J. Dean

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 2:18 p.m.

I echo Enforcer on that. Hoke is too inconsistent with his teams. Somebody else said it's Lloyd Carr part 2. To be honest, it would look more like Rich Rod part 2.

Enforcer

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 2:06 p.m.

@Ghost I am willing to give most people a chance, but Hoke to me is just not a good idea. He seems to be on the right track at SDSU, but when he was at Ball St. he was a mess! 2003 Ball State 48 2004 Ball State 29 2005 Ball State 47 2006 Ball State 57 2007 Ball State 76 2008 Ball State 121

J. Dean

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 10:46 a.m.

Trgovac? Now THAT would be interesting, seeing a defense-first coach for us.

PortageLkBlu

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 10:24 a.m.

I like Kool Aid maybe that's why I'm having fun with all this drama and why some of you seem wrapped way to tight. As some of you have stated, coaching in the big ten is a different horse than say, coaching at a West Virginia or, San Diego State.

heartbreakM

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 10:19 a.m.

Trg is actually an interesting guy though he has no head coaching experience. This is where I think LC really screwed up. He did not have any sort of plan for what happens after him (though maybe that was Bill Martin's instructions). LC knew that entire summer that he was gone, and we are now still dealing with that. Wouldn't it have been great to have somebody like Trgovac as coach in waiting while LC was here to seamlessly take over? Trg was ND assistant and has NFL experience and the M pedigree. He was great as a player. I think he's interesting but unproven.

InsideTheHall

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 10:14 a.m.

We can do no wrong if one of the following becomes HC: Jim Harbaugh Les Miles Brady Hoke Terry Malone Chuck Heater Mike Trgovac

PortageLkBlu

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 9:48 a.m.

Last I heard RR is still OUR coach. I will support RR and if he loses his job (I don't think Harbaugh is coming to Mich)I will support the new coach. I actually find all this drama very entertaining and after all isn't that what football and all the tangibles are supposed to be, entertainment?

magnumpi

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 9:45 a.m.

heartbreak, i agree 100% with your post. those are my issues with RR also, not just the W/L record.

J. Dean

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 9:34 a.m.

I don't want Hoke. To be frank, there's nothing in his record that I'm seeing which would prompt me to see him as coach. He had one good year at Ball State, but beyond that his record seems modest at best.

heartbreakM

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 9:33 a.m.

@J. I understand what you are saying, but nothing that RR has done has led me to believe that he could ever succeed. Would or could I ever support him? I don't think so, for many reasons, but mostly over what he has put my university through OFF the field (lawsuits, probation, embarrassment, unwanted attention--negative attention). I also don't think so because he has thrown players out figuratively in order to get his stupid system in place. Football is not or should not be a system. It is a strategic match where the coach has to get his pieces working against the other coach's pieces. If you have to get a certain type of player for your "system", then you are doomed to failure. Back to RR: In his third of year of losing to OSU, he still has yet to speak with fire and understanding of what that game should be about. His response? "Kumbaya". That is not a guy I could ever support, regardless of record.

newe82

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 9:28 a.m.

What are the options at this point: 1. RR stays-Brandon should be fired. 2. Harbuagh to UM-Brandon a hero and UM back to respectability. 3. Harbaugh gone-what next, Brady Hoke? 4. RR Gone, hire someone off the radar-Time will tell. In any situation Brandon's legacy at UM will be determined over the next few days. Another bad hire like RR will set this program back a decade. It is fun watching it all unfold. I can't wait to see what Brandon does over the next week. He is either going to be regarded as a genius or Bill Martin the 2nd. If Harbaugh does not take the job and goes to the NFL he will regret it. The NFL is a completely different game than college. For one thing they will not be playing next year. Harbaugh can go 8-8 in the NFL and be fired within a year or two. He has one shot at the Michigan job. If Harbaugh is not the man, then I hope Brandon gets someone who gives everything they have to turning things around. Brady Hoke may not be a bad hire because he has made it clear that the UM job is his dream job. Whatever happens on it's current path the football program at UM is irrelevant. It is only a matter of time before fans stop filling the stadium.

J. Dean

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 9:23 a.m.

@hearbreak, Perhaps my labeling of "fool" was a bit harsh. Please forgive me. I just got a little tired of the impatience with Rich Rod, when I know that people will have a double standard about it if it were Harbaugh, Miles, or any other coach. I don't think anybody denies that Harbaugh would get the job done-eventually. Like I said, the game was impressive last night. Va Tech, while not exactly the most elite team, isn't a cupcake team either, and the fact that Stanford kept them scoreless in the second half was quite impressive. But here's my question: suppose Rich Rod took his next team, be it Michigan or anywhere else he goes, to 11-1 or even 12-0. Would your opinion of him change at all? I'm sorry, but the fact that his last year at West Va with a team that almost made it to the National Championship makes it hard for me to believe that he's a terrible overall coach. Terrible coaches don't go to 11-1; a coach on the high side of mediocre might, but not a terrible one.

tresselowns

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 9:21 a.m.

