Michigan football coach Brady Hoke: 'That school in Ohio' always a key game
New Michigan football coach Brady Hoke first met with his players and then with the media on Wednesday.
Brady Hoke is back with the Michigan football program, this time as its head coach.
Athletic director Dave Brandon hired Hoke on Tuesday and the 19th coach in Michigan history was introduced Wednesday. Hoke returns to a school where he worked between 1995 and 2002 as the Wolverines' defensive line coach.
With San Diego State looking to lock Hoke into a long-term contract extension, Hoke made no bones about it. He wanted to be at Michigan.
But the new Wolverines coach who was hired on Tuesday faces a big challenge - first in playing catch-up on the recruiting trail and then in restoring order to a program that has fallen on hard times over the past three years.
Brandon said he traveled to five cities in six days and interviewed several coaches in person and over the phone. He said there were people he wanted to see and people he wanted to talk to. He refused to specify who else he talked to or what was discussed, saying it wasn't fair to go back on his confidentiality agreement with those he spoke to.
Brandon said he met several coaches with different personalties while "testing the market." He said he met with coaches who had varying levels of interest in the Michigan job. But over the course of three-hour meetings, Brandon said he learned something else.
"I learned that all that glimmers is not gold when it comes to coaches," Brandon said.
Brandon said he believes he has achieved what he set out to do when he began a national search after firing Rich Rodriguez. He set out to set up confidential meetings to keep the process from becoming a circus. He said Hoke was on the short list from Day 1, saying he knew Hoke by reputation, but that he wanted to get to know Hoke much better.
Brandon said he called Hoke early Tuesday morning, forgetting about the time difference between Ann Arbor and San Diego. He said he waited about 90 minutes to speak with Hoke and said he immediately offered him the job. Hoke characterized the job as his dream job and accepted an offer for a six-year deal.
Brandon said Hoke has a reputation of a players coach and said, different than other coaches, "It's not about him." He said he is known as a coach who can turn programs around, who can recruit great players and who can get his players to play for him.
"This is a special coach," Brandon said.
Hoke said he would have walked to Ann Arbor from San Diego.
"Getting over the Rockies would have been a little tough, but we would have figured that out," he said.
Hoke said it will always be about the team. He said he is dedicated to building a team around character and a program that will be accountable. He said his players will be accountable in the classroom and will be accountable in the community. He said if his players aren't accountable, they are letting their teammates down.
"We are going to be a team that competes with a high degree of effort every time we take the field," Hoke said. "You can't win unless you compete."
Hoke became emotional when talking about the thousands of players Michigan football has been able to touch.
Hoke said he wouldn't discuss what his staff will look like, but he said his staff will work to mold his offense around special players like star quarterback Denard Robinson. Hoke said he spent about 15 minutes with the sophomore, but he was well aware of what Robinson brings.
"We've got a special guy in Denard - he's a guy that can do things for your football team."
Hoke, who ran a 3-3-5 defense at San Diego State, said he believes it can work in the Big Ten. But he said people often don't understand the scheme, which he said can be flexible. Hoke said the scheme allows for multiple changes as evidenced by a Aztecs defense that he turned around and which ranked 40th in the country last year.
Hoke said Michigan is a place where he believes there are three natural rivals - Notre Dame, Michigan State and a university Hoke referred to as "that school in Ohio." Hoke, an Ohio native, said when you play at Michigan what games are important that that he will get out in front of the games that matter most.
He called the Ohio State game the most important game Michigan will play every year.
"The last Saturday in November at 12 - that ball being kicked off, there's nothing like it," Hoke said.
Hoke, who met with current players Wednesday morning, said he plans to spent a lot of time with current players and Michigan's seniors in the next day or so. He also plans to get on the phone and talked to players who have committed to Michigan and who are still weighing their options, hoping to catch up on recruiting trail.
"There's no doubt about it - we've got a lot of work to do," Hoke said. "We have to work our hind end off to reach all those people. Recruiting is a people business."
