Larry Weisenthal

Tue, Jan 18, 2011 : 6:34 a.m.

Lorain, You've cast aspersions at both Bump Elliott and Lloyd Carr. You didn't feel sufficient "loyalty" to defend their reputations, after they left, and now you seem more interested in keeping the RR feud going than moving on and getting everyone united in a positive direction behind the newly revised program. Respect the wishes of RR himself (as he expressed by ridding himself of all Michigan memorabilia) and leave the past in the past. When a coach gets paid $2.5 million per year, he loses his sovereign immunity against criticism. Last month, I watched Michigan play in the College Cup ("Final Four" of soccer). I'll never criticize a Michigan soccer coach or swim coach or crew coach or track coach or even baseball coach. When it comes to basketball and (especially) football, it's a different matter, entirely. For reasons which are entirely obvious.

lawrencelaundry

Tue, Jan 18, 2011 : 6:22 a.m.

Wow, ND is just killing Michigan in recruiting now. I hope BH can chang that with telling recruits DR staying.

Mo the Educator

Tue, Jan 18, 2011 : 6:17 a.m.

I hope I'm not the only one who is disappointed that the discussion here has turned away from the video at the top of the page. I'm far from MI, and though I saw him play, I didn't hear him talk in HS, so I've never seen D-Rob in an interview. What an engaging young man! I'd take the field to play with him as my leader any day! Even beyond his athletic gifts, the program would have lost a tremendous guy and a real leader if he had left. I'm inspired watching him talk! Go Blue!!

1st Down

Tue, Jan 18, 2011 : 6:16 a.m.

That is interesting that posts and clicks go up when the team is winning Stefanie.... that is good news for AA because Hokemania is going to produce a ton of wins!

southernblu

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 10:04 p.m.

I suspect the overall tone of these messages on this board don't reflect the feelings of the majority of Michigan fans. Most of us support whoever is coaching the team and most of us tend to take a wait and see view before passing judgment on the coach. Rich Rod didn't work out here. That doesn't mean that he's a bad coach. It just means he wasn't a good fit for Michigan. I'm sick and tired of the constant bickering. Brady Hoke is our coach, pure and simple. Richard Rodriguez is not, so let's move on--because I'm pretty sure he is.

1st Down

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 9:42 p.m.

Who is here defending Hoke? Nice try though...keep posting this spew all over maybe someone will buy it. The biggest losers in this Hoke hire, btw, will be the online news sources with message boards like this...less controversy and losses will equal less clicks, less posts, less ad revenues.... so if you want to blame Hokemania for something, you can blame him for less controversy lol.

PortageLkBlu

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 8:04 p.m.

Many of you boys and girls are already finding it necessary to defend coach Hoke for pete's sake let the guy coach at least one game before you have to start defending him give the guy the benefit of the doubt. I'm sure coach Hoke will do the best he's capable of doing don't you all?

lawrencelaundry

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 7:58 p.m.

anyone have any idea if a dc has been hired or who the candedates are?

Tuff

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 7:47 p.m.

This is the difference between having a Michigan Man as coach and having a guy like RichRod. Hoke understands that playing football at Michigan is about being part of a family and goes deeper than how a kid fits in your system. It is about building men just as much as it is about winning games. Hoke will help Robinson become a great quarterback in a pro style offense and because of that Denard will learn valuable lessons he can take with him later in life. If Denard succeeds, he will raise his draft stock quite a bit since he will have shown the ability to adapt and overcome challenges. He should be able to push himself into the first or second round of the draft with two more good years in a pro style offense.

GettingBluer

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 7:32 p.m.

PortageLkBlu wrote: "I think there are some disappointments coming this way." That's OK. Coach Rodriguez has had us practicing for three years so we'll be prepared.

paperstreetsoap

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 7:16 p.m.

disdain not distain typo, sorry.

paperstreetsoap

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 7:14 p.m.

@dewayne I also want to move on and it would please me to no end to never hear the name of the one that will remain nameless anymore. Honestly, when it comes to Michigan Football, this is the happiest I have been in 2 1/2 years. For the record Drob brought him up first in the video post. Players that respect their coach use the word coach when addressing questions about their coach. The posters like theo, robbie, lorain, portage, superbuck and you (from your posts in the past) upset me on how you still hang on to richrod. When the only argument they use is what he 'could' of done and ignore what has actually been done. The distain I have for those types of posters is going away, but not fast enough though because they keep posting the same lame 'points'. Now richrod might be gone but he is not forgotten. It would take a coma to forget the last three years. So to all you rr lovers keep bringing into the conversation and we will keep fighting back because in the end everyone has to have Hoke... err I mean hope.

missionbrazil

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 7:06 p.m.

