Brady Hoke Fired

Great time for me to be tied up in a meeting!!

Brady Hoke has been fired by the University of Michigan and the search for the successor will begin.   Brady will receive $3M to not coach at Michigan next year.  

We all know who the grand slam candidate is and only he knows if he is interested. 

This was the right decision and time to find the right candidate. 

Michigan Tuesday: Today We Will Know Hoke's Fate

By now you have heard that Jim Hackett will be meeting with Brady Hoke at 2:00 and hour before the team meeting.  Update: Now hearing the meeting is at noon.   At 12:00 there are 3 things that can happen: 

1) Brady resigns with a compensation package
2) Brady will be fired with a comp package
3) Brady will be notified that he is staying on for another year

1 and 2 are the most probable options after this disaster of a year.  Nothing has seemed to have gone right on or off the field for this program.  I would be remiss if I didn't mention there are a few people saying that Brady will be back, as Jim sees the positive things like graduation rates Brady has improved while in role.   I think that is highly un-likely but Hackett is a wild card at this point and were not sure what he is or isn't doing.    I personally don't like it that we know there is a meeting, as it reminds me of how Brandon totally botched the RR firing that took two days and two meetings after the media had already reported that Rich had been fired.

The one thing I don't understand is how the Michigan coaching staff is out on the road recruiting.  What purpose does that make?  If they have or haven't been called back to Ann Arbor is clear sign what might happen in that 2:00 meeting.

• Jimmy's interest in Michigan seems to be a he said/she said situation.  Some Michigan insiders are saying that Jimmy is interested and could come to back to Ann Arbor.  The "other" NFL jobs are in play but so is Michigan.   Being able to contact him now, when other NFL teams can't would seem to be an advantage for the Wolverines.  Don't forget it's unlikely that the 49'ers would just let him go to another team without a trade.   He could walk to Michigan. 

• Update:  Football Scoop is saying this: Multiple sources I spoke with told me Jim Harbaugh has already told Michigan that he is not a candidate.   Yes, this is a credible web site if your wondering.   If this is the case, it's better to know right now.  Also there are reports that there is a bunch of internal conflict about hiring Les Miles, which we always knew there would be.    Could this mean that Hoke is staying???  There are two people that I believe knows what Jimmy is going to do:  Jimmy and his dad Jack.  So I'm not sure I trust these sources on what he is going to do. 

• Jake Ryan was named to the All Big Ten Team, Funchess was named to the second team.

• DJ Wilson is out a month with an injury, it seems Beilein and staff might look into a medical redshirt - which I believe would be very useful to him.   If your wondering why Andrew Dakich hasn't played this year, it's because they are redshirting him which would allow him to transfer for a 5th year after he graduates from Michigan.   He is currently a sophomore in eligibility.

• I know the news this afternoon will dominate the headlines and probably your mind, but don't forget Michigan hosts Syracuse in the Big 10/ACC Challenge tonight.

Michigan Monday: Now What?

It hard to find words to explain this season.   The best thing I can say is:  it's almost over.   A week from today, we will hopefully have step 2 complete towards a new program.

Saturday was another example of "how to beat yourself".   Remember when Michigan used to do that against good teams?  This program has dropped so low, we are now doing it against bad teams.   .  

People talk about upsetting OSU, stranger things have happened, but I wouldn't bet on it.   This is a beaten team, a team that can't take another punch.   When "Fleet" returned that punt that was called back, the game was over.   This team is tired of taking punches and went to a knee.  I wouldn't be surprised if this locker room wasn't that interested in playing another bowl game. 

So now what?

Option 1:  Is what I expect to happen.   Michigan gets beat in CBus this weekend.   Hoke resigns/gets fired on Monday.   There are some folks that believe a "separation agreement" might already be in place.   You could tell by looking at Hoke on Saturday, this was his last game in the Big House.

Option 2:  Michigan elects to "Earl Bruce" Hoke and fires him today.   This basically is a motivational tactic as the team gets to travel to CBUS for one last game for coach.    I doubt this will happen, unless Hoke wants to announce he has resigned at the end of the season. 

This nightmare will be over a week from today.   Then another type of season will start: hunting season for a new head coach.

I sure hope Jim Hackett has spent the last month paving the road to the next Michigan coach and not trying to find paperclips.   Please have had contact with Jimmy's agent and not a big box of paperclips on your desk. 

