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Posted on Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 3:48 p.m.

Jim Harbaugh will sign a 5-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers

By AnnArbor.com Staff

Jim Harbaugh isn't coming to Michigan to coach football. Not at least until the San Francisco 49ers play the Detroit Lions.

Harbaugh, who led Stanford to a 12-1 record this year and is a former Michigan quarterback, has agreed to a five-year deal and will be introduced as the 49ers new coach at a press conference later today, according to ESPN.

Comments

Veracity

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 7:02 a.m.

Remember that Bo had no ties to Michigan prior to his being hired and, yet, he defined Michigan football and set the example for his disciples. Bo did the best that he could with the material at hand and that was good enough to beat an excellent Ohio State team in his first year here. The man could outright coach and motivate. Dave Brandon needs to determine how Bo's character and skills were defined at the time he came here and how we can identify the same qualities in another coach, head or assistant, who can then be enticed to adopt the maize and blue.

GoBlue1984

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 4:27 p.m.

Ghost, why don't you take a peek at what Rodriguez did before Michigan. There's a reason Alabama was trying to get him to come down there and be their coach. They ended up having to go with the second choice -- Saban. Continue to bad mouth RR though... disregard everything he's accomplished as a coach and turn a blind eye to the fact that he was the guy coaches like Urban Meyer sought out for advice on how to make their spread more like his. RR will win a national championship before Michigan does... I promise you that. But he's not a "Michigan Man" so I guess his wins and championships and coach of year awards don't matter. What a pity he had to waste 3 years here with fans like you. What a pity.

GoBlue1984

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 3:31 p.m.

You could use the 'Good Luck', Ghost. Michigan screwed over one of the elite coaches in college football when they fired Rodriguez, and they will now pay for that mistake. The arrogance of this fanbase is very disgusting. And you wonder why there is a divide -- I went to U of M, but I'd never count myself among fans like you. Rodriguez deserved better at Michigan, and time and time again all he got was the same tired rhetoric from fans like you. Where's your man Jim Harbaugh now... I thought Michigan Men were supposed to always be there for Michigan;-)

GoBlue1984

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 2:46 p.m.

spartyisyourlilsiter wrote: "If Michigan gets Brady Hoke, I will give him the same support that 3 & out, nobowl4blue & Murrow's Ghost gave Rich Rod!" I couldn't agree more! I would add "Macabresunset" to that list though. It's so funny how these very same people want us all to sing Kumbaya and come together now that Rich Rod is gone. Wow... what hypocrites! You get what you give guys, you get what you give;-)

missionbrazil

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 1:27 p.m.

Jim Nazium "All this from simply saying I can picture LC following DB like a little puppy trying to get his two cents in on whom the next coach should be, haha!" Come on Jim, you know that's not all that you said. Here is what you said: "I am sick of hearing of all the Crap he and his "people" have been involved in that Hurt the Football Program before, during and after his Headcoaching gig." So we are still waiting for your list of things that he did, the credible sources, and the facts that back the statement up. If you cannot then you have committed slander (deep inside you know you did). Otherwise you sir are the "hater" who completely slandered an honorable man that was always a class act. And you slandered an honorable man who had a successful career as a coach at the university you claim to be a fan of. By the way, those last 5 years look awfully good compared to your guy. I was one who was in agreement that it was time for LC to retire (not 5 years earlier like you think), but I think he represented UM very well, ran a clean program, and overall he continued our winning tradition. He wasn't my favorite UM coach. But anytime anyone like you tries to slander an honorable man like LC I will call you on it. Watch this and tell me the man was not a class act and an honorable man: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzxM0MHAZIE&playnext=1&list=PLD7DA4AE3B474FA79&index=46

Jim Nazium

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 12:21 p.m.