Asked whether he considered Michigan was still an elite job, Hoke bristled, asking whose opinion that was. When told ESPN personalities suggested it wasn't, Hoke replied, "God bless them. ... But they're wrong. This is Michigan, for God's sake. This is Michigan."
Comments
mmppcc
Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 5:44 p.m.
Yes, losing to Ohio State is always important for Michigan. I'm glad he understands that fact.
D21
Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 8:30 a.m.
TruBlu76, Amen about Tate. Good to know you beat the "obesity" issue like I did (on/off/ON). Hoke, pray that you will eat and exercise better. GO BLUE.
Scotty
Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 12:35 a.m.
TrueBlueFan I agree that Miles is a GREAT coach and knows his stuff (after all, he is a Michigan guy!) and there is a decent chance he would have brought Michigan back to glory, remember that Rich Rodriguez was (and still is) an outstanding coach while at West Virginia (one game away from a national title when Pat White was injured and they lost to Pitt). His system didn't work at Michigan. Also rest assured, RR will win again somewhere. I kind of feel the same way about Miles. He has his own way of doing things. He is more of an "LSU Man" now. Which is great for him and great for LSU. However, I know from personal experience that recruiting in the SEC (especially the souther states) is much easier than recruiting in the Big Ten. But the SEC and the Big Ten are very different conferences. I think Hoke is the better fit to come in and bring Michigan back to the glory days. And Miles will continue to keep LSU in the mix (but I really don't believe he'll take them to another national title)
Jaxon5
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 7:46 p.m.
Just saw Denard on TV at the OSU-Mich b-ball game. He'll be back.
truebluefan
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 7:19 p.m.
"Miles wasn't the right man for the job. He's a great coach but what has he done in LSU since "Saban's boys" have left? Sure he's finished in top 25 but that's not hard to do in the SEC." Scotty -- Miles' first national championship was with Saban's guys. But there is no doubt that Miles has maintained the level of excellence that Saban established. LSU has made the top 5 in recruiting a few times under Miles. They are great defensively, disciplined and every game is competitive. He has an outstanding record in the toughest league in the country. Miles is a great football coach and I have no doubt in my mind that Michigan would've been an elite program again under his watch.
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 7:17 p.m.
@OSU you sound worried, are you?
The OSU
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 7:11 p.m.
"THAT school in Ohio." Not very interesting given that Woody referred to UM as "THAT school up north" over 40 years ago. But I will grant you this... You finally got a coach with a PASSION for Michigan. That's been seriously lacking. Even as an opponent, I'm glad to see that. Can't wait to visit you guys in November. It will be a much better game... for both teams and the rivalry. However, we still plan on winning.
truebluefan
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 7:05 p.m.
I must admit that the one thing I have been dying to see the past few years is a varied offensive attack with both spread and pro set concepts. IMO, you need to have both to be elite nationally (see Auburn, Ohio State), along with a good defense. And now we should be able to have both. And I believe Denard with his speed would be even more dominant with an O line that is able to wear down the opposing defense as well as a RB or two to pound away.
Sallyxyz
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 7:05 p.m.
I just listened to the presser, and I thought it was great. I do think Hoke is a good fit and has a terrific chance to be successful at Michigan. Go Blue!
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 6:49 p.m.
Another thought, Brady Hoke says he would like to stay at Mich. for the rest of his career. I would like to see him slim down a bit because this will be a high pressure job, my guess is that he knows that.
Jaxon5
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 6:48 p.m.
This is so great. I am ecstatic.
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 6:44 p.m.
