psaume23

Mon, Jan 10, 2011 : 8:50 p.m.

Those who do not recognize the importance of Michigan tradition just do not get it. That was probably the first hint that things were not going to work out with the Rich Rod group. If you really want to be a Michigan fan and don't understand the tradition, study it and you might get it, too.

1st Down

Mon, Jan 10, 2011 : 5:39 p.m.

58 is OK...5 yrs and out, build up recruiting again, get back to playing Meechigan football... coach in waiting to take over in 5-6 years would mean job well done by Les.

Dusty

Mon, Jan 10, 2011 : 5:36 p.m.

Not a single UM source has ever mentioned Brady Hoke. His candidacy is 100% the product of the media. He's not getting the UM job. Period. He doesn't have the pedigree. He may someday, but right now he's not even close.

D21

Mon, Jan 10, 2011 : 5:10 p.m.

Les (High Mileage) Miles If you dudes want him, it is cool with me anyway. Just hope he is more honest and forthright if he choose to accept Brandon's offer. Miles will be 58 next Nov.

D21

Mon, Jan 10, 2011 : 4:57 p.m.

wvtroll, That is one of the main reasons why I wasn't too impressed with RR in first place considering his WVU baggage. Now RR is likely to be an OC than a head coach which is a pretty precipitous fall for him. I can't apologize for then AD Bill Martin cuz he failed to follow the Michigan Man philosophy.

truebluefan

Mon, Jan 10, 2011 : 4:56 p.m.

1st down & missionbrazil -- Great points. I neglected to look at Ok St prior to Miles' arrival. Thanks for the education. Well, I stand corrected then. I've watched a lot of LSU football since Miles took over and he is definitely a great game day coach. His guys always seem to be at their best when they're playing against the toughest competition. His bowl record and record in the SEC are both excellent. And who wouldn't love the fact that Miles is 1-0 against Ohio St?!

missionbrazil

Mon, Jan 10, 2011 : 2:17 p.m.

1st Down is right, OK State had 1 winning season between 1990 and 2000, and the season before LM took over they were 3-8 and 1-7 in their conference. They were only 4-7 in his 1st year but they beat their rival, defending national champs Oklahoma. Then they went up to 8-5 and then 9-4 from there. The one thing that impressed me about LM is his record in bowl games at LSU, 5-1, and the average margin of victory in his 5 wins is 26 points.

1st Down

Mon, Jan 10, 2011 : 1:21 p.m.

truebluefan.... once again this argument of 'what someone did at this school' has to come with the caveat of 'what was the program like prior to them getting there'. Like Harbaugh did at Stanford, Miles built OSU (not that OSU) up from a bad program in to a good one. Look at the prior record. OSU (not that OSU) had only one winning season in a bunch of seasons prior to Les getting there (coincidentally that one year, 1997 Miles was the OC!)... when he became HC in 2001, they built up to a consistent winner. Gundy has a lot to thank Miles for building.... the parallel between Gundy taking what Miles built and going forward has a lot in common with Miles taking what Saban built at LSU and going forward strong....you cant cite one instance trueblue, without giving proper credit to the other. Miles is a strong coach with a strong HC record. That is not disputable.

truebluefan

Mon, Jan 10, 2011 : 12:39 p.m.

Look at Les' years with Ok St: 4-7, 8-5, 9-4, 7-5. Very average record. Mike Gundy has done quite a bit better. To his credit, Miles has been able to maintain the elite program that Nick Saban built. But I'm not so sure that he is the best guy to build up Michigan.

wvtroll

Mon, Jan 10, 2011 : 12:37 p.m.

"On Saturday night, LSU athletic director Joe Alleva issued a statement saying that LSU had not been contacted by anyone at Michigan regarding Miles." The one thing I didn't like about Michigan and the RR deal was that UM never contacted WVU to ask for the permission to talk to RR. Now I realize this rule isn't written in stone when dealing with new coach recruitment, but it's an accepted practice. Now, again, if UM has tried to lure Miles away from LSU, they've broken that rule again. UM will gain a bad reputation as a thief of coaches, tarnishing their image a little further. The one thing I liked about Michigan and the RR deal was that UM stole him, and got him out of the state of WV.

missionbrazil

Mon, Jan 10, 2011 : 12:01 p.m.

Terry Dean "Miles is a nice and honest man, just not a head coach." I think the vast majority of people would disagree with that statement "Les Miles is not a head coach". Has he had some issues with clock management in some games? Yes. I would have to see some proof that it actually cost him 5-7 games though; that seems high. But his record speaks for itself: *1 NC at LSU * his worst season was 8-5 (the only time his team was not rated in the Top 25) * he has 3 11-2 seasons and a 12-2 season in 6 seasons at LSU * his LSU teams have finished in the Top 17 or better 5 of 6 times * won 18 games vs Top 25 teams * they won the tough SEC West 2 times and finished 2nd 3 times * his LSU teams have won 5 of 6 bowl games * his teams won their bowl games by an average of 26 pts. * their only bowl loss was a 2 pt. loss to PSU * he is 1-0 against Tressel Different coaching style? Yes Some clock management issues? Yes Quirky? Yes Eats grass? Yes But the man can definitely coach. His record speaks for itself. To say he is not a head coach is definitely over the top.

J. Dean

Mon, Jan 10, 2011 : 9:19 a.m.

For those who are apprehensive about Hoke, do some research on him. If you take away his first year at Ball State and his first year at SDSU (which, in fairness, you should do, since transitioning coaching styles in the first year often results in a low season no matter what), he's solid. While Hoke wasn't my first choice initially, I'm beginning to think that we'll have a good coach with him, one that will give us winning seasons. If nothing else, Hoke will be a step in the right direction.

Blu-dogg97

Mon, Jan 10, 2011 : 8:54 a.m.

I'm guessing we will know DB's decision by halftime of the Mich v. OSU BB game on Wed.. GO Blue in both!!

Blu-n-Tpa

Mon, Jan 10, 2011 : 8:15 a.m.