Portage "I myself find it great fun especially watching you boys and girls fighting over a coach that hasn't coached a down at Mich. Because a guy stands up and tells you exactly what you want to hear that makes him a great coach. I think there are some disappointments coming this way." You missed it again Portage... NO ONE is fighting about BH. Just some guys going back and forth about some guy that used to be here. Former players and coaches get it. Current players get it. Most Michigan fans get it (the non-bitter ones). Brady Hoke is the man and the real deal. Go Blue!

townie54

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 6:31 p.m.

Ghost you cant argue with that logic being spewed because there is no logic.If you dont agree with Stellman and Theo you are not a Michigan fan I guess.Their way or the highway.And if Hokes defense rates over 100th in the country for three straight years or his offense cant score against the top teams then yes we will be calling for his head too

PortageLkBlu

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 6:30 p.m.

This is comedy at it's Mich. best. The in fighting has already started and poor old coach Hoke hasn't coached a down at Mich. The poor guy realizes I'm sure that he's on thin ice. If he has a lousy record the next two years the,"Michigan fickle fans" will just treat it as a 5 year slump which the fickle fans of Mich. will never be able to deal with. For you fickle fans that don't understand what I mean that would be 3 year slump under RR and unless Brady wins the big ten in two years that would equal 5 years. Mich. fans just got spoiled beating up the lousy big 10 all these years proved by then getting beat up in most of their bowl games the last 40 some years. The only chance Brady has is Denard so Denard deciding to stay is a real plus for Brady. Whoever said we can get by with the kickers we have has lost touch. We desperately need kickers. I realize that most Mich. fans don't post their thoughts on this site because of the absurdity I myself find it great fun especially watching you boys and girls fighting over a coach that hasn't coached a down at Mich. Because a guy stands up and tells you exactly what you want to hear that makes him a great coach. I think there are some disappointments coming this way.

1st Down

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 6:29 p.m.

umgoblue... how am I stiring things up? btw are you robbie webb? Bottom Line: Michigan is now a bottom tier Big Ten football team. I never thought Id ever see that happen, but it has happened each of the last 3 years. People like Lorraine and Theo and Portage (et al) come here spouting about RR and how the "hatred" of fans drove him off... well fact is: RR drove himself off... so keep blaming me all you want buddy...but the facts are the facts. Period. We are now a bottom tier Big Ten team... 7th place or worse the last 3 years. Dreamers can talk about 'faux crystal' all they want...Id recommend that we get competitive in our league first though...eh?

sedroc98

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 6 p.m.

stop fighting, i'm getting scared.

The OSU

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 5:57 p.m.

DR says, "This is my home NOW." (emphasis added) Two questions: 1) Does this mean it wasn't his "home" BEFORE? (ie the RR era?) 2) Does this mean it might not be his "home" LATER? (ie "I'll give this new guy a try but the future is still up for grabs. Why didn't he say, "Michigan always has been and always will be my home?" Maybe he just couldn't bring himself to say it.

umgoblue47

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 5:45 p.m.

1st down or Pout... you are exactley what dwayne is talking about... quit poking, you dont think that your not trying to stir-it up. give it a rest and move-on... GO BLUE...

heartbreakM

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 5:40 p.m.

@az: good comments as usual. I think DR is making the wise move. If after spring practice, he realizes that this is not the right place, then he may transfer, but he has to at least give the coaches a chance. I think even DR sees something special about being at Michigan, as a university. I think Hoke's passion and probably their personal talks may have shown how special it is to be a michigan football player, something that former coach could not have shown him. IMO former coach taught DR how to be a spread run first option QB, and did a reasonably good job in that. Still regressed at times during the last quarter of season, but overall, much improved from last year. Now DR will take the next step forward and learn what is it like to be a MICHIGAN quarterback, and I think he must have seen that in Hoke and is putting his faith there. Not easy for a Florida native to experience winter and losing more than winning, but sometimes, being a Michigan player, student and alum trumps just a system. Hopefully DR got that and will blossom.

