LSUWolverine

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 11:22 p.m.

@ Ghost, don't waste your time responding to posts like Mark's, I've seen the RR kool-aid drinkers trot out the same tired excuses to support a coach who should have never been here. All they say is "Carr left the cupboard bare" or "the team was improving and the offense would have been great next year!" despite the fact that our defense has regressed since his tenure and the offense stalls when facing AVERAGE teams. I wasn't too keen on Hoke until I started looking at his record and the opinions that others had about him from when he worked with them when they were in the program. After watching the press conference, I'm sold. This guy gets it. He's hungry, he's humble in the sense that he understands his position and the expectations that he will operate under, and I loved his response to the osu rivalry game. It's funny how all the kool-aid drinkers are now doing exactly what they said(PROJECTED) RR critics were doing, but they confuse criticism with pure hate.

serene

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 4:43 p.m.

New year, New Beginning, New Coach. Yes, GO BLUE!!

WWBD?

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 4:41 p.m.

Rich Rod should have been given another year but I don't blame Brandon at all for firing him. Those last 3 butt whippins at the end of the season were perhaps 3 the worst football displays of all time in the Michigan annals and that's alot of games! A decent showing in the gator bowl would've been enough for RR to stay perhaps but he totally flamed out. Sure Hope Denard Stays. Hoke may just be what the wolverines need and I'm 100% behind him. I like Tulsatoms post as I see BH in full stride and the ball just getting there with 3 men to beat but a good blocker is leading. Go Hoke Go Blue!

larry kramer

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 4:08 p.m.

I wonder what Hoke's record on recruiting is, specifically: 1. did he recruit desmond howard and charles woodson? 2. how many of his recruits actually were drafted by the pros? 3. who in the country has the best recruiting record (players that went pro) if anyone has real data instead of crappy opinions, please jump in here

Lorain Steelmen

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 3:58 p.m.

Mark....very interesting post! I do agree that RR, was a much better coach than people have given him credit for. I would also agree, that Carr is the 800 pound gorilla in the corner. And since 2001, was the reason we have a problem now. I agree that Brandon should show Carr the door, but we both know, he won't. He'll opt to keep peace in the family. I'm behind Hoke now, and will continue to do so. I disagree, that focusing on the big ten isn't the right priority. Tressel is sleazy and will do anything to win. He was chased by the NCAA, when he was at YSU, and he knew full-well what he was getting when he recruited Claurett and Pryor, et al. The joke on the osu boards a couple of years ago, was about Tressel's dirty thirty. Well it's Tressel's felonious forty now. I would describe this years' team, as the 'tatoo crew'. The program wreaks! And after all that, the only D1 NC he has, is due to Mo Claurett! Let's let Hoke rebuild this program, with intense 'blue collar' coaches, so the 'entitled blue bloods' can all brag about how tough they are. Meanwhile, in the end, it is all about 'the team, the team, the team'. Hoke, make SURE you have the right assitants, and push them every day, like BO did. Don't get soft, and fall back on loyalty, in lieu of toughness and let this program slip like Carr did. Good luck, and welcome back to Ann Arbor!

Lorain Steelmen

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 3:34 p.m.

Wow where does one start? The past week has been interesting, to say the least. As many know, I have been sceptical of Hoke. There's as many minuses as pluses. The so-so record in the last 8 years, offset by the great supportive comments from past players and coaches. If Hoke did play a role, in the defenses from '96 to '00 then he has the right attitude to succeed. Let's face it, he had talent to work with, and that will be a BIG concern for him in '11 and '12. Dan Dierdorf is right, to caution patience, exactly as Jerry Hanlon did three years ago, when RR came in. But the fans here are fickle, aka Ghost and 3&out, et al. I supported Carr for 13 years, although it was tough from '01 to '07, as we watched the program slip. When RR came in I was neutral, but felt he deserved our support. He didn't get it. And that is a disgrace,that UM fans can't laugh off. I for one will not find fault with Hoke, and WILL support him, because now he's OUR guy. I like Hole's 'team first' attitude, and his emphasis on hard work and toughness. I am hopeful that, unlike Mallet and Boren, who ran away, that Denard Robinson will contine to display personal integrity and a 'team first' agenda, and decide to stay here at UM. I have liked his sincere humility, and think he may find that same characteristic in Hoke. In my eyes, that is a big part of being a Michigan Man. I hope Denard is "in". So count me 'in' as well. Now the goal is to take names, and kick the bejesures, out of osu and msu, and win the conference each year. The NC's will take care of themsleves. Time for UM fans to close ranks, and get behind Hoke. I hope that three years from now, we won't get the same garbage we've seen on here, over RR. In the interim, Hoke must bring in 'top notch' assistants, who share his intensity! And recruits, the kind of kids, that WANT to be at Michigan! Let's GO BLUE! Like someone has said already, 318 days until the osu game.

truebluefan

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 3:32 p.m.

missionbrazil -- no doubt something went awry in Lynch's two seasons where they had only one win. But then he turned things around quite a bit and did quite well in his final three years at Ball State. And "quite well" means better than Hoke did in his first five seasons. So, things weren't perfect when Hoke took over, but it wasn't exactly a train wreck either. I think the fact that he fits in well at Michigan will help immensely. I hope he proves to have a killer mentality like Harbaugh. And I hope he can bring back the 4- and 5-star recruits and top 10 recruiting classes. I think he's going to find the recruiting part a lot tougher now than it was in the mid- to late-1990's and early 2000's when Michigan owned Ohio State and Notre Dame.

