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Posted on Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 9 a.m.

Michigan football program has less than a month to convince recruits to be Wolverines

By Pete Cunningham

Greg Brown plans to continue to be a student at the University of Michigan and part of this year’s recruiting class for the football team. Justice Hayes still plans to sign with Michigan.

Other recruits aren’t as sure about their verbal commitment to Michigan.

Justice-hayes.jpg

Justice Hayes

In the wake of Rich Rodriguez’s firing on Wednesday after three seasons as the Michigan football coach, recruits have less than a month to make a decision about where they will play college football before national signing day on Feb. 2.

Brown, a 5-foot-10, 180-pound defensive back from Fremont Ross High School in Ohio, enrolled early at Michigan so he can participate in spring practice. He is rated as a three-star recruit by both Scout.com and Rivals.com.

Hayes is a four-star running back from Grand Blanc High School and was coached by Joe Delaney.

“At this point, he’s still committed to Michigan,” Delaney said of Hayes, who previously committed to Notre Dame before stating his intentions to accept a scholarship offer at Michigan.

Hayes rushed for 1,300 yards for Grand Blanc as a junior, but played just three games his senior season after injuring his wrist. Before the injury, he was his team’s leading rusher and receiver.

St. John's Jesuit (Ohio) center Jack Miller, St. Pius X (Texas) linebacker Kellen Jones and Plant Senior High School (Fla.) offensive tackle Tony Posada all told Rivals.com they would stay committed to Michigan.

South Fort Myers (Fla.) defensive back Dallas Crawford told naplesnews.com that he had de-committed from Michigan because of Rodriguez’s firing and would explore in-state options Miami and Florida.

Traverse City West offensive tackle Jake Fisher told the Detroit Free Press’ that he is reconsidering his commitment, and Plymouth coach Mike Sawchuck said defensive end Brennen Beyer is doing the same.

Pete Cunningham covers sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at petercunningham@annarbor.com or by phone at 734-623-2561. Follow him on Twitter @petcunningham.

Comments

missionbrazil

Mon, Jan 10, 2011 : 8:19 a.m.

Mo, I seriously doubt that Dee Hart changed his mind and now is going to Alabama because LC retired 3+ years ago and we are now looking for a new HC after RR failed to produce a winning team. It sounds like it was a shaky commitment from the start, and there were rumors back in Nov. and Dec. that he was even going to change his mind from UM and Alabama and go to Florida. My whole point about the 3 coaches in 5 years things is this: if a person wants to try to make UM look bad they will say we've had 3 coaches in 5 years; if a person wants to paint a true picture then they will say that we had 3 coaches in nearly 40 years that produced a winning percentage of.800, and then we had one that failed to uphold the winning tradition in his 3 years, so we are now looking for a new HC. The "3 HC's in 5 years" is just a perspective of a person who wants to make UM look bad. I am not saying you are that person necessarily; perhaps you are repeating it from some media sources that are bent on trying to make UM look bad.

Blu-n-Tpa

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 6:36 p.m.

Tater, if DB put his new coach in a deep hole, how come all those great, well coached players who have been here 3 years can't step up and ease the way for the new guy? You seem to blame DB for things that haven't happened yet and you find no fault AT ALL with the record, performance, and results of the last coach. Special teams, who was the coach for that dismal unit of Michigan football? Defense isn't just a cabinet position in the federal government. But, there isn't really a debate here is it? RR was awful. Now some of his supporters can't deal with the reality that DB fired him. Please let me, and others, in on who thought RR should continue at Michigan after the last games of the season. The last 3 years?

Mo the Educator

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 2:22 p.m.

@missionbrazil In 2007, the coach was Lloyd Carr. In 2008, the coach was Rich Rodriguez. In 2011, the coach will be neither one of them. From 2007 - 2011 we will have had 3 coaches. I'm really confused as to how that's not three coaches in five years. And why do I use that time period? Because this article is about HS kids decommitting from Michigan. Dee Hart (and the rest of this incoming class) was a HS freshman in 2007. He is graduating in 2011. Lloyd Carr was our coach during the year he was a freshman. There'll be a third coach before the end of his senior year. As a FL kid, I'm sure he respects Michigan's traditions. but for him, HS is still almost 1/4 of his life. He decommitted because of coach upheaval. There's been a lot of it from his perspective. I teach HS kids. That's how young teenagers think. And again, I'm not a Rich Rodriguez fan, and I'm not upset about him being fired. I'm upset about him being fired and being replaced with someone who isn't even as good as he is or is mediocre overall. Replacing 15 - 22 (if we want to act like Rodriguez only coached for three years) with 47 - 50 doesn't sound like an upgrade to me. @Murrow Your contention has been that Rodriguez is "patently incompetent", he can't recruit, and should have been fired. If all of that is true, then the new coach coming in hasn't had a decent recruiting class in 4 years, not just one, and they will have to undo three years of "patently incompetent" coaching. That means that this hire is probably the most important in program history. This isn't the time to be "gambling" or "giving some guy a shot". We need a serious, proven commodity. As I've said all along, if we aren't hiring Chris Petersen, we're making a greater mistake. Keeping Rodriguez or hiring Hoke is the difference between having a slow leak and sawing the bottom out of the bottom of the boat. I'll go down with this ship because I'm a die hard fan, but I don't have to like it.

missionbrazil

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 6:43 a.m.