A week away............................

Side note:  How distracted are the Michigan coaches going to be this week?  Are they thinking about moving? changing kids schools, who might be interested in hiring them?   It's only human nature.

Michigan "Hokes" Another Dumb Loss

When your a bad team, it's important you don't beat yourself or what I like to call,  "Hoke yourself".  

Michigan played a poor one dimensional team that looked a lot like the Wolverines.   The play of the game was a plenty by a walk-on that brought back a Norfleet punt return for a touchdown.    That TD would of put Michigan up by 2 touchdowns, instead it took the wind out of the Wolverines sail.  

Mental mistakes cost them the game and a clear microcosm of this terrible season.   This pretty much seals the fate for Brady Hoke to the unemployment line and means Michigan will not be attending a bowl this year.   (they have to upset OSU to get to 6 wins)

Devin Gardner, congratulations on leaving Michigan with your undergrad and masters degree.  You are a classy individual and I wish you luck in you next step.

Jake Ryan, I have enjoyed every snap you played. 

Cheers:

• Sometimes when you lose - you win long term.   I hope this is an example of that happening.
• Joe Kerridge had an excellent day
• Michigan moved the ball well on the ground
• RB's ran hard

Jeers:

• I thought Coach Nuss called a terrible game.   It's embarrassing to lose a game like this after running the ball so well.
• Sometimes the offense line looked like they forgot to block
• Michigan continues to have zero passing game
• More Drops. Really?
• Michigan's DB's played very poorly all day
• Michigan got out coached again
• Two penalties took 7 off the board for Michigan and gave Maryland 7
• Specials team went from great to terrible with two penalties and a missed field goal

I know this is not a breaking news, but this team is terrible.   It lost to both Rutgers and Maryland this year.   Hoke needs to do a Will Muschamp and resign effective a week from Monday.    There is no way he saves his job now.   Even if there is some type of miracle in CBus, Hoke has to go.

What a way for the seniors to go out.   Just plan embarrassing.

This team is in need of a complete overhaul.   What a disaster this season has been.   Thank goodness there is only a week left.   Next week will be hard to watch.

BTW: Mike Weber has de-committed.  No surprise there.

Michigan Friday: Continues To Post Things We Already Know

Jim Hackett was at an awards ceremony in GR last night and told a local TV station that he will evaluate Brady Hoke after the season.   Breaking News, I know!

He also said this:  "I've had really good discussions with him about what it's like to play through adversity and coach through adversity," Hackett told the station. "Brady's a man of extreme integrity. … And he knows more than any of us that we're not performing at the level we should as a Michigan program."

Remember the best thing for the program is for Brady to beat Maryland, resign after the OSU trip and coach through the Blue Bonnet Bowl.   Is the above quote a tip he might do that?

I'm also starting to think that Jim Hackett might be around for awhile.  I think firing the head coach decision and even the new search might all fall in his lap.   There is some talk, he knows Jimmy pretty well. 

Speaking of Jimmy:  Jay Glazer from Fox was on ESPN radio yesterday talking about our favorite NFL head coach.  He said that after the season, Jimmy will demand a record breaking contract from the 49'ers and they both will agree to move in different directions.  He didn't mention Michigan but said that other NFL teams will be reaching out to him with big offers.  

I have a hard time seeing Michigan's new president cutting a huge contract from Jimmy.   I hope they at least match his current salary of $5M a year.   If Jimmy comes to Michigan it will have to be with a discount, because there will be some NFL Billionaire that will throw mad dollars at him.   Bo's legacy and knowing his coaching style is geared more towards college then the NFL is Michigan's shot at landing him.   NFL teams can't talk to him while he is under contract, the time to strike for the Wolverines is before he is fired.  I would assume Jim Hackett would understand that.

Brian at MgoBlog continues to hear Jimmy is interested in the Michigan job.  Since his emails were the last straw on Brandon being removed, lets hope these sources are good as well. 

Brian also mentioned a good point on hiring Bob Stoops, the buyout and big salary might be difficult for the Wolverines to take on.   It does seem there is a little movement that Bob might have been at OK a little too long.   I still think Florida would throw huge dollars at him to come to Gainesville.  If your wondering, Bob makes $5M a year as well.   If Bob is in play, it's hard not to take a run at him if Jimmy wants to stay in the NFL.