If it was anyone other than JH (including keeping RR), why wait this long? Despite what the Freep says, JH has to be in play. DB would not wait this long without some confirmation of interest. It could still fall through, though, so let's keep the Harbaugh fervor down. It could still end up being someone else (by same reasoning RR must be gone), but JH is 1st choice and has expressed interest. Otherwise DB is a dope.

D21

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 9:08 a.m.

Jim, your wife will immediately move to A2 with you once she listen to this Bo speech: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnSOwvj24M0

heartbreakM

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 9:07 a.m.

The problem I have with Peterson is really the same type of concern I had with RR when he first came. Michigan is not just another B10 university (trying not to sound arrogant here--that's not my point that we are 'better' than anyone else, just different). We are all time leaders in wins, have won the right way, etc. Have traditionally dominated the B10 though not so much the bowls. Peterson has no more inkling of the M-OSU rivalry and its importance than RR. He probably could not find MSU on a map. Certainly has not been in the Big House. Though he may be a great X and O guy and clearly has coached well, he may also not get it. It's tough, but I think where the Vest succeeded and Cooper ultimately failed at OSU is their background and understanding of these universities. Now that being said, and I do really respect OSU usually, I hope they get smoked tonight over this whole NCAA probation nonsense. I hope the Vest surprises us and seats his players to put some ethics back into the game, then I would not begrudge OSU (I always root for them except for the last game). But this situation is absolutely ridiculous and disrespectful.

D21

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 9 a.m.

JaySham, We, the chemists, just uncovered the third ingredient in that RR kool aid & nyquil foaming broth. It is RR's tears which certainly raise the sodium level to unfathomable levels but is safely masked by the high sugar content of that kool aid.

magnumpi

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 8:56 a.m.

While my hopes are fading for JH, it's more based on family than anything. As i said in another post, look at UM both hospital and university. Lots of folks who could make more in private practice/industry stay in academics for the love of teaching/passing on information. I think JH falls in this category, staying in "academics". I think he likes the energy of being around young people and passing on his experiences/knowledge. I think Mrs. H will be the deciding factor. Whatever happens, RR needs to go.

wvtroll

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 8:45 a.m.

Gotta remind you guys that I'm a Hokie fan. So you need to keep this in mind while I elaborate. Stanford showed VT how it's done last night. The thing that was impressive is that it was done with class in all respects of the game. On the other side, Beamer and VT showed the same class in losing. That's what true coaches and teams do on and off the field. They realize that the game is a platform to show what they have accomplished with a set of players. Winning coaches take pride in their victory, losing coaches learn from what they saw about their team and they meet after the game, shake hands with a smile and go on. I don't recall RR ever smiling after a loss. If you read what Beamer said on the VT site, it was nothing but praise for his players. You'd think the state of Virginia doesn't allow buses anywhere in the Commonwealth. A good coach realizes that what the team displays on the field is a reflection of how well he has taught his team. It's a statement of his ability as a coach. Now, no matter who UM ends up with as a coach next year, you should firstly hope he is a class person, that he can teach football to his players, and that he understands what coaching is all about. You might end up with JH, some other guy, or RR again. Ask yourself if RR has shown any of the better traits of what a coach is all about and you'll see what I have been posting about for ages. Remember "you can support your team without supporting the coach" statements? I think you'll see what I meant. UM won't necessarily fail if they don't get JH. You might be pleasantly surprised even if you don't. There'd be nothing better than getting an unknown entity and he ends up being another JH, Bo, and taking UM to a much higher level. Brandon is not doing you guys any favor by delaying the firing of RR if that is what he's going to do. Regardless of that, it doesn't mean he's doing the wrong thing in delaying the announcement of a new coach (two different things) if he's taking his time and getting the right guy.

chiro19

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 8:44 a.m.