Mo "the 3rd coach in 5 years" I guess math isn't the subject you teach, because we have had 2 coaches in 16 years... RR for 3 and LC for 13... 13 + 3 = 16... so we would have a 3rd coach in 17 years (counting the new HC's 1st year), not 5 years. And we have had 1 HC that didn't work out in the last 41 years and who didn't have a winning record... I would say that is a great tradition. "the school follows the arrogant, entitled fan base, which has no desire to compete outside of the midwest." I believe DB stated the exact opposite in his presser the other day... he is NOT listening to the many fans or people who are not very close to the situation offering their advice... and I believe he stated clearly that they will decide and do it right so that we can return our program to competing in the BT and nationally. Remember, it was your guy who couldn't even compete IN the midwest, let alone out of it (1-13 vs good BT teams, 6-18 BT record). Still a little sore about DB firing your guy? Not much.

Mo the Educator

Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 1:04 a.m.

This is college football. That "one right recruit" can change the trajectory of a program. And no major college program worthy of that title would be fine with what amounts to 'taking a year off' from recruiting. As much as I would give an arm (ok maybe not an arm, but definitely a few fingers) to coach Big Blue, I'm just a fan. For talented college coaches, the Michigan job is like being the proud owner of a gilded gold mine: you follow a "terrible recruiter" (consensus on this site), you're the 3rd coach in 5 years, the program is no longer relevant nationally, and the school follows the arrogant, entitled fan base, which has no desire to compete outside of the midwest. I will be driving the Brady Hoke bandwagon if he really is going to un(screw) the debacle that is Michigan football, but I'm pretty convinced that we're done as a program for a long time.

1st Down

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 10:25 p.m.

raddesc...perhaps you should go over to mgoblog and join the rest of the conspiracy theorists and hate mongers...or step off of the ledge...your choice... but what you say and your personal attacks on sane posters is insanity defined. Everything will be all right.

spartyisyourlilsister

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 10:20 p.m.

Ummmm.....Ron English? Hasn't EMU won like 2 games in 2 years?

raddesc

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 9:18 p.m.

Nor will he "tell" some Bob Marley quoting delusional fan. I'm sorry but you're conradicting yourself exactly like my last post suggests.....stating "People have no idea what is going on..." and, ""Everyting gonna be all rite".... doesn't mean squat to me...and why are you interpreting my post as overreacting? Your opinion is yours; mine is mine.....leave it at that!

spartyisyourlilsister

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 9:13 p.m.

Joe Schad on twitter: schadjoe: Michigan has expressed desire to interview Les Miles; expected to happen, sources say 7 minutes ago

1st Down

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 9:03 p.m.

'Everything is fine' is not delusional. Overreaction is. Dave Brandon to this date has handled this EXACTLY as he said he would. EXACTLY to the Note. People here have no idea what is going on, only Dave Brandon does and he wont tell you until the deal is done....For good reason....

raddesc

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

I mean really....delusional (everything's fine) and biased (regarding RR) comments mean absolutely nothing at this point. Read between the lines, the level of interest in this job and the window for a successor is closing every day. I understand DB wants to make the "correct" choice but the "big fishes" all have bailed and we're now into the second tier. Why on earth SHOULD I relax now? If Hoke was "the guy" then he should have been hired already. Heck, OSU turned away Gruden, Belotti (sp?), and Mason to hire Tressel. The longer this stretches out, and Hoke is the hire, it will be publically disputed that UM CANNOT attract a big coach and settled on one they could have gotten the day after RR was fired.

spartyisyourlilsister

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 7:42 p.m.

Doubt it, this situation is identical to what happened 3 years ago & Hoke is just as much of a panic hire as Rich Rod! It will end up just as disastrous too!

1st Down

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 7:24 p.m.

In the words of the immortal Bob Marley: "Everyting gonna be all rite".... No worries. Don't panic. DB will get it right & we will have a d-mn strong team. Have a Nice Day.

tim

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 7:13 p.m.

That's why you find a new coach before you fire the old one. Same thing happened three years ago.

bigblue

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

u can stick a fork in this recruiting season! either hire somebody BIG or hurry up and get Hoke! the longer Michigan waits the worse its gonna get! GO BLUE!