P U MSU

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 3:02 p.m.

garrison, Could not agree more.

Sean T.

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 2:53 p.m.

I welcome Hoke and I truly hope he can garner success at the University of Michigan. His hiring isn't about being a "Michigan Man", it is about hiring a competent coach who can teach fundamentals and ground a real football team. The recruiting will take care of itself just by having the UofM brand name, I truly believe that we are on the right track. I'm tired of the one man offense, disastrous defense, the lack of special teams and the porous integrity of the head coach. Brady Hoke may not be the answer and only time will tell but if he doesn't embarrass the University he's still better off than RR until we find the right coach.

garrisondyer

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 2:52 p.m.

@ PU MSU - I am thrilled to have a new coach who has ties to the program, is well-respected both by players and the professionals he has worked with and around, and doesn't have any apparent smarmy background issues. True, part of me wonders what sort of progress we would have seen if RR was here next year, but there have been a lot of failures over the last three years that don't appear to be getting fixed (defense, special teams, halftime adjustments, power running, offense becoming stagnant against high profile teams). I'm excited about and hopeful for a bright future with Hoke at the helm.

P U MSU

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 2:45 p.m.

D21, Learn to read the entire comment row and not just one post. I said I am excited about Hoke. I never questioned his ability as a coach. I think he will do a great job. He was my #1 over Harbaugh and Miles. Don't bother talking about thing which you know nothing about. It makes you look foolish.

D21

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 2:28 p.m.

Well said Johnnya2

missionbrazil

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 2:28 p.m.

truebluefan "Before we get all hyped up about Hoke turning Ball State around, note that Bill Lynch had a better winning percentage in his final three years at Ball State than Brady Hoke did in his first five. Lynch also had 7-5 and 8-4 seasons during his tenure. So I don't believe that Ball State was a complete train wreck before Hoke arrived like many people believe." I guess it's all in how you present the data and analyse it: * You mention that Bill Lynch had 7-5 and 8-4 seasons... those were his first 2 years and were 7 years before BH took over. * you failed to mention that Lynch also had 1-10 and 0-11 seasons after that. * they did not have a winning season between 1996 and 2002, Lynch's last 6 seasons It would be more accurate if you had mentioned that it took BH at least 4 years to turn things around, which is not an immediate turnaround. In his last 3 years there they improved steadily from 5-7 & 5-3 conf. to 7-6 & 5-2 conf. to 12-1 and 8-0 conf. You have some good points about the teams scoring some points against SDSU this year. One thing about their D overall is that they improved in the 2 years BH was there from 114th of 120 (37.2 ppg) to 44th (22.8 ppg). His choice for DC will definitely be an important hire.

D21

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 2:26 p.m.

P U MSU, Keep those fluffy and worthless RR stats up. We cannot change you since you are a little brother, through and through, and aren't you really excited about the Hoke hiring which will rightfully relegate your sparties into little brothers once again.

D21

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 2:17 p.m.

aklion, It would be wise for you to heed the great Woody's quote: "Coaches who can outline plays on a black board are a dime a dozen. The ones who win get inside their players heads and motivate them." So much for your "genius" agenda. Thought I'd toss this priceless quote by Woody Hayes' wife below. Hayes' longtime wife, Anne, was once asked if she'd ever considered divorcing Woody. Her response was: "Divorce, no. Murder, yes." Ain't a buckeye fan (yucks) but I'd take Woody over RR and his kool aid drinking crowd any day.

Mark

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 1:58 p.m.

