Who Will Replace Hoke at Michigan

[Rack Em]

No way Chris Peterson would leave Washington, right?

It was tough to get him to leave Boise St. I doubt he'll up and move to Ann Arbor after 1 season in Washington.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Any other thoughts? I'd like to see other posters' lists.

Of the coaches you listed, Patterson would be my top pick. He basically built TCU's program from the ground up, and has an established track record of developing talent and out-performing expectations. Graham is too mercenary, and unless UM made him an offer that ASU simply couldn't match, I'm not sure he'd leave Tempe for Ann Arbor anyway.

No way Chris Peterson would leave Washington, right?

No way. UW had to move heaven and earth to get him away from BSU in the first place.

 

[pkt77242]

Why? Because it is so rare?

Mora was fired in Seattle and came to UCLA

Saban left the Dolphins for Bama.

Petrino left Atlanta for Arkansas.

Spurrier coached the Redskins, resigned, then returned to college.

Butch Davis resigned from the Browns and became UNC's coach.

Finally, our own Dan Devine left the Packers to coach the Irish.

There are plenty of cases of coaches leaving the NFL for a college gig. Especially if its for a major job like Michigan. I'm not saying that I think Harbaugh will do this, but lets not accuse others of being crazy for wondering if the situation could arise. After all, there is precedence.

Saban: 15-17 in two years
Petrino: 3-10
Spurrier: 12-20
Davis: 24-34
Devine: 25-27-4
Mora: went 5-11 in Seattle then was fired though he was somewhat successful with the Falcons previously.

I agree with you that a NFL head coach would go to the college ranks (as evidenced by your examples) but it is also extremely unlikely that successful NFL head coach would again as evidenced by the examples you provided. The closest you have to a successful NFL head coach on that list is Mora who was fired by a NFL team (2nd NFL team to fire him) and was out of coaching for a few years before taking the UCLA job.

 

[irishog77]

I agree. Super Bowl caliber and winning coaches don't leave to go coach a sh!tty big ten team.

 

[ulukinatme]

Any other thoughts? I'd like to see other posters' lists.

I refuse to list any legitimate replacements for Hoke. If I speculate who they might really get, it means the dream is over. I want to keep dreaming.

 

[woolybug25]

Saban: 15-17 in two years
Petrino: 3-10
Spurrier: 12-20
Davis: 24-34
Devine: 25-27-4
Mora: went 5-11 in Seattle then was fired though he was somewhat successful with the Falcons previously.

I agree with you that a NFL head coach would go to the college ranks (as evidenced by your examples) but it is also extremely unlikely that successful NFL head coach would again as evidenced by the examples you provided. The closest you have to a successful NFL head coach on that list is Mora who was fired by a NFL team (2nd NFL team to fire him) and was out of coaching for a few years before taking the UCLA job.

Phork's original comment was regarding ANY NFL coach, not just the successful ones. Here's his comment again.

If anyone thinks any current NFL coach will drop to college, you are smoking some good shit.

 

[connor_in]

My list for UM

Nick Saban
Mark Dantonio
Urban Meyer
Brian Kelly
Charlie Weis

 

[IrishLax]

Saban: 15-17 in two years
Petrino: 3-10
Spurrier: 12-20
Davis: 24-34
Devine: 25-27-4
Mora: went 5-11 in Seattle then was fired though he was somewhat successful with the Falcons previously.

I agree with you that a NFL head coach would go to the college ranks (as evidenced by your examples) but it is also extremely unlikely that successful NFL head coach would again as evidenced by the examples you provided. The closest you have to a successful NFL head coach on that list is Mora who was fired by a NFL team (2nd NFL team to fire him) and was out of coaching for a few years before taking the UCLA job.

Pretty much nailed it.
-Petrino was failing miserably and thought he'd have Mike Vick... but then dog fighting happened... so he ran in the middle of the night.

-Davis was failing and was forced out. The Browns negotiated a buyout for him to resign.

-Spurrier was failing in DC and quit because he could not hack it as an NFL head coach... and he was also under a LOT of pressure due to very bad results after being signed to, at the time, the most lucrative coaching contract in football.