MissionBrazil: I listen to all the sources and come to my own conclusions, that is where our opinions derive from, let alone what we see with our own eyes in real time. You must have rose-colored glasses in regards to Lloyd, he was a saint in your eyes wasn't he? I must have struck a nerve, and that wasn't my intent because for most of Lloyd's career I was very happy to have him as a coach. As I said, in my opinion he stuck around 5 years too long. He had proven within those last five years that he couldn't or wouldn't adapt to the times and get current with the offenses that were having success. My greatest knock against him was his Stubbornness when he was wrong, his Arrogance and Self-Righteousness. Since you love to Show career records and such, in Lloyd's last 5 years that I am most critical of and was ready for a coaching change so we could vie for a National Championship again, how many times did he beat our biggest rival Ohio State? Bowl Record in that time? He was Never going to beat Tressel and most of us Michigan fans knew that, I guess only Once was good enough for you huh? As far as listing every source and every allegation against him, are you kidding me? I'm not going to try to appease you, your opinion means little to me and attempting to satisfy your ego is hardly an endeavor I care to pursue. All this from simply saying I can picture LC following DB like a little puppy trying to get his two cents in on whom the next coach should be, haha! You need to toughen up. And since you love to post stats so much, here was LC's last 5 years. Not bad, but not good enough for an established coach with every resource at his fingertips and a bevy of support from forgiving fans, unlike what RR had and possibly the next coach will get if we don't all start coming together and quit all the hate. 2003 Michigan 103 71 1st L Rose 7 6 2004 Michigan 93 71 T1st L Rose 12 14 2005 Michigan 75 53 T3rd L Alamo 2006 Michigan 112 71 T2nd L Rose 9 8 2007 Michigan 94 62 T2nd W Capital One 19 18

GoblueinNE_PA

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 11:06 a.m.

I find it hilarious how close some folks are to hysterics around here. People, settle down. We've been "officially" searching for an HC since Wednesday. I repeat, since Wednesday. This is only day 3 (Saturday). It's neither a "black eye" nor an "embarrassment" nor a "national joke". People outside the Michigan blogosphere (which includes us here), have already moved on and will simply think, "Oh, that's Michigan's new coach.", when we announce who we hire. Even if that hiring process takes another week. For the Leaders and Best, a lot of folks here seem like the Weak and Wimpy.

missionbrazil

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 10:07 a.m.

Jim Nazium "I am Not fixated on LC, I am sick of hearing of all the Crap he and his "people" have been involved in that Hurt the Football Program before, during and after his Headcoaching gig. I'm not going to waste time explaining them all to you because..." Because you can't explain them. Do you believe everything you hear? Apparently so. Why don't you do us uneducated people a favor and list these things LC did to "hurt the football program", and then list the credible sources and facts that support such rumors and innuendos. I challenge you to: 1. List the things, one by one, that LC did to "hurt the program" 2. List the credible sources of these innuendos. 3. List the facts that supports these innuendos. All of us "out of the loop" people are waiting.

mjwinkie

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 9:53 a.m.

It won't be long now. My close warm personal frends tell Me DB is in heavy negotations and they expect an announcment as soon as Sunday.

Jim Nazium

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 9:39 a.m.

Oh Missionbrazil, are you insinuating that I Never Supported LC because I wasn't as Anti-RR as you??? Really? Putting words in peoples mouths and lumping pro-RR's as Anti-LC's make You Lose Credibility Sir. I am Not fixated on LC, I am sick of hearing of all the Crap he and his "people" have been involved in that Hurt the Football Program before, during and after his Headcoaching gig. I'm not going to waste time explaining them all to you because it is Your fault that you aren't a good listener and haven't been responsible enough to be informed of all the non-sense that has transpired from all the parties involved since the hiring of RR. I liked LC as a coach, and am grateful for the quality years we got out of him. But make no mistake, he was no Angel and had his faults as well and if you want to idolize him and protect him with staunch veracity like a favorite Grandpa or something, then that is your right.

lorayn

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

i hope there's someone out there who is up for the challenge -- between team, staff and UM "fans"

missionbrazil

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 9:26 a.m.

1984 "Go Blue... I'm loving this circus -- I even bet Rich Rod has a smile on his face about now... 2.5 cold ones in the bank and a never ending sideshow to watch;-)" Yet another supporter of the failed HC RR and not the UM TEAM and program. spartyisyourlilsister "If Michigan gets Brady Hoke, I will give him the same support that 3 & out, nobowl4blue & Murrow's Ghost gave Rich Rod!" That means you would wait until at least the final announcement of NCAA violations came, and at least until the 2nd half of the 3rd season when it was obvious that yet another losing BT season & beatdowns by all of the better BT teams was happening, and that there was no real progress taking place. You sound like yet another supporter of RR and not the UM TEAM and program.

missionbrazil

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 9:05 a.m.