Well,.. well,.. the Michigan faithful, you know, the Michigan men, have done it again! They've got Michigan returning to the promised land of college football before their new coach is even introduced. Let me start by saying that I will continue to support the school and the program, but have no misconceptions that we're in for at least 5 years of struggles, if not more. Brady Hoke was a conservative safe choice to lead the football program, just as David Brandon was a conservative, safe choice to lead the athletic department. Neither will get you to the promised land unless you start taking some risk. Bill Martin took risks with the financial end of the athletic department, but was smart enough to know that he didn't know "Butkis" about sports, so our competitiveness waned in his years. Enter a mediocre CEO from a holding corporation, and we'll have a good looking ledger sheet, all the right things will be said about our programs, but we'll still be on the outside looking in when it comes to competing for a National Championship. And since we're Michigan, our noses will still be higher than our foreheads! I laugh out loud when our AD, and the local "homers" on talk radio talk about how "extensive" our "national" search was. Anyone who understands anything about business or even paying partial attention to this knows nothing "extensive" and "national" happens in a week. Who's kidding who,..?? Brandon talked to three people and discussed "maybe" another three. He got rebuffed by two and had to go to his safety valve. Ask me the question about who I'd rather have, RR or Hoke,. and it's a no brainer. I'd rather have RichRod. Those who complain about the lack of defense again have no idea how empty the cupboard was when Carr left,.. and how bad the recruiting had been during Carr's last 3 years. REMEMBER,... there was uncertainly about Carr's retirement as far back as 2003, when you can track the downhill slide of the big M's recruiting classes. Also REMEMBER,.. RichRod was one touchdown drive from playing for the National Championship with a team that never a recruiting class better than 27th in the nation. Yet when he shows up in Ann Arbor, he forgot how to coach? Hoke may understand recruiting in the Mid-West, but un-trenching Michigan State here in Michigan, and competing with the other national powers for Ohio and PA kids, not to mention Florida and Texas,.. is another animal altogether. Take a look at the kids he lost at San Diego State and Ball State and you'll start to get a clearer picture. And to hear Lloyd's guys on the talk radio shows,.. (Andy Mignery,.. are you listening,..??) you'd think this was as big a win for Lloyd Carr as it is for Michigan. What a joke,..!! There's ample evidence to support the undercurrent that's been around this town for the last 3 years, which no one wanted to talk about or write about. (Hello, WTKA and the Ann Arbor News,.. or.com!) That's that Lloyd Carr worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make RichRod's tenure here as uncomfortable as it could possibly be. Well,. guess what Lloyd, you won. Let's talk in 5 years and if Brady has Michigan back as a perennial national power, I'll be man enough to shut up and go away. The best thing David Brandon will ever do for Michigan athletics, he's already done. That was to show Lloyd Carr the door,... Here's our new problem, which is really an old one. Hiring Brady Hoke confirms for me what a number of people here have already stated, that Michigan is going back to concentrating on winning the Big Ten and going to the Rose Bowl, first and foremost. As much as I hate OSU, at least they've got their priorities straight. So as we begin the descent back to our glory days, a return to that hallowed brand of football we know as "3 yards and cloud of dust!" Let me ask you all this question,.. How many teams in the AP Top 25 for 2010-2011 were molded in that tradition,..?? (Answer,.. 1 - Wisconsin!) Good luck Michigan,.. we deserve everything we get! I wish RichRod and his family the very best as they prepare for what I'm sure will be a very rewarding future somewhere much less snobbish and vindictive than Ann Arbor!

Nat

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 1:16 p.m.

Remember that Rich Rodriguez breached his contract with WVU, signed just four months after he had signed his new, long term contract. That entailed a $4 million dollar penalty; the University of Michigan wound up paying $2.5 million, and Rodriguez was ordered to pay $500k/year for three years. Coaches win because they have good players, and Rodriguez's recruiting classes were highly touted as very talented. Given that, coaches have to motivate their players, and that involves trust. Rodriguez's history of breach of contract is not consistent with building trust. Moreover, the Detroit Free Press reported that "Rodriguez's staff uses some of the foulest, most degrading language imaginable. I know coaches curse, and I'm no prude, but this goes way beyond a few dirty words. He belittles his players." And then there are the NCAA violations... Everything I've read about Hoke indicates that his tenure at Michigan will have a better tone than that of his predecessor. Will his teams win? I believe they'll play up to their abilities against all comers, and that's all anyone can expect of a coach.

P U MSU

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 1:07 p.m.

My statement was "Yardagewise, Michigan was the most balanced in the Big10." Prove it wrong. Prove it wrong. "These RR guys never give up" Its not about being a RR guy or not. I made a statement and supported it with facts. You were wrong. Admit it. Your hate is so blinding that you cannot read a simple statement?

truebluefan

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 1:04 p.m.

Before we get all hyped up about Hoke turning Ball State around, note that Bill Lynch had a better winning percentage in his final three years at Ball State than Brady Hoke did in his first five. Lynch also had 7-5 and 8-4 seasons during his tenure. So I don't believe that Ball State was a complete train wreck before Hoke arrived like many people believe. Hoke's 12-0 season was certainly exceptional but it is an extreme outlier. That team was loaded with Hoke's kids and upperclassmen were all over the two-deep. The 2010 SDSU squad was certainly competitive against good competition. But the level of play, primarily defensive play, against much lesser competition is concerning. Wyoming was 100th in rushing, 98th in passing and 107th in points for and they scored 38 on SDSU. New Mexico St had similar offensive numbers to Wyoming and they scored 21. New Mexico was 106th in rushing, 106th in passing and 116th in points for and they scored 20. Colorado St was 60th in rushing, 103rd in passing and 114th in points for and they scored 19. I know Hoke preaches defense first but those numbers are hardly inspiring. Hoke's DC hire is of utmost importance.

toofmullets

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 1:02 p.m.

Gene Chizick won a title and had a losing record, so the obvious, logical implication is that all coaches with a losing record will win titles two years later. If I remember correctly, RR had a 3-9 record and two years later he won 2983423 national titles.

Macabre Sunset

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

Balance usually refers to play selection. Michigan was 16th in rushing attempts, and 63rd in passing attempts in the FBS. Since the quarterback did more running than any other quarterback in the FBS, that was out of balance as well. Hoke's career record shows he tailors his offenses to his talent. Sometimes it's more pass-heavy than other times. He doesn't have one playbook that he insists on running, whether it fits his players or not.

blusage

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 12:58 p.m.