D21

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 6:58 p.m.

Sparty, Here is the not too sweet Hoke kool aid for you to partake and it is unlike the dour and sour Miles kool aid.

spartyisyourlilsister

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 6:53 p.m.

Umm......no I am not Theo. I gave up on Rich Rod after the State game this year, while Theo was still carrying his torch! I will be considering a screen name change though if we hire Hoke, because at that point Sparty will not be our little sister, they will own us for the foreseeable future!

missionbrazil

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 6:47 p.m.

spartyisyourlilsister If Hoke the Joke is the coach: Michigan 3 OSU 56 So you are related to Theo?

spartyisyourlilsister

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 6:44 p.m.

Deal I'll do the same with the Hoke kool aid drinkers!

D21

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 6:41 p.m.

We shall see. Miles has some serious flaws and am hoping Brandon won't hire him but if it happens, I'll just press on to eradicate those Miles kool aid drinkers from this forum. How's that? :)

spartyisyourlilsister

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 6:34 p.m.

With as idiotic as this athletic department has been the past few years, you will probably get your wish and they will hire Hoke. Hope your not looking for any improvement from the previous regime, because it will be more of the same, if not worse with Hoke!

D21

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 6:33 p.m.

Put all the overrated SEC teams against B1G teams in B1G home arenas on Jan 1st. I'd guarantee a New Year Day's Massacre (of the SEC conference), period. Hoke is it.

MyOpinion

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 6:31 p.m.

All you bandwagon folks, Hoke is mentioned "in the headline" as a possible replacement for Harbaugh at Stanford: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/565071-stanford-football-brady-hoke-and-10-guys-who-could-replace-jim-harbaugh So, maybe Hoke is worth a look if someone else in interested in him. I'd take Hoke over Miles any day. Short-term, we'll lose a few recruits because he isn't a big name. Long-term, he's done a good job of rebuilding and that's what we have to do for the next few years.

D21

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 6:24 p.m.

Miles is nothing but a big joke while Hoke is it. Nuff said!

spartyisyourlilsister

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 6:15 p.m.

Yeah why would we want a coach who wins at least 10 games year in and year out in the toughest conference in the nation? Why would we want a coach who has won a National Championship? Why would we want a coach who gets top recruiting classes year in and year out?

D21

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 6:05 p.m.

Hoke is it! Bank on it and take it to the bank, er, better yet, credit union.

D21

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 6:01 p.m.

Miles is nothing but a total WUSSY who was so cowed in by his LSU AD 3 years ago that he sang like a choir boy afterwards. Miles isn't Michigan Man material but SEC cheat material.

spartyisyourlilsister

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 5:57 p.m.

If Hoke the Joke is the coach: Michigan 3 OSU 56

missionbrazil

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 5:53 p.m.

heartbreak... you can find info. about current NFL players sorted by their college at this link: http://espn.go.com/nfl/college/_/letter/w

missionbrazil

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 5:51 p.m.

Lorain, having Les Miles and Brady Hoke as coaches would be very good for our team and program. I am not sure that Hoke would agree to be an assistant again; perhaps if it were for a short 1-2 period and it was understood that he was the HC in waiting. I wouldn't think he would accept it if it were for 5-7 years. Speaking of Hoke, I thought he signed a new contract in December but according to a report coming out of San Diego nothing has been officially signed yet.

GoBlueGoWing

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 5:48 p.m.

I just got out from under a rock. What's going on with the football team?

D21

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 5:44 p.m.

Macabre, AZ wolverine, blu n tpa and yes, portagelkblue and even LS, Thanks for the excellent postings. Hoke Is It. UM 27 OSU 24

spartyisyourlilsister

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 5:38 p.m.

I will support Brady Hoke as much as Macabre Sunset, nobowl4blue, 3 & out and Murrow's ghost supported Rich Rod! Brady Hoke 47-50 overall coaching record, that's awesome!!!

D21

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 5:35 p.m.

raddesc, Just relax and everything will be fine. The reason why most of us screamed for Harbaugh is to put pressure on Brandon to fire RR. I don't agree with the long delay either but but but but but watching UM football without RR on the sidelines is PRICELESS! GO BLUE!

D21

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 5:27 p.m.

Hey Theo212, AD Brandon is waiting for you to pop your RR kool aid driven head into his office to collect your $1.00 buyout. Hoke is it as in (Coke is it). Say NO to Miles.

raddesc

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 5:23 p.m.