Michigan Monday: Plays A Game, I'm Not Familar With

I watched two games Saturday Afternoon/Night: Michigan at Northwestern and OSU at MSU.  

These games were as different as Night and Day.

I can't believe the difference is how these 3 teams (Mich, MSU and OSU) are developing.  

• MSU is clearly at it's ceiling.   They had their best team last year and hit their max.   Urban and staff way out coached Dantonio.   MSU on Saturday night went from the playoffs to the Outback Bowl.  This is why Saban left MSU, their ceiling is nice but it isn't elite.

• OSU might have the best coaching staff in the league.   They had mostly a new offensive line and lost their best player on offense for the year a couple weeks before the season started.   They looked ugly early but continued to get better.  They took a young redshirt freshman and developed him into a QB that just beat MSU in East Lansing.  OSU still has the worst loss for all the 1 loss teams, but may end up in the Playoffs when everything is said and done.

• Michigan has a 5th year QB ,well you know the rest.   I think Shane has a nice upside, but he needed a redshirt year to learn.   I think his spot duty the past two years has done nothing but hurt his development in the long run. 

For those that are still supporting Brady Hoke and staff, I think watching both games on Saturday was a huge indicator on why he needs to be replaced.   I know it's hard to think that a Michigan win could get Brady Hoke another step closer to being fired, but that is exactly what happened on Saturday.

Michigan has one shot at getting to a bowl game and that's beating Maryland in two weeks.  Michigan at OSU is a scary thought. 

• Denard had two touchdowns in  London yesterday in a loss to the Cowboys.

• Michigan's famous walk-on Jordan Kovacs got some action at Ford Field on Sunday for the Dolphins.  He ran a fake punt for a first down but it was called back for illegal motion.

• A report from 24/7 said that Mike Shanahan might be interested in coaching Florida or Michigan next year (if the jobs are available).  Interesting, Michigan could do worse then a former Super Bowl winning head coach.  I would put him around the middle to the bottom of the Tier one candidate list.  He is 62, which means maybe 5 years in the role. 

Michigan Tuesday: Coach Speak Doesn't Sound Good For Peppers

Hoke was asked about Peppers yesterday, his response:  “No, but I’m getting closer to seeing where he is. I mean, he’s getting better but he’s not where he needs to be, and so that’s a very good question. I’ll probably have something soon.”

Reading between the lines and hopefully Hoke is being honest, Jabrill seems to be heading for a redshirt.   Not sure it would make much sense for him to play in the last 3 (or 4 with a bowl game). 


Speaking of Bowl Games, Michigan is a 2 point favorite on Saturday against NW and will probably be a favorite against Maryland.   They will probably be a two touchdown dog at OSU. 

I mentioned two wins equal Gator Bowl, well the Big Ten is not part of the bowl any longer and Michigan will not be heading to Florida if they win 6 games.

Quick Lane Bowl:  Really?  This is the game at Ford Field.   Is it possible to decline a bowl game?  This would be completely embarrassing.  The only positive would be the 14 practice days.

Heart of Dallas:  Played at the Cotton Bowl.  Played on January 1st against a Conference USA team. This is like when Michigan played in the Blue Bonnet Bowl in 1981.

Pinstripe Bowl:  What to get some sun for the bowl game, not if Michigan goes here?  Maybe Christmas in NYC?  Michigan would play an ACC team on 12/27.

Music City:  Another ACC match-up. 12/30 in Nashville. 

San Francisco Bowl:  At the 49'ers new stadium.  Interesting side story with this bowl game?

Holiday Bowl: Usually a fun bowl game in San Diego.   Maybe Hoke could drop his resume off at the home stadium of where he used to coach.

No Florida unless they upset Ohio State and the Outback picks them up.    None of bowls above, allow Hoke to keep his job and the game will probably be coached by Greg Mattison or Doug Nussmeier.

• Reports are that Michigan has contacted CMU AD Dave Heeke and Dartmouth AD Harry Sheehy.  There seems to be a very wide net right now. 