TD. I know where you're coming from on this. Watched a couple of LSU games and LM's clock management is suspect at times. He also pulls games out of his butt for wins so that's a double edge sword. I would assign a grad assistant the sole job of end of half, end of game clock/timeout management. I'm surprise how many games are won-lossed by misuse of timeouts, so it's not just a JM issue. As far as LS's suggestion about LM/BH teaming up for a couple of years I feel most coaches don't voluntarily go backwards on the coaching ladder. I used to have a saying about sex and money. If you never had either you couldn't really miss it, but once you had some, you wanted more. Being in charge, having the power, and few people in our society have has much power and control as a head coach in college, would be difficult to give up. A head coach in waiting only works if the team is doing well. Human nature would rear it's ugly head at some point. The answer is coming in the next 72 hours. tater and 1984 have already writen their attacks on DB choice. They jsut have to fill in the name of the coach and hit "enter".

Craig Lounsbury

Mon, Jan 10, 2011 : 8:13 a.m.

ethanblue@ I have no objection to paying a substantial salary to a new football coach. I fully understand the importance the football program has and nothing I wrote says otherwise. When you say my argument that the tax payers own the University (please note "own" is collectively) is flawed then state... "Most of the money the University generates is from rich alumni like Stephen Ross who donate millions to have buildings named after them." you are actually making my argument for me. Stephen Ross donated millions and got a building named after himself. What he didn't get was the deed to the building. The building is NOT part of his real estate portfolio. He doesn't own the building. But somebody does. WE do. The collective people of the State of Michigan own the building. I've kicked this dead dog 3-4 times in this thread and several others over the months.I think some people can't grasp that funding and ownership are two separate things.

Terry Dean

Mon, Jan 10, 2011 : 7:03 a.m.

I agree, the term Michigan Man might be getting old. As for Les Miles, let's review his math skills. Over the past few seasons his losses came because he could not pay attention to the game clock. He was too involved with something else on the field. As I look back, he could have another 5 to 7 wins if he could count and take care of the game clock as well as how many people are on the field. I think Less is a position coach, offensive line coach. I can hear it now on television; behind by one point, Michigan on the 7 yard line with 14 seconds to go, they line up and spike the ball, no time outs left and the clock expires. A Michigan Man is joked about on television. Miles is a nice and honest man, just not a head coach. Let's look at Hoke or maybe Gruden. Is the Boise State and TCU coach out of this?

charles h carlson

Mon, Jan 10, 2011 : 6:49 a.m.

Please focus on what is importan to the whole University. The Athletic Dept. is not a separate Corp. to do as they wish. This debacle is not good. We have higher standards as a University than whether a coach is a Micigan Man or not. Was Bo a Michigan Man, when he was from OSU and Miami of Ohio? We need a quality person who shares the standards of Big Ten Universities. Whether we win or lose is not as important as how we played the game. It is after all still a game played by boys.

JimRhatt

Mon, Jan 10, 2011 : 4:50 a.m.

I would like to thank and commend Stefanie Murray and the Ann Arbor.com staff for it's excellent job of controlling the posts. Of the Freep's over 1300 postings on that firing article the other day, about 10% were "on topic". What a boring waste of time. Again, THANKS!! Go Blue!

Jeromy

Mon, Jan 10, 2011 : 2:03 a.m.

best case scenario, brandon hires les miles, and miles gets hoke to be dc until he retires, then simply hands the reigns to brady. it does many things. gives u of m 2 coaches, with no need to look for another one anytime soon. miles knows offense, hoke knows defense. it's a win/win situation for everyone. that might just come down to whether brady hoke will leave sdsu to be dc. but the way i see it, you'd have 2 coaches known for winning and/or turning around football programs working together....and both love michigan football.

The Fan

Mon, Jan 10, 2011 : 12:30 a.m.

I don't think fans are going to have any say or sway on the new HC. What ever coach DB and "The people behind the curtain" choose, we all have to support whether we like it or not. That's the only way its going to work. MUST HAVE SUPPORT!!!

Jaysham

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 11:48 p.m.

@PortageLakeBlue & heartbreakM I agree with your points on Mike Belloti as a good coach and would be able to adapt in A2 with the current talent. Only thing is the haters will complain about his age he just turned 60 in December. What I want to know is who every wants as the next head coach? I will put down 5 names and see who wants who. 1 Les Miles 2 Brady Hoke 3 Mike Bellotti 4 Gary Patterson 5 Chris Peterson

Blu-dogg97

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 11:40 p.m.

more tid-bits from LSU.com about miles : in addition to his 51 victories, some other notable accomplishments during his first five years with the Tigers include: only coach in LSU history to beat Auburn, Florida and Alabama in same season - and he's done it twice; only first-year coach in SEC history to lead team to league's title game; nine wins over coaches who have won national titles; and the only coach in LSU history to lead Tigers to three-straight top-five final ranking. There is a Domino's jet(which DB has access to) in Dallas where Miles agent is located,just heard this on sports overtime.. where there's smoke there's ----? Just Saying.. Go Blue..

DonAZ

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 11:33 p.m.

This is not rocket science. Here's the key... the model... the template for Michigan football coaches: 1) Win with honor and integrity 2) Go into each practice and each game knowing there is no easy answer, no free pass to victory. Play and win with hard work and perseverance. 3) Losses are inevitable. When you lose, lose with class and honor. Never disparage the opponent. Shake hands like men and leave the field with heads high knowing you left your all on the field. 4) Seek first the honor of the Big Ten title. Only then focus on higher aspirations Do those four, and you're a "Michigan Man"... and it is our honor to welcome you into the fine tradition of our football program.

Blu-dogg97

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 11:24 p.m.

I copied this from LSU.com : Miles goes into the 2010 season with a record at LSU of 51-15, including a 27-13 mark in SEC regular season games. He's also won 18 games against top 25 teams and eight against teams in the top 10. On 13 different occasions, Miles has led the Tigers to a comeback win in either the fourth quarter or overtime. Just saying... Go Blue..

ethanblue

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 11:03 p.m.