Jim Nazium "For some reason I have this image of Lloyd following DB around like a lost puppy trying to tell him what to do. He had his turn, earned a lot of respect but stayed at least 5 years too long ( in my opinion ) and should have moved to Florida or something after retiring." What is it about you and other RR supporters (Lorain, Portage,...) and your fixation with LC? LC's been gone for 3+ years and yet you still continue to try to rip him... and you are not successful at it either. It kills me when the RR Gang supports a guy who had a 15-22 overall record and an even worse 6-18 BT record, who had teams with horrendous D's and special teams, 4 major rules violations, and numerous legal problems,... and then tries to rip an honorable man who had no such legal or personal issues, 0 NCAA violations, and oh by the way was 122-40 and 81-23 BT, who won 5 BT titles and finished 2nd 4 other times, and who won 1 NC. 122-40 vs 15-22 81-23 BT vs 6-18 5 BT titles & 4 2nd's vs 7th BT BEST finish 0 violations vs 4 major violations (probably more at WVU) 12 Top 25 teams vs 0 Top 25 teams (at UM) 6 bowl wins vs 1 Worst Bowl Loss Ever 1 NC vs 0 NC Do you not yet understand you all have lost total credibility by doing so? Do you not yet understand what you guys look like when you do this? Here is a tip: start trying to compare RR to and rip guys like Gerry Faust at ND or John L. Smith at MSU... you and your guy RR will come out looking alot better. I would say try to compare him to John Cooper at OSU but JC's record is way better than your guy.

superbuck

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 8:41 a.m.

Well after that win last night Les Miled ain't going np where, He'll get a raise and a contract extension.

Blu-n-Tpa

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 7:54 a.m.

First very few (none) of you out there in cyberspace has EVER hired someone for a multimillion dollar position. For those of you who have interviewed for a professional position, how long did it take from resume, to set the interview, the followup interview, and finally getting the call offering you the position? And, none of it took place on the national stage. So if the only job you've ever had was the one your dad got you coming out of high school, you really don't have a clue. 1984 I don't know about everyone else but I gave RR into his 3rd year before I noticed there was something missing. Progress. This season was the turning point for retaining RR. I've never noticed a single post from you where you explained how come the special teams were so bad or why the defensive guys couldn't tackle properly after three years of RR's coaching. But, there is one flaw in your campaign to be the "anti" voice vs the new coach. What if he's great? You will become irrelevant. And that's going to hurt. The more I read and review BH the more I think he just might be the next HC at Michigan. Someone posted that Michigan blew it 3 years ago when they could have gotten JH before he became the hottest thing since free beer. Hindsight is 20-20 but maybe BH is the equilivent to JH three years ago. And whoever it is, it WILL be an improvement of what was here the last 3 years.

Chad Williams

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 2:45 a.m.

JH wanted this job but michigan never wanted him til he became a hot shot. You pathetic fans begged for the same guy coming off a 4-8 season and didnt think he was qualified. Now hes not a michigan man because he is not saving the school from embarassment. We are no longers the leaders and the best in this generation of football. We are so proud of a shared NC and not even the crystal ball trophy a AP trophy aka the Ah Poo give em a trophy Nebraska was the real champs that year. And even then in 60 years one NC. florida has won 3 in 15 years. We go on and on bout tradition when we havent won squat when more competition showed up around the country. Bo never won a NC and he was our "greatest coach". Arrogance cost us 3 years of RR and this why we cant get a coach from a big time school to play for us. They almost have to hire hoke because he will take the 2 million that this stingy university likes to handout. Patterson locked up til 2018 not leaving, peterson is looking into stanford. All the other coaches want at least 5 mil because they are outsiders and they see how you treat outsiders. Believe it or not Michigan treatment of RR people wonder if that would be them. How was RR to blame from day one and bill martin HIRED HIM so he had to know about the buyout but let RR get the media backlash. Brandon Liked RR thats why it took so long to fire him, but the lack of patience and all the arrogance we are michigan everybody wants to coach here stuff back fired on the people who didnt want to see a young defense grow up with returning vets or a offense that was clearly missing a RB bring in a top level back that ended up going to bama so all this dee hart dnt need him stuff bama sure thought different. With less than a month away from signing day no coach we might have a worse year going thru all this than firing g-rob and keeping RR. We officially became ND they still havent fully recovered from the holtz era. Now we know it woulda been a lot easier fiding a DC instead of a HC. Go Blue and RR got a raw deal and recruits even know it so not only we cant find a coach but recruits as well see michigan for what it really is.

GoBlue1984

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 2:35 a.m.

What's this... the Michigan man turning down Michigan? Bo is turning over in his grave! Go Blue... I'm loving this circus -- I even bet Rich Rod has a smile on his face about now... 2.5 cold ones in the bank and a never ending sideshow to watch;-)

TXteacher

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 12:40 a.m.