The delusion (which is actually an expectation) J. Dean is that michigan football under Harbough would look like the michigan football of old! That is exactly what Stanford looked like last night. Offensive line that mauls you, D line that gets great depth at the qb, linebackers that dont miss tackles, DB's that cover, a quarterback that can make any throw, running backs that run through you and over you and not try to avoid contact, and wide outs that can run double move routes very well and CATCH. The expectation is to get back to the most difficult style of offense to defend (Pro Style) it keeps you off balance and is based off of timing and deception not reads. This means that the Offense dictates what is going to happen not the Defense. As well you get massive T.O.P. in your favor with this style of offense giving your D time to rest. What was the one thing that Stanford D was great at? They tackled superbly against a dynamic qb that is shifty. Tater a deal may have been done already, but most likely all of the wheels have been turning since the Wisc. game. Brandon, I am sure made some phone calls to see who is interested so that he can make a professional and appropriate decision. I do not recall DBrandon stating that he has not made a change yet or that he is not in the process. All I have seen is him stating he will "evaluate the program resposibly at the end of the season like all of the other programs at michigan and move from there". Maybe I have missed some comments by Brandon to state other wise and if so my apologies. You have to remember that Brandon is not an institutional Lib at Michigan. He is not going to make decisions based on emotion but on the bottom line and what amount of money is on the line and what can be brought to the table. I am interested to see if Harbough is not brought in who Michigan gets. There are some big names out there and I am sure they have been contacted. Short list: Harbough (if he goes to the NFL he effectively loses his family because of the hours, he has very little control, he must have instant success, and he makes minimal more than a high profile college because of expenses of agents and such in the NFL and if Michigan is his dream job he may not get another shot at it) Peterson Peterson Meyer (keeping RR for another year and then picking up meyer because his kids are still in school at Fl., Very unprobable but I have seen weirder things like Weis go to Fl. as a O coord.) Hoke Miles

XTR

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 8:42 a.m.

After watching the blowout game last night of Stanford, it is safe to assume that the Stanford team with Luck returning will be a top 10 team next season with a good possibility to return to the BCS. With that, I find no reason for JH to move to another CFB program. The money, the fans will follow a winning football program. Why move to another program to start over if you can just continue with your successful projects? Of course, Dave Brandon the salesman could still stir him for AA, but DB should make a decision on RR first which he should do ASAP because time is running out whether RR stays or not. My point of view is that Michigan should know their unpolished coaching aces before they are discovered by other programs because if they establish themselves, they will be almost impossible to hire.

GoblueinNE_PA

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 8:27 a.m.

I can only hope that DB hasn't pinned all his hopes on Harbaugh and when/if that falls apart, decides not to make a move. That would be disastrous at this point. He's kneecapped RichRod and leaving him in place, I just don't see how it would work. I've never been convinced Harbaugh is the guy, but I'm concerned that DB does think he's the guy. A jilted DB may make the wrong decision and keep a failure rather than look for the next great coach. I hope I'm wrong.

heartbreakM

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 8:19 a.m.

@J.Dean: This is the "fool". Nobody could expect JH to turn around RR's disaster in one year, but everyone would expect the team to improve on fundamentals, on preparedness (see, defensive positioning), on tackling, and on accountability all around. It would be night and day from this disorganized mess we have now. But at this point, I think Stanford is where JH stays. I think he will see his opportunity to mold boys into men at a very high class university right where he is in a solid conference, with chances to go to Rose Bowl and occaionally national championship. His scheduling is usually competitive, and the academics are solid. His players are reflections of him, and honestly, I can't say I blame him. I think we all will love to get him (well, except for tater, theo, and possibly you), but looking in his eyes last night on the TV, I just don't see him leaving Stanford.

J. Dean

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 8:10 a.m.

Harbaugh did well, there's no question about it. He has a fantastic, balanced team who was basically half a football game away from making the National Championship, so kudos to them. But... should Harbaugh come here, I think that people are under the delusion that Michigan will become an 11-1 team within a year. To be honest, if you want the record to jump up that fast, you'd be better off getting Les Miles, who could take Rich Rod's system and add a real defense to it.

discgolfgeek

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 8:09 a.m.

My prediction: Harbaugh says no, say hello to Brady Hoke. In the long run, he is far more likely to stick around anyway. I think he is a good fit and will be embraced once people get over the fact Harbaugh isn't coming.

local

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 8:01 a.m.

Harbaugh would be a great fit for Michigan and the college game. He can recruit the guys he wants in college and can make decisions for the whole program. If he goes pro, he has to deal with a general manager, team president, etc... and he can't decide his players necessarily. Dealing with big money guys that he might not want, etc... I think Michigan gives him the opportunity to control all aspects of the program and hopefully be our head coach for the next 20 years. Part of me thinks that his family likes the California lifestyle, thus the 49ers may be his choice when it is all said and done. Time will tell!!

Blu-n-Tpa

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 7:57 a.m.

