You are viewing this article in the AnnArbor.com archives. For the latest breaking news and updates in Ann Arbor and the surrounding area, see MLive.com/ann-arbor
Posted on Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 12:03 p.m.

Brady Hoke an NFL coach? One former pro QB says he has what it takes

By Nick Baumgardner

BRADY-HOKE-PRESSER2.jpg

One college football analyst says Brady Hoke is a college coach with NFL potential.

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

Could Michigan football coach Brady Hoke make it in the NFL?

At least one former professional signal caller believes he can.

Former NFL quarterback Brock Huard, now a college football analyst at ESPN.com, recently listed several current college coaches who he sees as men with NFL coaching potential.

And Hoke made the cut.

"Hoke is definitely a collegial guy, and while I don't think the NFL is going to be calling any time soon, he does have the skill set to be on this list," Huard wrote. "He has the ability to galvanize people and put together a great coaching staff.

"He has been a winner at every level and turned things around awfully fast in Ann Arbor with his defensive-minded philosophy. His ability to lead from that side of the ball could be very intriguing for NFL teams looking for their next coach."

Huard listed current Oregon coach Chip Kelly at the top of his list. The group also included Notre Dame's Brian Kelly, Stanford's David Shaw and Texas A&M's Kevin Sumlin.

The premise of Huard's list revolves around former Michigan quarterback Jim Harbaugh, who made the successful jump from Stanford to the San Francisco 49ers last season after once being widely considered a candidate for the Michigan head coaching position.

Nick Baumgardner covers Michigan sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2514, by email at nickbaumgardner@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @nickbaumgardner.

Comments

truebluefan

Sat, Jun 23, 2012 : 12:37 a.m.

No way Hoke leaves for the NFL. If I could bet the farm on this one, I would.

81wolverine

Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 8:47 p.m.

It would shock me if Brady Hoke left here to coach anywhere else - NFL or otherwise. He's a college coach all the way. Brian Kelly? The guy doesn't have a good reputation - personality wise. All you have to do is look at his purple-faced, vein-protruding explosions on the sideline to see what I mean.

Hailmary

Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 8:46 p.m.

I like Brock Huard and he played decent ball. Thanks for spicing up an otherwise boring day Brock.

Hailmary

Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 8:44 p.m.

Naw, this is just fun stuff in the business part of the year. If Brady could make a great move that he wanted for himself and family I would say go for it. I don't want anyone to stick around for my entertainment when they can improve themselves and help their family. I would venture to say that for now, in my opinion, Coach Hoke is happy right where he's at.

michboy40

Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 8:41 p.m.

Well, I guess it's true if Brock Huard says so!

KeepingItReal

Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 7:56 p.m.

At the end of his playing career at Michigan, Brady Hoke need to treat Robinson to the biggest dinner he can. If that young man had not stayed around, Michigan would have had a mediocre season at best. Why should he leave Michigan when he can eventually make 5 million a year.

7718

Sat, Jun 23, 2012 : 2:06 a.m.

I'm just glad DR was recruited to come here and decided to stay. Can you imagine only having quarterbacks like Sheridan, Threet and Cone?

Hailmary

Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 8:40 p.m.

Keeep, I don't have a crystal ball so I can't make the same predictions you make.

heartbreakM

Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 7:43 p.m.

Whatever......Hoke is home at Michigan and will not be leaving any time soon.

MRunner73

Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 7:24 p.m.

Must be a slow news day. Who is Brock Huard? Never heard of him. Guess this is one way for him to get attention. Yes, Brady Hoke is a winner and has what it takes, but: he ain't leaving Michigan.

Blue Marker

Thu, Jun 21, 2012 : 1:22 p.m.

You are showing your age. I remember losing to his Washington Huskies in the Rose Bowl. Damn mobil quarterbacks!

Hailmary

Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 8:48 p.m.

You never heard of Brock," lord have mercy."

Albert Howard

Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 5:45 p.m.

Yes, because Brady Hoke fluently speaks the language of this generation. He connects. He communicates. He cares.

Tru2Blu76

Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 5:35 p.m.

" Jim Harbaugh, who made the successful jump from Stanford to the San Francisco 49ers last season..." Well, Harbaugh hasn't had a successful season with the 49ers, yet. So lets not get too fluffed up about him. As for Hoke: Sorry NFL, he's OURS now and we're not letting him go anywhere. If you want job-jumping coaches, go see Urban Meyer and Nick Saban.

GoBigBlue

Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 5:56 p.m.

What's a successful season in the NFL?? He took them to the NFC champ game right?

PillowRock

Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 5:55 p.m.

When a team that had been 6 - 10 the previous year hires a new coach, and in that coach's first season the team goes 13 - 3, wins their division, and makes it to the conference championship game .......... That coach HAD a successful season by any reasonable measure. Now, one season does not always predict an entire career. However, Harbaugh definitely has had "a successful season".

Terry Star21

Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 5:09 p.m.

Brady Hoke has more than what it takes, most certainly intelligence - that's why he'll stay with Michigan, they're a fit made in heaven. MgoBlueForTiM....Brady Hoke, forever MEEEEEECHIGAN...

Wally the Wolverine

Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 4:40 p.m.

I just sensed a million hearts momentarily stopping with that headline.

Gabe Callender

Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 4:40 p.m.

Brian Kelly? pssh....OVERRATED!!

Lifetime AA ND Fan

Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 8:21 a.m.

Maybe, maybe not. The jury is still out.

Robert Granville

Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 4:15 p.m.

Brady Hoke is like a kid in a candy store when it comes to Michigan football. He's not going anywhere. That being said, this is high praise. Go Blue