Lorain Steelmen

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 5:37 p.m.

brazil..........DB made a decision. But while Rodriguez WAS here, DB did NOT run him down, despite the haters and anti-Michigan crowd. DB would agree with me, and has said as much, by his call to get behind Hoke. The 'negativity' has got to stop. But I expect you to be back at it very soon, only this time, it will be Hoke. Ghost.....'blather' pretty much sums up all your posts. Nothing new there. Enjoy the 'culture' in Columbus. Meanwhile we Michigan fans will support our current coach, Hoke.

1st Down

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 5:16 p.m.

wow...the RR faction still here to try and stir things up... you guys know who you are, no need to mention names.....let it go: 15-22 with 2 of those wins vs non BCS schools so 13-22 in reality 6-18 in BT 0-9 vs. BT rivals 38 pt blow out in the one bowl game Every single streak in UM history broken NCAA violations Turmoil everywhere you look And you wonder why true fans complained? and you lament this guy getting canned? Buy a clue in reality...this isnt about "faux crystal" or any conspiracy behind the scenes....your guy is out because he was a LOSER at Michigan. End of story. Hokemania gets it! He has already done more to bring this program together in 1 week than the previous guy did in 3 years. Now can you stop being divisive and tearing down the program? This is about the kids and Michigan. Go Blue!

magnumpi

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 5:07 p.m.

just as it is being inferred that BH gave the team rave reviews about RR, i would also infer, what else was he going to say? i think (from what has been said by many that know BH), he would have too much class to only say supportive things about the prior coach. what good would it have done to do otherwise?

umgoblue47

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 5 p.m.

dwayne great post and brazil great post... agree with both of you. as michigan fans lets all get behind the new coach and support him and these young men that play for the best college football team in the nation... GO B L U E!

missionbrazil

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 4:53 p.m.

Dwayne... I have been one of the ones who keep saying let's move on, and many others have too. If you read the articles and comment threads, you will see that the vast majority of the time it is an RR supporter that keeps bringing him up. I understand that on this thread that is not true, but on the majority of them it is. However, your point is well taken and I will do my best from now on to ignore certain comments and simply support BH and the team. We do have many reasons to be positive and optimistic. I think it would be great though if people would stop making things up, just to try to justify their opinion.

missionbrazil

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 4:42 p.m.

Lorain "Hoke is out of that 'Michigan mold' that says we stay together, and support the team, and the coaches. Rodriguez was our coach, over the past three years, and he supported him. Something that you, or Brazil, or 3, just will never understand. Thats why you don't fit in." Lorain, I guess DB is not in the "Michigan mold", because he didn't let RR and the team stay together. With your logic, you need to add DB to the list of people that are not "true Michigan fans" and that don't "fit in". After all, he did worse than we did - he fired your guy RR. We only questioned whether RR should continue to be our HC with a 15-22 record and 6-18 BT record.

Dwayne

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 4:41 p.m.

I honestly do think that a lot of Michigan fans want to 'move on', embrace the change that has been made and support Coach Hoke. I don't believe that RR supporters are the only ones that need to move on, though. I'll use paperstreet as the example here, what is the purpose of your first post? "That is a nice change from the last one we had here." And if that weren't enough, you drop the second one, with the cute little, "just sayin'". No, you aren't just sayin, you were poking, throwing salt in the wound. In a wound that most are trying to heal, why come back and poke at it? Well, some people just like to stir things up and aren't happy being positive. Maybe that's where you stand, just sayin'... And Mission, don't defend Paper by saying he's responding to someone else, it was one of the first posts, the beginning of the negativity. Man, I can't believe how 'political' being a Michigan fan has become. Makes me want to only get my Michigan info nationally.

Lorain Steelmen

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 4:31 p.m.

Ghost..you can take it to the bank! Hoke is out of that 'Michigan mold' that says we stay together, and support the team, and the coaches. Rodriguez was our coach, over the past three years, and he supported him. Something that you, or Brazil, or 3, just will never understand. Thats why you don't fit in. Enjoy the culture in Columbus! They're front-runners, no matter who the coach is,or was. (Woody included!) Good night and good luck!

GoblueinNE_PA

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 4:18 p.m.