Love it!! RR is fired and now I'm told I should just be "patient" and "everything will be fine." That is drop-dead hilarious! And better yet, this is coming from the experts right here on this wonderful AA sight who blabbered, "don't worry, Harbaugh will save us!" Which makes me wonder about this ridiculous "Michigan Man" expression. There's supposedly a "Michigan Man" (BH) waiting to coach at Michigan--so why am I reading Pat Fitzgerald turned down the job? What is Dave Brandon waiting for? Oh yeah, somebody else/better. Miles better be DB's man because every other "big name" coach is running away from this opening like it is plagued! Also, if I were BH, I'd tell DB to go fly a kite just like Harbaugh did. But don't worry everybody, I'll be just as patient and understanding as all of you were with RR. Recruits possibly leaving, no worries, all is well! A little fyi, Columbus radio's topic Friday--Is Michigan football (and its coaching position for that matter) even relevant anymore? And, I'm sure the "experts" on this site will claim it was only within the last 3 years that there were problems considering we were so dominant against them the previous decade. No worries everyone, All is Well, Who needs recruits anyway.....Apparently, we have all the time in the world to get this fixed now that RR is gone...I mean, I'm sure DB has been in contact with Les Miles, right? errrrrrr.... Go Blue!

D21

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 5:13 p.m.

*Yawn* Everything will fall in place soon enough.

PortageLkBlu

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 4:19 p.m.

If I was a great recruit I would probably be aware that I won't have to wait long to start at Mich. and I would be aware that the spotlight is on anything and everything that Mich. football does. Any fine recruits we get are going to be in the spotlight both on and off the field. At Alabama your just one of many. Depends on how you look at this adventure for Mich.

RobbiesBoyfriend

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 3:59 p.m.

Woops, "MVP"

fman

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 3:57 p.m.

I just watched our top recruits go to other teams. Dee Hart is going to tear us up in 2012! Thanks DB! Long live King Rich Rod!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RobbiesBoyfriend

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 3:54 p.m.

Craaaaaap. Demetrius Hart just named US Army all American game MJP. He had 100 yards rushing in the 3rd quarter alone. he wears an Alabama hat.....He used to wear a Michigan hat :(

newe82

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 3:53 p.m.

Watching the Army high school game looks like half the players were considering Michigan. This recruiting class is going to be horrible if they even have one. I think Michigan is going to be in trouble for a few years to come.

InsideTheHall

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 3:45 p.m.

My sources indicate that Bill Cowher, Brady Hoke, Mike Trogovac, and Les miles have all been approached. I am trying to confirm that former M OC Terry Malone has expressed interest. No word on interviews or offers at this point.

devildog

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 3:45 p.m.

I find it interesting to those of you who say - it is up to Les now!! Did you not see him on national TV stating he has YET to receive a call from UM this time or last time. Look at the real problem, it is right in our own administration

rellez

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 3:42 p.m.

Right, recruiting does not matter. So, you are telling me that a new coach has to step into this job and he is already down a recruiting class? Recruiting does matter (spare me the Mike Hart was only a 3*). DB had a chance to fire RR over six weeks ago and he decided to stick with 'the end of the year' statement. DB said it would be unfair to the players to put them in that situation for the bowl game...what was unfair was to roll them out there to get crushed 52-14. DB has had an nearly two months to put a plan in motion, but he chose wait. Now, Michigan is getting crushed Nationally on virtually every sport radio program. Simply put, hire Brady Hoke or Les Miles and begin the transition.

Bluewolverine

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 3:42 p.m.

I have promoted Brady Hoke in this forum since all the talk about a new coach started. Insightman is spot on with the link to the article about Brady so here it is again http://tinyurl.com/27bt8t9. If Michigan is looking for a guy that wants to stay around a while and will be good for this team this is your man. This article describes Brady very well and if Michigan hires him all of us will get a chance to see him develop the program just like Michigan football is expected to be developed.

Lorain Steelmen

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

heartbreakM; I agree Hoke has little 'curb appeal'. And I like the record of accomplishment for Miles better, BUT, he's getting up there. I am serious about offering Miles the top job, but bringing Hoke in, to be that Asst HC, and/ or DC. IF these two are both defensive oriented, AND, if these TWO both love UM, then they WOULD find a way to work together. Schembechler always relished strong, fiesty people, and always wanted his people to go, grill to grill, in making UM a GREAT program. Here's a way for Brandon to re-create that atmosphere, and, get both an immediate solution, AND, the long term continuity for the program....a 'succession plan', if you will, of two "MICHIGAN MEN'

Keiffer

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 3:16 p.m.

Dont look at Les Miles coming to U of M. He as one of the top recruting classes in the country coming to LSU and has another verbal committment from a 5 star Odell Beckham. So there really doesnt leave to many choices out there. I do like the pos. of Mike Singltary as a defensive coach at Mich.

heartbreakM

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 3:16 p.m.

