty with him, there are bigger issues afoot.

 

[sachmoney]

I dunno, that just sounds like entitlement more than tradition and culture.  Though I guess that can be part of the tradition and culture.  I can't speak to the raising ticket prices thing but the idea that the people that show up early getting the best seats is a perfectly rational and salient point, tradition be damned.

I consider it a rite of passage, but I do think that there should be some sort of incentive program for those students that do support the athletics in both the revenue and non-revenue sports with some crossover. Right now, the football system is based on how long you've been at Michigan. I think that you can find a way to do that and combine it with whatever attendance program you put forth. The whole waiting in line thing was forced. Michigan doesn't have a scarcity of supply. They should be trying to build the demand, not discouraging it.

 

[kenneycb]

I consider it a rite of passage, but I do think that there should be some sort of incentive program for those students that do support the athletics in both the revenue and non-revenue sports with some crossover. Right now, the football system is based on how long you've been at Michigan. I think that you can find a way to do that and combine it with whatever attendance program you put forth. The whole waiting in line thing was forced. Michigan doesn't have a scarcity of supply. They should be trying to build the demand, not discouraging it.

They are doing a reward points thing now where you get extra points depending on when you show up and everything.  You get 100 and win a pullover or something.  I care more about the tailgating so I can't really speak to it but they are taking measures to get kids in there early.  No idea if it's working though.

 

[P'tucket rhymes with...]

 
 
It wasn't all bad though. Brandon has successfully sparked a plan to redo the athletic campus and he brought Lacrosse to varsity level, a program that I think that can be amongst the best in the country. Brandon thought big, but the problem was that he could not execute big. I'm so relieved that he's gone. It's a weight off my shoulders. I hate feeling that there is a division between different sects of people that care so deeply for the school, its success, and its image. I think that we're due for some better days.
 

I suppose this is a somewhat tangential perspective, but you do realize that UM is on most short lists of the best universities in the country, right?  They seem to be doing just fine with a lousy football team.

 

[Chemistry Schmemistry]

I'm dreading seeing what Indiana's offensive line is going to do to this defense today. And at the same time pleased to see Iowa absolutely destroy Northwestern today. Why? Because it offers hope that Northwestern is bad enough not to pose much of a challenge, which means one step closer to 6-6 and a bowl bid. Not because I would even watch a bowl game at this point, but because I want these kids to have the extra practices for next year. Life in the bottom tier sucks.

 

[WayBackVazquez]

We beat Indiana. Yay.
 
In other news, Denard Robinson is a legit NFL running back.

 

[Chemistry Schmemistry]

Jabrill Peppers will take a medical red-shirt this season (having played in only three games). I think we'll at least have a loaded secondary next season. The defensive line, though...

 

[Granite Sox]

Jabrill Peppers will take a medical red-shirt this season (having played in only three games). I think we'll at least have a loaded secondary next season. The defensive line, though...

Henry, Hurst Jr., Pipkins, Wormley, Mone, Godin, Glasgow inside... Ojemudia, Taco, Marshall, Poggi, Strobel on the end... That's pretty good!

The LBs will be kinda "meh" for me: Morgan, Bolden, McCray, Gedeon, Ferns, Ross III, Jenkins-Stone, Winovich, Furbush... No playmakers there.

Also still need to find a Safety from between Clark, Hill, and Thomas...

 

[Chemistry Schmemistry]

Four-star linebacker Darrin Kirkland reneged on his commitment. I guess that means Michigan is no longer the Costco of universities. The 2015 class is getting quite tiny.

 

[Granite Sox]

Just hope we can keep the in-state kids and Newsome at this point...

 

[Zososoxfan]

I'm really not too worried about decommits. If I were a HS football player, I would run away from this mess too. Right now, the only priority is getting a good coach and to the extent that getting a good AD leads to a good coach, the AD as well.
 
After reading a bunch, I have a top 5 coaches of Jim Harbaugh, Todd Graham, Dan Mullen, Gary Patterson, and Les Miles. How do folks in here compare those names? Is there anyone else that cracks your top 5 (assume that there has to be a non-zero chance of actually getting them).

 

[Chemistry Schmemistry]

It seems we follow Ohio State's example, as much as we profess to dislike that school down south. Our greatest coach cut his teeth as an assistant to Woody Hayes. After the Buckeyes found enormous success with Youngstown State's Jim Tressel, we went out and found a similar guy in Brady Hoke. And now the Buckeyes are winning with Urban Meyer, so it appears we'll settle for nothing less than buying the guy we want who has similar experience.

There are worse things we can do than follow Ohio State. For example, we can continue to misapply Schembechler's "Michigan Man" quote, ad nauseum. Or we can fuck up the hiring process with the guys we want and end up with another RichRod, in desperation. Pretty on the outside, but collapses in November when the bruises add up and teams get physical.

I used to be concerned about the money. But, in reality, some alumni make a lot, and feel good about donating millions for something specific. The modern athletic director is a master at selling frivolity. Someone will give the school millions to buy out a contract, and someone will give the school millions to pay for a vanity salary. Leaders and best maybe not on the field these days, but certainly in the checkbook.

Just this past week, someone gave the school $400,000 to move a 250-year-old oak tree 100 yards on campus. I like trees as much as the next guy, but it's hard not to think of how many scholarships Michigan could offer with that money. Of course, the donor probably prefers being known as the guy who spent the cost of a McMansion to move a fucking tree.

The problem with buying the proverbial 250-year-old oak-tree coach is the pressure. We'll expect the same magic Meyer performed in his first year. Maybe that happens with a great coach. Maybe it doesn't. I have a feeling we'll have Jim Harbaugh next season, like him or not (and I like him, because he is the most competitive sonovabitch I've ever met and he knows football). But I want a long-term coach. I want a guy who won't be out-toughed the way Hoke is. I want a guy who can get the best athletes in here, and knows how to coach them up to an NFL level. I don't care if he implements backwards bicycle-kick punts as long as they sail 46 yards and don't generate long returns.

In short, I want the best coach, who may or may not be on a top-five list of experienced and currently successful coaches who have the "rep" to impress.