You losers should be thankful for whoever you get with the program in the ditch as it is. None of these "Big Name" coaches want anything to do with your arrogant program. Harbaugh's no dummy- he's not going to be run out on a rail like RR. In 3 years or less, your motto may very well be.... "Hoke is a joke"!

spartyisyourlilsister

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 12:13 a.m.

If Michigan gets Brady Hoke, I will give him the same support that 3 & out, nobowl4blue & Murrow's Ghost gave Rich Rod!

spartyisyourlilsister

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 12:13 a.m.

I would support Hoke as much as 3 & out, nobowl4blue & Murrow's ghost supported Rich Rod!

spartyisyourlilsister

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 12:13 a.m.

I would support Hoke as much as 3 & out, nobowl4blue & Murrow's ghost supported Rich Rod!

ShadowManager

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 12:11 a.m.

So ends Wolverine Nation's uncomfortably homo-erotic love affair with a San Francisco gent who has pledged his services to another...

spartyisyourlilsister

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 11:57 p.m.

If Michigan gets Brady Hoke, I will give him the same support that 3 & out, nobowl4blue & Murrow's Ghost gave Rich Rod!

Sallyxyz

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 11:34 p.m.

I also read that Hoke is interested in Stanford. Tonight on the Cotton Bowl at the half, the announcers said that with regard to Michigan's head coach position, Les Miles told them that he had no idea if he was even on Michigan's radar screen. That doesn't sound like someone who has been contacted by UM.

NoSUVforMe

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 11:15 p.m.

For all the RichRod haters on this board, I guess your "Michigan Man" decided that money talks louder than loyalty to Michigan. So, instead of having a coach who wanted to be here, you gave it up for someone that didn't. Meanwhile, RichRod is on his way to the bank to cash his $2,500,000 check will heading for a program that will welcome him and where he'll come back and pound Michigan in a future bowl game. This is sadly reminiscent of Amaker returning to Michigan with his Harvard team to beat Beilein. Michigan fans are a joke - a very bad joke.

Jaysham

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 11:12 p.m.

@ The Fan I need to find the right picture but a promise is a promise.

clarklaker

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 10:59 p.m.

BUMMER

treetowncartel

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 10:56 p.m.

Ive been imbibing so I won't go any further than to say jimmy Johnson!

GoBlue13

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 10:53 p.m.

@Jim I can't wait for Michigan to get its swagger back. I look forward to the days when they accuse UM of running up the score. The program needs it. I almost forgot whats its like to beat OSU. I personally don't care how long it takes to get our HC as long as it's the right HC. I would like to see Stoops,Pinkel,Miles,or Pelini

riverraisin

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 10:48 p.m.

My sources are telling me it's already in ink... RR to be tOFU..I mean tOSU's new defensive coordinator.

Ben

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 10:48 p.m.

I hope Hoke is the man. You cannot have a coach who despises the program. Michigan needs a coach who will fight to make the program succeed. We're going 9-4 next season (we'll win on Jan. 1). Book it!

Jim Nazium

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 10:38 p.m.

DB has a reputation of being Very Thorough and I don't know how long this Professional Search Committee has been in the mix but I am hopeful that they are close to picking a Winner and getting them on board. For some reason I have this image of Lloyd following DB around like a lost puppy trying to tell him what to do. He had his turn, earned a lot of respect but stayed at least 5 years too long ( in my opinion ) and should have moved to Florida or something after retiring. I hope the next coach isn't so open to the media and has closed practices and protects the players from the vulture'esque "Story Makers" in the media intent on punishing Michigan any way they can. All these Jerks Piling On the Maize-n-Blue are Really getting Irritating. Hopefully the next coach can put something together in the near future and we can get back to blowing teams out. When we reach that level, we should make it a point to blow Everyone out for at least 5 years with No Mercy. Run up the score and get in their faces and say, "what were you sayin' about Michigan? Punk, yeah that's what I thought"....

JimB

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 10:37 p.m.

Whom ever the next coach is, will have somewhat of a pass for a few. The program can't really get any worse.

D21

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 10:18 p.m.

Hoke>Miles

D21

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 10:08 p.m.

Hail to Hoke and hope UM hires him.

The Fan

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 8:49 p.m.

Oh my bad...I meant kool-aid boy.

The Fan

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 8:44 p.m.

@Jaysham: I believe you said you going to change your name to fool-aid boy if Harbaugh didn't go to Michigan because you was so confident he was.

devildog

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 8:21 p.m.