I looked at our 2011 schedule for the first time. The first few games look doable. San Diego State at home should be interesting especially for coach Hoke. Those last two games at home will probably tell us where we are and where we have to go to compete in the big 10. I say the last 2 because by then our kids should understand the new system. Don't mistake the fact that once our big 10 schedule starts every game is important. I like what coach Hoke is suggesting in his approach as our new coach however, the actual games ahead are the truth of what he can do. If we can win 8 games next year(very doable schedule wise) I would call that a successful year for 2011. I really would like to see a mix of spread and pro. If Brady Hoke is an adaptable coach I think with our current kids that the spread and pro style is very doable. Mich. has that advantage currently with the present team,(spread and pro style.
BlueGator
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 6:29 p.m.
I would strongly suggest to Mr. Hoke that he put on a full-court press try to snag one of the few remaining uncommitted QBs ASAP. Even if Devin stays, if Denard bolts we are in deep trouble without Tate.
geswerks
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 6:25 p.m.
As a parent of a high school athlete, my sense is that Hoke won over a LOT of parents of DI football players today. Current Michigan kids, potential Michigan 2011 kids, current HS juniors. Maybe even some California kids who crossed paths with Hoke at SDSU... kids who were aiming at higher PAC-10 programs - but with parents that were impressed with Hoke. Watch for CA kids on the fence about their west coast verbal commitments to show interest in Hoke now that he's at a program of the caliber of U-M. If I had a son who played football, and had the talent to play top-tier football - I'd be really comfortable with him playing for Brady Hoke.
Bonnie Curley
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 6 p.m.
Now maybe michigan can start kicking some butt. Welcome back
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 6 p.m.
I think with the addition of Brady Hoke and Nebraska we of Mich. are in for some interesting times ahead in the big 10. I think the big 10 as a whole realizes changes have to come for the big 10 as a whole to be competitive. We sent our best team (debatable) to the Rose Bowl and lost, close only counts in horse shoes and last I looked that's not a recognized sport in the big 10. If you just want to win in the big 10 and aren't concerned about the BCS then I guess you see the end results. Ohio State had a good team this year (not great) and they won their game(Arkansas). I don't forsee a dominate big 10 unless major change comes and in part it is coming next fall at least it's a beginning. I don't know if it's the type of play, recruiting or coaching but at least Mich. is on the right track with a new coach and with the addition of Nebraska to the big ten.
John
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 5:57 p.m.
His demeanor and passion for football and players, and their passion for him, reminds me of Rod Marinelli. Hope this turns out better than that fiasco!
Yelmonian
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 5:42 p.m.
The thing that strikes me about Hoke... he embraces UM, and what goes with UM. He's already highlighted the OSU game (putting it on a pedestal), and placed importance on ND and MSU. He's already highlighted DR, and said he will figure out how to mold his offense around DR. It's easy to tell he get's what UM football is about, instead of having to learn about it. I think that alone will make a significant difference.
shane smith
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 5:33 p.m.
I'm glad Coach Hoke is drinking the MICHIGAN KOOLAID.He is going to need all he can get.I love these press conferences,everybody loves everybody.Until the first punt is blocked.I understand he maybe keep Barwis,as the strenth coach.They should hire Rich as the offense cordinator,and let Brady handle the D.Then you really might have something to write about.If your going to DREAM,DREAM BIG.
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 5:23 p.m.
@TerrinBell, maybe a start for Brady would be to get Tate back on track. I think young Mr Tate got sidetracked and got his ego bruised and I think maybe a man like Brady could bring young Mr Tate back into the fold.
riverraisin
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 5:22 p.m.
Les Miles played UM like a fiddle. He had no intentions of ever coming back here. He just used us to get LSU to panic and offer him a contract extension. Then he gets a "source close to Miles" to leak to the press that he's leaning towards leaving for Michigan. LSU grabbed the bait. Played his own university like a fiddle as well. We got the right man to coach this institution. I for one am very happy with him. I'll just be patient and watch the improvement throughout the coming season.
mun
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 5:21 p.m.
@Mo the Educator I think Hoke is trying to promise the least and deliver the most.
Go Blue
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 5:11 p.m.