One more thing about RR: Does anyone know how many NFL players he produced at WVU? A big criticism of Carr is that he left nobody, because look how there were no M players drafted in the last 2 years. My take on this is that NFL players are not made in high school or in year I of NCAA football, but rather NFL players are made by 3-4 years of coaching and preparedness. Some players come in more NFL ready than others, but I have found this criticism of LC (and defense of RR) very fallacious. I think it is more of a reflection of RR and the staff he put together than 'bare cupboard' and would be curious about his past record as proof. (I don't know where to look up that info). If my theory is correct, we may not be in as much trouble as some predict because better coaches should develop our existing and future talent much better.

heartbreakM

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 3:12 p.m.

Hearing the players from the 97 team praise Hoke gives me much more optimism than before. He is not a "sexy" name, and I still favor Miles over Hoke (if we are only looking at those 2). I think Miles success in 2 major conferences over years is a better gauge for success than Hoke in the MAC and whatever SDSU is in. That being said, Hoke sounds like a guy who brings a passion to the job, will be able to talk to his team about the importance of defense, Ohio State, Michigan State, tackling, Ohio State, tradition at Michigan, Ohio State, and Big Ten championships (the precursor for any other championship). All Hoke needs is one good year at Michigan and then suddenly, his name turns "sexy". Rodriguez failed for all sorts of reasons, some of it being the ultimate outsider who never learned what is important at Michigan (or at least conveying it), for not coaching his teams well in kicking, tackling, turnovers, defensive positioning, etc. Hoke sounds like he would not come in with that baggage, and he would bring back a lot of the Michigan past into the future.

Lorain Steelmen

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 3:01 p.m.

mission, Makes sense. I can see where they might see Pelini as a great heir apparent. Curious, what your thoughts would be on a Miles-Hoke solution, for UM, in the patterm of the old Bo-Mo tandom. Miles to solve the 'immediate' need, with Hoke the longer term continuitty solution.

GoBlue1984

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 2:58 p.m.

Glad to see you leave, kids. Now hopefully Michigan will be down for several years -- that would be just punishment for an unjust firing. Go Blue :-)

missionbrazil

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 2:44 p.m.

LSU is going through the same types of speculation and rumors that we are. This LSU blog talks about crazy rumors that a deal between Les Miles and UM was already signed and that Bo Pelini was contacted about replacing him at LSU: http://www.tigerrag.com/?p=102852

Lorain Steelmen

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 2:44 p.m.

Insightman. I read your post and the linked article on Hoke. I remain sceptical, BUT, I would offer a 'compromize' solution, as follows. Brandon makes an offer to Miles, age 57, WITH the provision, that Miles must also bring in a 'successor HC'. The idea being, to model the program's continuity, after the 'Bo-Mo' model. This should be agreed to 'up front'. Miles may respond that he already has a guy like that in mind, OR, Brandon can bring Hoke in, NOW, as Asst HC, and DC. Sure, Brandon will need to pay Hoke decent bucks, but he will ASSURE that the progran would NOT slip, as Lloyd Carr allowed it to, from 2000 to 2007. For his part, Hoke will have to swallow his 'pride' as a temporary 'step back, or 'second banna', for 5 to 7 years, but Hoke would then be heir to his 'dream job', just as Gary Mo did, when he came over from U of Ill. This solution would satisfy the two warring factions, within the program. The "old blues" like me, that want Miles, and the "new Blues", that want Hoke. Brandon regains peace in the family, and, he has TWO men with incredible football knowledge, who BOTH profess to love Michigan, AND, he has assured the fans that this resurrgence will out-live Miles' career, as the Mad Hatter approaches his early to mid sixties! Brandon said publically last week, that he was willing to pay market driven salaries for the 'right guy', well here's a chance to put his money where his mouth is. And if these two "Michigan Men" really are serious about their love for MICHIGAN, then they would find a way to make this work. From my standpoint, I see two strong willed guys, who would work together for the common good. Don't kid yourself. Old Bo brought in a lot of strongwilled, feisty men, who found a way to work together. I think Mo or Jerry Hanlon would confirm this, as fact. If Brandon's people are reading these blogs, they should put this option on the table, soon.

lawrencelaundry

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 2:39 p.m.

Les Miles will except and he has the name that will win recruits over. He will even bring in some big time recruits. Brady hoke may be a good coach, but he will not be able to win some recruits over in this short of time frame, resulting in a very poor recruiting class. Let's hope Miles family don't stop him from coming up. Miles may bring some bagage but every school does what he did. Just ask RR.

lawrencelaundry

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 2:28 p.m.

Les Miles will except and he has the name that will win recruits over. He will even bring in some big time recruits. Brady hoke may be a good coach, but he will not be able to win some recruits over in this short of time frame, resulting in a very poor recruiting class. Let's hope Miles family don't stop him from coming up. Miles may bring some bagage but every school does what he did. Just ask RR.

