Eastern Michigan football coach Ron English believes Brady Hoke ready to tackle Michigan job
Eastern Michigan coach Ron English understands what it's like to coach at Michigan and he knows what it's like to try to turn a program around. He believes new Wolverines coach Brady Hoke will be a good fit in Ann Arbor as he tries to get Michigan back to an elite status.
AnnArbor.com file photo
Ron English knows the challenges of coaching at San Diego State and he gets what makes Michigan, well, Michigan.
So as Brady Hoke prepares to transition from the West Coast, where he turned the Aztecs around, to returning to Ann Arbor, English believes he is ready.
"He's had two hard jobs," the second-year Eastern Michigan coach and former Michigan defensive coordinator said Tuesday night. "If he can do those jobs, he can do the Michigan job."
English spent two years working as the defensive backs coach at San Diego State, including in 1997, when Hoke was just beginning his tenure as an assistant at Michigan. The two have worked camps together and have run into one another on the recruiting trail.
Having seen Hoke turn programs around - first at Ball State and more recently at San Diego State -Â English said Hoke brings a couple of key components to the job: Passion and an understanding of Michigan's past.
"Michigan is a place where you need a guy who understands it - it's different than any other place I have ever been," English said. "I think it was critical to get somebody who understood it and who wanted to be there and who loves the university for all the things that it stands for. I think that's the thing that's really important."
Michigan players also stressed the importance of having someone who understands Michigan after they met with athletic director Dave Brandon at Schembechler Hall. They described the atmosphere in Tuesday's meeting as exciting, knowing they were getting someone who has a link to Michigan's past.
"This is the Michigan that we grew up watching that's coming back here," defensive tackle Will Heininger said. "This is a new start of what Michigan always has been, and this is the kind of coach you want.
"I don't believe you have to be a Michigan man (to coach at Michigan), but I just wanted the best coach here and if it's both, you really lucked out."
Nose tackle Mike Martin also believes Hoke's hiring represents a link to the program's past. Martin was coached by Hoke at Michigan youth camps growing up and said he expects the Wolverines will go back to being known for a hard-nosed style of defense.
"I think he has a good feel of what's going on here at Michigan," Martin said. "He knows this program and even though he's been busy with his program at San Diego State, he knows what kind of talented guys we have on this team.
"Maybe not by face or personality, but that will all change soon. He knows what's going on."
Despite Michigan's defensive struggles over the past three years under Rich Rodriguez, English expects that between Hoke's understanding of Michigan's tradition and his background as a defensive coach, good things will happen.
English still considers Michigan an elite job, although "some people may not think so."
"I think right now, it's a hard job because you're going to have to get some pieces there," English said. "I think the problem with Michigan is that they're under-sized. They're a really under-sized team for the Big Ten. I think that's a real issue.
"But he's a defensive coach, and players understand what is important to the head coach and they're going to know defense is important, Really, the foundation for Michigan football for many years was to play great defense and to run the ball, and so I'm positive Brady will get back to those things."
Jeff Arnold covers sports for AnnArbor.com and can be reached at (734) 623-2554 or by e-mail at jeffarnold@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @jeffreyparnold.
Comments
rtracy
Sat, Jan 15, 2011 : 8:28 p.m.
A coach that can recruit great players into crap programs and turn things around is great. I cant wait i think its going to be a quick turn around with a guy who plays more modern style football than loyd ever did. Hell if i played college ball i would want to play for this guy his enthusiasm and passion for the game speaks for itself. I say a two year turn around and recruiting that destroys RRs.
lumberg48108
Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 4:21 p.m.
lets try this again... (adding some context to the story) Both EMU and San Diego State play at U-M this year ironic
lumberg48108
Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 4:21 p.m.
lets try this again... (adding some context to the story) Both EMU and San Diego State play at U-M this year ironic
lumberg48108
Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 3:07 p.m.
some context to this story (how did the reporter miss this?) EMU and San Diego State play at U-M this year!
lumberg48108
Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 3:07 p.m.
some context to this story (how did the reporter miss this?) EMU and San Diego State play at U-M this year!
truebluefan
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 11:27 a.m.
ecmichman -- dude, it's January 12 and you're already making excuses for Hoke? Great coaches adapt and coach up the talent that they have. Great coaches just win. I was reminded of that almost on a daily basis so now I accept it as fact.
ecmichman
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 9:30 a.m.
RR left the cupboard bare. Let's see how long it takes BH to restock it. In fact, it would be a great fit if those two just flipped positions. RR could lead the Aztecs out west, play small ball and terrorize other schools with his "offensive wizardry". Enough of the smoke, mirrors, and snake oil. Time to get to work.
missionbrazil
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 8:33 a.m.