In regards to offering Hoke patience, but not giving RR more time: regardless of the system of offense, or defense, RR's teams, even after three years, did not play like a well-coached team. The turnovers, the missed tackles, the terrible special teams, all the blame can NOT be placed on the type of players OR the specific system. There was something rotten in RR's regime that was showing on the field. I don't think moral support and lack of patience by the fans can be blamed for that either. I want Michigan to win, but when they lose, at least play like you know what you're doing. RR never got the team -- especially the D and special teams -- to that point, even after three years. Three years to field a fundamentally sound team is plenty of time. RR failed. Go Hoke. Go Blue!

1st Down

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 12:58 p.m.

and in 2008 when Florida won their second NC, Tebow did not account for nearly as much of their offensive production as D Rob did this past year and oh btw, he is 6-3 or so and about 50lbs heavier than D Rob and can take punishment just a wee bit better.

1st Down

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

btw PU... Florida alternated QBs when they won the NC... any questions on that? Seriously you RR guys never give up the spin on how "great and balanced" that one man show offense is...

1st Down

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

PU...no that is not balanced when the large majority of the yards came from 1 player...rushing and throwing... the offense was all D Rob and when he got shut down by the top 5 teams in the BT, and was often dinged because the offense put such a pressure on 1 player to get it done..the offense stopped producing..that is a fact...and I can support it by breaking down Michigans offensive stats and then showing that 1 player was primarily responsible....and that is scary cause it doesnt work with that player gets hurt, or shut down....just ask Pat White...

marlon glenn

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 12:43 p.m.

At the very least, everyone can see that no one knows if he will be a good or poor coach. The final analysis is wins and losses. RR could have changed everything if he had simply won games. I for one am glad they have a "Michigan Man" because if this does not work, then all excuses become null and void. I wonder if 8-4, 9-3 are good enough for UM fans. If it is, you are not elite...you are MSU. :)

P U MSU

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 12:42 p.m.

1st Down, Yardagewise, Michigan was the most balanced offense in the Big10. Per game totals. Michigan Pass-255 Rush-238 Diff-17 OSU Pass-238 Rush-220 Diff-18 Wisc Pass-206 Rush-245 Diff-39 MSU Pass-253 Rush-152 Diff-101 NW Pass-252 Rush-155 Diff-97 There is your stats. I always back my statements with stats. I just figured by now, you would actually trust me. I have proven myself time and time again. Before you say "But all thos yards came from one person, so that isn't balance." Save your energy. The offense is set up as a read. If they are keying on the RB Denard will run, they key on Denard and he hands the ball off. When Florida won they National Championship, they must not have been balanced either.

SamieT

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 12:38 p.m.

Geez, how grand for you Wolverine fans to "give the guy a chance". As opposed, to what? "Not giving the guy a chance"? There is no more dangerous combination than ignorance AND arrogance.

Macabre Sunset

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

I would have taken Dora the Explorer over RichRod. But I'm very pleased with Hoke's hiring. The reaction from people who have actually worked with him is quite convincing. It seems genuine, and he genuinely seems to want to build a long career here.

PortageLkBlu

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

Based on Brady Hokes past record at small schools I can't tell if he's a great coach, good coach, average good coach or decent at best. I'm going to defer to our AD's (Mr Brandon's) opinion in this hiring and hope for the best. I will support coach Hoke during his tenure as the Michigan head coach, I will not put a time limit on his success and I will treat him with dignity and respect as his position(coach) deserves. I will always remember how rudely RR was treated (hence his family included)in my home state(embarrassing) and hope that the Mich.faithful show more class with Brady Hokes and his family. Don't ever kid yourself that when a coach is ridiculed how adversely it affects his family. Bo mentions in the book, "Bo" how one time he took his son to an away game and the fans were yelling obscenities at him (Bo). Bo saw his son crying and shaking at this verbal abuse aimed at Bo. I think a good coach at a smaller school (like Bo was) can become a good coach (like Bo was) at Mich. The reason Nick Sabin left Mich. State was that he wanted to become a good-great coach at a big time school, wasn't going to happen at Mich. State. No slight meant to Mich. State fans, you had a good team this year, in the big 10.

Wolvdoug

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

Al Borges runs what is called the "Gulf Coast Offense"....Kind of a hybrid spread/pro set offense....Here's a piece about this type of offense....http://www.directsnapfootball.com/?p=669

1st Down

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 12:20 p.m.

PUMSU, could you elaborate on your comment regarding the most balanced offense in terms of yardage in the BT, perhaps cite some stats? One man show DRob with such a high ratio of production vs. total team yards does not equal balanced. I could cite the stats to prove this, but Id like to hear something from you other than your opinion. Thanks.

cook1888

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 12:19 p.m.

I am a Wolverine. I am thrilled. Good luck to the players, good luck to Coach Hoke, GO BLUE!

johnnya2

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 12:16 p.m.