Just think about this, it was always Jim's dream to come back and coach and it did not happen. Stop and try and figure it out - possibly a problem with administration - pretty simple for most to see. AGAIN, they are making a mess and making fans thinking that these coaches are in reach. You heard Les Miles yesterday - he said he was NEVER contacted three years ago or yet this time. Figure it out

BlueGator

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 8:14 p.m.

WalkingJoe, That is indeed an excellent article about Hoke. I truly believe he is a much more worthy candidate than most fans will give him credit for. I doubt he could unite the fan base, though. He sure would be a tough sell right now.

Blu-n-Tpa

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 8:09 p.m.

OK. First you were wrong about RR being a good coach and staying. And now you're badmouthing DB and whinning about not having a good coach to sign. Plus, once, you guys didn't want BH but now that Stanford might want him you're complaining of maybe missing out on him, too. Don't you EVER get tired of being on the wrong side of EVERY issue concerning Michigan football? Some of you have a better chance of being right if you just flipped a coin instead of thinging. It's been less than 3 days. My guess is some of you haven''t changed clothes since RR was fired. I don't want to get deleted so you will just have to figure out who you are. It wont be that hard.

WalkingJoe

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 8:04 p.m.

I read an interesting column by Jason Whitlock on Foxsports.com about Brady Hoke and now I think he could be the right fit for U-M.

superbuck

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 8:02 p.m.

what would be really funny is RR to Stanford and they win the NC next year LOL

superbuck

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 8 p.m.

what would be really funny is RR to Stanford and they win the NC next year LOL

jalittle12

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 7:52 p.m.

I would support Miles, if he's the guy. Great winning %, excellent recruiter, SEC/Big Ten and NFL pedigree, has the UM and midwestern thing going on....BUT it just doesn't feel right. Weird. He is almost 60, currently has an excellent job (with tons of money), got spurned from us 3 yrs ago, has minor recruiting violations down in LSU, a small group on UM alums don't like him already, has a reputation of being abrasive (rumors), has an offense chalked full of 4 and 5 star prospects and can't score (excellent defense year in and year out though), and seems to have too many underachievers on the team. Could you imagine Jamarcus Russell playing QB for UM? (Wonderlick score of 12?) He seems to get one of the top QB's in the nation every year, but they crash and burn. How come? Miles would be a HUGE improvement over RR, but not so sure he's the guy.

bigblue

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 7:50 p.m.

The ball is in DB's court now! Time to put up or shut up!

Mark

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 7:47 p.m.

I think the Michigan Wolverines should also look at Steve Maricucci as possible head coach since his departure from the lions. He hasn't coached since then and I am sure he is available. At least look into it. There always is a possibility.

Terrin

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 7:40 p.m.

ArmChairQB: Would you want to come live in Michigan if you were living the high live in the most beautiful parts of California. As you said the decision wasn't about the money. Harbaugh likes California.

MjC

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 7:37 p.m.

Well, let's see - Stanford needs a football coach and RichRod is now available!

Terrin

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 7:36 p.m.

Harbaugh would have been nice because of his Michigan connections, but I hate to tell you Les Miles isn't really the answer. That is thinking inside the box. U of M doesn't think it is the answer either, or it wouldn't have hired a search committee. U of M needs to look for a lessor known coach playing at a lower level in the mold of Jim Tressel who has demonstrated success and understands Michigan football. I do not know who that person is, but that is the search community' job. Brain Kelly would have been nice instead of RR, but that ship passed. Going after the big name is what brought RR here and it doesn't guarantee success as we have already learned.

dtones520

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 7:30 p.m.

Im not exactly sure how this is proof that Michigan is not an elite program anymore. Harbaugh wanted to coach in the nfl and that is what he is going to do. Its nothing about michigan or whatever its what is best for him and his family. He gets to coach on the biggest stage there is. There is no college program that is bigger than the nfl. I don't blame him one bit. His stock will never be higher and this may be his only chance at coaching in the league

MjC

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 7:29 p.m.

So much for the earlier article about Harbaugh still being "in" as a possibility to coach at Michigan! But like I said, he won't be remembered. No one remembers NFL coaches like college football coaches are remembered.

Mick52

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 7:27 p.m.