-Mora was FIRED. So that doesn't count at all. That's just an unemployed coaching taking the best available gig. If you're going to count Mora, then you might as well also count guys like Kiffin and Callahan.

-I know nothing of Devine's circumstances.

-Saban went 6-10 after having a decent first year... and most importantly, missed out on Drew Brees thanks to what amounted to "penny pinching" and politicking with Brees' physical and instead signed Daunte Culpepper... Saban realized he wanted nothing to do with the NFL because it was too difficult and he did not have nearly enough control. So he took the Bama job where he could run everything exactly how he wanted, get exactly which players he wanted, and play exactly who he wanted to play.

So the only coach on there who even really qualifies as an "NFL coach leaving for college" is Saban, and there isn't a single one who would qualify as "successful" or even had a winning record. Both Harbaughs are completely dissimilar from the group presented.

 

[IrishLax]

Phork's original comment was regarding ANY NFL coach, not just the successful ones. Here's his comment again.

True, you can get a failing head coach. I didn't see original comment.

Someone like Rex Ryan is basically the ceiling, IMO. Unless things take a CRAZY turn with the Harbaughs.

 

[BigIrish]

One name I haven't seen mentioned is Pat Narduzzi. The Michigan fans would probably hate the idea, and the State fans would be livid, but Narduzzi may well be the best defensive coordinator in the country, and the only reason he'd even have to sell his house for the coaching move would be that State fans would burn it down otherwise.

UM would do themselves a favor by giving consideration to a guy like Narduzzi, regardless of how poaching a guy from "little brother" may feel to them.

For anyone drinking the Harbaugh Kool-Aid...there's already plenty of comments here already about all the reasons why a successful pro coach would refuse to jump into the never ending Ann Arbor Tire Fire, but has anyone considered whether or not UM could even afford a Harbaugh?

1. UM is still paying for a half a billion dollar stadium renovation.
2. UM will have to pay Hoke a buyout if they terminate him this year. Keep in mind that they just paid him a $1.5 million "longevity" bonus in January of this year.
3. UM's athletics department is nearing financial crisis status: Michigan Wolverines Football: From Sellouts To Handouts In Just 4 Years | ThePostGame

A choice excerpt: "Next year, either Michigan's ticket prices will come down, or the fans won't come. Either way, the department's burgeoning budget -- which jumped from roughly $100 million to $150 million in four years, including a 72-percent jump in administrative salaries -- will have to be cut back, or Michigan athletics will be heading into debt."

4. The faculty may revolt. News of a 40 page letter to the board of regents has come to light where faculty are questioning the increasingly bloated salaries of top administrators has been floating around the internet now: University of Michigan faculty question administrator pay in letter to Board of Regents | MLive.com

Their administrative salary expenditures have INCREASED by $33 million since 2004 and appear to be significantly above those at peer institutions. At their current burn rate, UM might need to launch a kickstarter campaign just to keep the lights on. Paying a Harbaugh NFL-money to come to UM might just be out of reach at this juncture.

Not to mention the fact that Stephen Ross, UM's largest donor (recently gave $330 million), who just gave Dave Brandon a ringing endorsement this week.

Why is Stephen Ross important, outside of his clear influence with UM and the media? Because Stephen Ross also owns the Miami Dolphins. The same Miami Dolphins who are rumored to be interested in hiring Jim Harbaugh. Ross' endorsement of Brandon is essentially a cock-blocking move to preserve his own interests.

The other Harbaugh is a Super Bowl winner. If UM fans want to avoid the inevitable disappointment, they should put the Harbaugh name out of their minds and move on.

 

[IrishLax]

One name I haven't seen mentioned is Pat Narduzzi. The Michigan fans would probably hate the idea, and the State fans would be livid, but Narduzzi may well be the best defensive coordinator in the country, and the only reason he'd even have to sell his house for the coaching move would be that State fans would burn it down otherwise.