Hoke Speak

As a lame duck coach, he addressed the media today and made very little sense (as usual):

• Brady knew "late" the spike would be taken out on the field
• He and Mark respect each other and he called him directly to apologize
• The release was for Mark and his team
• Peppers won't travel this week, but the game is at home, so OK.
• Devin will start against IU
• They had 7 drops against MSU
• Desmond Morgan will redshirt and will get to play next year as a 5th year senior (but who will he play for?)

If you called Mark directly, why was there a need for the release?  That question was not asked.

Coach what makes you think Mark respects you, as he doesn't seem to respect anything Maize and Blue? That wasn't asked. 

Michigan Monday: Brady Hoke A Pro At Getting Fired

Is Brady Hoke trying to get fired?  Because it sure does seem like it. 

October 26, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Below is a statement from University of Michigan head football coach Brady Hoke:
“I want to publicly apologize to Coach Dantonio as well as the players and supporters of Michigan State for our act of poor sportsmanship displayed pre-game yesterday. I spoke with Mark earlier today and expressed to him that we meant no disrespect to his team. During our regular Friday night team meeting, one of the topics presented to motivate our team was a history lesson addressing commitment and teamwork in a tough environment. A tent stake was presented to the team as a symbol of this concept. The stake was brought into our locker room as a visual reminder, and one of our team leaders chose to take it out on the field. As the leader of our football program, I take full responsibility for the actions of our team. We believe in displaying a high level of respect at the University of Michigan and unfortunately that was not reflected by this action prior to kickoff.”

Someone clear this up for me: is he apologizing for the stake or apologizing for having a terrible team that just got blown out?

So our genius head coach used this example of a tent spike that was of course meant to be used and then gets embarrassed on the field, he then apologizes like a big (insert your own word here).   

We pay this joker millions of dollars to coach this team?   The joke is on David Brandon, because Brady Hoke is getting over on him and The University of Michigan.  He is at best a position coach at a major football program and DB hired him to lead this team to the bottom of the Big Ten.  I can't believe I am saying this, but we would be in better shape if RR hadn't gotten fired and was still coach.  This is the worst possible scenario and both Brandon and Hoke should be shown the door this week.

BTW: Great job at keeping this in the media today guys.  If he had just shut up, this would be a non issue today.   Michigan is doing a great job of keeping it's poor play and it's lame duck coach in SportsCenter loop.

Someone needs to end this nightmare.  

• Tom Brady threw for 5 touchdowns yesterday and had almost a perfect game for a QB
• Denard Robinson ran for 100 yards for the second straight week
• Jake Long might of torn his ACL on Sunday
• Les Miles upset #3 Ole Miss
• Jake Ryan named Butkus Award Semifinalist
• Northwestern game is a 3:30 kick
• Update: Desmond Morgan will redshirt this year

Hoke press conference today will probably a laugh fest on how this team can still win a championship and nobody is injured.   Peppers?  Never heard of him. 

Michigan Thursday: Talks About An SI.com Story

SI.com has a story on it's NCAAF front page about potential Big Time coaching changes in college football and who is going where.  

A lot of it, we already know.   What was interesting is Dan Mullen's and Florida's AD relationship not being that strong.   I pretty much thought it was a no-brainer for Dan to head back to Florida where he coached under Meyer.   I guess he didn't leave on great terms and that Foley is going to shop for a huge name like Bob Stoops. 

It also mentions that Jimmy is going to be a big reach for the Wolverines.   That Jim likes the NFL and even though his time with 49'ers will come to an end, the Raiders or Dolphins will throw a ton of money at him.   Since Mrs. Harbaugh loves the bay area, he may consider the Raiders.   If Jim picks the Raiders over Michigan, I will lose my mind.  I still think Jimmy is starting to understand his style does not work in the NFL. 

The story also says John isn't coming.  Which I agree with.

They talk about Les being 61 and won't be able to recruit the same type of player to Michigan that he has been able to get at LSU.   I think Les would take the Michigan job in a second.  With Les, you just need very good coordinators to keep him from making dumb mistakes during games.   I have zero concerns about his recruiting at Michigan.

What is interesting about the article is they see the top candidate for Michigan being Dan Mullen but that he could stay a Mississippi State.   I think Dan would be a very good hire for Michigan.   The back-up plan is Greg Schiano which concerns me after his complete train wreck of his NFL coaching stint.  I would worry about recruiting and hiring great coordinators.   I think Greg is a little bit of coaching poison right now.   Take the SMU or Kansas job Greg!