Well so much for the "Michigan man" stuff. I think we will end up with Hoke or someone else from a lesser conference. Miles is the best choice, buy why leave a top program for this mess? Ditto for anyone else in a major conference. If Michigan dangles the bank in front of a good coach from a good program, many of those schools might just offer up their own bank to retain their coach. When Texas A&M tried to lure Bo, he got a raise and a Domino's Pizza franchise. Whoever it is, they should post a better record than this year. With a lot of returning starters, Woolfolk back, there should be improvement. Put those two games lost by ten points in the win column less turnovers and maybe a win vs MSU and it won't look so bad. That is quite possible, isn't it, if a bunch of players don't flee? Maybe not top notch but better perhaps than this year. Anything less than what we saw this year and I think we will be looking again in just two years for another coach: RichRod 2.0. You guys saying Miles is so dirty, do you have some proof? I saw an article about a recruiting thing that LSU self reported but nothing that rises to the level of "dirty." Don't cite that thing about over extending offers and cutting players, that is allowable and not a violation. The entire SEC does it as well as other conferences including the Big Ten.

AAmom

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 7:14 p.m.

i predict that Harbaugh will eventually be here as head coach. This is going to take a few years. And I'm not sure about DB either. However, if we do get anyone here who can win games- really win, our memories will all be too short and we'll be just fine. Hail Hail! Meeechigan.

Jaysham

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 7:13 p.m.

Way to represent Ghost! You always have the facts and they know you are right. I'm glad Lourraine, tater, and Theo have no input on the next coach cause we would still have the "King". Lay off the Nyquil & Kool-Aid you 3 tools.

rico2458

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 7:08 p.m.

ESPN put put Brady Hoke #2 on Stanford list as new coach

GoBlue13

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 6:52 p.m.

Its a pretty sad when people are saying hurry up and sign Hoke before he goes to Stanford. What a reflection on the program! Am I the only one who finds this troubling? As Always, GO BLUE!!

rico2458

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 6:35 p.m.

Brady Hoke may take the stanford job

pseudo

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 6:31 p.m.

I'm shocked, SHOCKED, I tell ya. not so much. U of M has the exact same chance of getting JH now as they did at the beginning of last week. He loves Palo Alto and loved being there for High School. He has repeatedly said things about U of M that were negative when it came to its treatment of him as a student athlete and later as he went in to coaching (thank you Carr again)..he was never a realistic option. @Rizzle: Harbaugh was born in Ohio and Bo came from Ohio...might be a good place to hunt. Its a national search and the fan base here isn't exactly helping sell Ann Arbor has a plus in the equation. DB, good luck with the search. My guess is that it might be good to let Stanford lead and pick up its #2. Any coach that cares as much as Harbaugh did about the academics of the team will go to Stanford wayyyy ahead of U of M. That said, #2 in that search might have something to prove.

Sallyxyz

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 6:30 p.m.

81wolverine: "I doubt the really top coaches are lining up for the job after the mess that's been created here." I agree. This mess is a black-eye for Michigan, to say the least. What top coach would want to walk into this? Every college has various issues with its athletic programs and none are perfect, but the mess at Michigan has been a national embarrassment.

superbuck

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 6:16 p.m.

hoke wants the stanford job now

81wolverine

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 6:12 p.m.

At this point, it better not be Miles. He's dirty as they come and makes RR look like a saint. If Miles is chosen I'll lose all my respect for Dave Brandon (and that's after a huge puke session in the bathroom). I'd say Patterson would be the guy we should look closely at now - a quote from him made it sound he's interested in listening. After him, Hoke will probably need to be the guy. I doubt the really top coaches are lining up for the job after the mess that's been created here.

Sallyxyz

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 6:07 p.m.

@1bit: "I thought University rules require a job to be posted for a week before filling the position. I'm not expecting an announcement before next Wednesday." I don't know the HR rules for postings at UM. Whatever they are, it's a formality in this case. DB is working behind the scenes. Your comment, however, implies that a coach is in the wings, ready for an announcement next Wed. I'm not so sure of that. The coaching carousel continues to spin! Now the Stanford job is open.

superbuck

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 6:06 p.m.

Go read Harbaugh expected to sign

aajeff

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 6:02 p.m.

JH not coming here doesn't make this any more (or less) of a mess than it already was(is). Doesn't change anything. As smart as everyone says DB is, I still do not understand why he waited until January 5th to let RR go and do so without another coach lined up. Our bowl game was not going to change anything. I think the prudent thing to do was keep RR for another year (if you hadn't done it shortly after the OSU game), though I understand why others wanted him gone now. I'm not at all happy how Brandon has handled any of this. I now have a sinking feeling that JH won't be the only coach to turn down this job.

elahaie

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 5:43 p.m.