UM would do themselves a favor by giving consideration to a guy like Narduzzi, regardless of how poaching a guy from "little brother" may feel to them.

For anyone drinking the Harbaugh Kool-Aid...there's already plenty of comments here already about all the reasons why a successful pro coach would refuse to jump into the never ending Ann Arbor Tire Fire, but has anyone considered whether or not UM could even afford a Harbaugh?

1. UM is still paying for a half a billion dollar stadium renovation.
2. UM will have to pay Hoke a buyout if they terminate him this year. Keep in mind that they just paid him a $1.5 million "longevity" bonus in January of this year.
3. UM's athletics department is nearing financial crisis status: Michigan Wolverines Football: From Sellouts To Handouts In Just 4 Years | ThePostGame

A choice excerpt: "Next year, either Michigan's ticket prices will come down, or the fans won't come. Either way, the department's burgeoning budget -- which jumped from roughly $100 million to $150 million in four years, including a 72-percent jump in administrative salaries -- will have to be cut back, or Michigan athletics will be heading into debt."

4. The faculty may revolt. News of a 40 page letter to the board of regents has come to light where faculty are questioning the increasingly bloated salaries of top administrators has been floating around the internet now: University of Michigan faculty question administrator pay in letter to Board of Regents | MLive.com

Their administrative salary expenditures have INCREASED by $33 million since 2004 and appear to be significantly above those at peer institutions. At their current burn rate, UM might need to launch a kickstarter campaign just to keep the lights on. Paying a Harbaugh NFL-money to come to UM might just be out of reach at this juncture.

Not to mention the fact that Stephen Ross, UM's largest donor (recently gave $330 million), who just gave Dave Brandon a ringing endorsement this week.

Why is Stephen Ross important, outside of his clear influence with UM and the media? Because Stephen Ross also owns the Miami Dolphins. The same Miami Dolphins who are rumored to be interested in hiring Jim Harbaugh. Ross' endorsement of Brandon is essentially a cock-blocking move to preserve his own interests.

The other Harbaugh is a Super Bowl winner. If UM fans want to avoid the inevitable disappointment, they should put the Harbaugh name out of their minds and move on.

We totally need to launch a faux kickstarter for Hoke's buyout...

 

[Irish4Life09]

Hope Butch doesn't get poached. I would love to have him when BK leaves.

Could not agree more. I have been a diehard Irish fan since I was a kid growing up in the South Bend area. But living in Knoxville for a long time has made the Vols a 2nd favorite of mine. If we ever get the chance for Butch whenever Kelly leaves we better jump on it. He is very quickly turning them into a contender.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Not to mention the fact that Stephen Ross, UM's largest donor (recently gave $330 million), who just gave Dave Brandon a ringing endorsement this week.

Why is Stephen Ross important, outside of his clear influence with UM and the media? Because Stephen Ross also owns the Miami Dolphins. The same Miami Dolphins who are rumored to be interested in hiring Jim Harbaugh. Ross' endorsement of Brandon is essentially a cock-blocking move to preserve his own interests.

This is hugely important. Hoke is a dead man walking at this point, but Brandon is the real cancer in UM's athletic department. If Ross has enough influence to keep Brandon in place, who then wastes a ton of money on a big name that doesn't pan out... the damage to UM athletics--both financially and as a brand--will be long-lasting.

 

[BigIrish]

This is hugely important. Hoke is a dead man walking at this point, but Brandon is the real cancer in UM's athletic department. If Ross has enough influence to keep Brandon in place, who then wastes a ton of money on a big name that doesn't pan out... the damage to UM athletics--both financially and as a brand--will be long-lasting.

Ross knows that Jim Harbaugh hates Brandon. That's the real cock-block - by endorsing Brandon, he's keeping Harbaugh from conjuring up enough pity to return to UM. But you're right - as long as Brandon is there, he's going to be a cancer to the program. His lack of credibility is going to scare away a lot of potential suitors.

I should have also pointed out that UM's former president was very supportive of both Hoke and Brandon. Their new president cares nothing at all for football, and does not appear to be an ally to athletics in any way.