Finally, a coach that wants to be here, even if he had to crawl from CA. That speaks volumes. And more impressive that he didn't even talk dollars. Isn't that how it works - when there is something you really want, you don't worry about the money - you just go with your heart. Sounds like he will become involved in the community, bring a cohesiveness back to the team and take responsibility for his team, with the buck stopping with him. How novel, how sadly we have missed that and the honor a coach can bring. Thank you!
Terrin
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 5:08 p.m.
The main difference as far as coaching goes between RR and BH, is BH has given every indication he is not a system coach. He might prefer a particular system, but he intends to create a system around the players. RR instead tried to mold players to his system. BH also is smart. He is reaching out to players like Denard Robinson letting them know they have talent and BH has no interest in running them off. With Denard, BH is carefully wording his praise not promising Denard anything. That makes sense, BH has to evaluate the current talent, and everybody will have to earn their spot. Personally, I preferred Forcier because he was a more rounded quarterback. He had more mobility then a typical Michigan quarterback, and also could throw the ball. Too bad he couldn't straighten himself out. Who knows, that might have been from a lack of the proper guidance from the previous coaching staff.
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 5:02 p.m.
Just listened to the Brady Hoke news conference. Brady says all the right things. He talks love and passion for Mich and that's to be expected of any new hire whether it's Mich. or a job at Disneyland. To get at the real meat of this thing we have to wait till next season. I hope he's the right guy but nothing anyone has said so far has impressed me anymore than when RR was hired. I hope next season gives us an idea what we have here but I wouldn't be surprised if we don't have to wait until season 2 to get an idea where we're headed with this guy maybe season 3. One thing I do know for sure is that Brady Hoke is our coach and I wish him well.
Mick52
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 5 p.m.
PortageLkBlu: 4-5 years to get to decent football? Around these parts if the team is not much better than decent he won't be here in four years. I think Michigan should be at least 9-3 next year by beating the teams we did beat and reversing the two 10 pt losses. That should be reasonable if there is not a large defection of players, some improvement on the defense, and cutting down on turnovers with a lot of returning starters. Then better in 2012 when the team is stocked with juniors and seniors. Isn't that a reasonable expectation? (At least, hopefully better).
Mo the Educator
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 4:52 p.m.
He said that his goal is to win the Big 10 championship? C'mon, man! At least PRETEND like you want to be nationally competitive! The most important game each year isn't played in November, it's played on the second Monday in January! The good... no... GREAT thing is that he's reached out specifically to Denard Robinson and talked publicly about Denard running our offense. We shall see, Coach Hoke. We shall see.
leaguebus
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 4:44 p.m.
I don't see why Miles would want to change jobs at this point. Which team is closer to a national championship, UM or LSU? Same with Harbaugh if he had turned down the NFL, which team is closer to the national championship, certainly not UM>
D21
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 4:38 p.m.
NoBowl4Blue. Thanks for the confirmation.
NoBowl4Blue
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 4:35 p.m.
I think Hoke will bring back the tradition that is Michigan. I sense it still will be a battle on defense and special teams as that's not an overnight fix after what Rich Rod aka crybaby did to it. D21 that Woody story is true as I heard that once on the radio from one of his ex-assistant coaches. At least the rivarly will become fun again although maybe tough in 2011.
missionbrazil
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 4:08 p.m.
tulsatom "I hope he is able to keep Denard in the fold." BH was interviewed by the BT Network and he said that "there is no reason why Denard can't continue to run our offense". Sounds like he has plans for Denard. michboy "I think a lot of people are mis-understanding the defense situation. Hoke said the 3-3-5 can work in the big ten, but he didn't say he intends to run it." Exactly right, BH did not say anything about using the 3-3-5 here. Nor did he say anything about any specific plans about the D. He also talked about how they used variations, with sometimes 4 up front, sometimes 5,...
Nick
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 4 p.m.
good press conference for Brady Hoke
michboy40
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 3:55 p.m.