Lounsbury: Who do you think owns all the buildings over there on the campus? The tax payers do. A landlord still owns a building even if he/she never spends a dime of their own money to pay the mortgage or maintain it. We the people of Michigan (aka taxpayers) own a "property/business" that generates a decent cash flow that covers a large chunk of its operating costs. It doesn't change the ownership factor. Really? This is so logically flawed. Most of the money the University generates is from rich alumni like Stephen Ross who donate millions to have buildings named after them. Besides all of that, try to go and to take a chair out of one of the classrooms because you "own" the school as a taxpayer. The police will get a good laugh as they take you to Washtenaw County Jail. You don't own a piece of the road simply because you pay taxes, and I wouldn't want to claim ownership of any road in Michigan. You also need to really understand that once you decide to give money to the University to attend a football game -- you don't own the team. Your "donation" is to get a thrill from going to the game. I do not understand your "logic" in many ways. Mary Sue Coleman is not the face of Michigan -- the head football coach is. Michigan has prestige in many academic areas, but the largest generator from the common public is the football team. People do not buy Michigan hats, tees, boxes, socks, house keys, blankets, etc. because they support the aeronautics department or the law school. I buy these products to support the football team. I have a friend on Michigan's law review, but I am not buying the gear to support her. That money is generated by a successful football program, and that money should be INVESTED in the coach. The return on that money, when invested well, will return more revenue than paying a coach half to a quarter of what they would love to if they could. If you have a chance at Apple stock, you buy it over some cheaper competitor because you know that the Apple stock is a solid investment -- even if that stock is double the price of competitor A. To those who are trying to call Miles slimy -- where is the proof? You do know that Michigan Big 10 schools do blackshirt/greyshirt a few players each year, too? Oh, and to say he signs between 60: 1. Wow, if he can recruit that many talented players each year...! 2. He's doing what they do as a conference by oversigning by 5 or so, but that does not make him some kind of criminal. His job is to win football games, which means signing some students who may not make it academically or who may need more time to develop. 3. Which leads to this: has Miles and his staff been sanctioned by the NCAA for illegal activity? No. Then what is your deal with the guy? He's not a LC disciple?

Blueman Rick

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 10:25 p.m.

"Not liking RR because he changed to a spread offense is like not liking Obama because he's a liberal" A very curious statement, indeed. Tim, I disliked RR not because he changed to the spread in his 1st season but for the simple fact that he foolishly changed to the spread when he DID NOT have the personnel to run it. He arrogantly threw away an entire season because he lacked the patience and foresight to implement his plan gradually. Your comparison of RR w/ O is poor and misguided. Of course, many dislike O expressly because he is liberal just as many disliked Bush because he was conservative. Political philosophy has nothing whatsoever to do with football philosophy. And thank goodness for that!

Blueman Rick

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 10:08 p.m.

"Part of being a "Michigan Man" is embracing the traditions of Michigan." Exactly right AZ. I agree 100% w/ Shea. I was also rubbed the wrong way when RR discarded the traditional offense for the spread even though he didn't have the personnel to run the spread. Foolish and the hand began writing on the wall at that moment. I, too, want to see a fullback, a tailback and tight ends again. And seeing the option in the playbook again would make me very happy indeed.

1st Down

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 9:13 p.m.

Listen to these players....they know the game.

B1

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 8:53 p.m.

What a mess!!!!

Stophersports

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 7:32 p.m.

Rick Chamberlin, Gary Pinkel, Brady Hoke.

azwolverine

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 7:16 p.m.

#58 is correct...the term "Michigan Man" was coined long before Bo in '89. If you go down to the UofM sports complex, by Schembechler Hall, Yost, etc, there is an old brick sign by the running track, from the 30'sor 40's, I believe, that talks about all of the great Michigan Men that have come before. That was long before Bo's time. Michigan Men is an ingrained, UM tradition.

Stophersports

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 6:57 p.m.

This tired old notion that Schembechler had no ties to Michigan prior to his arrival is absolutely absurd. He grew up in the Midwest, went to school in the conference footprint, and both coached and recruited against Michigan while at Ohio State. The point is that when he came to Ann Arbor, he knew exactly what Michigan was, and how to win in the Midwest. Crisler was the same way. Born in Illinois, went to college at Chicago, coached at Minnesota before coming to Ann Arbor and putting the wings on the helmets. Michigan doesn't necessarily need a coach with prior coaching experience at Michigan, but they do need to get someone who appreciates what it's like to coach in the Big Ten.

Mark

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 6:55 p.m.

How about Steve Mariucci, he is from Michigan. Ayt least see what he is all about.

Craig Lounsbury

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 6:50 p.m.

Mush Room, Who do you think owns all the buildings over there on the campus? The tax payers do. A landlord still owns a building even if he/she never spends a dime of their own money to pay the mortgage or maintain it. We the people of Michigan (aka taxpayers) own a "property/business" that generates a decent cash flow that covers a large chunk of its operating costs. It doesn't change the ownership factor.

D21

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 6:30 p.m.

Aside from getting Hoke, is there any way UM can trade Coleman for SDSU's Weber? GO BLUE!

Mush

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 6:30 p.m.

Craig Lounsbury said, "The tax payers own the team." About 22% of the University's revenue comes from Michigan taxpayers and that percentage has been decreasing by about 1% a year for 50 years. Students, if you want to know why your parents got through school with little or no debt while you are smothered by debt, this is the reason. Assuming the trend continues, it won't be very long before state revenue goes to zero and U of M will be a "public" university in name only. The taxpayers have defaulted and soon will own nothing at this university or any other university in this state. I don't even want to hear about how a football coach's salary is somehow a taxpayer burden or that taxpayers "own the team".

julieswhimsies

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 5:45 p.m.

@ Stephanie Murray Where is this "community forum". I couldn't find it. You have hidden it well!

debling

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 5:41 p.m.

The goal of any public funded University is to educate the residents of the State at the least cost possible, plain and simple. It is not a place to subsidize playing sports. I'm sorry athletic fans, that's way these institutions were set up in the first place in this country with your tax payer dollars. Marketable quantities carrying the valuable University brand such as music/dance/theater/entertainment/athletics (including football)/apparel or advertising and branding of the University have one important purpose and that is to provide revenue for the University. Each student tuition bill should have a line item clearly indicating how much the University brand has contributed to reducing their tuition. The success of these brands should be measured by how much they reduce the cost to students to attend the University. For those that think the athletic department should be run as an independent entity and spend their money as they choose on whatever luxuries they feel like (like big salaries, food for the athletes, great stadiums, etc), think again. They must be under constant oversight and measured by how much cash they generate for tuition paying students. Otherwise, the state has no business supporting this venue and you may as well spin it off as a private league.