@PU MSU I will answer this as clearly as I can for the millionth time I would take ANY coach over RR. I would take Gerry Faust. I would take John Cooper. I would take ANY coach who does not CHEAT and put the program on probation. The fact that Brady Hoke is a good MAN and a good coach solidifies it for me. I really had no excitement in Miles and Harbaugh was always a temporary guy because his aspirations are the NFL. I do find it funny that for some college is not enough, then for others (Coach K, Dean Smith, Tom Izzo, Coach Carr, Schembelcher, Urban Myer, Mack Brown) college is where they want to be. Rich Rod is gone, and I could not be happier.

RudeJude

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 11:57 a.m.

@ Theo "Coach by proxy"? Isn't that what Rodriguez did to get Michigan in trouble with the NCAA and himself fired? And, boy, does that sound supportive. You're like the guy saying to Gerald Ford (Michigan Man) after Nixon was axed, "Yeah, I'll support you, but you're no Nixon." No qualifiers or additional commentary...I support Brady Hoke and Michigan. Go Blue

PopEye

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 11:48 a.m.

Rude Jude, Dantonio stated (that) before msu was made a laughing stock by Alabama. He made the statement when it was determined that msu wasn't going to the Rose Bowl. He stated the numbers were there to indicate that msu was better suited, than Ohio or Wisconsin. Not only would have msu got the crap kicked out of them but the snot also. EAT SPINACH go green.

SemperFi

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 11:46 a.m.

Do any of you naysayers bother to look at the facts? BH takes bad teams and makes them into winners. His overall record is poor because he came into programs that sucked before he got there. In pretty quick order he managed to make them legitimate. Go Blue!

vern

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 11:45 a.m.

RR is gone,and you want a Michigan Man someone who knows the michigan way which i don't understand, what is the michigan way run the ball up middle for two downs and then throw down field, win a bowl game every now and then what,By the way i don't think Nick Saban or Urban Meyer has tides at Alabama or Florida. you willing to be Patience with Brady Hoke but not with Rich Rod, and you don't like the spread offense. oh wait who was in the BCS game.. i think Orgean who runs the spread but you people don't like that. So they go with Hoke which I hope he dose a great job but it may take sometime like, another four years, so i hope you people are happy now. Oh yeah good luck with opening game in 2012 with Alabama, the Michigan Way

Art

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 11:39 a.m.

Dave, This guy can't win games. His winning percentage is way lower than RR.484 percent. I'm glad he's a great guy and is loved by alums but is the best thing for Michigan football. Nice guys finish last!

shane smith

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 11:19 a.m.

Thats good that the former players respect him.Now if you could get these talking heads behind the scenes,to support him.In the last 5 years they have been tearing this program apart.There code name is THE FREEP.If i was Brandon,i would ban them from the program.Its eaiser to see RATS IN THE DAYTIME ANYWAY.They don't like anything about U of M PERIOD.Might as well tell the truth in this matter,my friends.

P U MSU

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 11:14 a.m.

1st down, Yardagewise we were the most balanced team int he big 10 last year. All, SDSU announced thier D Coord as their new head coach. Any thoughts on the new D coord? I was thinking that Randy Shannon would be a good fit. Thoughts?

PortageLkBlu

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 11:12 a.m.

I think a pro style is fine in the big 10 but I think with Nebraska coming (which many forget) and Ohio States style we need a mixture of spread and pro style. 1down, I don't want to take your money. You would be foolish to bet on someone that has never coached a down at Mich. I won't bet with a foolish person. Look boys and girls the guy should be okay he's got a great base (Mich.) to recruit from, the big 10 is not all that much as of late and one advantage that the fans have learned is that this will take patience. I think after RR he is coming to Mich. at a perfect time, I don't think the back office will be on his back if he needs at least 5 years. To say he turn this thing around in a couple of years is a sign of the impatience of some Mich. fans and not fair to our new coach.

heartbreakM

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 11:11 a.m.

I still do not understand this fascination by everyone of "system" types of offense. Basically, using your players and executing properly would seem to be the goal. If we can do that (didn't have that effectively in the last few years), we will have much more chance of winning than not.

1st Down

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 11:05 a.m.

SDSU also had 2WR over 1000yds receiving. If we get that kind of balance from our offense under Al Borges as OC, we will do much better in the Big Ten than a one man show offense did.

1st Down

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 10:54 a.m.

I wouldnt say that the SDSU offense is strictly 'pro style' they do a lot of interesting formations and things, and they can spread it out at times as needed. Their freshman RB Hillman put up 1500 yds and their QB threw 29 TDs...they were pretty explosive. D Rob wont get hurt nearly as much in this offense, and I do believe that Brandon and Hoke have discussed how to utilize D Rob.

beanie wells

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 10:54 a.m.

@PortageLkBlu: as you say, you michigan fans are fickle... but what fan base isn't? some of you feel richrod wasn't given enough time, patience, or a fair chance. but, 1stDown makes a point... one could make a VERY strong argument for richrod being the worst coach in michigan history. did he get a fair shake? was it completely his fault? those points are debatable. certainly there were extraneous cicumstances and outside influences that made things difficult for richrod. BUT, he made more than his fair share of mistakes, miscalculations, and blunders... and now he's gone. such is life in the high-paying, results-driven world of college football coaching. now is a time for healing... all you michigan fans should hold hands and sing kumbaya (can't remember who suggested that) and wait to see what happens. if i'm right about hoke, you guys might actually get to see your defense make a tackle or two next fall. of course (per Theo212), true fans will be disappointed by that. apparently, they're only happy with offensive wizardry. anyway, GO BUCKS!!!

heartbreakM

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 10:54 a.m.

