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Posted on Tue, Feb 8, 2011 : 4:28 p.m.

Brady Hoke assembles experienced group of assistants on Michigan football staff

By Pete Bigelow

As Brady Hoke hired his first coaching staff at the University of Michigan, it became obvious that he was assembling a seasoned group of assistant football coaches.

When the process officially concluded Monday with hiring of defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery and defensive backs coach Curt Mallory, we could finally quantify that collective experience.

The Wolverines’ assistant coaches have 219 years of college or pro coaching experience between them, an average of 24.3 years for each member of the nine-man assistant staff.

Thumbnail image for AL-BORGES.jpg

Michigan football offensive coordinator Al Borges brings 29 years of experience to the Wolverines.

With nine years in college coaching, Montgomery is the least-experienced member of the staff. With 35 years of experience, defensive coordinator Greg Mattison is the most experienced.

By comparison, it’s a far more experienced staff than the first one Rich Rodriguez brought together during his first year in Ann Arbor.

Collectively, Rodriguez’s first staff had 144 years of experience in 2008, which averaged 16 per assistant. His most experienced was running backs coach Fred Jackson, who entered his 29th season at the time.

Hoke’s first staff is also more experienced than the current Ohio State group of assistants, who have 191 years of collective experience.

It’s harder to quantify exactly how that experience trickles down into on-field success, but it’s probably safe to generally say that more experience is better.

Here’s how Hoke’s staff breaks down:

Al Borges, offensive coodinator. Years experience: 28. First stop: Cal (1982). Greg Mattison, defensive coordinator. Years experience: 35. First stop: Illinois (1976).

Dan Ferrigno, special teams/tight ends. Years experience: 32. First stop: San Francisco State (1978).

Mark Smith, linebackers. Years experience: 29. First stop: Bowling Green (1982).

Curt Mallory, defensive backs. Years experience: 18. First stop: Michigan (1992).

Jerry Montgomery, defensive line. Years experience: 9. First stop: Iowa (2002).

Jeff Hecklinski, wide receivers. Years experience: 13. First stop: Benedictine (1998).

Darrell Funk, offensive line. Years experience: 23. First stop: Colorado State (1987).

Fred Jackson, running backs. Years experience: 32. First stop: Toledo (1979).

Pete Bigelow covers the Michigan football team for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at (734) 623-2551, via e-mail at petebigelow@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @PeterCBigelow.

Comments

Mick

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 11:58 p.m.

@Dusty, did I say anywhere that I wouldn't want to win the Super Bowl? How do you garner such things. ERMG gets what I meant, I don't know why you didn't.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Thu, Feb 10, 2011 : 2:52 a.m.

Mick, it's proof positive that the man crush crowd operates sans logic and facts. Good Night and Good Luck

Dusty

Thu, Feb 10, 2011 : 1:24 a.m.

Maybe you don't notice it, but ERMG is CONSTANTLY reading things that aren't there in posts I make, then retorting with something that has nothing to do with what I'm talking about. I still find it funny that he'd defend you like that after the behavior he exibits around here.

Mick

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 6:54 p.m.

That's funny Edward, you prospering fellow you!!! I remember commenting on the "Pride of Detroit" Blog after my Lions destroyed Green Bay's Offense and beat them 7-3 with our 3rd string QB, a guy from Moo U., I stated then that I'd rather win a game 7-3 over 67-65 any day! I don't want to hear how Aaron Rodgers was injured, The Lions were the ones who injured him right about halftime. BTW, look out for the Lions next year, between them and U-M, we could be in store for some special moments!

Dusty

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 9:16 p.m.

Rofl? ERMG saying "not what he said. Proof you'll argue just about anything". That's rich.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 7:51 p.m.

Not what he said. But proof you'll argue about just about anything. Good Night and Good Luck

Dusty

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 6:58 p.m.

So you'd rather win one game 7-3 against a team who goes on to win the Super Bowl (with a 5 defensive back dase defense, by the way), than actually win the Super Bowl?

Edward Vielmetti

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 6:35 p.m.

I want to be entertained, and winning games are a lot more entertaining than losing games. Besides, the more the team wins, the higher the prices for near-stadium football parking, and my neighbors and I appreciate that.

MichFanTex

Thu, Feb 10, 2011 : 12:19 a.m.

LOL, there you go, keeping your priorities in line.

missionbrazil

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 8:14 p.m.