PortageLkBlu

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 4:51 p.m.

Excuse me boys and girls, Bellotti was not coaching last year but his player filled team did pretty darn good.

Craig Lounsbury

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 4:51 p.m.

Sallyxyz@ "To all the posters who are saying that the next coach's salary is paid with taxpayer's dollars are wrong." No we aren't wrong. Your confusing the source of the money with who's money it is. The tax payers own the team. The revenue belongs to the owners of the team. Further more, in the 145+/- year rich history of Michigan sports the athletic department has only been in the black on a yearly basis for a small fraction of that. Just because they are currently in the black doesn't mean they have suddenly become a private corporation. We elect a Board of Regents to run our University on our behalf. Mary Sue Coleman and David Brandon work for us. We shouldn't lose site of that fact because on occasion they certainly do. On the point that UM is a "state taxpayer funded school," think again.

PortageLkBlu

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 4:47 p.m.

@HeartbreakM, your right not much is said about Mike Bellotti. He's one of those guys that kind of snuck in below the radar but in reality it was not an over night process if you study the guy. He's smooth, and always steady progress. I can tell you he is loved in Eugene and your are right Heartbreak he waxed Mich. the last two times they met once in Eugene and most recent in Ann Arbor oh, and let's not forget, he came back from was it 21 to beat Stanford (Harbaugh) last year. Pete Carrol always worried about Bellotti coached teams.

heartbreakM

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 4:07 p.m.

@Portage: You and I have bickered about RR through the year. That's now past. I like what you are implying about the Ducks. Bellotti is a name I have mentioned and it seems the faithful on this board don't care, because nobody ever responds. I hope that DB has included him on his short list. A proven winner, waxed Michigan twice, and a well liked guy out there. I think he'd understand Michigan's history and rivalries, especially given the Civil War. And I think DR could be developed under him. But most important, Oregon's defenses have been pretty good under Bellotti.

PortageLkBlu

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 3:52 p.m.

In 2000 during football season I was in Eugene, Oregon having a beer at a sports bar. I was chatting with two guys one looked like a wrestler and was in fact on the Ducks wrestling team. They were talking about their beloved Duck football team and how it was getting slowly better. I told these guys that I was born, raised and went to school in Ann Arbor and that I bled Wolverine football. These guys looked at me in awe and the wrestler says," Oh we're not anywhere as good as that program but we're getting better slowly". That boys and girls was just 11 years ago, the Ducks have come a long way and it started with coach Mike Bellotti.

tim

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 3:43 p.m.

Not liking RR because he changed to a spread offense is like not liking Obama because he's a liberal--- remember that's why we hired him, we kept getting beat by OSU and we needed change. The bottom line is that success silences the critics, if the next coach wins he's great if he loses he's bad---- all the rest is fluff

Steve

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 3:34 p.m.

A Michigan Man is a man who knows how to win! He works hard and instills the virtues of hard work and integrity in his players. He honors the past while building the future. No matter where you are from if you have those qualities you are a Michigan Man!

blueincolumbus

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 3:30 p.m.

Les Miles needs to be hired. He knows defense. He also knows how to play against big teams, and that will come in handy with OSU, MSU, Wisconsin, and when the Alabama game comes knocking.

Speechless

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 3:19 p.m.

Bread & Circus.... College kids playing football for the Saturday entertainment of older adults, along with its Sunday NFL counterpart, is a modern variation on the games at the old Roman Coliseum. Just as performances by gladiators and lions offered a way for emperors to distract and amuse the masses via controlled violence, commercialized football mostly fills a rather similar role today. And that drives the massive level of commenting on the subject of the future for U-M's coaching position. In the scheme of things, what happens to Rodriguez and his old job is every bit as earth-shaking as whether or not 'Brangelina' remains a unified brand name in La La Land. Then again, bread & circuses, like the rest of our culture, has its social and gender divisions. On U-M's Michigan Radio, just prior to the Rodriguez firing becoming official, commentator Jack Lessenberry's essay included these excerpts: "... Every time I turned on any radio station yesterday... almost all I heard was discussion and speculation as to whether... Rich Rodriguez had been fired, should be fired or deserved to be fired. Michigan television stations were just as bad... leaving me to wonder what real stories they were missing across the rest of our state. "Lacking any real information, reporters opted for the famous man-or-woman-on the street interview approach. I would have liked to interview the same people after the Rodriguez reporters got done with them. I would have asked questions like these: "You seem to know a great deal about the University of Michigan's football program. Did you know that the football coach makes about three times as much as President Mary Sue Coleman? Do you think thats appropriate? To me, the answers to those questions might have been more interesting than the endless speculation about who the next coach might be. "But if I had felt really masochistic, I would have asked these questions as well: Do you know who your state senator is? How about your state representative? Did you know the state has an approaching budget deficit that is about seven hundred times bigger than the football coachs salary? Did you know we have to eliminate that deficit by the end of September? "Ill bet I would have gotten some blank horrified stares...." [ See www.michiganradionews.org/post/commentary-what-do-we-know ] And, umm... did something happen in Arizona by chance?  Anyone know?

mmppcc

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 3:12 p.m.

Jaxon5, of course not. Fans just need to realize that if Michigan is losing, it doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong. Fans need to realize that it may take more than 3 years for a coach to have success. They need to realize that Michigan will never own the Big Ten. There is just too much competition, too much parity. Most of all they need to understand that they are not superior to other teams because of their name. It's great that they have more wins than anyone else, but it means nothing for the outcome of the 2011 season.

Mush

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 3:11 p.m.