I think a lot of people are mis-understanding the defense situation. Hoke said the 3-3-5 can work in the big ten, but he didn't say he intends to run it. After all, his D Coordinator at SDSU stayed there and took the HC job. Hoke has almost no time to get a D coordinator in place, and it may or may not be a 3-3-5 guru. Just please don't hire a 4-3 coach and force him to run the 3-3-5. That does not float to well. Hoke has some serious fire for coaching and seems to love Michigan like no coach I can remember since Bo. Not that the others dd not love UM, just the passion in teh voice, the look on his face, the inflection in his voice. He's a fanatic...should fit well.
mmppcc
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 3:49 p.m.
Michigan is clearly not an elite job. That much is certain. "This is Michigan, for God's sake!" Yes it is, and that's the problem. That aside, I see no reason why Hoke can't have some success at Michigan, as long as success is not measured by beating Ohio State or especially, winning national titles. Michigan should be better than the last three years, and I'm sure that will happen under Hoke. Michigan should not be a regular BCS contender, and that should also be the case under Hoke. Overall, he seems like a reasonable hire.
Stephen Landes
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 3:43 p.m.
Oscar Lavista -- How about the "BH Turfers" can be a golf league, touch football group, polo players, whatever they want. You're right about surf not working on the Lakes.
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 3:36 p.m.
We shall see, remember folks talking and doing are 2 different things. If we give him 4-5 years we could get back to playing decent football.
D21
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 3:34 p.m.
Les Miles got another extension (3 years) til thru the 2017 season from LSU. So this tells us that either Les used Brandon as the bait or Brandon knowingly abetted Les in that. I am sure that the LSU AD wanted the writing in proof (of UM's offer to Les) hence the flyover meeting. Now all of you know why some of us knew Les isn't the right fit for UM. Hey Brandon, friends or not (Les), please squeeze LSU into the 2011 schedule asap and get rid of a cupcake like Western Michigan or the Ron English led Eastern Michigan.
tulsatom
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 3:32 p.m.
I hope he is able to keep Denard in the fold. I wish you the best, Coach Hoke. Happy (recruiting) trails to you and your staff. Please hire a good defensive coordinator who also knows how to recruit. Is it too late to get Ron English? He was an excellent recruiter.
Scotty
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 3:31 p.m.
To DexterDad, Miles wasn't the right man for the job. He's a great coach but what has he done in LSU since "Saban's boys" have left? Sure he's finished in top 25 but that's not hard to do in the SEC. In fact, quite a few 8-4 teams (including LSU) have finished in the top 25 over the past 5 years. Gene Chizick "didn't know how to win" before he got to Auburn. Jim Tressel "hadn't proven himself at the big time level" when he went to Ohio State. Heck even Nick Saban was only successful at Toledo before taking Michigan State to top 10 rankings and then moving to LSU four years later. Just because a guy isn't Harbaugh (who has less winning seasons as a head coach than Brady does) there, doesn't mean Michigan is doomed. Michigan got the right man, it will just take 2 to 3 years for them to prove it to you.
rreidannarbor
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 3:28 p.m.
Here's the press conference for some who did not catch it, like me. http://www.mgoblue.com/allaccess/?media=221155&utm
81wolverine
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 3:27 p.m.
After watching the presser, I'm impressed with Hoke. He's not a polished "front man" for the program - just a genuine, down to Earth, intense football coach. I love his enthusiasm. I believe 100% when he says this is his dream and final coaching job. I also really like the fact he took the job without agreeing on a salary. Compare that to many of the prima-donna, ego and money driven coaches out there today - a couple of which Brandon probably interviewed. Forcier never grew up here and was never ready mentally for the challenges of being a QB at Michigan. Good luck to him elsewhere. But, Hoke will need to find a 3rd scholarship QB somewhere assuming Denard does stay (I think he will). As far as I know, Gardner DID get a medical redshirt, so he has 4 seasons of eligibility left. Finally, I love the fact Hoke's background is defense. We need some more great athletes, but we also need more aggressiveness, better schemes, and more intensity. I think he'll deliver on those.