Agreed Edward ... winning games is by far more entertaining than losing them. The Thrill of Victory and the Agony of Defeat.

Keith

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 6:33 p.m.

Do not be confused with Quantity over Quality. But I am OK with having both...GO BLUE!

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 6:03 p.m.

Dusty wrote: "What can I say? I don't like boring football. Win or lose, I like to be entertained." Well, if "entertainment" is the objective, no need to worry about championships, national or otherwise, right? And, if that's the measure of success . . . well, actually, no. The last three years underwhatshisname were not entertaining. That is, not unless you were into sadomasochism. Then I'm certain the last three years were quite enjoyable. Good Night and Good Luck

Dusty

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 6:32 p.m.

You already said this once. What is wrong with you?

missionbrazil

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 5:40 p.m.

There was nothing "entertaining" about 52-14 vs Miss. St., or 37-7 vs OSU, or 48-28 vs Wiscy, or...; and there was nothing "entertaining" about watching the Purdue game, even though we won, or the "win" vs U Mass. The comeback against ND was somewhat entertaining, as was the win against U Conn. Watching DRob break free on some long runs was entertaining, but watching him get hurt in most games definitely was not. And there was absolutely nothing "entertaining" about watching our D or special teams last year. Thus overall, 2010 was a huge fail if you wanted to be entertained. Give us a well coached & tough team that executes on both sides of the ball and plays good special teams; a team that wins championships like the HC has stated is the expectation and goal ... now THAT's entertainment !

MichFanTex

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 3:08 p.m.

Dusty, Your quote "Win or lose, I want to be entertained", I'm sure you don't speak for the other's that still pine for RR, but do you suppose they feel the same way, that it doesn't matter if Michigan loses all their games so long as you (they) are personally entertained? Speaking only for myself, I'm most entertained by a team that plays excellent fundamental WINNING football.

David Vande Bunte

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 5:48 p.m.

Agreed, I would MUCH rather have a boring football team that consistently wins over an exciting team that loses, any day of the week. Especially Saturdays.

D21

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 2:23 p.m.

"You owe it to every man, woman, and child in the State of Michigan to beat the Buckeyes and silence their fans! Now go out there and make it happen!" - Bo Schembechler (Result: U-M 22 OSU 0) __________________________________________________ "You owe it to every man, woman, and child in the State of Michigan to beat the Buckeyes and silence their fans & WHATSHISNAME! Now go out there and make it happen!" - Brady Hoke (Result: UM > Ohio)

Mick

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 6:32 p.m.

Yo D21, man I loved that 1976 game, shutting them out in C'Bus with a sophomore Leach, can't wait for those days returning soon to a stadium near you. BTW, thanks for the props buddy, means a lot!! Go Blue!!

Dusty

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 6:31 p.m.

I didn't say it doesn't matter if Michigan loses all their games. Please don't put words in my mouth. I said that regardless of whether we win or lose, I want to be entertained. That means I want to be entertained if we win and I want to be entertained when we lose. Reading comprehension is your friend.

D21

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 1:22 p.m.

Thanks Mick and Tru2Blu76, Ya rock, too! The Hoke interview excerpt by Wojo was gleaned from DetNews. Hoke is part of who we all are and he knows what to do without making any excuse, win or lose, while having fun at the same time. Danner and Tressel are tossing and turning in their beds knowing the school between them is poised to whip both of em for many years to come. Danner and Tressel are also waking up and crying out, "I miss whathisname, I MISS WHATSHISNAME" on a daily basis. GO BLUE!

Blu n Tpa

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 12:44 p.m.

Dusty, I agree with Mick that was well written. "I don't like boring football" "Win or lose, I want to be entertained." Although I like to be entertained, I think a coach's priority is winning football games. Have I been been on the edge of my seat in a Michigan loss? At the Rose Bowl vs Texas. Two teams, nationally ranked playing in CA and I'm there. I get it. One team's going to lose but it does matter HOW you lose. The last 3 games, were those entertaining? All that defensive experience over the previous 12 games, did it show up at the Gator Bowl? I sat through that game also. On the edge of my seat? Yes, wanted to throw up in the men's room. People here know leadership when they see it. I'm on board, and there's room for you. TiM Go Blue!

Tru2Blu76

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 4:52 a.m.

D21: Great Brady Hoke quotes! Thanks for bringing them here. Hardly a day goes by without running into something positive about Coach Hoke. What a "world of difference" from when the Guy Before came in. We can't always know how new recruits will turn out, we can't always know how new coaches and their coaching staff will turn out: but we do know that all of these Hoke Era coaches were vetted as to how they feel about coaching at Michigan. We know too how the new recruits feel about being players for Michigan and we definitely know that the corps of juniors who've been through hell the last two years ARE true Michigan Wolverines and will be ready to fulfill their destiny as great players and part of a great team. I think the fans will see the difference come Autumn and I think the Big Ten Conference will definitely FEEL the difference as the 2011 season progresses.

Josh

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 3:29 a.m.

I cant wait to see what this new coaching staff can produce. I believe our offense will be just as good if not better this year. Our defense should make huge strides in becoming better. I never did understand why we ever put 5 db's out there to begin with. Why put sooooo many of your worse players on the field? I am a firm believer in the best 11 should be on the field. Our secondary will get a big boost with the return of woolfolk and flyod. If we can be some what competitive in stopping the pass our defense will be leaps and bounds better this year. With the talent on offense and the coaching staff working on the defense, I see a very good year ahead of us. It will be good to see the tradition of michigan football back this season. Our new slogan should be "Michigan... Its tradition." GO BLUE!!!!

Mick

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 3:04 a.m.

I'd like to personally thank the following commenters on this here blog: 1st Down, Murrow's Ghost, D21, MissionBrazil, HeartbreakM, DonAZ, AZWolverine, BLUnTPA, Jaysham, tulsatom, #58ontheroster and some others that I'm forgetting. Thank you guys for your persevering attitudes and great posts all of you have made for me to enjoy reading with pride. As for Portage, Theo, Tater, Dusty and Lorain, these five have stayed their course for some odd reason, instead of looking forward to great things. Their affinity of whatshisname is mystifying to me and not allowing them to let it go. But they are M fans and we will make room for them on our double decker bus to enjoy future M Football greatness!!! TiM, Go Blue!!!

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 6:02 p.m.

"What can I say? I don't like boring football. Win or lose, I like to be entertained." Well, if "entertainment" is the objective, no need to worry about championships, national or otherwise, right? And, if that's the measure of success . . . well, actually, no. The last three years underwhatshisname were not entertaining. That is, not unless you were into sadomasochism. Then I'm certain the last three years were quite enjoyable. BTW, thanks, Mick!! Good Night and Good Luck

D21

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 1:15 p.m.

Thanks Mick, Ya rock, too! Hoke is part of who we all are and he knows what to do without making any excuse, win or lose, while having fun at the same time. Danner and Tressel are tossing and turning in their beds knowing the school between them is poised to destroy both of em for many years to come. GO BLUE!

PortageLkBlu

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 12:55 p.m.

Mick, yes there are people out there that don't agree with all your incredible Holk fantasies. Yes, it's nice to hear Brady rattling his sabers and singing the mighty praises of Mich. past and future but to some, that's just all it is so far. As far as him not making excuses why would he, Brady hasn't head coached a loss yet let alone a win. I think I'll wait and see what he can do on the field. If you want to fantasize Mich. at the head of the class that is your thing, the way I see it that possibility is a long way off going back to that style football but hey, we're playing it safe.

Mick

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 9:34 a.m.

@Dusty, look man, I appreciate your heart felt response, I'm sorry if I offended you by grouping you in with the aformentioned. However, it just seems to me from some of your comments that you were lamenting our previous coach being fired and kinda poo-pooing the Hoke regime. But you don't have to call people that you disagree with as ignorant, you know? That's uncalled for my friend. It comes off dismissive. As for what we'll see schematically on the O and D, I believe that we will see a better coached team that has better attention to detail. Don't you think I want to see exciting Football too? But no matter how a team wins, winning is the most exciting part of all. Don't worry mate, based on what I saw from Hoke out here at SDSU, we're going to be a well balanced team that will play at a high level. I guess in this regard, time can be your only elixer. Go Blue!!

Dusty

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 6:13 a.m.

But I'll continue to defend the schemes themselves when they are directly attacked by people who ignorantly use them as reasons WHY he failed. And if people like Murrow want to read more into that than is there, then that's their folly.

Dusty

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 6:07 a.m.

I'd love you to show me even one single post where I have said anything that wasn't in full support of Hoke. (I'm not like Rush L. I don't want the current leadership to fail, and by extension the program I love, just so I can say "see, OUR way was better afterall). I'd also love you to show me where I've shown support for Rich Rod beyond defending some of the things he just so happens to use, like the spread or the 3-3-5 defense. I was very pro-spread long before Rich Rod came to town, and I'm also very fond of less vanilla defensive schemes, such as the 3-3-5. What can I say? I don't like boring football. Win or lose, I like to be entertained. And I'm PRAYING that Borges and Mattison do more than deploy standard pro style O and 4-3 cover 2 D. They have enough experience to be calculatingly aggressive within those schemes, and I hope they do so. My greatest fear is that I'll be watching Michigan's version of "Tressell-ball" for the forseeable future. And if you want real insight into why I think like I do, it's because when I think of Michigan football, I think of a pioneering program that exemplifies the phrase "leaders and best". And that, to me, means being ahead of the curve on the constantly changing landscape of college football. We literally taught he college football world how to play the sport 130 years ago. Gary Moeller shifted from Bo's option offense to the pro-style offense (with a no-huddle twist) when it started gaining popularity around the country. This decade, the spread has emerged and is spreading like wildfire (no pun intended) around the country, showing up in varying degrees in many of the major programs. That's why I was so supportive of Rich Rod. When he arrived, he represented the next step the evolution of Michigan football over the years. Since then, we've seen that *HE* failed. I have never and will never argue against that, despite what people like Murrow like to make up about me.

PortageLkBlu

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 1:16 a.m.

500 or 1000 yrs makes no difference without the horses. Now, if he recruits well in 3-5 years we may be headed in the right direction but some of you act like the other studs in the 10 are going to just sit and watch Mich. reload. No way Jose, you better keep the patience this is going to be a long process. You guys are acting like beginners in this game with no memory of all these great teams around the country, you act like there all, Nebraska, ohio state and the rest of the 10 is going to roll over for Mich. I remember how in the past with Bo and Mo and even for awhile LLoyd how it used to astonish so many Mich. fans when teams around the country handled us so easy especially proven with our Bowl record the last 40+ yrs. Every year Mich fans thought no one could beat us and then well, I'm a realist and I know it will take a long time before we can consistantly handle ohio state but you guys go ahead and brag, I think it helps you.

missionbrazil

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 7:59 p.m.

"500 or 1000 yrs makes no difference without the horses. Now, if he recruits well in 3-5 years we may be headed in the right direction but some of you act like the other studs in the 10 are going to just sit and watch Mich. reload. No way Jose, you better keep the patience this is going to be a long process. You guys are acting like beginners in this game..." Yeah, no one is being negative. Portage, sounds like you just admitted your guy left the cupboard bare ... but don't worry, BH is a classy guy and he won't use that as an excuse ... nor will he need to.

Dusty

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 6:41 p.m.

I thought you all agreed it was "time to move on", Murrow. I don't see anybody being negative here but you.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 5:57 p.m.

When whatshisname was here we had no horses--LC's fault. When Hoke arrives, we all of a sudden discover we have horse--thanks to whatshisname. Proof that a man crush needs no logic. Good night and Good Luck

Dusty

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 6:04 a.m.

I disagree. I think we have the horses. I just think that when you field a unit like this year's secondary with 6 freshmen in the 2-deep lineup, you're in trouble no matter what you do. But there is an upside to what happened this past season. We now have a crap-ton of kids on the defensive side of the ball who have a year of game experience they wouldn't otherwise have had. If you don't understand how valuable that is, then you don't understand college football. A great example is Florida in 2007. The secondary was chock-full of freshmen, much like Michigan this past season. They had one of the worst passing defenses in the nation (98th) and were torched by Michigan in their bowl game (and would have been blown completely out if it wasn't for the fact Ron English had no clue how to stop a spread offense). The following year that same defense, with the same coaches and the same players, was ranked 20th against the pass and helped Florida win the SEC and BSC titles. I'm not saying we should expect this kind of turnaround. But I'm saying I think we can expect a much bigger turnaround than many of you believe is possible.

1st Down

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 5:34 a.m.

HeartbreakM...great point about his 'horses' comment... that says it all....simply just another guy who is enamored with the disposed coach...but really knows deep down that the guy failed miserably.

D21

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 2:47 a.m.