Here is some interesting info. about what Brady Hoke has done at SDSU: * SDSU was 2-10 before BH took over * in 2010 they won 9 games for the 1st time since 1971 * they played in their 1st bowl game since 1998 * before BH in 2008 their D was 114th of 120 (37.2 ppg) * in 2009 their D was 97th (30.5 ppg) * in 2010 their D was 44th (22.8 ppg) * before BH in 2008 their O was 105th (19.3 ppg) * in 2009 their O was 85th (23.3 ppg) * in 2010 their O was 20th (35.0 ppg) (better than UM O) In 2 years under BH they saw dramatic improvements on both sides of the ball, O and D. There are alot of reports (San Diego media, rivals,...) that talk about how much tougher the team was under BH, and they had a swagger this year for the first time in years. It appears the man can flat out coach.
mgoblue48348
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 7:26 a.m.
Marlon Tressel finally beats an SEC team and you guys think the sky is the limit. When you cant win without five to nine players going pro every year. Talk about doing less with more Ohio State should be winning NC's every other year like the SEC teams do Tressel ball is nothing more than a glorified version of Lloyds teams. Except Lloyd would win more than Tressel with that talent in every class, heck with Lloyd give Rich Rodriguez that kind of talent and he would have won more than either of them.
Jaysham
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 2:41 a.m.
1st Down is right! You people don't give Carr the credit he deserves and remember that he dominated OSU before sweater vest came to Columbus but you need to remember that in those games between UM-OSU that we were never blown out like Rich Fraud led teams were. So get behind Brady Hoke now cause I know that I and many other smart posters are taking mental notes on you haters talking trash about our new coach. Your just mad cause your "King" failed! GO BLUE!
1st Down
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 1:50 a.m.
beanie...those Carr Bashers wont ever give you a straight answer to your question...why? Because there isnt one...just their opinions and their conspiracy theories. Bottom Line: Lloyd Carr was 122-40 at Michigan...which is a GREAT record...and those spoiled so called M fans who bash Lloyd when they have not got a clue? well they are the worst types of Michigan fans.
beanie wells
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 1:25 a.m.
@tater: carr-tel, eh? clever. look i'm no lloyd carr fan (seems like he might be a bit cranky), but honestly, what has he done to negatively impact the michigan football program? sure, he had a hard time beating tressel (a lot of coaches seem to), but he's a guy who spent almost 30 years in the michigan football program. he consistently won... including a national championship! his former players seem to love him. there are lots of people still loyal to him. i don't quite get it. please explain. why is lloyd carr so evil in your eyes?
Papabear151
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 1:09 a.m.
Ball state hadn't had a winning season in 10 years. The players there didn't even stay to work out over the summer and he didn't have an office. He had to compete against Indiana, Notre Dame, and Purdue for recruiting. In 6 years he turned them around from complete dust. Something like 16 players quit his first year because it was too tough. Hoke takes over SDSU, hadn't had a winning season in 10 years. He built them into a pretty solid team in 2 years. 9-4 and they whipped navy's ass in the poinsettia bowl. Watch the highlights, those kids were monsters compared to Navy. B10 big, maybe not, but the option for b10 size is still here and it was never available at sdsu(Michigan still matters somewhat in recruiting). He learned to coach from Lloyd, runs a spread/pro hybrid that used the run to set up the pass. He adopted his defense away from his preferred scheme because he had better players for a 3-3-5. He adopts his schemes to what he has. He also understands the other things that RR didn't. What it means to coach here and what has been the nose of success for Michigan, toughness and tradition. Don't be fooled people. Yeah, two spread teams played this year for the NC, but last year Bama won it and could have most likely rolled with either of those two teams. Hoke isn't the worst hire. He loves coaching and his players love him. He also loves Michigan, he WANTS Michigan to succeed on that level that only true hearted Michigan fans can feel. Read more about his coaching history, do some research; I bet you'll find this hire a lot more agreeable afterwards. I know I did. Good Luck Coach Hoke and GO BLUE!
huronphish
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 12:36 a.m.
Who cares what Ron English thinks? Want to know how Ron and other Carr guys treated Rodriguez? A picture says a thousand words. Stay classy, Ron. http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ovxqib0HRVY/Sr0JQSTu3FI/AAAAAAAAArg/OcqQPqarVnw/s400/sidelines.jpg
LeslieEdwin
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 12:29 a.m.
To all the Lloyd supporters...I think alot of people just remember Lloyd losing his last 6 of 7 to OSU, going 6-7 in Bowl Games, and the loss to App St. Sports is all about "what have you done for me lately" Lloyd certainly was not GREAT after 1997...
1st Down
Tue, Jan 11, 2011 : 10:29 p.m.
vi4mi4 said "..and no more shotgun formations on 1st and goal from the 1.." LOL! I totally endorse that post.
Terrin
Tue, Jan 11, 2011 : 10:29 p.m.
marlon: You do understand that Universities like Ball State commonly schedule tough non-conference teams from bigger divisions so that they can pay the bills? EMU makes millions playing big Universities like U of M. It pays for the their athletic programs because ticket sales don't pay the bills. Nobody expects EMU to beat Ohio State or Michigan. EMU could lose to those Universities and win every conference game and it would be considered a highly successful season. Ball State is in the same situation as EMU. You need to look at the conference games, not the whole total.
marlon glenn
Tue, Jan 11, 2011 : 10:22 p.m.