They even mention Jerry Kill for the Michigan job.   Are you kidding me?  How many MAC level coaches should Michigan hire?

On a funny note, they also mention RR for the Florida job.  RR does well coaching the football programs at basketball schools.  Maybe he learned something at Michigan, but I would not hire him for the bright lights at Florida.

• Speaking of SI:  They have Devin Funchess as their #13 on their NFL Draft Board right now.  
• Michigan is now a 17 point dog on Saturday.   
• Alan Branch signed with the Patriots after being cut by the Bills earlier this season after a DUI.

Michigan Thursday: Ranking the Michigan Coaching Search Candidates

It's hard to know if David Brandon is rolled up in he fetal position in the corner of his office dreaming about Jerry Jones or is really trying to find a new head coach.  David of course is worried about his own job, so maybe he just continues to send pizza and flowers to President Schlissel's house.

When considering a new head coach, I prefer to rank the candidates in my head.  Sort of like Mel's NFL Draft Big Board on ESPN.    Here is my board:

1. Jim Harbaugh, HC 49'ers - all signs point to him being out no matter what.  So it's probably Super Bowl or he is out. 
2. John Harbaugh HC Ravens - Super Bowl winning head coaches don't go back to college unless its at the end of their career.  I have a hard time understanding what his motivation to coming to A2 would be, but there are rumors he might be interested. 
3. Les Miles, HC LSU - Big name but probably too old.  Could be a 5 year option which doesn't seem too bad right now.  I think he would take the job in a New York minute.
4. Dan Mullen, HC Miss. State - He is a younger coach and his name always seems to pop up when Michigan has an opening.  He is having his best year at MSU this year and might be a "hot" name come December.   Will take a big check to get him for sure.
5. Josh McDaniel, OC Patriots - I'm the only guy talking about this candidate but if you think outside the box, he maybe could be a good fit.   Could come with a high recommendation from Tom Brady and has been a head coach.

If Michigan has to go deeper then 5 candidates, it will not be a successful hire.  The Big Ten is not playing a ton of good football right now, but is full with good coaches.  If Michigan is going to compete with the Meyers, Dantonio's, Franklin's and Fitzgerald's of the world they better get a very good head coach in here.  The only coach that would worry Urban Meyer is Jim Harbaugh.   Mullen used to work for him and he had plenty of match ups with Miles.   If Florida becomes open Mullen will be a top candidate for that job.

BTW: John U Bacon said on the radio yesterday that if he had to guess, he would say that Brad Bates would be the new AD and one of the Harbaugh brothers would be the head coach next year.  None of the top candidates would work for Brandon.

Michigan Tuesday: If It wasn't for Bad Luck, we wouldn't have any Luck at all

That is life of a Michigan fan these days.   Michigan loses the "oldest trophy in college football" and all the media talks about is concussion-gate for a straight week. 

Michigan loses a bad referee call and it's just another nail in the coffin for Brady Hoke.   Michigan continues to prove they can't play on the road or even at home now.

The #1 ranked RB in the country two years ago broke his clavicle and is out for the year.  

The #2 player in the nation last year, Jabrill Peppers is out with an un-disclosed injury.

DeVeon Smith also seemed to be banged up in the Rutgers game.  Status is unknown.

Michigan is having one of the worst season in their storied history. 

Michigan plays Penn State in a night game this weekend and there are questions about how many fans will even attend. 

Michigan's recruiting class is slowly de-committing and considering other schools.

Michigan still has PSU, MSU, & OSU still on the schedule. 

Right now the Michigan Athletic Department lacks leadership.

Is there any good news Bob?

• Bo must be working some magic upstairs with Jim Harbaugh.  It's hard to imagine a coach that continues to win on an NFL level be so "hated" at this moment.   I'm still hoping this is the perfect storm for Jim to come to Michigan. 

• One of the top players in the country, who seems to have a lot of love for Michigan, DE Keisean Lucier-South is still planning to visit A2 this weekend.

• OT Grant Newsome said last week, that he didn't commit to the University of Brady Hoke, he committed to the University of Michigan.

• Utah turned about to be a good team.

• At least Ty Isaac didn't waste a year with this season

Can you guys think of anymore "good" things happening with the program right now?  That's all I could think of. 