 

[greyhammer90]

Ross knows that Jim Harbaugh hates Brandon. That's the real cock-block - by endorsing Brandon, he's keeping Harbaugh from conjuring up enough pity to return to UM. But you're right - as long as Brandon is there, he's going to be a cancer to the program. His lack of credibility is going to scare away a lot of potential suitors.

I should have also pointed out that UM's former president was very supportive of both Hoke and Brandon. Their new president cares nothing at all for football, and does not appear to be an ally to athletics in any way.

My god they sound like us ten years ago.

 

[woolybug25]

This is hugely important. Hoke is a dead man walking at this point, but Brandon is the real cancer in UM's athletic department. If Ross has enough influence to keep Brandon in place, who then wastes a ton of money on a big name that doesn't pan out... the damage to UM athletics--both financially and as a brand--will be long-lasting.

This is where I am at right now. Brandon is the bigger issue. The man is a baffoon of a different color than Hoke, but a massive baffoon none the less. Firing Hoke wont matter, because the whole house needs to be cleaned out.

 

[koonja]

Can someone list what Brandon's done wrong other than hire Hoke? Not calling anyone out, I literally have no idea.

 

[greyhammer90]

Can someone list what Brandon's done wrong other than hire Hoke? Not calling anyone out, I literally have no idea.

Nothing. Michigan should keep him forever.

(Apparently his quest for the all-mighty dollar has really turned off UM fans. He's been treating the fan base like shit by price-gouging them at every opportunity.)

 

[BigIrish]

Brandon was the CEO of Dominos for about 12 years. He was formerly a member of the Central Michigan University Board of Trustees - a governor appointed board. He then served a term on UM's Board of Regents before being named AD. He came to UM's athletics department with pretty much zero experience running an athletic program, which is HIGHLY unusual. The process of becoming an AD is a long and arduous one for most guys. They work their way up through the ranks, perhaps in SID or in athletics fundraising. They might get assigned a team or two to manage. Then they take a gig at a smaller school, and work their way up from their. It is highly unusual for a coupon pusher turned pizza salesman to become an AD.

And that's his biggest problem. He's run his athletics department like a pizza chain. He's raised ticket prices to unsustainable levels, while dumping free tickets on the broader community to make up for the drop in ticket sales. He's bloated the budget, while producing no improvement in winning or gameday experience. He's turned the stadium experience into institutionalized pick-pocketing, charging outrageous prices on concessions, etc. He turns a blind eye to serious issues, blames fans for their discontent rather than taking ownership, and has generally acted exactly the way you would expect a pizza salesman to act when handed the reins of a major athletic department.

I'm sure a UM fan could give you a more specific list of sins, but I think you get the point.

 

[blackirish]

There are small rumors that he might be interested in the Florida Gators Job..I highly doubt it but it wouldn't supprise ither,however I don't put anything past any of these coaches these days...........that's to include ours to.

 

[blackirish]

There are rumblings he has lost the Niners locker room and his coaching style isn't working anymore in the NFL.

Oh well. I guest the
49'iners would want back the Mike Singletary " I want winners mantra " that gave them 3+ losing seasons. Nice

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Here's what SBNation's Spencer Hall had to say about Hoke in today's Acrostical:

Incompetence is always a better explanation than designed malice. If Brady Hoke deliberately kept quarterback Shane Morris in the football game against Minnesota despite an obvious head injury, then he should be fired. The primary threat to football as a sport is head injury and the violence that causes it, and for Hoke to jeopardize the health of a player for a game would be an appalling, amoral decision highlighting everything not just currently wrong with Michigan, but with football as we know it.

If this were demonstrably and evidently the case, then set up a trebuchet and pitch him into Lake Erie with great force.

Yet this isn't what happened. What actually happened may be even worse, by degree of neglect. Hoke famously doesn't wear a headset. He is and always has been a delegator. The people on the field responsible for injury calls are the same everywhere: the trainers, the ones who know something about torn ACLs, dislocated shoulders, and all the other impact-based injuries football brings. The failure in not taking Morris off the field begins with the medical staff not recognizing (or possibly ignoring) players waving for the QB to come off the field. It continues with Morris being sent back in by the staff, something Cunningham was irate about on the TV call.