(I simply want the poster to annotate his statement. How is that an attack?) @tater "If a deal is 'already done' then DB has been lying to the public for awhile". That's the second time you have said DB could be a liar if he was working behind the scene on hiring a coach. Where, when did he state he wasn't doing his job? You know keeping his options open for possible coaching hires, and/or, finding out who may be interested in coming to Michigan? His job is to ALWAYS be ready, to have an idea who is available, who may be interested in any of the coaching opportunities there. Tater, by your support of RR it appears you don't believe it's important to be properly prepared or you would be just a little bit upset with how the Michigan football was COACHED prior to the Gator Bowl. Or before the OSU game! How about the PSU game, that was after the bye week, do you think that team was ready to play? Doing the job you're paid to do, like DB has been doing, shouldn't be a foreign concept as it appears to RR's special teams COACH. I do find it interesting that you hold DB to a higher plane of public trust and truthfulness than your COACH. That's almost RR-esque of you. Where he makes mistakes but blame everybody else. Of course if you're DB, and you have been working, you have second or even third parties, feeling out situations, senarios of "what if" with other parties. But he NEVER said anywhere I've seen that he quit doing his job. Have you?

heartbreakM

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 7:54 a.m.

@Dankston: Problem with your reasoning is that with our current "coach", there is no plan......

Dankston Hughez

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 7:25 a.m.

What Harbaugh did at Michigan can be the same for Rich Rod, a turn around in 4 years is still possible. Mind you that he did the same at WV patience would be a virture people. On top of that with all this drama going on we definitely are losing good prospects while we B.S. around. This is should not be a topic, it takes 4-5 years for any plan of action when it comes to sports or business deals, even simple concepts of life. We need to stick to the plan, give this man his contract years and go out and win some national championships, I just want to win like the rest of you, and if we stop in mid stream we will sink, that is to much to think that we won't have success and it would be crazy to think another coach and four more years of recruiting is worth that kind of time. Go Blue...

Cash

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 6:23 a.m.

Freep writer this morning says Harbaugh not coming to Mich....it's either NFL or he stays at Stanford.

Cash

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 5:42 a.m.

Plan B? http://www.freep.com/article/20110103/SPORTS06/110104005/1319/Harbaugh-expected-to-pass-on-U-M-coaching-job

Steve

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 4:40 a.m.

What goes around comes around! When Rich was at WVU, he had a hole state behind Him. Many of us believe, the loss to Pitt was a lack of coaching from RR, who, had already decided to move to Mich. And we felt betrayed by one of our own. Michigan can not be held guiltless in what happened. But things change, one thing I take offense to is a lot of you guys commenting like the big east is a substandard conference. Do I need to remind you of your bowl record this year! Hey, I hope all works out for you mich fans. I really do, but your staff asked for it and guess what they got it! Maybe DB is doing it the right way, the way a respect U of M AD should! As for RR, he had it made here at home, but He made a mistake. He is a great coach, but He never was a good fit for Michigan. And RR, I hate to be the one to tell you this, you are no Michigan Man. Good Luck Michigan fans!

lawrencelaundry

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 3:16 a.m.

Come on home Harbaugh, we need you brother!!

Steve

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 1:21 a.m.

JH or not, Fire RR now!!! Of course, better if we get JH!

BornInA2

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 12:51 a.m.

Looking at RR's recruiting results at Michigan so far, I'm not worried about losing any more. Other than DRob, who has he recruited that hasn't: 1. Not been admitted in the first place due to legal or academic issues. 2. Gotten in trouble legally or academically after admission and been booted off. 3. Flopped (under-coached or over-rated). Who is it that anyone thinks he has on the line that we're really worried would be a big loss now, especially compared to getting a head coach who can make a difference for then next decade or two?? Do we really need a couple more RR-recruited kickers?

3 And Out

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 12:43 a.m.

well Byron...based on his history (Pryor) any recruit that Rich Rod is talking to now, he will try to take with him to whatever small obscure school that he ends up at as HC or OC.

byron

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 12:41 a.m.

let me get a poll, here, with DB letting RR twist in the wind here, I cant see anyway RR comes back, I dont understand if your going to make a change whack him tomorrow please. What does the phone conversation sound like when RR is on one line and a heavily prized recriut is on the other. It cant be good, has to be awkward. Becaus of that, the need to get closer ASAP. Hopefully DB has JH on speeddial and when the conference is over. The only thing I would want to here from DB mouth is HOW MUCH. Lets go DB, lets start pounding the likes of Buckeye and Sparty nation again. FYI I hope the buckeyes get pounded tomorrow night we are already 2-5 one more win or loss for the big ten means nothing at this point.