Butch Jones Upside: Current head coach at Cincinnati. Former head coach at CMU with a 20-3 MAC record (3 championships in 4 years). Recruited and taught LeFevour, who made chumps of MSU's defense in 09. Will be pleased to have existing Michigan offense players, particularly Robinson. Has had great special teams. Has coached in the mid-west long enough to know the recruiting scene. He's a motivator and his teams play better than their talent. 42 years old. NCAA doesn't have file cabinets full of investigation files on his programs. Can probably get him cheap, and, if the AA (arrogant you-know-what) Michigan fans don't undercut him, and of course if he wins, he'd probably stick around. Downside: His first year at UC (2010) was not great. There are many AAs who don't like the spread, option, bubble option, triple option, whatever you want to call this offense. They just don't have any desire to look like Auburn or Oregon, the teams that are going to play the last college game of the season: not the "Michigan Man" way to play football I guess. Probably thought "You Lift Me UP" at the banquet was a good idea. On second thought: Since I'm mostly an MSU fan, hire promise-em-all-scholarships Miles or hire the Michelin Man.

heartbreakM

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 2:58 p.m.

Tater: Huh? I think you are not someone who has the best interest in Michigan in your mind, but only the best interest in your hero and idol, Rodriguez. theOSU: I think you are right on what you say, except wasn't Tressel OSU's third choice? I especially agree with you about not raiding other Big Ten schools for their coach. That to me is just wrong. General: I think Bo would not have been nearly as effective as Michigan coach if he did not come from Woody. Being from woody (and getting that anger over the rivalry) made Bo. He had something to shoot for and fight for when he got here. He aimed high, at the best team in the land, OSU, and at championships in b10. If Bo was just another coach out there, I think he would not have been nearly as successful. He and Woody AGAINST EACH OTHER truly elevated that rivalry to what we have today. That's what we have to aim for again. Coop didn't have that. RR surely didn't have that. Tressel totally gets it. LC sorta got it. Miles I think would get it. Chris Peterson? Not so much. Even with a good record.

Jaxon5

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 2:50 p.m.

mmppcc - so what are fans supposed to do? Throw in the towel? No way. Everyone - The Dark Ages of Michigan football are over! It is like a huge weight has been lifted off the shoulders of this program. It is now free to return to what it once was - a competitive, proud, winning team.

Sallyxyz

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 2:45 p.m.

To all the posters who are saying that the next coach's salary is paid with taxpayer's dollars are wrong. The athletic department is self-sustaining and generates huge profits, out of which the coaches are paid. On the point that UM is a "state taxpayer funded school," think again. Only about 8-10% of the overall UM budget is from the state appropriations. Pretty small amount, and in reality, UM is nearly a private school, funded by private donations, indirect recovery costs associated with research dollars, tuition dollars, investment income, a small amount from the state, and the revenue producing units at UM such as athletics, housing, hospitals, etc.

mmppcc

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 2:32 p.m.

Try leaving the rustbelt sometime and you'll quickly discover that no one cares about Michigan. Every school has traditions. Every program has high expectations. Every team wants to win. There is nothing special about Michigan. There is nothing special about Michigan! You people think it's special because you're fans. Nebraska fans think Nebraska is special. Florida fans think Florida is special. Tennessee fans think Tennessee is special... I have friends in Seattle that that think the sun rises and sets on Washington Huskies football. A mention of Michigan results in nothing more than shrugged shoulders.

clarklaker

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 2:27 p.m.

It would be interesting to see miles as head coach and hoke as our d coordinator.Then there would be a coach in waiting.And avoid further drama like we have now.DB this whole situation should be a learning lesson on how not to go about a coaching change.

blusage

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 2:03 p.m.

It seems to me that the term "Michigan Man" by definition of the person coining the phrase -- Bo, himself -- is someone loyal to Michigan, more specifically, one who works for Michigan. Bo used to explain why he wouldn't let Frieder coach the team after he took the job at Arizona State -- because at that point Frieder wasn't a Michigan Man any more. So using the term as some sort of coaching prerequisite is ridiculous. Let's face it, if RR had won, there would be no talk about his being or not being a Michigan Man.

missionbrazil

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 1:34 p.m.

The OSU "With that said, hiring Miles should be off the table. Miles already has a contract with a premier football program (not I did not say "school"). To steal Miles from LSU, by definition, makes both Miles and Brandon NOT "Michigan Men." LSU hired Miles with the expectation (hope) that he would not "jump ship" for a few more dollars or a different logo on his polo shirt... My question is this, Does the UM leadership (DB & Campbell) actually have the level of integrity it claims to have? I know the answer for tOSU. When faced with the same problem you faced, we went with an unknown from Youngstown State." Just because you landed Tressel from YSU doesn't mean he didn't have a contract. He had a contract, just like Miles has now with LSU, so by your argument OSU "does not have the integrity it claims to have". What difference does it make that he came from YSU and not a top tier program? A contract is a contract. Your logic is very flawed. Nice try.

hroad

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 1:20 p.m.

Ask yourself, has Brady Hoke been considered for any other elite college head coaching positions this season?

Tally10

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 1:08 p.m.

It's not going to matter if the new coach is a "Michigan Man" or not. LC was a Michigan Man, but in his last years as coach, there was great division between the fans. Remember the website " fire carr.com "? The Bighouse at times was sickening with all the booing of LC. Then hired RR and the division intensified, putting all the blame on him, and now UM is at a point of another hire. We didn't get the man we wanted and still divided on who the next coach should be. Best wishes to the new coach(s), you're going to need it!!! It's not about Tradition, it's about the fans (some)wanting to run the program or I should say, " wanting the program to run their way".

misti3k

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 12:58 p.m.

@OSU, "I know the answer for tOSU. When faced with the same problem you faced, we went with an unknown from Youngstown State." As I'm sure you well know, Tressel was not an unknown. He was an Ohio legend who turned down many other job offers in the hopes OSU would come calling. Also, I believe there's a saying about people in glass houses? While I agree with you about Miles, are you really throwing the word integrity around? Tressel cheated at YSU and continues to cheat at OSU. It's only a matter of time before the NCAA lowers the hammer in Columbus, and it won't be for 20 minutes of stretching.

rongalap

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 12:49 p.m.

Money should be no problem in hiring a coach at M, when they attract 113,000 to THE BIG HOUSE every game,paying an average of $40 per head. M does not stand for Mickey Mouse.