Oscar Lavista
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 3:26 p.m.
Welcome Brady! At San Diego State, the student fan organization was known as the B.H. Surfers. Since that won't fly around here, let's come up with something better.
MjC
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 3:25 p.m.
"Hoke said he would have walked to Ann Arbor from San Diego" And well over 100,000 fans would have been glad to come give you a ride Hoke! The sooner you get here the better for all of us. Welcome back and GO BLUE (don't forget your boots, gloves, coat and a hat though).
Wooderson
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 3:25 p.m.
Does anyone know whether Les Miles was actually offered the job? Or did the Lloyd Carr wing of the program veto the offer as a result of that alleged unpleasantness when Moeller was head coach?
Scotty
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 3:23 p.m.
As a former player under Coach Hoke and a long time Michigan fan, I can promise you, Michigan fans, that we got the right man for the job. He is not only an outstanding coach but a great man in general. All of his former players (including myself) having nothing but praise for him. You want to win for the guy and you'll do anything to make sure that happens. Michigan will be back on top. Maybe not next year but in the near future, I promise. His press conference just backs it up!
Rizzle
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 3:19 p.m.
either he's really dumb, taking a job without knowing the pay, or he and Brandon agreed to make up some folklore for our benefit. Which do you think?
Sean T.
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 3:11 p.m.
I'm not a fan of the 3-3-5 but his coordinator, Rocky Long mastered this defense during his days as a head coach at New Mexico. I attribute his need for the scheme was out of neccessity of the many spread offenses in the conference. I only watched two games of San Diego State this year, but they use their bandit much like a 3-4 defense, the same defense that produced Brian Urlacher. I'm not enthusiastic about this but I have no choice but to give it a shot! Go Blue
D21
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 3:10 p.m.
THAT SCHOOL IN O-h-i-o Wonder what will Hoke do for an encore during the halftime of tonight's bb game (OSU-UM)? Here is another classic Woody story that we can stoke the exploding UM-OSU rivlary with: Woody, famous for his hatred for Michigan and anything that had to do with the state, was on a recruiting trip in the state of Michigan, when an assistant noticed that the car he was driving was going to run out of gas and told Woody, who was dozing in the passenger seat. Woody refused to let him pull over for gas and the assistant drove on. The assistant saw the weather was starting to get bad, and worried they'd be stuck in the middle of nowhere, again stressed to Woody they needed to get gas. Woody then erupted: "No, goddammit! We do NOT pull in and fill up. And I'll tell you exactly why we don't. It's because I don't buy one goddam drop of gas in the state of Michigan! We'll coast and PUSH this goddam car to the Ohio line before I give this state a nickel of my money!" They barely made it across the border and stopped, almost literally, at the first gas station they found in Ohio. If it is true, what a character Woody is.
missionbrazil
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 3:05 p.m.
You have to love "that school in Ohio", and the fact that he took the job before he knew how much $ was involved. And he is the genuine deal... what you see is what you get. Plus he will do things in an honorable way. He may not beat "that school in Ohio" every year, but I wouldn't bet against him in those games. You know he is going to get the team ready to fight and play hard and leave it all out on the field for every game. And he knows you have to beat the BT teams first if you want to go further in the BCS. Welcome back Mr. Brady Hoke.
BlueGator
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 3:03 p.m.
I also thought BH showed some class in saying some nice things about RR and his staff. Surprised me a bit that the old regime was even brought up. I wonder if DB knew Hoke was going to make those remarks?
TrueBlue95
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 2:59 p.m.
@craigindexter Your negativity is in the minority. This guy, albeit unpolished, brings character and toughness. Talent will come again...we have a multi-decades coach here...get behind the man...or just go away!
D21
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 2:58 p.m.