Wake me up when November ends................

Michigan Monday: Is It Still Worth It?

Ok, folks this season is done and Michigan is looking at a losing season right in the face.   Yes, Michigan played better and did score some points on Saturday, but lets face it they are playing at a Rutgers level right now and not at a Michigan level.    It's just not good enough.

Most of you feel (67%) that Brandon should be fired first.  I agree with you but I'm not sure that is how it will happen.   As I have mentioned before, if you fire the AD you better have someone willing to take the job the next day.  Michigan does not have the luxury of firing their AD at the end of the season or even later and then picking a new head coach.    There just isn't enough time. 

As a Michigan fan, you have to be somewhat "conflicted" in what you want right now.   Of course you want Michigan to win football games but then again you don't want to leave any doubt that there needs to be sweeping changes from the AD to the entire football staff.    This is just a throw away year and it sucks being here in early October.   The schedule shows there maybe one or two winnable games left on their schedule. 

The upside here is the Auburn example.  It took a year like this to take out that coaching staff, they hired the right guy and the next year they are very good team.    This team has talent, they just need the right coach to lead them.

Michigan's recruiting class which was almost full is now starting to fall apart at the seems, which you might expect:

• Kirkland visited ND this weekend
• Chris Clark will take all 5 of his officials
• Darian Roseboro is already gone
• Taylor will take visits

I don't blame these kids at all, this is a complete dumpster fire right now.   BTW, Michigan's no visit policy doesn't hold any water right now.  

The only good news on the horizon is that reports from the NFL are that Jim Harbaugh won't be back with the 49'ers no matter what happens this year.   The issues will be: does Jim want to stay in the NFL?  Or is he willing to go back to Ann Arbor to turn around his alma mater?   It seems that Jim's wife likes the bay area but I assume he is smart enough to not take the Raiders job. 


BTW: How Smart is Vegas?  Rutgers was favored by 2 points. 

Michigan Thursday: Let's Discuss Everything

BHB readers have had a lot of good comments this week, lets address some of them here today.  I will forgo the Big Ten preview as Michigan's fire storm still seems to be burning on SportsCenter.


Concussion-gate:   Brady Hoke looks like a fan walking the sideline.   He claps some, he calls for the punt team and he talks to an official every now and then.   He may talk to a player but he never seems to do a ton of "coaching" on the sideline.   Here is the issue as I see it.  Shane should have been removed from the game after his end zone fumble and ankle turn.   After the first series, it was very apparent that Michigan wasn't going to win with Shane under center.   I know Devin has not played well this year, but what was the purpose to throw the game away?  To send a message to him?  I know Shane is tough, but he is not ready to play yet. 

How long was he going to keep Shane in?  Until he got a concussion?  I guess not.   How is a guy with little to no experience and now on a bad ankle going to play?   Not Well.  What a terrible decision.   What does a guy have to do to get fired around here?

Moving Games to Dallas:  I don't have a problem doing a neural field site every once in awhile.  In fact, Brandon should have never yet Michigan travel to MSU two years in a row and should of have forced the Big Ten to have the game played at Ford Field.  The issue with the Dallas games is every time he does that he is taking a home game away from season ticket holders.   If Michigan is going to charge thousands of dollars just to have the right to buy season tickets, I sure as hell want to see Michigan play Florida in the Big House and not in Dallas. 

Stephen Ross:  I think every major program has a Stephen Ross around.  If you donate millions you get to be heard.  Oregon has Phil Knight, Maryland has Kevin Plank (the Under Armour founder), OK State has T. Boone Pickens, and so on.  Stephen was willing to hire Harbaugh to the Dolphins, when Michigan was trying to hire him, so I'm not sure he is in the best position to make too many demands on the Michigan program.  His Miami Dolphins haven't been the shining example of how to run a program either.   A little known fact is William Davidson the former Pistons Owner was paying part of Tommy Amaker's salary while he was the Michigan Basketball Coach.

Gibbons:  Yes, Michigan did the right thing in the end.  The thing that makes Brandon and Hoke look so bad is the cover up and the lies on why he wasn't active for OSU and the Bowl Game.  The guy that gave Hoke his most successful moment as the Michigan head coach, was thrown out of school for sexual assault.   Ironic or karma?