Craig Lounsbury

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 12:47 p.m.

johnnya2@ debling is correct this IS tax payer money in the respect that the tax payers collectively own the athletic department.The fact that the department currently run a surplus doesn't change the fact that we the people own the institution, we own the team. It should also be noted that the athletic department has not always operated in the black. Indeed that was one of Bill Martins legacy's if memory serves me.

XTR

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 12:45 p.m.

""The term "Michigan Man" should be banned." I agree. And to add to that ironically Bo was an "Ohio Man". He had no connection to Michigan before "we" hired him."" Bo's connection to Michigan was that Bo knew the culture and tradition of the Big Ten conference and the rivalry games as he coached at Northwestern and Ohio State. Bo was not from another conference who knew nothing about the Big Ten. He was logically qualified to coach a team in the conference. That is the difference bet Bo and RR. A incoming coach who played or coached at UM or at least in the Big Ten is always an advantage over another applicant without UM or Big Ten playing and coaching experience.

The OSU

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 12:41 p.m.

As an outsider, let me give you confused UM souls a sense of perspective. When Bo uttered the words, "Michigan Man" he was fundementally saying the he expected that person to demonstrate impeccable integrity equal to the stature of the university he loved. It has nothing to do with being born in the "Great Lakes State" or being a UM alum. Instead, it means someone who will act with a level of honor even when it is to their own personal detriment or financial loss. It means someone who does not "cut and run" for a better deal. With that said, hiring Miles should be off the table. Miles already has a contract with a premier football program (not I did not say "school"). To steal Miles from LSU, by definition, makes both Miles and Brandon NOT "Michigan Men." LSU hired Miles with the expectation (hope) that he would not "jump ship" for a few more dollars or a different logo on his polo shirt. Likewise, DB should refrain from raiding the weaker Big 10 schools and keep Northwestern and Iowa off the table. So where do you look for a coach? Answer: The Little Sisters of the Poor. These schools hire coaches with the knowledge that their school is a step-stone for the coach to move onto a bigger program. The puts Hoke as your front-runner and a bunch of unknown names in second place. My question is this, "Does the UM leadership (DB & Campbell) actually have the level of integrity it claims to have?" I know the answer for tOSU. When faced with the same problem you faced, we went with an unknown from Youngstown State.

Macabre Sunset

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 12:33 p.m.

There's far more understanding of the term "Michigan Man" in this item than we've seen in the media lately (including the writers employed by this blog). To be a Michigan Man, you understand the traditions of the Big Ten and of Michigan, and you have complete loyalty to Michigan. It's not something you "want" to be. It is completely within your power. It is a requirement for a coach. But a coach also has to be a good tactician and a good recruiter and a good motivator. So far, I believe Dave Brandon gets all of this. I just hope he acts quickly and correctly and makes the right hire in the next few days.

johnnya2

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 12:26 p.m.

@ debling "Remember, this is tax payer money we are talking about (since U of M is a public University). $1 million saved in compensation is $1 million that can theoretically be used to help reduce student tuition " You are incorrect. The athletic department has its own budget and pays its own way. No coaches salary comees from state fundds, or from tuition. It is SELF GENERATED INCOME. If the football team pays $100,000,000 for a coach that coach must generate that level of income in some way to be justified. Imagine the Big House only filled to 100,000 people instead of 111,000 because you decided to save a million dollars a year on a coach. Let's show you some basic math. That is 11,000 people less. At $50 per ticket that translates to $550,000 in lost ticket sales per game. Multiply that by minimally 7 games per year and you have $3,850,000 dollars a year. The economic impact of NOT paying to have the best coach is far more disastrous to the overall university budget than underpaying for the wrong person. If you don't think going down to 100k people is possible, than you really are living in a fantasy world.

joe golder

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 12:15 p.m.

Ghost, 81wolverine, debling great points. I hope a large meteor passes buy the earth and tilts it. I hope this will put ann arbor closer to the equator. This will make recruiting much easier for the big ten and its coaches.

misti3k

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 12:13 p.m.

I find it interesting that just about everybody here seems to be fine with ignoring Miles' ethical transgressions whereas Rich Rodriguez = Satan. To be clear: I don't mean this as a defense of Rodriguez, just pointing out the double standard. Sure he's a jerk, but he's OUR jerk!

mgoblue48348

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 12:10 p.m.

81 Wolverine I could not agree more, the first definition of a Michigan man I can agree with. Miles is more at home in the SEC and with the media here trying to bring Michigan down to.....lets just say lower levels he would have us facing the death penalty in no time, The man has no scruples, over recruiting to the tune of 50 to 60 players per class gimme a break. We need to continue the tradition of doing it right without ANY rule breaking. This is the University of Michigan not some back water school that needs every trick in the book to keep up with the big boys. GO BLUE!!!!!

psaume23

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 12:02 p.m.

The concept of "Michigan Man" is important in the search. It doesn't mean that the man is from the state of Michigan, it means the man "understands the tradition, history, and high expectations of Michigan football," to paraphrase one of the foregoing writers, and someone who is all about the University of Michigan program and treats his job as the last in his career. (Those who do not understand this are the same ones who cannot understand why a Michigan fan can never sincerely root for MSU in anything.) Bo was from Ohio and played at and was a coach for Ohio schools, but Bo jettisoned his ties with his schools and became The "Michigan Man," by his loyalty and devotion to Michigan. Based on the coaching history and because he is a Michigan Man, Les Miles would be an ideal candidate, and definitely not a "consolation prize." We do not need a Nick Saban-type here, our school would benefit in the long run with the appointment of a Michigan Man.

azwolverine

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 11:53 a.m.

Whoever the new coach is, as blu-n-tpa says, we need to support him. I'm confident that whoever it is will rally not only the players, but the fans as well and bring the UM family back together. Go Blue!

AnnArborBlue

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 11:53 a.m.

These former players do not speak for all former players, alums and fans. They simply represent a divisive faction who remain fixated on the Schembechler coaching tree. That tree (Bo, Mo and Lloyd) had a lot of success in the Big Ten but produced only one national championship during their 39 years at the helm. Michigan deserves better. Miles is inappropriate because of his NCAA problems, history of bizarre coaching decisions and embarrassing clock management issues. As for Hoke, Rodriguez was fired because he didn't complete the overhaul of our program in only three years. Now, we're considering a guy who went 22-37 in his first FIVE years at Ball State before finally turning the corner? Not to mention his mediocre 13-12 record at San Diego State. Who cares whether or not a coach has a secret handshake and two degrees of separation from Bo? We need a guy that can take us to a national championship. Dave Brandon needs to aim higher for Michigan to become the Leaders and Best.