3 And Out

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 12:37 a.m.

yeah those Stanford players are all very well spoken too... if anything....say Harbs chooses the NFL... well, this is the blueprint that we need for the future at Michigan football going forward.... tough, pro style football, played with integrity and class, but punishing the opponent.

ellipsec01

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 12:37 a.m.

"Talk about his players, he insisted. "It's all about them," Harbaugh said." source: http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory?id=12533996 This quote demonstrates all you need to know about JH.

ellipsec01

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 12:33 a.m.

The way JH carried himself on the field tonight, his mannerisms, his control of the game and every situation, really gives you the sense of his ability to succeed. It was eerily similar to watching Bo. I hope JH comes home, but with so much talk and speculation it feels like an outside dream. Every NFL media outlet believes he is going to the Pros it seems.

Greggy_D

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 12:32 a.m.

He knows how to chew gum.

byron

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 12:32 a.m.

harbaugh too funny in news conference. some idiot reporter asking if this will be his last game. throw the next reporter out who ask any future questions on his status. GEEZE

3 And Out

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 12:30 a.m.

In the presser....Harbaugh getting pressured by the Media but wont let them win....I love it!!!! That is a man, not a mamby pamby raise me up foo.

3 And Out

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 12:29 a.m.

Will "Theo Rodriguez" be back here next year when his brother Rich is not?

lawrencelaundry

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 12:28 a.m.

Come on home Harbaugh, we need you brother!!

DonAZ

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 12:27 a.m.

Oh my... the contrast between Harbaugh and Rodriguez is astonishing. Harbaugh speaks of respect for the process and the game. Luck spoke of Harbaugh making them do things they didn't want to do, but they all knew it would make them better players. Harbaugh's no-nonsense approach is obvious and infectious. Rodriguez? Well... we've hashed through all that many times over. Years from now the players who played for Harbaugh will speak of him as players speak of Bo. I can't imagine anyone saying the same of Rodriguez.

byron

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 12:25 a.m.

yes it was his fourth, now i ask everybody then, next year are we going 11-1 in the top five and playing in a bcs game. I say no way possible. i cant see the defense coming around that fast. to Drobinson, even if the next coach doesnt see you as the qb fit, just think of the possibilities at WR or RB, Howard won a Heisman, Carter was electrifying. You will be a stud, carrying the rock twenty five times a game as an RB and or being thrown to half that amount plus the extra carries ala percy harvin, the rocket. I see nothing but upside no matter what coach is there for DRob, so hang in there big fella. Heres my wish list, how bout a blitz every now and then, the only one i say all year was the OT vs. Illinois on the LAST play of the game. RR if you do stay fire Robinson immediately. Thirdly, how about using your TE every once in a while, the michigan staple is that bootleg flowing left and Brady, Griese hitting a wide open TE on the right for HUGE yardage. Koger is a beast use him, my goodness. Fourth, please get a FG kicker who can kick past fifteen yards. You put yourself in trouble all year by having to go for it fourth and long. Fourth, recruit kids that are bigger, my goodness, it was apparent vs. Miss st. I see 5 foot ten, kids weighing 175 trying to tackle backs who have blown past the first wave, this is not going to work, speaking of that as well scrap that 3-3-5 this crap does not work, its obvious, ZERO pressure on the QB, hence your secondary gets picked apart. Look at this laundry list and this is after the third year.

Ben

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 12:22 a.m.

My biggest hope (really) is that we get a coach who will honor the job. If he comes here to punch a time card, that won't cut it. If he comes here because of family ties (JH), Playing Histroy (LM, JH, BH), or because it's honestly their dream job (JH?, BH)... I would be much happier! Michigan needs a *man* coaching, not a baby. A man admits responsibility, a baby deflects and blames the freshman starters. This is all very basic stuff, why hasn't our "king" caught onto it? By the way! Welcome back Theo! We missed you.. thought you had gotten lost coming back from Dave Brandon's game suite!

I love Michigan Football

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 12:21 a.m.

It's amazing how the tides have changed after this weekend. Their are a few here that wanted Harbaugh from the beginning and it looks like it could be a possibility soon. Did everyone notice that everyone chose Va Tech before the game????

3 And Out

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 12:18 a.m.

Greggy D...if you are going to toss that out there...please elaborate... raunchy real estate deals are something that Rich Rod has majored in....

Greggy_D

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 12:11 a.m.

3 and out.....it would be nice if he came here. What a throwback to Bo. BUT....supposedly there is a raunchy real estate deal that his current boosters are covering for. That may scare Go Blue off. We'll see this week.