The guy that trashed the program, Lloyd Carr, has gotten a pass in all this. Couldnt agree more, Lorain! Yes, he deserves credit for his W-L record, B10 championships, a national title and running a relatively clean program. However, he should have retired at least a couple of years earlier than he did. There were signs he was burning out and the competitive fire just wasnt there. No more apparent than in his final year when the team was totally unprepared for the season both mentally and physically. App state and Oregon ran circles around them. Youd think they had taken the entire spring off! The damage he did in his last 2 or 3 years as coach will take many more years to repair. Also, there are plenty of rumors out there that he and his little click had a significant role in the fiasco that transpired when he finally stepped down.

superbuck

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 5:39 p.m.

You may have to hire a big name high school coach/ no one wants your stinking job. You can't even get Mich men to come back. saying you hope Harbaugh fails with the 49 ers in this post real classy fans. You won't see elite status again for a long long time. U of M is getting what it deserves nothing. Mediocre coaches and players.

Oscar Lavista

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 5:27 p.m.

Lorain: Unfortunately, it's too late for the Mad Hatter: http://annarbor.com/entertainment/friends-fans-remember-local-rock-and-roll-icon-stanley-the-madhatter-who-died-monday/ I also think he would have been a good choice.

garrisondyer

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 5:22 p.m.

This is very disappointing news. I guess I wish Harbaugh well, but it's hard to not think of him as a sell-out now. What a let down.

truebluefan

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 5:18 p.m.

The stuff that Miles has pulled down at LSU makes Rich Rod's "major" violations look like child's play. But the Michigan Man apologists here would welcome him with open arms. Unbelievable.

leaguebus

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 5:17 p.m.

Lots of reasons that Harbaugh would not come here, one is that Lloyd turned him down as QB coach for Loeffler and until Brandon took over Lloyd wanted his man in as coach, not a Bo guy like Harbaugh or Miles but one of his assistants like Hoke, English, or DeBord, that may be why Miles did not get RR's job. Another is that if he stayed at the college level, which program is closer to a national championship, UM or Stanford. At some point Harbaugh was not happy with Michigan football aka his remarks about scholarship so why would he come?

truebluefan

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 5:17 p.m.

The stuff that Miles has pulled down at LSU makes Rich Rod's "major" violations look like child's play. But the Michigan Man apologists here would welcome him with open arms. Unbelievable.

Chelsea Larry

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 5:12 p.m.

All you experts have been cracking me up, all week. But, it's good entertainment.

midwest

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 5:08 p.m.

Lorrain how did lloyd carr screw the program up give me a break the man one a national championship always had 8,9, 10, wins a year and a defense always ranked in the top 25 not rank 110th in the nation.

BlueGator

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 5:07 p.m.

1bit, Actually the open posting they had out there earlier today was dated from Jan. 7 through the 14th. If so, would that mean a coach could not be officially named until the 15th? Don't know why the posting was pulled suddenly.

ssAA

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 5:05 p.m.

After Carr retired in 2007, Greg Schiano turned UM down to stay at Rutgers. So when exactly did the UM job lose it's "elite" status? Are you going to blame that loss on RR as well?

jalittle12

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 4:54 p.m.

Ego for what? He took less money to stay in bay area versus the "reported" 7-8 mil from Miami! That doesn't sound like ego to me.....

Sallyxyz

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 4:54 p.m.

I think this decision by Harbaugh is about staying on the West coast and coaching in the NFL. I'm sure family considerations were part of this decision as well. Perhaps his wife really didn't want to leave the Bay area. So, Michigan conducts a national search now with potential consequences for the recruiting class. Every day and week that passes without a head coach will make it harder for whoever does end up being hired.

GoblueinNE_PA

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 4:53 p.m.

Michigan being an elite program has NOTHING to do with it. As I pointed out earlier this morning, when was the last time a coach moved from one BCS level school to another and was successful? Les Miles was probably the last one, when he went from OSU to LSU. Even schools like Florida realize this, as their last 4 hires have been a defensive coordinator, a coach from a non-BCS school, an NFL DC, and the coach from Duke. USC pulled a retread from the NFL in Carrol. Stoops was a DC at Florida. Tressel was a 1-AA coach. Nabbing a coach from another successful BCS program ain't easy, it doesn't matter who you are and what school you represent. We just need to settle down and see how this plays out. It might be Miles, it might be Hoke. I'm thinking its someone we aren't even paying attention to right now.

jalittle12

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 4:53 p.m.

Has to be Miles or Hoke. Miles is a more sexy pick right now, but secretly I think Hoke is the better fit. Deep down he's the right man for the job. Hungrier!!!

fensk

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 4:49 p.m.

Let me be one of the first to welcome Les to AA.....

jalittle12

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 4:49 p.m.