Aww, Theo: You make me feel just like I did in 9th grade. I don't even get a runner up in the locker room? Awwww, shucks :) @PU: No surprise. I absolutely would want former coach to be gone no matter what. If there was any doubt, the last 3 games erased those. Though I was no on the Hoke bandwagon to start, I am getting excited to get him, given what we are reading and what the players are saying. I think he will be great for Michigan. It's funny that some are saying he is tantamount to admitting that M is no longer a national program. Only one team can win it all, and all teams have to win in their conference first. Hoke understands that, and he knows the national scope of MIchigan. We hopefully will be all right.

P U MSU

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 10:53 a.m.

Don't mistake my condescending statements with my support of coach Hoke. I think Hoke will be fine. I am happy to unite the fan base just a little. While I think RR got the raw deal here, I will always support Michigan. My feelings about what happened the last few years will never trump my love for this school. Hoke is a fine coach and a fine man. I also agree that he will probably have more wins in his first year than RR had in his first two here. Next years schedule is very managable. I am thinking 6-8 wins. With that said, if Hoke is able to retain everyone, I would be able to coach these players to 6 wins. In my eyes he will be judged in year 4 when he has his guys in there.

aklion

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 10:49 a.m.

Ok, I get it. Hoke is a "good" guy, "I learned a lot from him" But you know what, in reading this and a lot of other articles in the Free Press, News, and nationally, I haven't come across one person saying "he's an excellent coach, a true defensive genius", or words to that affect. And, please as was said in an article here yesterday, don't compare this hire to Bo's, saying that in some ways this guy has more qualifications. I about fell out of my chair on that one, because all Bo did at M of Ohio was have a better than.600 winning percentage and two or three conference titles to his credit. So while I hope that he makes me eat my words a couple of years down the line, I do still think that M has made a huge mistake. First in getting rid of RR, and now this.

missionbrazil

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 10:49 a.m.

PU MSU "Nearly the whole team is returning starters. Common sence would tell you they will be better. That is of course without RR. Cause there is no way they would get better under him...." * Common sense could also tell you that by the bowl game they were not all freshman anymore. * They all had at least a year experience, plus 15 practices * Common sense shows that even with a year of experience and 15 more bowl practices they still could not tackle on D and still did not have a handle on the fundamentals * Common sense tells you that it was bad coaching * If it was not bad coaching then surely we would not have been humiliated by Miss. St. 52-14 * Common sense tells you that ALL of the RR excuses were out of play in that bowl game (injuries, lack of experience,...) PU MSU... come on, your guy is gone. Get over it. You are one of the only ones that is still trying to debate RR. You are dangerously close to being one of the "man-crush" gang.

StarZone

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 10:49 a.m.

Specifically, what do some of you folks not like about a pro-style offense? I will admit that I do not enjoy a spread offense because I simply enjoy a power running game. And the spread only seems to really click when you have the right quarterback. Against Florida on January 1st 2007 - what was not enjoyable about that pro-style offense? I will take that offense over any spread. Carr rarely unleashed the offense, unless UM was behind in the fourth quarter. Technically, it seems that you do not like a conservative pro-style offense. That doesn't mean someone like Hoke can't open up such a system to make it more dynamic. Whether he does that or not, though, is another question.

Blu-n-Tpa

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 10:44 a.m.

PU You did question ask why there wasn't patience for RR but there is a need for it now with BH. Three years. I'll give BH three years to win 6 games in the BT. 36 months to beat MSU, UIa, OSU, and UW at least one time, TOTAL. If BH doesn't get us to a bowl game for the first two years I'll cut him some slack. But if his last three games, including his only bowl game, is like the last 3 games of "you know" then we won't have to replace him. He'll probably quit for not doing his job to his satisfaction. But you know, with better coaching the "D" will be better, and so will the special teams. He will win as many games in his FIRST year as the ex-WV guy did in his first two years. Let's move on with this new guy. Give him a chance and let's see what he can do.

1st Down

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 10:43 a.m.

PortageLk... if you are up for it, Ill bet you 100.00 that Michigan will be 'competing' for BT championships in far less than 5 years under Hoke...

1st Down

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 10:41 a.m.

Joe, Id be stunned if Fred Jackson does not stay on... due to his longevity as a good RB coach, connection to the old program and his prowness as a very effective recruiter in the South.

P U MSU

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 10:41 a.m.

"We may not have a 12-1 season next year, but I suspect we will have a better team than this year with much better special teams and D, and we will be in alot more games than we were this year." Nearly the whole team is returning starters. Common sence would tell you they will be better. That is of course without RR. Cause there is no way they would get better under him....

PortageLkBlu

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 10:39 a.m.