HeartbreakM, Good point! PLB, Hoke put himself on line by setting high expectations without any excuse which is a breath of fresh air. Of course, if they fall short, I am behind Hoke as long as he is teaching UM the right way. Life isn't perfect and the players can learn from the best, win or lose. As for whatishisname, the players learn nothing but how to dispense excuses and to blame others for their failure. GO BLUE!

heartbreakM

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 2:22 a.m.

Portage: I don't get you. You are very critical of Michigan for jettisoning the former coach, saying he needed more time and would have been successful. Yet, you say "we have no horses". Are you implying that these players are not good? Or that they can only play in one system (which makes them less than good players, IMO)? If they are football players, they will adapt fine, and actually benefit from some real coaching for a change. You will see. We may be failures next year--Hoke's definition--but I predict that we will not see the type of junk we have seen for the last 3 years. ANd that's a start.

missionbrazil

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 12:36 a.m.

" If we don't win the championship, we failed, period." BH has put together a great staff, and they are certainly capable of leading our team to the BT title - this year.

heartbreakM

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 2:20 a.m.

Expectations are now set. Goals have been set. THat is the first sign of leadership. First of its kind in 3 years. And his line about "captains" was also telling.

azwolverine

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 12:11 a.m.

I'm very confident in this staff. It's great to have experienced, proven coordinators on both sides of the ball that come in on the same page as the head coach. They are familiar with what they will be running and yet bring enough flexibility (as they've proven over the years) to make subtle changes, if necessary, to fit personnel. And let's not forget the strength coach, Wellman, who has a habit of stacking 20+ lbs on lineman in his first offseason with them. Michigan Football, here we come!

Dusty

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 6:35 p.m.

Oh, I also do a little volunteer work at some of the middle schools here in Atlanta, work with gym teachers, and work with the Boys and Girls Club.

Dusty

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 6:24 p.m.

Oh, this is going to be fun. Murrow, not only do I have a B.S. in Kinesiology and a B.S. in Nutrition with an emphasis on sports nutrition, but I have been a personal trainer for more than than a decade. If you take a kid who has never worked out before and put him on a rigorous training program and diet, you may see him gain 15-20 pounds of muscle in the first year (depending on his body type). But that's because it's the first year. You aren't going to take a group of kids who have been training at the division 1 collegiate level already and get that kind of gain. It just isn't going to happen. 5% in a year is a HUGE gain for somebody who is already in shape.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 5:55 p.m.

"Ok, hold on. This is not only untrue, it's ridiculous. If you gain 20 lbs in an offseason, you got fat. Period. You don't gain 20 lbs. of "good weight" in a full year, much less an off season. At least not without HGH." Really? Do you have your M.D.? A Ph.D. in exercise physiology? A Ph.D. nutrition? An advanced degree in any field whatsoever that would suggest you have any idea what you are talking about? Didn't think so. Just bloviation. Good Night and Good Luck

Blu n Tpa

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 11:52 a.m.

Dusty, you must really hate the warmth and optimism flowing from this thread. Yes, in one year you can add, safely, 10% of their body weight as muscle., especailly if they're still maturing into men. (Which most of them are.) Muscle weighs more, has greater mass than fat so adding 20 lbs to a 266 lb DL or 280 OL isn't that hard. No one knocked Coach Barwis, but he did leave right? And, the reason he was still here was he had a different contract, if I remember correctly. Enjoy the read, and remember TiM! Go Blue!

Dusty

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 5:25 a.m.

"And let's not forget the strength coach, Wellman, who has a habit of stacking 20+ lbs on lineman in his first offseason with them." Ok, hold on. This is not only untrue, it's ridiculous. If you gain 20 lbs in an offseason, you got fat. Period. You don't gain 20 lbs. of "good weight" in a full year, much less an off season. At least not without HGH. Wellman is a well known and well respected S&C coach, but you're greatly exaggerating. The players are already in tip-top shape, and you'll be greatly disappointed if you're expecting them to bulk up so much in the offseason because you think the new S&C coach is so much better than the last one. Particularly when the S&C coach who was just here is just as well respected around the industry. (There is a reason Barwis wasn't fired along with the rest of RR's staff. He is very, very good at what he does, just like Aaron Wellman.)

clarklaker

Tue, Feb 8, 2011 : 11:12 p.m.