You all are right. Lloyd was perfect. Hey, let's just get the whole band back together! Ron English, DeBord, Leoffler, Hermann... be just like old times! :)
Somewhat Concerned
Tue, Jan 11, 2011 : 10:09 p.m.
As long as the coach at EMU likes Hoke, I'm sold. Who even thought up the idea of asking him his opinion?
D21
Tue, Jan 11, 2011 : 9:55 p.m.
"I think right now, it's a hard job because you're going to have to get some pieces there," English said. "I think the problem with Michigan is that they're under-sized. They're a really under-sized team for the Big Ten. I think that's a real issue. Also, Tater, Theo, LS, and a few others are under-sized, too.
vi4mi4
Tue, Jan 11, 2011 : 9:54 p.m.
..hahaha..listen to all the fakes and frauds cry and whine..sorry but the goofball experiment is OVER!..from now on opponents will be getting HIT in AA....and no more shotgun formations on 1st and goal from the 1.. now come on back and coach up these dbs English.. Hail to the Victors! Go Blue! v
heartbreakM
Tue, Jan 11, 2011 : 9:37 p.m.
Carr-tel? That's a new one. For all the comments about how divisive the fan base is, some out there appear more loyal to their one and only than to the players and the university. It'll be interesting to see how that develops over the Hoke era (or should we call it the Brady era?). Interesting comments Ron English makes about being undersized. That coming from a MAC coach is saying something. Hopefully, speed and recruiting will overcome that, but bottom line is that you can't succeed in the B10 unless you can hold your own physically, and you can't make it to the elite games without winning the B10.
racer
Tue, Jan 11, 2011 : 9:27 p.m.
Record vs. Ohio State Fielding H. Yost 16-3-1 George Little 1-0-0 Elton E. Wieman 1-1-0 Harry Kipke 3-6-0 "Fritz" Crisler 7-2-1 Bennie Oosterbaan 5-5-1 "Bump" Elliott 3-7-0 "Bo" Schembechler 11-9-1 Gary Moeller 3-1-1 Lloyd Carr 6-7-0 Rich Rodriguez 0-3-0 marlon glenn...Old Lloyds record against the bucks don't look so bad.
1st Down
Tue, Jan 11, 2011 : 9:08 p.m.
Lloyd went 3-2 vs. Saban. Keep trying though.
Rob Pollard
Tue, Jan 11, 2011 : 9:01 p.m.
Please Ron, you can barely coach Eastern. You had one good year as a DC in which you flopped in the two most important games of the year, even though you had scads of NFL talent. Didn't TCU just beat Wisconsin, king of all things beef? And doesn't the Big 10 underperform in non-conf and bowls every year b/c our big boys get run past by faster, more athletic teams? It's not the 90s anymore.
marlon glenn
Tue, Jan 11, 2011 : 9 p.m.
Kool-aid drinking goes both ways. LC was great? Ok. If losing to OSU constantly is great. So be it. Was he good? I will give you good. But great is a stretch. Saban? Great. Meyer? Great. LC? Good.
maizeblueNY
Tue, Jan 11, 2011 : 8:54 p.m.
Hoke will be successful, watch and see.........
racer
Tue, Jan 11, 2011 : 8:53 p.m.
@1St Down, Your first sentence, says it all. Lloyd was a great coach. There are a bunch of Kool-Aid drinkers out there that bought into the RichRod "cupboard was bare" excuse.
1st Down
Tue, Jan 11, 2011 : 8:46 p.m.
It is amazing how some so called fans of the program continue to bash Lloyd Carr who was 122-40 with a NC and 5 BT championships and did it with class and honor. I suppose that crying because their guy RR got canned after being the worst coach in Michigan history...has something to do with it. However that type of knee-jerk, irrational thinking and tin foil hat conspiracy thought-ilk has more of a place at mgoblog than over here at annarbor. com.
1st Down
Tue, Jan 11, 2011 : 8:42 p.m.
marlon.... take a deep breath and look at what Ball St. was before Hoke got there. They did not even have a coaches office. You have no clue...to indict this coach before he even gets here...geeze. Then again, if you dont think that what Charles Woodson and Steve Hutchinson say about the man matters...well... there is always internet message boards to vent on Ron English is right about RRs guys being undersized...Hoke will change that big time.
riverraisin
Tue, Jan 11, 2011 : 8:40 p.m.
Hey Ron, It's more fun being a DC at UM than a HC at EMU. Come on back.
marlon glenn
Tue, Jan 11, 2011 : 8:32 p.m.
Michigan has dusted off every LC player and coach to try to sell everyone on this "Brady Hoke is the answer" business. BH had an awful record at Ball State. Are you kidding me? One twelve win season and the rest losing and one winning. Sheesh! Well, at least he is a michigan man (whatever that means!) The UM is its own worst enemy. There is joy in Columbus. Welcome to Lloyd Carr part 2. Only difference is if BH loses, there will not be any screaming from the UM brass. He may lose but he will be OUR loser! lol