What's next?
It's hard to say, everything that I hear is that Hoke will be around until to the end of the season.  Let's face it folks, Michigan has a real chance to lose every game remaining on their schedule.    He is a dead man walking and he knows it.   There is now a real good chance this team mentality is already in operation shutdown.  If the offense can't score, your not going to win too many games. 

I don't know about Brandon, I guess at some point he might resign if the pressure gets too hot.  He can go work for Ross in Miami.    With every bad loss, the heat and the ESPN coverage will continue on both of these guys.    It seems to me, you have to fire the AD so the new guy can hire a coach. 


Recruiting?
Michigan has a small class this year, which is somewhat lucky in a coaching change.  If Michigan learned anything from the Hoke hire, they can't hire a guy in January and try to fill a class in a couple of weeks.   This class will take some major hits but could finish well if they get a coach with a brand name gets hire.


Who is the next head coach?
Is this the perfect storm for Jim Harbaugh?  No idea, I think he really wants to be in the NFL and we know there will be a number of teams wanting to hire him (see above).   The issue is his coaching style, he is more Bo then Pete Carroll.  His coaching style is a much better fit in college then in the NFL.  If he realizes that, I think Michigan has a real shot.   The key is Michigan can't f-up the window like they did last time.  Other NFL teams can't speak to him right now.   Hire an AD and get him to work on Michigan's home run coach right now.   Even if its a hand shake agreement for the end of the year.

Unless John Harbaugh is burned out in the NFL, he is not coming here.  He won a Super Bowl for goodness sakes. 

I'm fairly confident that Les Miles would take this job in second. He still has a ton of A2 baggage and he isn't getting any younger.   The fact is Michigan needs a big name to turn this ship, even if it's for the next 5 years.  He might be guy you sign for one contract and you say turn this place around.  He has a name that would make an impact on the recruiting trail.  He will wear his hat too high, clap with his fingers open, eat the field turf and win 10+ games a year. 

I like the idea of Mike Gundy or Kevin Sumlin but neither is coming here.

I don't even want to hear Gruden's name mentioned.  

I have a thought for you that hasn't been mentioned:  Josh McDaniels the OC from the New England Patriots.   I know, I don't know if he would be a good fit either, but hear me out for a second. 

• He has been a head coach
• He is a young guy
• He could come with the support of Tom Brady
• Bill O'Brien had the same job and was successful in the Big Ten

Josh is a reach I know, but I think anyone outside of Jim or Les is a reach as well.

Firing Brandon and Hoke is step 1 and step 2, but really getting the right guy here is much harder then we all think or expect.    It's really the most important step after two hiring mistakes.

Michigan Tuesday: Michigan Can't Stop Making News

Brandon finally released a statement at 1:00 AM Tuesday morning.   It's long but here is the most important paragraph:


In my judgment, there was a serious lack of communication that led to confusion on the sideline. Unfortunately, this confusion created a circumstance that was not in the best interest of one of our student-athletes. I sincerely apologize for the mistakes that were made. We have to learn from this situation, and moving forward, we will make important changes so we can fully live up to our shared goal of putting student-athlete safety first.


Brady Hoke also was not informed of the concussion before his press conference on Monday.    Nice work guys.   Are you both trying to get fired?  Why release this at 1:00AM?


All that's left here is if David Brandon fires Brady Hoke now or at the end of the season.  If he waits, he might not get to fire Brady because he will probably be on the street as well.


When Michigan continues to show up on ABC News for bad things, somebody has to pay with their job.


Buckle up, because recruiting is going to get bad as the season moves forward.  Michigan will probably lose about 50% of it's recruiting class. 

• Four-star NC DE Darian Roseboro is already gone.  He just committed a couple weeks ago.
• TE Chris Clark and CB Garrett Taylor have one foot out the door.  You might remember that Taylor just tore his ACL a few weeks ago.

The upside is this is a small class and the new coach if hired quickly (after the season), will be able to rebuild it.   It's not like there is going to be all bowl game practices. 


Also this hit the internet yesterday as well:

A source has informed CoachingSearch.com that Michigan has gauged the interest of UConn director of athletics Warde Manuel and Boston College athletic director Brad Bates about their interest in the same position at Michigan.   - Pete Roussel, Senior Coaching Insider


These are expected to be the two top candidates to replace David Brandon.  John U Bacon responded quickly that his sources say this isn't true.   Here is my take.  I think there might be some truth to this report.   Pete is well known and would not report a lie or make up a report.  Michigan has a new president in Mark S. Schlissel and I'm pretty sure that most people don't know what he thinks of this situation.  I would also argue that John U's sources might not be that tied into Mark's team.