Michiganiac

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 12:11 a.m.

actualy byron this is harbaugh's 4th year not third, i do believe he went 7-5 in his third year

3 And Out

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 12:11 a.m.

lol@ Harbs tossing oranges out to his guys... Regardless of what happens, we all can see that THIS is Michigan football in Red...and Dave Brandon will bring this style back home to Ann Arbor...where it started!

ellipsec01

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 12:07 a.m.

All NFL "chatter" pointing to JH moving to the NFL suite. Can you believe them? Who know. Although, where there is smoke.... At this point, a failure to secure JH would be a setback. Personally, if we cannot attract a "Michigan man" who is young, successful, and a clone of Bo, I begin to wonder.

3 And Out

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 12:05 a.m.

One final note: Harbaugh said "Respect the Process" 2X in the trophy presentation....once about his team....the other to Reese Davis who tried to weasel a future question out of him... Lets hope "Respect the Process" applies to the Michigan situation too because Dave Brandon HAS respected the process in all respects. Props to Dave Brandon no matter what the outcome of the Coaching Change is!

BornInA2

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 12:04 a.m.

Harbaugh has handled this situation with impeccable class. A Michigan Man no matter where he ends up.

3 And Out

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 12:03 a.m.

Stanford just KILLED VT.... totally dominated them in all facets of the game. Harbaugh was VERY excellent after the game in taking the focus off of him, and putting it on his well deserved team. ANYONE who watched this game, and watched Michigan for the past 3 years... CLEARLY would be blind if they can not see the difference between a WELL coached team...and a sloppily coached mamby pamby team. No matter where Jim Harbaugh ends up (hopefully Ann Arbor!)...I will remain a big fan. Go Blue!

heartbreakM

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 12:01 a.m.

Man, these announcers ask the most obnoxious questions when Harbaugh made it clear he would not answer. I don't think any player in college would NOT want to play for him. He is really composed up there and knew that his questions would be asked. Way to hand it off to the players.

byron

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 12:01 a.m.

harbs just smoked reece davis as well, said please respect the game of football and our teams accomplishment tonight, he is off the podium already luv it dont give in jimmy be stubborn like you always have too funny.

johnnya2

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 11:55 p.m.

Forty points against the number 13 team in the country and only allowed 12 (two were a safety). BUT the most impressive thing to me was the second half TOTAL DOMINATION. RR seemed to think his strength and conditioning crew knew more than the rest of the world when it came to being prepared for later in the game and season. For those who defend Rich Rod, answer me this question. IF RR were to stay, do you honestly believe his fourth year team could beat Stanford's fourth year team. If you think they could, then I really need to have you drug tested immediately. Even without Luck, Stanford would destroy Michigan next season. Oh, and they have tough admissions standards. The Stanford/Duke model with the right coach works. I'll take that over Auburn or John Calipari's school du jour. THAT is what Michigan should strive for.

GoblueinNE_PA

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 11:54 p.m.

What a beat down tonight! And to think, Stanford did that AGAINST a team running a spread style offense. Stanford is the real daal. Let's hope Brandon figures out a way to get Harbaugh to come back to Ann Arbor.

heartbreakM

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 11:54 p.m.

Man, did Harbs get out of dodge so he did not have to face the "question". What a well coached team, and LOVE how he deflected it all to his players. Now, the nail biting begins.

Jaysham

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 11:46 p.m.

@borninA2 Yes I have noticed the empty seats that would never happen in the Big House with Jimmy back in A2 but with Rich Fraud back another year it might but face it the "King" is dead. I still think Harbaugh will be our next head coach all the NFL rumors are just that rumors. I have real faith that he will be the next head coach at Michigan.

BornInA2

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 11:44 p.m.

Hey, if we can play defense like this, 14 points is enough to win. Stanford is outright fun to watch.

Blueman Rick

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 11:43 p.m.

Harbaugh and Stanford very impressive. Time to come on home Jim.

treetowncartel

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 11:40 p.m.

Two tight ends, please, please, please, lets see two tightends on a 2nd and 8 sometime next season.

heartbreakM

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 11:33 p.m.

@byron: Don't go on about the special teams. Missed 2 extra points, fielding punts way too deep leading to bad field position... Otherwise, though--what a fundamentally sound team. The anti-RR coached team. As I watch, I must laugh at those who say you need a "spread" to be successful. Nope. You need a "coach" to be successful. And to think that RR's first call before telling his team was to Pryor--what kind of message that must have sent to Mallett (whether or not he was going to stay, it was almost like, 'here's the door kid') not to mention a big slap in the face to WVU.

BornInA2

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 11:32 p.m.