I'm glad DRob is staying, but come on, he was never going any where in the first place. Where was he going to go? Not Florida. They're changing out of the spread. Miami or FSU? Nope. If he went to any of those 3, guess what he'd be doing? His best Percy Harvin imitation. He could have maybe went to Central Florida or South Florida, but what good would that have done him? The knock on him next year will be "He can't win the big games". Moving to Conference USA or the Big East certainly wouldn't lessen that impression. Neither would going the 1-AA route. DRob's best (really only) option was to stay here and prove his performance last season was no fluke. Staying shows leadership, which he'll need to demonstrate if he wants to play on Sunday's. Quitting on your team because of some adversity doesn't endear you to NFL personnel folks, particularly when you're a middle to late round draft pick. DRob's a smart kid and understand what he needs to do to get paid some day. I'm looking forward to his exploits next season. Theo, keep banging that drum baby!! I've got to admire your steadfast resolve in light of the fact that your ship sank about 3 months ago.

ogel1209

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 3:35 p.m.

Denard, thank you ever so much for staying at Michigan! I'm sure you could have gone many places. Thank your family and your high school coach for helping you with your decision. You are a leader on the team and I look forward to watching you play again. You will make quite the difference! Coach Hoke knows you are "special!"

rfrankofwlaw

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 2:50 p.m.

Tate Forcier...I am a big Denard fan, but still believe the team is better by having Tate as a back-up. What is the current status of his attempt to re-enroll?

tulsatom

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 2:38 p.m.

Denard's decision to stay is a 'win-win' for everyone. It will be interesting to see how Hoke tailors the offense to the skills of the team. I think he will probably run more of a hybrid offense in which Denard passes more than he did under RR but still will have certain running plays designed for him to keep the ball (like QB sweeps, etc). The defense is an altogether much tougher challenge and needs a major infusion of talent. Good luck on the recruiting trail, Coach Hoke!

missionbrazil

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 2:10 p.m.

Ok Lorain, as long as it is you that says so then it must be true.

missionbrazil

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 2:08 p.m.

well said az. I think it is funny that the one person who continues to call UM fans "spoiled brats" is the one who constantly talks about Crystal. Of course in his man crush warped way, a 6-18 BT record is somehow the "path to Crystal". He doesn't really care that some people wanted LC out, he is lashing out at people for not wanting to keep his man. Come on now Theo... your guy is gone, and has been gone for almost 2 weeks... time to move on and stop lashing out at people.

superbuck

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 2:06 p.m.

Well if he is like bush then he'll be a cheater and lose a heisman which he will never win so you go with that thought

Lorain Steelmen

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 2:06 p.m.

Brazil...there were not complete videos of his meetings with the team....got it?! That is exactly what he told them. brazil, and your buddies 3&out, and Ghost, are NOT Michigan fans. Your posts have done nothing but harm the program. I'm sure we'll be treated to future rants from you about how bad Hoke is.

Tally10

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 1:55 p.m.

Actually, it's good for BHoke and UM Football that DRob is staying. M need all the players to stay, mainly the starters (14-15 of 22), and a Heisman caliber QB, that's huge for a first year coach's success and M's chances of not dropping far off because of a coach change. In today's recruiting, top players have alot of weight in the recruits' decisions as do the coach. And DRob is becoming to UM, what Reggie Bush was to USC. DR is a great tool for Hoke with recruiting.

azwolverine

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 1:51 p.m.

BorninA2 and Theo, I agree with both of your comments to a degree, although leaning WAY more towards A2's side on this. Both of you are right that Carr got ran out of town for winning 9 games per year while beating MSU and PSU like drums, dominating most B10 competition, owning the SEC, and competing toe-to-toe with OSU during the 60 minutes of each game (although OSU won the majority of those hard fought games). Further, he only lost to one team with a losing record in his 13 years as our HC. Teams that do what Carr's did consistently always have a shot at winning the NC because they are always just a bounce or penalty away from being undefeated...as we saw in 1997 (when things went our way) and 2006 (when things didn't). I had no problem with Carr and didn't want him gone. As for the last coach, most fans welcomed him...at least I did. It was the constant progression of lack of competitiveness, sanctions, etc that began to wear on me. The situations for both coaches were different, and I will admit that by the end of year two I was pretty much over this last coach. However, fans who wanted BOTH Carr AND the other coach out may never be happy. UM will never go undefeated and win NC's on a regular basis. No program will. With the expectation of some fans, coaches would be fired yearly. That said, fans better begin to appreciate 9-11 win seasons because that's what elite programs do consistently, with breakout years coming from that consistency every few years. If Hoke can bring that back to UM, I will be extremely excited. Fans that aren't don't understand the nature of competitive balance and have unrealistic expectations that will never be met by ANY coach.