Blu-n-Tpa

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 2:10 p.m.

AZW Thanks, but it appears we still have some work to do with others on this thread. NoBowl You are not a Kool-aid drinker so you will think before answering. Which college HC (or coordinator) would you want that was with a team that was NOT bowl eligible? That would mean except for Temple, had a losing record. Once you have to wait for most of the really qualified coaches, you might as well wait until your bowl game is over. Since DB stated that all along, he has a plan and is following it. It's been 4 days, give him a little longer before you call him inept. AJ Suck? You mean like UM's BT record the last 3 years? Geez, it's not even signing day, not to mention several years from now. I believe you're just a little ahead of yourselves. And, what do you base that on? Tarot cards? Insight/AZW Nice article. Great promo piece and it had a lot of background info on BH. I really haven't seen anything truly negative writen about BH but I'm sure DB has it covered. His bowl game, which NoBowl might have missed had he decided to fired RR right after the OSU game, showed a lot of coaching style. Liked, maybe even loved it. We'll see. There's one thing about NOT firing RR right after the OSU debacle. He showed that DB wasn't going to panic and jump before he's ready. I don't think anything we write here is going to be worse that OSU. Go Blue.

magnumpi

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 2:04 p.m.

@PortageLake, I completely didn't agree with you on RR, but I admire your positive attitude moving forward!

GettingBluer

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 1:40 p.m.

Insightman, I read the article and it answered the remaining questions I had about Hoke...I could fully endorse his hiring. I knew he had most of the qualities I would like in a HC. Now, I'm convinced that he has all of them...it doesn't hurt that it's his "dream job" either since people try to make their dream job work out no matter what the situation when they arrive.

azwolverine

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 1:26 p.m.

insight, I think Hoke would do an outstanding job at Michigan. He gets it. He knows that OSU is not 'just another game.' He knows that beating MSU and dominating in-state recruiting are mandatory to the success of the program. He understands the program and the university inside and out and DREAMS of coaching here. And, most importantly, he knows how to assemble a winning staff and has a great strength and conditioning coach that actually ADDS pounds to his players and makes them bigger and stronger. Interesting concept on both counts, eh? I will be thrilled with either Hoke or Miles, and believe that either of the two will help bring UM back to prominence. Further, I trust DB's insightful, deliberate decisions (former player and Bo disciple) far more than I trusted Bill Martin's knee jerk, panic driven decisions. There is certainly rebuilding to be done, but the future is bright with either coach.

NoBowl4Blue

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 1:19 p.m.

DB is showing ineptness. If he'd fired Rich Rod after the OSU game like he should have Michigan would have a coach now and most likely better recruits. Most of the recruits cry baby had coming in weren't the same kids who were considering OSU, Florida, Auburn, Alabama or Texas any way. So if some go others may jump at the chance to play early under a new coach. The bigger the name the better the guys Michigan will get this year.

azwolverine

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 1:14 p.m.

Andy, That's why we're getting a new coach. Blu-n-tpa Right on bro!

Insightman

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 1:08 p.m.

I didn't know much about Brady Hoke. But after reading this column by Fox Sports' Jason Whitlock, I LOVE Brady Hoke! http://tinyurl.com/27bt8t9

Soothslayer

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 1:04 p.m.

The next few years recruiting seasons are gonna suck. UM's program in the last few years has all been about pomp and circumstance (e.g. Biggest House) but little on substance (the game itself).

PortageLkBlu

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 12:52 p.m.

Sunset, relax what everyone wants at this point is to get a good coach and get back on track. RR is History whether I liked him or you didn't. I believe that most of the folks that supported RR have conceded the fact that he did not work out at the UM I don't believe that that makes him a bad coach. To keep discussing RR either in positive or negative discussions really is a moot point don't you think Sunset?

Blu-n-Tpa

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 12:47 p.m.

azw You beat me to the punch. Great minds...

Blu-n-Tpa

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 12:43 p.m.

Recruits? Love to have them, don't NEED them. Need a COACH who knows how to COACH! I don't know if BH is that guy but I get the feeling that DB knows what's been missing and wants someone to fill that hole. There seems to be a track record for Hoke making teams better regardless of how many All Americans, or not, on his rosters. Wisconsin and Iowa seem to make football players out of thin air based on recruiting websites and ESPN. How do they do that? COACHING. So DB gets his, and our, COACH, saves those players who WANT to come to Michigan, finds some guys that don't shine on all the numbers (speed and/or size) but have the intangibles (heart, desire, smarts) that make a team a TEAM. A COACH will get what other departed coaches couldn't or wouldn't get out of the players already here, their BEST! That's not a slap at the players. Every good player will tell you he got where he is by a COACH telling him to get better, and then showing him HOW. You want to see a more productive DRob? Build a better D-fence! Want to shorten the field for DRob? Have better special teams. Want to extend DRob's career/durability? Improve the running game, help receivers catch more balls, and spread the defense by NOT making DRob the target on every offensive snap. The old COACHING staff didn't/couldn't do that. The NEW COACHING better do that. So now that we're in DAY 4 of the coaching hunt remember, DB has done everything he said he will do. So give him the time to do it.