@Gobluein... If it's all about money, Harbaugh isn't the right guy for Michigan. But if he's the guy I hope he is he'll be paying attention to the whole package. And as the Freep article pointed out, several NFL positions open up every year, but it could be a decade or more (let's hope) before the Michigan job opens up again, so if he has any desire for the job now would be the time to take it. Off topic, anyone else notice that the stadium is only half-full at the Orange Bowl?

byron

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 11:30 p.m.

secondly, all harbaugh needs to do is look at the number of empty seats too see that he will never get the fan support he should get and play in front of a national audience with all the hype, hysteria and chaos he would by staying at stanford vs. the nfl or u of m

byron

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 11:28 p.m.

i am watching the orange bowl right now and if harbaugh and rr started with at the same time, i am seeing a team that looks much better in all 3 phases of the game, o,d, special teams. this team can compete on a national level current u of m team cant. It would be speculation to think what michigan would have been with harbaugh, mallet, a defense and a fg kicker WOW

Jaysham

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 11:09 p.m.

@eightyseven I think Fred Jackson is a good coach and a even better human being plus like Justice Hayes said when he decommited from ND to commit to Michigan he wasn't worried about Rich Fraud not being here or not cause Fred Jackson said he will be here no matter who the coach will be. It's funny how everyone was so upset about losing Dee Hart to Bama but we still have Hayes in the fold who is the #3 APB in the nation plus a Michigan kid not some Florida kid who is gonna struggle holding onto the football as the weather gets rough in November. We don't need more Vincent Smith's on the roster.

GoblueinNE_PA

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 11:08 p.m.

I'd love Harbaugh, but I still think he'll end up in the NFL. I don't think we can match the money. My one true hope is that Jim has seen what it takes to coach in the NFL; the time commitment to be the best is a step change over what it takes at the college level. With young kids, he'd not see them if he's in the NFL. From a quality of life standpoint, college is a much better option, but it's not where the best of the best compete, so we'll have to see. Boy, that Stanford team looks good tonight so far doesn't it though? Look, Harbaugh isn't our only option and Hoke doesn't have to be 2nd choice. There are a number of very good coaches out there (and some really good coaching prospects at the coordinator level) that we should investigate if Jim decides to go another direction. Brandon just needs to keep RichRod on hold until he's got this thing worked out. He's got about a week that he can hold off the dogs, I think.

ohiowolverine

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 10:58 p.m.

If Harbaugh does come I hope he brings his Def. Cord. with him.

Greggy_D

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 10:53 p.m.

I don't believe it's going to be Harbaugh. Too many skeletons.

David Briegel

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 10:53 p.m.

David Brandon, Don Canham made history by hiring that unknown guy from Miami,Oh and OSU. Worked out fairly well. OSU hired an older, lesser known Winner from Youngstown State. That seems to be working. And you could probably save a couple million per year! Just Do It!! GO BLUE!!

heartbreakM

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 10:37 p.m.

@BigBlue: JH brings intangibles to the table that are unique for UM that few others have. We all know what they are. And he is a winner without making excuses.

BigBlue

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 10:34 p.m.

Are we getting to excited for JH? His resume looks similar to RR. He has improved small schools and brought Stanford up in a conference thats not much better than the Big East at this point. Don't get me wrong, I think its probably time for RR to go, I'm just not putting all my chips on JH bringing UofM back to greatness

Macabre Sunset

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 10:23 p.m.

Yes, it would be nice to keep Fred Jackson around. If only he could coach linebackers, too.

EightySeven

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 10:16 p.m.

@ Jaysham You make a good point about Fred Jackson. I have meet him many times over the years and a really great guy. He has been w/ the program for close to 20 yrs a true lifer. When everything shakes out I sure hope he will be offered a new position. Best of Luck Fred Jackson!

Jaysham

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 10:09 p.m.

@HeartbreakM Love the Tony Gibson reference! Tony Gibson is a tool as is all of the RichRod staff except Fred Jackson.

heartbreakM

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 9:50 p.m.

I am watching this Stanford team and am highly jealous. Their defense is not impenetrable (whose is), but they swarm and don't give anything easy. Their O-line moves and blocks well. They got a long run through a huge hole with good old fashioned blocking and execution. Though we saw this a lot during Bo's years and less so in Mo and LC's years, it is like a breath of fresh air. I saw the first play in the "I" formation and almost had a heart attack. I really hope that JH comes home. (To Ann Arbor that is). But Tony Gibson must be coaching their special teams--punt return fielded on the 2 yard line!!

EightySeven

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 9:48 p.m.