I am really excited about the Mattison hire. This guy is a fabulous recruiter as well as a great DC.Urban Meyer calls him the best DC in college football. After last year that is a breath of fresh air.Here is to the day when we look forward to watching our defense shut down other teams.To this day i still dont understand why they ran the dreaded 3-3-5 prevent.

D21

Tue, Feb 8, 2011 : 11:07 p.m.

Awesome to know that it is a 180 degree difference from Rich (Excuses and more excuses) Rodriguez to Brady (No Excuses but B1G Crystals) Hoke. Crystal Hoke or Crystals Hoke, you decide. GO BLUE!

D21

Tue, Feb 8, 2011 : 11:03 p.m.

1st Down, Yeah, great interview by Hoke. Too many good ones to post in here but here's a few of em: Q=Wojo A=Hoke Q. You have 18 starters back next year, including the Big Ten offensive player of the year. I'm thinking an 8-4 record, minimum. What do you think? A. If we don't win the championship, we failed, period. Q. Have you looked at your roster closely and assessed how good you could or couldn't be? A. No. If we don't win the championship, we failed. Q. So I suppose it's possible then? A. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't. ------------------------------------------------------------- Q. You always say 'Ohio' instead of 'Ohio State.' A. Yeah. Q. How come? A. (Smiles.) I don't know. Q. You're considered a likable guy, intense and easygoing at the same time. Here's the question: Can you be ruthless enough to take on the Jim Tressels and others? A. Mean, ruthless, whatever, I'm a competitor. And our team is gonna be made up of competitors. Look, I'm gonna be who I am. I was a linebacker and now I'm a nose tackle (chuckles), but that linebacker mentality never goes away. We're going to be aggressive in everything we do. ------------------------------------------------------------- Q. One guy not leaving is quarterback Denard Robinson. Was that an easy sell for you? A. He's a great kid. When I met with him, he told me, 'Coach, I'm not going anywhere. I want a Michigan degree.' And he fits because of what he can do. Denard's got a great arm, but he won't have to be featured every down, which makes you a little more dangerous as an offense. And he's not gonna get the crap beaten out of him like at the end of the year. He thanked me for that. Hmm, hope RR is gonna read that interview and learn something from Hoke. GO BLUE!

missionbrazil

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 7:20 p.m.

Great job D21. BH is more than a person who "says the right things", as some people have said. What he says is who he is ... it reflects his character. Whay you see (and hear) is what you get. The players will buy into his philosophy and goals & expectations, and they will produce for him.

Keith

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 6:38 p.m.

I will settle for a team that takes and gives a beating and learns thru the season over a team that only takes a beating and regresses. GO BLUE! History always repeats itself. Those who fail are doom to repeat it.

heartbreakM

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 2:19 a.m.

The "failed" line is just the best. Sort of like the "exponentially better" line, huh? (Not).

1st Down

Tue, Feb 8, 2011 : 10:49 p.m.

Hokemania baby! Anyone doubting this guy's ability to lead should go read Wojo's interview with him at that other Det. paper's website. The guy knows the value of surrounding himself with an excellent coaching staff, not just his buddies...but guys who have a variety of experiences and can bring value to the student athlete's experience at Michigan. TiM.

heartbreakM

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 2:18 a.m.

@1st: I look at that interview and my jaw drops with awe (and hope). I think Hoke has said and done the right things so far, and it seems like the football program is light years ahead of where it was after that 52-14 beatdown on NY Day. It's funny--in one breath, he thanks the former coach for his hard work, then goes and says what Michigan will do and will not do, and it's basically fixing the wrongs that have been done or ignored. He is critical w/o naming names--but it is so clear what Hoke thinks of the former coach. Hoke's interview just reassured me even more--everything out of his mouth speaks of a leader, of a coach who has a plan, of a man who understands where he is and respects it. THat's the type of leader we needed 3 years ago.

Blu n Tpa

Tue, Feb 8, 2011 : 10:48 p.m.

Do you have to have the WCiMFH right after the end of the article? I'm feeling good about the staff and there's "his" picture in the "Related Articles" section. The Coaching staff is balanced with the OC/DC having three decades of experience, on average. Everybody else is well seasoned with just enough "youth" to kept thing moving along. While it appears to be defensive oriented, that's just because we didn't have much in that department recently. Now, find out what you got, decide how to use it the best, and go win some dang football games. (Especially so the oh-so-reluctant can get on board the New Michigan Express. TiM Go Blue!