If your wondering what Hoke's buyout is:  $2M after the season.  He is making 2.3M in salary this season.   I would assume if they pulled the trigger right away it would cost the $2M and the rest of this 2014 salary, which should equal about $3M.   Hoke's contract runs through the end of 2016.


As a point of reference, Charlie Weiss will be owed $7M from Kansas and ND is still paying him which will equal $20M when it's said and done.  So Michigan should feel lucky with the 2 or 3M.

• The famous Michigan "Brady" Tom Brady and his Patriots played poorly on MNF last night as they got blown out by KC.    Not a good week for Michigan Brady's. 

Coach Speak Brady Hoke

Lowlights from his press conference

• Would never put in a kid with a concussion
• Shane has a high ankle sprain, does not have a concussion
• He would never overrule a trainer or doctor if a kid can't play
• Has not met with David Brandon in the last two days
• David has not been involved in the PR related to the Shane Morris situation
• The UM of Medical Staff will release a statement on the situation
• He got into coaching to work with kids
• He is preparing to play Rutgers

Irony at work: the banner behind the press conference is the Michigan Health System.


Brady looked like a guy that hasn't slept in days and he was clearly trying to protect his reputation today. 


Either Brandon is asleep at the wheel or is working on something.   Your guess is better then mine.  I don't think he needs to go far to find the $3M or so it would take to buy out his contract. 

Michigan Monday: I'm Lost In a Nightmare

This has to be a nightmare right?  I'm going to awaken in the morning and this will all be some bad dream.  This shit doesn't happen at Michigan right?   How in the world did Ronald McDonald get hired to run McDonalds Inc?


These guys can't even get fired properly.   Yes, Michigan is probably the worst team in the Big Ten but I thought Brady Hoke would at least get to coach the rest of the season.    After the teams performance on Saturday and Hoke clear lack of leadership in protecting Shane Morris, he should be fired today.   David Brandon should do Hoke's regular press conference and let them know that Greg Mattson is taking over.   That probably won't happen but it should.


Here is what I would like to see happen:

• Hoke is fired today and replaced on an interim basis by Greg Mattison for the rest of the season.
• Brandon is fired later in the week and replaced by Lloyd Carr as interim AD until roughly December 1st.  
• At that time, a new Michigan AD is in place and that person can search for a new head coach.   Lloyd will not be part of the search committee.

I believe that one of the Harbaugh brothers is interested in this job.  I don't know which one, but either is a huge win.  I know what they both said in the media, but neither one is going to come out and say, "Yes, I want the Michigan Job when they already have a job". 


I hate that we got fooled when Hoke was hired.  He showed passion for the job and loved Michigan.   We ate it up because Lloyd was quiet and RR was always too sad and didn't seem to understand anything Maize and Blue.   We ate it up.  Brady Hoke is not qualified to be the President of Michigan Football.   Brady Hoke is a defensive line coach, bottom line.   Shane Morris should of been out of the game after he hurt his ankle in the end zone fumble play.   Hoke keep him in to continue to get hit after hit.   I guess to send a message to Devin Gardner.   That is the most stupid thing, I have ever seen.


He didn't see the "concussion" hit or Morris needing help from his offensive line to stay up.  He might have if he had a head set on, like all other coaches in college football.   He is not a head coach, he is a defensive line coach.   He can't protect his kids on the field, he must be fired.   Not at the end of the season, today.  He clearly doesn't do anything, so he probably won't even be missed.




USA Today

I can't watch this shit anymore guys, I will DVR each game an if they somehow manage to win a game, I will watch it.   This is worse then rock bottom, this program has fallen off a cliff and the entire thing needs to be washed away. 


You obviously can make your own judgments on how you spend your money, or watch games on TV, but someway a message has to get to the leaders of this University.  Charlie Weis got fired this weekend and now Kansas is on the hook for $7 M for him not to coach at their University.   This is inline with the $20M ND is paying for him not to coach in South Bend.




Wake me up when this nightmare is over...........................