Some of you all of a sudden are acting like this is the second coming of Christ, it's not. Most fans know nothing about this guy in fact most fans never heard of Brady Hokes 1 month ago. I'm starting to already hear things like, it's going to be tough to switch from spread to Pro style so we must have patience. Is that a joke boys and girls? We know for a fact that the Mich. faithful do not have patience so coach Hoke better have this thing well on it's way to success by his second year. If not I will lay you even money that we will start to hear the reference of Coach Joke. Not a fair analogy for a new coach but after the last 3 years a factual analogy of the fickle Michigan fans. I for one will support coach Hoke and being a realist I suspect it will take 5 years to turn this thing around and compete for a chance at the Rose Bowl I said,"Compete". My description of Coach Hoke as a Head Coach is that he seems like a likable fellow, with sound defensive coaching skills (not great) and is an average to good head coach.

missionbrazil

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 10:39 a.m.

it seems BH is the anti-RR.

Joe

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 10:39 a.m.

PU..I agree that we ALL need to just move on. No amount of debates, discussions, postings, etc are ever going to change the fact that RR was fired, nor will any of those things bring him back, so what's the point?

mun

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 10:37 a.m.

To those slamming Brady Hoke, I have 4 words for ya: AUBURN COACH GENE CHIZEK. Check out his record at Iowa State.

Joe

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 10:34 a.m.

PU...You asked "Will he retain anyone on the current staff?". I assume you mean his SDSU staff since RRs staff was let go when he was let go. The only thing I have seen so far is that Coach Hoke is bringing his OC with him. We'll hopefully hear more today after he meets with the team.

missionbrazil

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 10:32 a.m.

The more I check out Brady Hoke the more impressed I am with him and what he has done... it seems the man can coach: * 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. Plus they lost to some good teams, including TCU, by only a few points. We may not have a 12-1 season next year, but I suspect we will have a better team than this year with much better special teams and D, and we will be in alot more games than we were this year. I also believe the O will surprise some people.

1st Down

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 10:29 a.m.

PU you asked the question: I gave the answer. You are the one that has not moved on...right? I wasnt thinking about RR until I read your question. Just had ESPN radio on and the guy was talking about how RR was a complete disaster at Michigan. He could not believe that Michigan went 6-18 in the Big Ten. 6-18. Blown out constantly....I could go on but I wont. If you dont want to hear about the gory details, dont ask the question PU.

P U MSU

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 10:25 a.m.

1st, Deserving to be fired is a debat I'd be willing to have. As far as Hoke being a better coach, only time will tell. Their records would say otherwise. Instead of insulting RR, focus on the future. I have moved on. Maybe you should listen to your own advice.

1st Down

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 10:22 a.m.

In every possible documented and statistical way: Richard A. Rodriguez was the worst coach in the 130+ years of Michigan football history.... both on and off the field. Can we put that guy to rest now and wish him luck? Seriously Hoke is the coach now and deserves to get a shot at fixing RR's mess. BTW also go read the Yahoo sports article on Greg Harden, to have an even greater understanding why TRADITION wins out over some hokie who comes in and tries to kick it all to the curb. Go Blue!

Blu-n-Tpa

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 10:22 a.m.

What happened? I make the list only to be excluded two days later. Just like what's his name couldn't remember to get a special teams coach. @superduck When was the last time Wisconsin and Iowa recruited the top ten offensive and defensive players coming out of HS? When you have smart and talented students and they underachieve, whose fault is it? And when you have "average" minds but they blow the top off the curve, who's responsible for that? The biggest transformation will be with the players we already have. Do the best you can with this year's recruits and then prepare for spring ball. Here is a hook for any HS player wanting to play as soon as possible. New coach and lots of "needs" on both sides of the ball means opportunity to play early. Is Dee Hart, who everyone knows couldn't make up his mind the whole time, going to start at 'Bama? He could be redshirted given the depth chart there. Come to Michigan, with the need to increase backfield production, a new coach wanting to make a statement, and you have to think that's a good recipe for PT. It won't be handed to Hart, but he's got to like the odds. Same for a lot of positions in the near future. Coach Hoke will get football players and then he will make them UM football players, by showing them how to play competitive college football.

1st Down

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 10:19 a.m.

PU MSU, RR is gone...and he deserved to be gone. He sealed his own fate with his many, many mistakes. Hoke is a better coach than RR. Hoke is not a "system coach" who needs a certain type of player and is unable to be flexible with talent. RR is the Joke, not Hoke.

1st Down

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 10:16 a.m.

Im really starting to warm up to this hire. Dan Wentzel has a great article today over at Yahoo sports... I didnt realize that Hoke's SDSU team put up 35 pts. vs. the vaunted TCU defense that held Wisky to only a dozen. Hey Theo, could you cut the being divisive stuff? Your guy got fired, get over it geeze... or find another team please. :)

P U MSU

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 10:01 a.m.

mgoblue, Hoke rank the 3-3-5 one game this year against a spread team. His normal base defense is a 3-4.

gr8st8

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 9:57 a.m.

Desperation is a stinky cologne.

mgoblue48348

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 9:57 a.m.

Pro style offense and a 3 3 5 defense very very interesting. Pro style gives the defense a rest and hogs the time of posession. 3 3 5 gives the spread offense fits so maybe we have something here

marlon glenn

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 9:57 a.m.