Macabre Sunset

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

I suppose this turnabout is entirely fair. When Rich Rodriguez started looking like he was in entirely over his head, people like me started blasting him, and making predictions like he would lead the team through an unprecedented decline, the worst seasons in Michigan history. I would imagine the Rodriguez fanboys (and we know the names around here, so I won't repeat them) wished we would find another team to support. They didn't understand that support sometimes means speaking out against something you know will cause pain. We were right about Rodriguez. It doesn't always feel good to be right. Now, the Rodriguez fanboys are screaming that everything is being mismanaged, and the recruiting class will disappear and we'll end up with George, the Handyman from Newhart as our new coach. And this is very annoying to those of us who understood Rodriguez couldn't coach at this level, and this change is necessary. We wish they would go back to West Virginia (I can't imagine they were Michigan supporters in the past, because winning was nice, and they would remember it fondly pre-Rodriguez). What they don't seem to get is that Rodriguez was failing as a recruiter. As he led Michigan into decline, with both offensive and a defensive schemes that bore little similarity to what you see in the NFL, elite recruits began thinking of Michigan as a place you don't go if you want to play in the NFL. That's why his current class was outside the top 30. You see, the difference between recruiting here and recruiting in a mid-major conference like the Big East is that you have access to almost everyone. You have to recruit the biggest and best athletes. Rodriguez couldn't because he couldn't offer them training for the NFL. His best recruit, Pat White, couldn't even stick on an NFL roster and is already playing baseball. Baseball? A 20th Century sport in the 21st Century. An anachronism. Rodriguez's hiring was a disaster of epic proportions. Hopefully, Michigan football didn't strike the proverbial iceberg and we can get going again. But change is necessary, and crying over a borderline 3/4 star defensive back from Texas when Rodriguez couldn't even get in the door of the best recruits from Michigan doesn't make much sense.

wait_a_bit

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 12:35 p.m.

How about Dave Wannstedt? He's available having just been fired for a paltry 10-3 season. But then, he's a Pitt Man not a Mit MAN.

Dan Blair

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 12:34 p.m.

Dave Brandon MUST realise that not only do recruits de-commit but no coach worth their salt would agree to take a job with less than a fair chance at succeeding. Loosing recruits makes success harder and harder. UNLESS Brandon makes an annoucement by this coming Monday, January 10, he may have to call RR back as the best choice left available!

Dan Blair

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 12:31 p.m.

Dave Brandon MUST realise that not only do recruits de-commit but no coach worth their salt would agree to take a job with less than a fair chance at succeeding. Loosing recruits makes success much harder. UNLESS Brandon makes an annoucement by this coming Monday, January 10, he may have to call RR back as the best choice left available!

azwolverine

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 12:29 p.m.

By the way, I agree with Fan in that our primary concern is not winning NC's, it's fielding a competitive team and beating OSU. Once we are able to do that, we can begin to focus on other things.

azwolverine

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 12:26 p.m.

Michigan will be fine. The new coach will come in, keep many of the recruits we already have and add a few more, then next year stock the cupboard with new and improved recruits. Even better, the new coach will coach up the current players that we currently have and make them better than they've ever been. Be patient...UM will land a quality coach that understands what it takes to win at Michigan and LOVES the program within the next few days. I, for one, am excited about the future. Go Blue!!!

PortageLkBlu

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 12:04 p.m.

Theo212 don't count on that, I heard DB has bad knees.

byron

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 11:50 a.m.

and O by the way, who cares if a recruit decommitts. Was he really interested in being at The University of Michigan anyway. If not then go somewhere else. Once this ship is righted, UM will be back on track. Even though it will hurt short term.

tresselowns

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 11:48 a.m.

If Miles or another "big-name" coach isn't announced in the next 3 days, then this coaching search will be a flop. I think Hoke or another under-the-radar coach could have worked in Dec, but at this point, already losing recruits and current players, the new coach will have to bring some big-time recruits and cachet with him. It's too late for Hoke now.

byron

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 11:47 a.m.

xtr exaclty what will happen, db follows the rules and does not mess with a coach until his bowl game is done. It will be Hoke or Miles, Miles is now first choice, otherwise Hoke would have already been announced. DB waited till after LSU game now will contact Miles. you heard Miles last nite. I have not been contacted yet and I am happy where I am at. His is telling the truth thus far. Once contacted and offered the big bucks, he can now say i have been contacted and an offer to good to pass up, if he wants, if not HOke is here. Do you think Miles wants to keep going up against S. Carolina, Florida, Auburn, Alabama, Tenn, Georgia every year or OSU all other big ten teams are beatable every year.