Conversations in Heaven: Woody: Hey Bo, Bo, HEY BO Bo: Woody, why ya screaming about? Woody: LLooky here, something great happened to that school up north of yours. Bo: Yeah, Coach Hoke is something, ain't he, eh Woody? Woody: If Hoke said, "that school in Ohio" to my face, I'd pick him up and toss him across Lake Erie like a rag doll but Bo, Hoke sure got guts. Bo: (smiling) Yes Woody, that school in Ohio quote so we FINALLY have something worth watching this November. Woody: Hell yeah, I might take a liking to Hoke than what is his name. Bo: Ya mean RR? Woody: Heck no, it's TRESSEL that I cannot stand.
GeeWhiz
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 2:51 p.m.
Brady Hoke and Dave Brandon both impressed me at the press conference. Several former players and coaches went out of their way to attend the press conference - that speaks volumes about the type of Coach Brady Hoke will be. MICHIGAN is definitely on the way back. GO BLUE!
Blu-n-Tpa
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 2:48 p.m.
For once I will change the mantra for Michigan. The Coach, The Coach, The Coach! After today it's back to The Team, The Team, The Team! Go Blue!
TheInfamousOne
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 2:47 p.m.
I watched the entire press conference; I love the way Brandon handled the media, very strong, professional and funny. After listening to the coach, there is no doubt in my mind he is the right guy for the job. When Brandon mentioned that Hoke accepted the offer without talking about money, it reminded me of when Sparky Anderson took the Detroit Tiger job. I recall Sparky Anderson was the same way, Sparky accepted the job and told the GM just fill in the check with whatever number you think. I think we are going to a have a respectable program once again. He might not be polished with the media, but he has a big heart and cares about the program. You want someone who wants to be here and is committed, so I think he's a perfect fit. That's my two cents.
DexterDad
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 2:45 p.m.
So let's get all fired up, strap on those leather helmets, and spend another year trying to cram a 3-3-5 defense down the throats of kids who proved last year that they can't play it. Ranking 40th in the nation on defense against opponents like XYZ State (insert Nicholls, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado) isn't that big of an accomplishment. So congrats Dave. You did what you wanted, returned MEEECHIGAN to the old 8-5 (including bowl loss) days. Take solace people that you will be going to the Gator-Outback-Hall of Fame classic in Jax, Tampa, Orlando for the next decade before you tire of this disciple. Should have paid Miles and his assistants the money they wanted to be significant nationally again.
David Vande Bunte
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 2:44 p.m.
Hoke said he wouldn't discuss what his staff will look like, but he said his staff will work to mold his offense around special players like star quarterback Denard Robinson. Hoke said he spent about 15 minutes with the sophomore, but he was well aware of what Robinson brings. "We've got a special guy in Denard - he's a guy that can do things for your football team." ------------------------------------------------------------------ This is part of what I wanted to hear. I wanted to hear that Hoke wasn't going to throw away Denard Robinson's special skill set by forcing him into a new system. I am not exactly thrilled about Michigan retaining the 3-3-5 though. I don't believe it can be an effective base defense in the Big Ten. It might work under certain circumstances, but as a base, when you look at what the other Big Ten teams do on offense, I think a 4-3 or 3-4 is much more appropriate. I guess we will see if RichRod was right about it being the youth of the defense, rather than the scheme...I tend to think it was far more the fault of the scheme than youth, lets hope Hoke can prove me wrong.
Papabear151
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 2:43 p.m.
He obviously gets "it" now lets hope hes got the rest of the "its" he was needing to bring with him. Brandons confidence about this hire makes me all the happier. Especially after the "all that glitters is not gold" comment. Sounds like JH or Les Miles (probably LM) were not even offered a job. I also think DB did a more thorough search than a lot of us realize. GL Hoke and GO BLUE!
StefanRybak
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 2:42 p.m.