That failure spreads up the chain to Hoke, the delegator whose delegations would be fine if they didn't roll downhill with the aim and care of randomly tossed airplane wreckage. Michigan, despite decent-to-good recruiting, is now a one-way portal to obscurity for incoming talent. Attendance has cratered despite corporate sleight-of-hand with ticket sales. The coaching staff appears to have lost any ability to direct players in any coordinated fashion. And at the end, even the basic safety of the players seems to be an issue.

For some reason, it's important for people to note that Hoke is likable, and I'm not sure why. You can like someone and yet not put him in charge of an ER. You can hate someone and still allow him to operate on your brain because, well, he's a neurosurgeon, and asshole or not, there simply aren't a lot of those around. You don't have to say how likable a failure Hoke is every time the issue of his incompetence comes up. It's as evident as his inability to do the job.

Furthermore: if you are one of the 10 people whose primary beef is to claim it's irresponsible to say that Morris had a concussion, you have internalized the language of the law, reaching insane abstraction in defense of the indefensible. Morris took the crown of a helmet to his chin, then was visibly disoriented while having serious difficulty standing. An MMA ref would have stopped this fight cold. That's how bad this looked: an MMA event would have taken better care of Morris than a collegiate athletics staff did on Saturday.

But sure, point to the man on fire. Tell someone you don't know that man's on fire. You did spy the application of gasoline. You did see the striking of a match and the ignition of a flame on a person's body. But you don't know the fire was what did the damage, do you? Did you establish this with medical personnel? Did you obtain a record of that? Fire's done a lot for us as a species; indeed, we would be long dead without it. Don't just slander fire like that. And who can say the person applying the match knew what he was doing, for sure? Did you ask them if they have an understanding of gasoline/fire relations, chemically speaking? Prove these things, or say nothing.

You beggar that down however you choose, and believe the devolution of facts into what will be primarily an inhuman and mostly legal-ish response from the University of Michigan. There is a tired and vile playbook for engaging in advantageous public dialogue as a liable institution, which changes nothing about Michigan rolling a woozy Morris back onto the field. Michigan did that. The rest is teaching the controversy in the name of naked self-defense.

Oh, and the Big Ten crew should have ejected Theiren Cockran for the hit, which is against the rules that should prevent this from happening in the first place.

Also includes a humorous chart that involves ND.

 

[woolybug25]

Also includes a humorous chart that involves ND.

The Choas Matrix.

The formula is a special one. It is one made up entirely by me and based on:

-Long plays from scrimmage, the ones that screw up steady, orderly matriculation down the field.
-The simple but effective Havoc Rankings made by our own Bill Connelly.
-A hefty dose of eyeballing, as in watching UConn play football and saying, "Hey, they'd really like to be out of here in three hours or less."

I laughed.

 

[Rhode Irish]

Here's what SBNation's Spencer Hall had to say about Hoke in today's Acrostical:



Also includes a humorous chart that involves ND.

Spencer Hall is a good writer. I like his prose.

 

[PANDFAN]

Reports are that Meatchicken is gauging interest for an AD

 

[NDdomer2]

Can someone explain the Tennessee fighting coonhounds?

 

[ACamp1900]

Can someone explain the Tennessee fighting coonhounds?

haha, I didn't even notice that first time, yeah, can someone explain?? Also, I know that have only won a couple games but WSU has been looking like a much better program lately, no??

 

[Seanthornton]

This is a looooooonnnnnngggggg shot but what about ?

Bill Cower ?
Jimmy Johnson ?
Gruden Sr. ?
Herman Edwards ?
Eric Mangini ?


I know some have great cushy jobs now but I think if the right dollar figure came around one of them would pounce on it ??

 

[GoldenDomer]

Well Charlie Weis needs a job...

 

[BobD]

Tom Brady won't want to ride the bench as a senior back up next year.