I have a feeling that RR will be fired Tuesday haven't figured out yet if the announcement of the new coach will be at same time. I do not get the feeling that DB wants egg on his face without having a coach ready to be named. It would be a PR nightmare if the search dragged out for days or even a week. Plus isn't there a big basketball game at home this Saturday vs Kansas? What a perfect time for the coach to meet the student body.

BigWolverine13

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 9:46 p.m.

dtones520: More nonsense! The process is in progress as promised. His buyout is $2.5 million; he and his family will do just fine. Do you think he may have some options lined up? Did RR consider "the players and whoever else you want to talk about" at WV when he broke his contract there? Get real!

Jaysham

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 9:46 p.m.

Either way if it isn't tommorow he is gone for sure. I think it is kinda funny that Brandon is doing this to Richie Fraud and the smart way also to prevent a wild grass fire that we had back in December of 07. I'm staying patient throughout all of this and just enjoying how the RichRod groupies keep on drinking the Kool-Aid/Nyquil.

BornInA2

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 9:44 p.m.

I think Brandon is taking the high road here, unlike the series of mistakes made by Martin that lead to RR's hiring. RR controlled his own fate. As I see it, he's failed in every significant category: Leadership (blaming others over and over), integrity (multiply lawsuits plus the NCAA violations), and wins. He may not like the hot seat he's in, but it's his own making. Brandon's job at this point is to proceed in a way that is best for the program over the long term, and I think he's doing just that by evaluating after the season, as he said he would, and, presuming there is a change, waiting until after the new coach's season is over to announce. The impatience of some uppity fans isn't relevant (Woody Hayes was partially correct in his assessment of some Michigan fans). Meanwhile I'm sitting here watching Stanford playing tough, smash-mouth football that looks a whole lot like Michigan football used to. And he's doing it in an environment devoid of academic compromises for football players. Yep, I'd be thrilled to hear that Jim Harbaugh is bring that style of football back to Ann Arbor.

magnumpi

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

Sorry, when he deserted his WVU team before a bowl game, he lost his entitlement for sportsman-like courtesy. Jaysham, i hope your scenario is correct--i've read elsewhere 1/6 is the magic day.

Somewhat Concerned

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 9:32 p.m.

Please hire someone who doesn't blame his players, his defensive coordinator, a conspiracy of un-named people or George W. Bush for all his problems. If we can't find a coach who fits that bill, I would settle for one who blames Bush.

michboy40

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

I'm chomping at the bit like everyone else, but I'm just gonna have to be patient like everyone else. All of the articles and speculation is just that. Hold on, its gonna be a few days.

81wolverine

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 9:20 p.m.

Personally, I'm sick of all the speculation and hope that a decision is made quickly one way or the other. This has gone on more than long enough. Hopefully all of us will understand why DB has gone this route when it's all said and done.

Jaysham

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 9:09 p.m.

I have heard that a press conference to announce the firing of Rich Rodriguez is tommorow some time. Then we will have another press conference later in the week or Monday to reveal the next head coach at Michigan. I really think it is gonna be Harbaugh and even if it isn't I will be glad to see Rich Fraud gone and his wack assistant coach crew, and very happy to see Tony Gibson gone too he has to be the worst DB/ST coach ever! The entire 3 years during the Rich Rodriguez Project was like watching a Steven Seagal movie very predictable and very cheesey. So all you RichRod groupies can follow your "King" to his next job at a MAC, Sun-Belt, Conference USA, or back to the Big East if he gets Lucky and then you can keep drinking the RichRod Kool-Aid & Nyquil. GO BLUE!

dtones520

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 9:06 p.m.

BigWolverine, how is the comment nonsense? If he is going to fire the guy, fire the guy. There is no point for him or the program to keep waiting and dragging it out. It's not fair to his family, the players, and whoever else you want to talk about. The only people it is fortunate for is Jim Harbaugh, who doesn't have to sit through the awkward questions about him leaving Stanford for Michigan, and David Brandon, who doesn't have to look like an idiot if Harbaugh turned him down.

BigWolverine13

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 8:56 p.m.

P. Bigelow: "Its past time for him to receive the courtesy of an answer on his fate." This comment is nonsense. RR is entitled to nothing more than the evaluation promised by DB by the end of this week. Michigan does not need or deserve this kind journalistic creation of controversy. If you have something to report, Bigelow, then by all means do so, otherwise wait on the sidelines like everyone else.

Macabre Sunset

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 8:41 p.m.

Fortunately, Dave Brandon does not listen to demands from the media. Harbaugh is busy right now. The serious negotiations can begin tomorrow, from all interested parties.