XTR

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 11:39 a.m.

DB waited for JH to take the NFL job, then waited for Les Miles to finish his bowl. It is up to Les Miles now if he wants to come back within a couple of days. If not, Brady Hoke will be the coach. By mid week next week, we will have a coach.

PortageLkBlu

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 11:38 a.m.

Keep the faith boys and girls, now is the time to bleed blue and support not only DB, and the team but the University as a whole. I was born in Ann Arbor, have gone to school there, lived there and bled Wolverine blue my whole life even when I didn't like a particular coach. Michigan will be back at some point. I think this can be a lesson learned and a very interesting period watching a complete overhaul for the 2nd time in 3 years. This is football at it's most interesting time. Years from now when Mich. is back with the elite you boys and girls can say you watched the process take place and it was tough but you always supported the Michigan Wolverines. Go Blue!

bakrman

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 11:30 a.m.

how many "long shots" are there? Seems like everyone is a long shot, has better options, wasn't right for the job anyway, or any other number of excuses when they turn us down. What is Barndon doing??????????? Bring back Bill Martin!

Ben

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 11:25 a.m.

Patterson was a long shot at BEST.

bakrman

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 10:59 a.m.

Gary Patterson is now gone. Brandon fiddles while Ann Arbor burns!

James

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 10:39 a.m.

NO mention Dee Hart going to Alabama instead of Michigan?

golfer

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 10:34 a.m.

come on what did you think. michigan was going to keep it class. no way this will happen. we will get some And lose some. i would be surprise if we have a good season next year. we could if the defense gets better. but no major bowls. got to get a coach by middle of the week. each day after that is bad.

APCGuy

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 10:29 a.m.

I have a universal message to pass on to all Michigan verbal commitments: STAY! Mr. Dave Brandon is going to acquire a top-notch coach that will bring the University of Michigan Football Program back to prominence! You will be a part of that!

RobbiesBoyfriend

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

Greg Brown and Justice Hayes are very good recruits to start the article off with, because they represent two very different types of recruits. Greg Brown has an offer on the table from Michigan and Central. Easy choice by him to enroll early and very little chance of him leaving. HE STAYS Justice Hayes has an offer from Michigan and about every other team in the big ten plus Tennessee and ND. Justice can open his recruiting back up and pretty much go to any school he wants to outside of the top ten. maybe he can even get an offer from a top ten school. HE'S GONE so lets look at the other recruits mentioned in this article. Dallas Crawford Florida kid, so probably not a lifelong Michigan fan has great offers all over the east coast HE'S GONE Jacob Fisher Instate recruit (Maybe a lifelong Michigan Fan) has offers from half of the MAC schools plus Mich State HE STAYS Brennen Beyer Instate Recruit, top 200 recruit Has offers from major schools all over the nation. HE'S GONE Tony Posada Florida recruit as an O linemen, his decision will mirror tate and denard HE'S GONE Kellen Jones Houston recruit can go wherever he wants. has offers from just about every school outside the top 25. HE'S GONE Jack Miller Ohio Recruit has offers from every mac school plus the bottom half of the big ten. Ohio recruits who dont get an offer from Ohio State find Michigan a very appealing choice, revenge factor. HE STAYS

Fan

Sat, Jan 8, 2011 : 9:55 a.m.

Michigan's real catch-22 is we are heavily depending on recruits to play...now! Unlike Ohio State University, who after loosing 5 key players (for the first five games) coupled with the permanent loss of seniors, are basically reloading" while Michigan is and has been "rebuilding" every year for the past four years. OSU will be deservedly ranked in the top four teams while Michigan will be fortunate if they get ranked at all during the 2011 season. Perhaps Michigan should hire a "just in time" defense minded coach like Mike Singletary (the former San Francisco 49ers head coach being replaced by Jim Harbaugh) who brings the experience and skills to jump start the program and through his charisma, attract the caliber of student athletes (and coaching staff) we need to instantly contend. It appears to me we are like a Mexican jumping bean flip- flopping from one side of the room (coach) to the other. Perchance Michigan needs to take a step back: "If you don't know where you are going, any ole road will get you there." FOR NOW, my focus (obviously I am just a Fan and not a multi millionaire coach or AD) and by any means necessary, is to put a team on the field that can defeat OSU (benchmark); that's it and that's all. Evaluate and reassess for 2012.