As a long-time Michigan football fan, I really like this hire! Welcome to the Big House, Mr. Hoke! M Go Blue!
rico2458
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 2:37 p.m.
The incredible HULK i mean HOKE is saying to Ohio State you dont like me when iam mad
BlueGator
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 2:36 p.m.
mookienation, The presser was shown live on mgoblue.com -- it more than likely will be archived for replaying later today.
truebluefan
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 2:36 p.m.
Tate was the most natural fit for Hoke's offensive style because he was the most polished passer. Unfortunately, he's gone. Good move to mention Denard by name. However, his statement was generic -- "We've got a special guy in Denard - he's a guy that can do things for your football team." Well, yeah, but aren't there better words to describe the B10 offensive player of the year? That said, Hoke genuinely wants to be here. Words are great, but the fact remains that he's going to have to earn that right on the field with a lot of wins.
TrueBlue95
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 2:36 p.m.
I hope we get the medical redshirt for Gardner...does anyone know where that process stands? Also, does anyone know if Fred Jackson (Running Backs coach) was retained?
Jack
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 2:34 p.m.
At first, I was disappointed when I heard who the coach was. After watching the press conference, I am convinced we have a coach who really wants to be here and is a stand up guy! Looking forward to football season, winning and welcoming Coach and his family back to A2!
TrueBlue95
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 2:33 p.m.
I think we have our man! Sort of reminds you of a guy who swept in here back in 1969...Tough!
Greg
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 2:30 p.m.
Wow, really impressed with Coach Hoke! I liked this hire when I read up what former players/coaches had to say about him and listening to him talk only made me feel better. Very gunuine, no BS about this guy, loves the kids and I don't see him throwing them under the bus after a loss. Go Blue!
mookienation
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 2:29 p.m.
Does anyone know where I can watch the press conference? I missed it when it aired earlier today.
heartbreakM
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 2:27 p.m.
Just reading his quotes gives me great hope and happiness. He GETS it. He will be a GREAT Michigan coach. Does not mean he will win the nat'l championship or win all our games, but he will build a winner the Michigan way, as shown by all his comments. Just LOVE that he did not accept the job based on dollars. Love the symbolism of that. He will get paid and paid well, but he is happy to come to MICHIGAN. (I can hear echoes of Bo in his speech). When all is said and done, I think we got the right guy, even if many of us (myself included) were very skeptical. Love his references to that school in Ohio. Can't wait to hear him tonight at the OSu-M bball game.
John B.
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 2:21 p.m.
@PU: Good riddance to Mr. "just showing up for class should get me least a B-something average" Forcier.
BlueGator
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 2:13 p.m.
IMO, a very impressive introductory presser for BH. I liked his passion and emphasis on "it's all about the team." His attitude in that regard seems an awful lot like Coach K of the Duke men's basketball team. I hope BH can finalize the staff quickly.
RudeJude
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 2:03 p.m.
I think Tate was gone regardless of who the coach is. I'm unfortunately on the road today, but I cannot wait to get home see the full press conference! Coach Hoke understands Michigan! Go Blue!
D21
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 1:58 p.m.
Asked whether he considered Michigan was still an elite job, Hoke bristled, asking whose opinion that was. When told ESPN personalities suggested it wasn't, Hoke replied, "God bless them...but they're wrong. This is Michigan for God's sake. This is Michigan." Yes Virginia, this is MICHIGAN!
P U MSU
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 1:31 p.m.
Yes. I like the press conference so far. He is saying all the right things. Sounds focused on getting Denard back. Liking everything about him.
A2Susie
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 1:28 p.m.
I am really liking Mr. Hoke. He clearly is very happy to be here, passionate, straightforward, modest, and really likable. Great press conference! Welcome back to Ann Arbor, Mr. Hoke. We like you, are impressed by you, and will support you all the way. Go Blue!
P U MSU
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 1:18 p.m.
Looks like Tate is gone. He was not at the team meeting and has not enrolled in classes.