#58ontheroster

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 11:52 a.m.

In 1969 I was a senior on Bo's first team at Michigan. I am surprised that all of you think Bo coined that phrase in 1989 when firing Bill Frieder. That phrase was in common use amongst the athletes way before I got there in 1966. It has a meaning that's difficult to put into words. Suffice it to say that it was an honor to be called a Michigan Man by other athletes. You didn't have to be a star, or even a starter, to be called a Michigan Man.

chapmaja

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 11:51 a.m.

debling, What you, and the other don't pay coaches much crowd fail to understand is the problems not paying a coach will create. Michigan is very rare in intercollegiate athletics. Michigan, like only about a dozen other athletic departments makes a profit each season. Where do you think that profit goes? A portion of that profit made each season is put back into the general fund of the school. Another portion is used to fund improvements to athletic department which in turn helps the school maintain is profitability. If you try to pay a coach 300K per season with the incentives you are offering the school will not only, not get a quality coach, but you will see the program go down hill. 300K per season is what D2 coaches are making, not Elite National Programs. You might not like the way athletics at Michigan is run, but the surest way to ruin the schools athletic department is to follow your ideas. You are also way off base with the idea that 1 million saved in salary is one million that could be used to lower tuition. 1 million saved in salary means less likely success of the program, and less revenue coming into the athletic department which in turn means less revenue from the athletic department going into the schools genrally fund. It is people like you who are totally clueless as to the ways athletics at Michigan actually affect the entire school that cause problems for the school. Maybe it is time for some history lessons. I would suggest that people who think the coaches shouldn't get paid go back and take a long look at the history of Michigan athletics dating back to the first athletic director. Even in the late 1800's schools were aware the importance of money coming from athletic revenues. In that regard nothing has changed. I would also take a look at the contracts these coaches sign to see if you are even remotely close on where the money actually comes from. If you think hiring a coach to a multi year contract with a large termination bonus is a mistake I will enjoy watching the Michigan-Wayne St and Michigan Grand Valley football games in 10 years. That is exactly the level of football you would like Michgian to be playing with your comments.

81wolverine

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 11:44 a.m.

Agree with Ghost and others who want an "honorable" man as Michigan coach. That excludes Miles. All coaches have some baggage, but this guy tows a couple box cars behind him. I want Michigan to win badly, but I want them to win ethically and and with the highest levels of integrity. There are too many extremely credible reports out there of Miles slimy recruiting tactics including greyshirting and bad-mouthing other teams. But don't believe me - go watch the ESPN report from mid-December on oversigning in the SEC with Miles lying at a press conference. I'm praying the reports of U-M wanting to interview Miles are incorrect.

debling

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 11:25 a.m.

My only fear is that now, Michigan Athletics will feel they have to "PAY ANYTHING" to get a good football coach. Remember, this is tax payer money we are talking about (since U of M is a public University). $1 million saved in compensation is $1 million that can theoretically be used to help reduce student tuition (which, remember, is the reason we have a University in the first place). However, any new contract for the next coach should be "PAY FOR PERFORMANCE". Reasonable moving allowance (~$25K), signing bonus (~ 1 month base), base salary (~$300K), and extra compensation for every game the team wins, getting into a good bowl game (Rose bowl for example) and winning it. Signing in to a multiyear contract with huge termination payout would be a mistake. Remember, Michigan Athletics has to cover the $2.5 million payout to Rich for terminating his clause. What programs will be cut to cover these funds?

azwolverine

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 11:14 a.m.

Part of being a "Michigan Man" is embracing the traditions of Michigan. What hurt the former coach, whose name I will no longer mention, is that he put off an air that he was ABOVE the traditions. He tore out our weight room, fired long time assistants (who have proven to be far better than the hucksters that were brought in), gave away the #1 jersey, blamed Carr for lack of success (a coach who won a NC at UM, no less), etc. It appeared that he thought he was better than UM, and it bit him in the rear. It rubbed many fans the wrong way, me included. When the new coach, wherever he may be from (hopefully LSU or SDSU) comes in, he needs to embrace UM and want to be a part of it...not come in and feel that he's above it.

XTR

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 11:09 a.m.

The term "Michigan Man" should not be interpreted in the literal sense. It generally just means the understading and respect for Michigan football traditions. A "Michigan Man" - or somebody who understands Michigan traditions which includes the Big Ten conference and rivalry games is NOT a requirement for coaches but is an "advantage". Sort of like a doctor should have went to Medical School. It is required but it is an advantage. Yeah, Bo was from Ohio and coached at Northwestern and Ohio State, but he knew the Big Ten, he knew the conference and the rivalry games. It was not the same as doing the Big East culture and doing it in the Big Ten.

obama from kenya

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 10:42 a.m.

Respecting traditions. Respecting history. These are both fine things, but it seems that the ability to REBUILD (yes this will be a rebuild now) a program with the magnitude that is UofM football and win is not being given the highest level of importance. Rebuilding small schools is fine. UofM is an entirely diffferent thing. In fact, I would say that in terms of the traditions, history and sometimes chaotic nature of the factions that exist at the UofM, that a rebuild of this kind has never been undertaken in college football. It may be a task too large for one coach's term. Perhaps the strategy should be to get Miles for a couple years to begin the rebuild, and then when he retires have Hoke ready to come in and take the reigns for the long term. This is no easy fix thanks to Martin and RR.

missionbrazil

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 10:24 a.m.

RR's use of the term "Michigan man" in his sentence "I want to be a Michigan man" was a desperate attempt to beg for his job, as if saying "I do not want to be fired by Michigan". Nothing more, nothing less.

aareader

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 10:23 a.m.

