With poll: What does it take for Michigan coach Brady Hoke to forgo short sleeves on the sidelines?

Graphic by Rich Rezler

Blue pants, black belt. Blue shirt, with a bit of maize. And short sleeves.

Always short sleeves. No sweatshirts. No rain gear.

Is it a sign of toughness? If so, Michigan might be 3-2 over its last five games, but Hoke is 5-0 against rival coaches. Mark Dantonio (Michigan State), Danny Hope (Purdue), Kirk Ferentz (Iowa), Ron Zook (Illinois) and Bo Pelini (Nebraska) all sported long sleeves in their games against Michigan.

If Hoke ever donates his Michigan gear to the Salvation Army, as Rich Rodriguez did in January, it's going to be a small pile of clothing.

Rain? Hoke gets wet. A little chilly? Still short sleeves, even if he does layer a bit under it. Even if it snows, Hoke says he won't change.

“Practice, games, I like to wear shorts if they let me," Hoke said. "I have a lot of insulation, so I don’t get cold.”

Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson was asked if there was a specific temperature that would force Hoke to put on a jacket.

"No, no, no, no. He's a tough guy, and that's how this team has to be," he said. "We have to be tough, just like him. And me, coming from Florida, I don't want to wear sleeves either."

And on those rare occasions you see Hoke in a suit at a press conference? Only because he has to.

“Look, I have a hard time putting a coat and tie on," Hoke said. "I don’t really enjoy doing that. It has nothing to do with anything, but I’m comfortable in what I’m coaching in.”

Don't expect Hoke's look to change Saturday for the Ohio State at Michigan football game (Noon, ABC). The game-time temperature is forecast to be 53 degrees, warmer than many games this season.

Naturally, this calls for a poll: