johnnya2

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 6:24 p.m.

@john d. hs Interesting. I guess if you finish second in the Big Ten you have a chance at the Mythical national championship. Lets look at history. How many NC has USC won in the last 15 years. How many has Ohip State won? How many has Texas won? How many has Alabama won? How many has Auburn won? How many has LSU won? Haw many has Michigan won? Guess what, THE NUMBERS ARE EXACTLY THE SAME. Michigan DID compete for a NC in 2006, but that was not good enough for the likes of you. You are the kind of person who would suggest Les Miles should be fired at LSU or that Nick Sabana should be fired at Alabama because lets face it, they did not compete for a NC this season. I bet Urban Meyer was forced out. I will take competing for the big Ten title on a yearly basis, finishing in the top 20, and occasionally having an opportunity at the national championship. If scheme is so important, why don;t we test that theory right now. I will put $1000 that Auburn and Oregon will NOT be in the title game next year. In fact, I bet neither win their own conference. If scheme is so important, then put your money where your mouth is.

Jeff Richard

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 6:22 p.m.

I agree with john d. hs. We've made our choice. We are not going to lower our standards and compete with players who both struggled to finish high school and struggle daily to not rob their local convenience store. These up-tempo, high octane offenses come at an expense... there just aren't enough college-eligible individuals with the necessary speed. It was very telling that one of Dave Brandon's first actions at U-M was to deny RR his top recruit -- an individual with a substantial off-field history of crime in Florida. Michigan fans are going to have to acknowledge that a choice has been made. We may still occasionally pull off what Harbaugh was able to do at Stanford... but not likely. Let's just hope the Big 10 continues it's current path of mediocrity which is clear in the bowl games over the last 10 years. We've chosen "classy" and this is evident in the selection of Brady Hoke who is a class act through and through, but has only 3 winning seasons in 8 and less than a 50% win record.

jcj

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 5:56 p.m.

I firmly believe Brady Hoke will do a good job at Michigan. And I think he will do a better job addressing the deficiencies than RR did. I believe that RR just was not a fit for here. What I can't believe is how many are now saying be patient and give him AT LEAST 2 YEARS! What a bunch of hypocrites! You could at least be honest and admit that your impatience with RR was just as much about his personality as it was his record. Or admit that if Brady's record is no better after 2 years we will hear the wolves howling again.

chiro19

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 5:55 p.m.

John I am trying to figure out when michigan got blown out in the Rose bowl last. Do you mean against one of the best usc teams they have had twice? By the way those bowl games where a loss by about 16 and 14. Those usc teams would have blown most any other school out by 21-28 (look at illinois)! Texas was a classic in the rose bowl (blunder by lloyd lost the game not going for two). And a winning record vs the SEC in bowl games over the last decade and a half seems pretty good to me, the nebraska game was a sloppy officiating mess! Mediocraty is not enough, it never has been, and never will be. It simply is a change in aggressiveness that we will see! Hoke sounded passionate, fired up, smart, understanding of traditional rivalaries (I love how he called Ohio State, Ohio), and a no nonsense guy when you need to put a 100% in to something! As well he seems like a very classy individual that will keep his and the programs nose clean! Go Blue, Great Hire in my eyes!

The Black Stallion3

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 5:53 p.m.

Welcome back Brady, it is so nice to have a "Michigan Man" in charge again. I know you are going to be one of the best head coaches to ever lead Michigan, Good Luck and Go Blue.

azwolverine

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 5:30 p.m.

Way to go Coach Hoke! I was serioulsy stoked listening to his passion for the Michigan program. He GETS IT!!! I also like the fact that he thanked the previous coach for his work and dedication to the UM program...very classy.

golfer

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 5:29 p.m.

i sure hope he keeps strength-and-conditioning coaches, led by Mike Barwis

bigtenknight

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 5:23 p.m.

I think he did really well on his first day, as in he didn't lose today.

goodthoughts

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 5:11 p.m.

He gets it, any true long-time Michigan fan knows what that means, and no RR didn't. Can't wait to see what he does. Welcome!

MikeB

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 5:10 p.m.

I thought he did a good job, spoke from his heart and with his background I believe he meant every word he said. @john d. hs I found your comments to be confusing? Do you mean we fans have to sacrifice to get a national championship? That is what your note said. What mediocrity are you talking about? Very confusing rant.

blusage

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 4:59 p.m.

I thought his comments about RR at the press conference were gracious, positive, and kind, demonstrating a lot of class. RR didn't work out -- for whatever reason -- but he and his staff did give it their best for three years. Those three years may be a low point in Michigan history, but not for lack of effort and dedication by all involved. That needed to be recognized and commended. It's now part of Michigan's history, which we all embrace. Time to move on. Go Blue!

maizeblueNY

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 4:49 p.m.

Thats what i'm talking about! A coach who gets it! A2 is in good hands. Let the Coach Hoke era begin.

john d. hs

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 4:48 p.m.

I think for a lot of Michigan fans mediocraty is good enough. They dont want to go through the sacrafices it will take to compete on a national level. An occasional Big 10 championship is good enough. Then go to the Rose Bowl and get blown away because you stubbornly refuse to learn the lesson that the reason these teams are embarrasing you every year is because thier offense and defenses match up alot better from a scheme standpoint.

Olive

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 4:44 p.m.

I'm glad he's back in the Michigan fold!