Let's not forget, Harbs has a 2 week old child. Anyone on this blog married? I bet it's the wife. My wife is from California and you can be sure, I would have no chance at getting her to move back to Michigan.

Sallyxyz

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 4:46 p.m.

profdavid: I totally agree.

BlueGator

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 4:45 p.m.

Lorain, I think Miles is too old [ plus I worry about him eating our expensive, new field turf :-) ], but I'll gladly join your bandwagon for Patterson.

Forever27

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 4:43 p.m.

I'd rather not have Les "I oversign my classes and cut kids later on" Miles as the coach here. If character was an issue for Rich Rod, imagine the hailstorm we'll get with Miles.

Ben

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 4:42 p.m.

I hope Les bolts after the LSU game tonight. If LSU loses, the people will come out of the swamps to chase him with pitch forks!

Soothslayer

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 4:41 p.m.

hahaha. one word - Awesome! It's called a football TEAM for a reason. It's a group effort. Coaches don't win games, TEAMS do.

aareader

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 4:33 p.m.

update ::::::: of... "another day in the life of".... or "as the world turns"... there will be another story..... "Stay tuned"... this soap opera will be back after a few more commercials..... Now that the commercials are over.... here is the rest of the story.... flash!!!!!... ESPN. JH has signed with the 49ers...... Press conference to follow.... What's next...... lets go to door #2.... this soap opera will be back again after a few more commercials..... stay tuned...

Lorain Steelmen

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 4:24 p.m.

Apparently Pelini wants to stay a Husker, so he's out. Not sure if we can believe the press accounts about Harbugh after they totally blew the RR situation this week. But let's say they are correct. Harbaugh is now a rich man...although I think he'll be a flop in the NFL. Hoke can't cut it here. And Stoops probably would react he same way Pelini did. I think neither Pelini or Stoops, wants to be 'the next Rodriguez' and put up with all the anti-outsider garbage that was hurled at RR. The guy that trashed the program, Lloyd Carr, has gotten a pass in all this. That leaves the Mad Hatter....or Gary Patterson.

P U MSU

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 4:21 p.m.

It going to be Hoke. It's always been Hoke. Michigan waiting on Harbaugh to make a decision was simply to help those fans who wanted him so bad. Now that he is going to the NFL, he is out of the question. When RR was hired, people asked "why not Miles?" The fan based was divided from day one. DB probably had a conversation with Harbaugh, found out that he was interested in the NFL, then decided on Hoke. DB himself said "I think that Harbaugh will go to the NFL." I said it a month ago and I will say it again. Brady Hoke will be the next coach at UofM. I suggest you read up on him and get use to it now. Give the guy the chance that RR never truely got, he is a good coach.

braggslaw

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 4:20 p.m.

Wow Brandon really screwed this up

Jello Biafra

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 4:20 p.m.

who cares where someone is from, where they were born, or what their ties to the University are... the main question is: can they win and win with class? that is all that matters.

JAM2

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 4:18 p.m.

his decision has nothing to do with our program and is, clearly, entirely based on a new direction in his career and a strong affinity for the Bay Area. If he wanted to move he would've doubled his money in Miami and had the same change in direction in the NFL. this is def dismal news...wanted to believe he was better than that. all he's gaining is pageantry.

Buster W.

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 4:18 p.m.

Best of both worlds for him...He gets to coach in the NFL and still see his kid play in the backyard.

Ddipiazza

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 4:18 p.m.

This is interesting to me for the fact that at 5 years and $25 million Michigan could have matched that. This wasn't about money then. Either Jim Harbaugh didn't want Michigan, or Michigan didn't want Jim Harbaugh. Wondering which one...

Rizzle

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 4:10 p.m.

Most of the better plans involve seeking more Ohio-born coaches, who will no doubt reject the State of Michigan. Harbaugh, Les Miles, Brady Hoke, Bo Pelini, Bob Stoops

GB in Blacksburg

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 4:10 p.m.

Yep...profdavid... sums it up.

profdavid

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 4:06 p.m.

OK, what's Plan B, C, D, and E? The UM job clearly isn't an elite one anymore, regardless of what the alumns think. I'd say you'd better grab Les Miles as quickly as possible, if he'll even come. Otherwise, it might be a continuation of the RR saga, only the names will be different. RR has done an immeasureable amount of damage to the UM program, which will take years and years to overcome and will not be easy. RR was such a horrible hire, which I suppose everyone in the world knows now, and you'll be paying for that mistake for a long time.