Matt

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 1:38 p.m.

DRob, I think you could have been successful at many other schools,but thank you, thank you for staying at the University of Michigan. Thank you for giving us hope for next season

missionbrazil

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 1:34 p.m.

Lorain "Further, when Coach Hoke arrived, he made it clear to the team, that coach Rod made signifant, and vital, contibutions in his three years. And that REAL michigan fans would NOT have attacked Coach Rodriguez. There have been many posters here, that have attacked coach Rod, and as I pointed out then, they are NOT Michigan fans. I'll stand by that." Where is the video or the article that states that BH told the team that RR made significant and vital contributions in his 3 years? I recall that he thanked RR and his staff for their commitment and 3 years of effort in the presser, but where is the proof he said this? And where is the proof that BH said that real Michigan fans would not have "attacked" RR? We all know you say things like this, but show us some proof that BH said that people who wanted a new HC are not Michigan fans. Back to the same old Lorain again. Give it up... your guy is gone!

superbuck

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 1:26 p.m.

Seen on Cnn Miles was offered over 4 mill to coach Mich. Ain't that a slap in Mich and Hokes face?

Keith

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 1:23 p.m.

This is great news! We will have experience, talent and leadership on both sides of the ball next season. Thanks Denard for the early B-Day Presnt!!

BornInA2

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 1:20 p.m.

Theo, you are sounding a lot like Woody Hayes of late, infamous for calling Michigan fans "arrogant..." (Google it) And in part, I agree: Many people wanted Carr out and back then I said his was the only head coaching job in the country where a 9-3 record was met with fans calling for dismissal. Your recollection of the RR debacle is perhaps a bit askew from reality, though. RR had a pretty wide welcome, and all overall aspects of the results he produced over three years were negative, so he was fired. Sour grapes are better for making wine than eating and hyperbole doesn't help a case (i.e. 12-0 after one game).

superbuck

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 12:55 p.m.

Theo 212 YOU SPEAK THE TRUTH

BornInA2

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 12:49 p.m.

I'm glad Denard didn't become the next Ryan Mallet. Good for him and good for Hoke and good for the team and its fans. Go Blue! Beat the team from ohio!

paperstreetsoap

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 12:46 p.m.

Hey Lorain news flash! Drob is a rb or a receiver and he needs to come to grips with that if he has any visions of play on sundays. Harvin did, Randle-El did and so should Drob. I think all of what you say you must be saying to the person you see when you look in the mirror. No true Michigan fan would want to continue down the road that were we headed. Rr might be a good coach, might, but that fact is he didn't workout here. And now all his coordinators are find other jobs outside of rr. Maybe they know something? So in closing please try to refrain from ripping the true Michigan fans for wanting something more that what we were given.

Lorain Steelmen

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 12:23 p.m.

Coach Rodriguez was the guy that had faith in DRob, as a QB, when everyone else wanted him as a RB or receiver. It was Coach Rodriguez that fostered a culture of true family values, that kept DRob and others here. Further, when Coach Hoke arrived, he made it clear to the team, that coach Rod made signifant, and vital, contibutions in his three years. And that REAL michigan fans would NOT have attacked Coach Rodriguez. There have been many posters here, that have attacked coach Rod, and as I pointed out then, they are NOT Michigan fans. I'll stand by that. The focus now, is to begin work on title number 43. And that is all that needs be said.

paperstreetsoap

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : noon

Interesting that Drob refers to richyrich as richrod, not coach rod or coach rodriguez or just coach. Just saying.....

GettingBluer

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 11:44 a.m.

DRob, I think you made a good choice. The most important thing is your education. Moving on to football, I think Hoke will come up with something that will give you your best shot at the NFL, if that is what you want. Good luck to you in the classroom and on the field.

paperstreetsoap

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 11:38 a.m.

More like thank you coach Hoke for showing this young man it would have been a mistake to transfer to another school. That is a nice change from the last one we had here.

Blu-n-Tpa

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 11:14 a.m.

DRob, thank you. Thank your parents. Thank your coaches. Michigan fans welcome your decision. Go Blue!