There is no requirement that the next coach has to be a previous Michigan coach We simply need a coach that will allow the Michigan program to reach its potential by honoring the tradition, creating a place where players will want to come to and be part of a great program. Players will know they are part of a team where they can make a difference. Players will have coaches with integrity that care about them. Players want a great team experience that they can remember for a lifetime And everyone coaches, players, and fans can state were are from Meechigan with pride! I can be done.. it was done in the past and can be done for the future.

chapmaja

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 10:21 a.m.

I disagree that the term "Michigan Man" should be banned. The term "Michigan Man" should be used in the sam context it was used when Bo coined the term before the 1989 NCAA Basketball Tourney. The term "Michigan Man", in it's proper context refers to someone who has complete and total dedication to Michigan. Bill Freider was no longer a "Michigan Man" when he agreed to be the coach at Arizona St after Michigan's season finished. In that regard he was no longer a "Michigan Man". I would prefer a coach with connections to the program, however I would be happy with anyone who would be a "Michigan Man" by understanding the traditions of the program, the importance of certain games, and having the dedication to play the type of football Michigan is known for. I could care less what type of offensive or defensive scheme Michigan runs, as long as a "Michigan Man" coach is playing hard nosed, don't give an inch on defensive and grind out the game offense. Grinding out the game can be either passing or running, but Michigan needs to understand the importance of playing hard nosed not giving an inch football. If we get a coach that runs a spread offense, but that can grind games out 5 yards at a time and has a defense that can stuff people and stop the opponents most of the time I'd be happy. As for the idea Bo was an "Ohio Man". He was an "Ohio man" in some regards however he was one of the iconic "Michigan Men". When you think of Michigan Men, to me three names pop out as football coaches and a 4th as an AD. Those Michigan Men are Bo, Fritz Crisler, Fielding H Yost and Don Canham. Those men as much as anything were Michigan Men. They didn't spend entire careers as Michigan, but when they were at Michigan they made it clear Michigan was the priority, which is what a true "Michigan Man" does.

InsideTheHall

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 9:58 a.m.

Those who wish to ban the term "Michigan Man" obviously are not one and are jealous. GO BLUE!

Gillete

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 9:55 a.m.

The "Michigan Man" statement made by BO prior to the 89' NCAA BB tourney was in reference to Bill Freider accepting the ASU job while still being head coach at Michigan, nothing more, nothing less. Great call about Bo's ties to OSU & Miami of Ohio, it seems to me that whoever the choice will be, the collective Michigan family must identify & seek those candidates that fit such criteria. GO BLUE!!!

Ignatz

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 9:38 a.m.

Former players, no matter how great they were/are, are just like the rest of humanity. Their views run the full spectrum as to what a good fit for Michigan might be. It upset me when Braylon Edwards introduced himself during yesterday's Saints-Jets game as being from "Lloyd Carr's University of Michigan". Either you're for Michigan or you're not. The AD picked the coach and you need to support that pick. Of course, what he said was better than that THE Ohio State University junk.

heartbreakM

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 9:29 a.m.

Listen to what the players are saying and you will all be happy. Players want a coach who gets what bug ten and Michigan is all about. Bo did regardless if he was from Ohio or whereever. He was raised in m-osu rivalry and only that unique background gave him the focus and motivation to succeed. First he wanted to beat the man (woody) and he wanted to win championships. W/o that big ten background, likely he would not have done as well. Then success breeded more success. Miles and hoke get that. Even glen mason gets that.

Solar Blue

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 9:15 a.m.

David Brandon himself has not said the next hire has to be a "Michigan Man". The press and others keep this term alive, not to mention blogs and comment pages like this one. He does want a coach who understands the traditions, history, and high expectations of U of M football. A thorough understanding and plan on how to win in the Big 10 would be nice too (i.e. Defense and Special Teams can help win championships).

Craig Lounsbury

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 8:38 a.m.

"The term "Michigan Man" should be banned." I agree. And to add to that ironically Bo was an "Ohio Man". He had no connection to Michigan before "we" hired him.

Ryan

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 8:31 a.m.

Michigan man or no Michigan man, I think Les Miles is the best available choice at this time. He is not Jim Harbaugh like everybody was hoping for, but he's not such a bad consolation prize. A couple of national championships in the mighty SEC, 11-2 this year, competitive every year, consistent top 5 recruiting classes. I really don't know what more one could ask for in a coach, and you Michigan fans know what you're getting. The other talks are of Brady Hoke. I think he would be a fine coach too, but he is not of the caliber that Miles is. Hoke will come in and probably consistently win between 8 and 10 games a year, probably win a Big Ten title every 5 years or so. I think that's great by most program's standards, but a little too ordinary for where Michigan fans want their program to be. This is just the point of view from an outsider. The closest connection I have to the blue is that my grandpa went there and held season tickets many years ago. I have always loved the maize and blue but will never tarnish the name like the Wal-mart Wolvies.

marlon glenn

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 8:30 a.m.

The term "Michigan Man" should be banned. It is utterly meaningless unless it is given context. Bo uttered it at a press conference regarding BASKETBALL and it has been thrown around like a frisbee ever since. RR was not a Michigan Man because he lost games at a record pace. Had he beaten MSU and OSU, you would not hear anyone saying he is not a Michigan Man. In a way, I hope DB does choose someone with no connections to UM and he wins big just to make this MM nonsense die on the vine.

Tim

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 8:12 a.m.

We need a great coach who is an honorable guy and knows how to win. If you all think he has to be a Michigan man you are grossly limiting our choices.

Blu-n-Tpa

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 7:41 a.m.

While I appreciate the former players point of view, and it is important on various levels, but hiring a coach who has a previous history at Michigan should not be a deal maker/breaker. Winning is the magical elixir to acceptance. Even if JH had been hired, if he had a similar record as RR, he too would on the road out of town. Since the article didn't ask which coach the former players perferred, it's understood their bond is a Michigan one. And, what's the problem with that? Name another school with the history and traditions of Michigan that doesn't use it to further the program. It would be stupid to ignore it and, as RR found out, can cause people to view the coach as suspect. The good news is DB was dead on in his job decription at the press conference on Wednesday. He will get the best COACH available and then those who aren't happy can complain about how he looks, talks, acts, the clothes he wears, and etc...until the cows come home. Hoke? Miles? Mystery coach behind Door #2? Remember to smile and write nice things when he's announced. United GO BLUE.