Well, if JASON WHITLOCK said it then that's like Jesus Christ speaking! Got it! :)

P U MSU

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 9:51 a.m.

Zip, Brady was their first choice. I heard about it nearly 2 months ago. Do you realize that a deal was already worked out before DB went to see Miles? Do you realize that DB never offered Miles the job? Sure the guy does not have a flashy record. But look at the programs he was at. Look at their record when he got there compared to his record when he left. He is a solid coach.

mgoblue48348

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 9:49 a.m.

Anyone in doubt Google Jason Whitlock/Brady Hoke and you will believe Jason doesn't shill for anyone and I mean anyone but he sounds like Hokes agent

D21

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 9:45 a.m.

RudeDude, good posting. Theo212, XTR also should be offered the full ride, too. The article about Greg Harden is pretty good if you take the time to read it.

zip the cat

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 9:44 a.m.

Hoke was our first choice! Thats a big lie comming from DB. My first choice is to buy a caddy escalade but I am going to waste all my money and time and look at a kia or toyota. Bull,Yor took what was left on the bone after all the prime cuts were dealt. If he was your first choice why did you waste all the time and money to interview miles. Not getting off on a very good footing there DB Hoke has a LOSEING 5 yr record,so here we go again,another pawn to vent our rage on when he doesent produce. Miles and Harbaugh saw the light and didn't want anything to do with this lack luster team and out of control fans and flip flopping AD

P U MSU

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 9:40 a.m.

Any word on if he plans on bringing on his guys or getting new guys? Who will be the coordinators? Will he retain anyone on the current staff? Discuss.

mgoblue48348

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 9:39 a.m.

Marlon Google Jason Whitlock Brady Hoke read then come back here and spill your ha ha about Brady Hoke

D21

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 9:38 a.m.

When youre getting recruited, everybody was trying to tell you how great you are, Heuer said. He was the only one that was really honest and told me I could be a great player if I did the right things. He didnt try to BS me. Theo212, Don't lead us on and make promises that you cannot keep after recruiting us to be the locker room attendants/sanitation engineers. Don't take away our schollies and kick us to he curb the way Les did. Don't throw us under the bus the way RR did. Don't sing a Groban song in front of us as RR did. As for me being the trainee, I assume that I have a partial scholly? GO BLUE! Finally Theo212, seems you are getting your groove back, dude

RudeJude

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 9:34 a.m.

@ PopEye Are you saying Coach Dantonio said Michigan State is elite? Did he say this before or after the drubbing from Alabama? If I recall, the headlines after the New Year's Day losses read something like of "A Sad Day for the State of Michigan," I don't think that was specific to the southern portion of the state either. For all the "Pride before the Fall" talk, you guys sure seem to enjoy adulating yourselves. Don't trip!

Blu-n-Tpa

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 9:32 a.m.

PU Props for the call. Your question was BEFORE the Gator Bowl so ask the question again and I assure you the numbers are different. Coach Hoke looks, sounds, acts, and does like a football coach. I'll ask you, and others it's a free forum, did the defense just get better? Did special teams improve with this hire? Do you think/feel that this COACH will insist on fundamentals like tackling, better angles to the ball, and a mental toughness needed to play competitive BT teams? IF RR had stayed wouldn't he have had to replace the entire defensive coaching staff to turn that unit around? Wasn't replaceing the special teams coordinator a MUST? I don't know how you could have watched the last 3 games and think that Michigan football was moving in the right direction. This hire has to be a STEP toward being relevant in conference play again. SL as the OC? He has experience at UM as QB coach and spent the last few years at Florida (if think) which had to be a learning experience. I like the Green Bay D-line coach as a DC given his combined college and pro background. What Coach Hoke has to do is get people who are real, hard working, knowledgeable football coaches, not toadys or yes men. If what's his name is president of something, I demand a recount! Go Blue!

P U MSU

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 9:27 a.m.

I will say that I find it funny that everyone is asking for patience, but we unwillingly to give it to RR. What a difference it makes to be a "Michigan Man."

RudeJude

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 9:24 a.m.

@ PU MSU In a heartbeat. Hoke would have been the one of the "It" coaches of 2011 if he stayed at San Diego St, probably taking them to 10-2 or 11-1 record. Three of their losses came against ranked teams including Utah and TCU, teams they lost to by three and four points. I admit I wanted Jim Harbaugh, but the more I read about Coach Hoke, the more he makes sense for Michigan. If we didn't hire him this year, we'd be hiring him next. I'm happy Michigan dismissed the mountebank Mountaineer and chose integrity, which comes included with an impressive offense (see Al Borges at SDSU - #16 in Total Offense, #19 in Offensive Scoring) Looking forward to a victorious future! Go Blue!

RudeJude

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 9:19 a.m.

@ Theo Aw, I made one of your lists. I feel all fuzzy inside. Theo, I feel kind of embarrassed being the one to let you in on this, but Dave Brandon asked specifically that I break the news to you...your administration was impeached. Yep, it happened a week ago. I know, I know, I'm sorry, it's just not fair! He said you might want to lay low for a while and let the sting wear off. He says you're a shoe-in for Poet Laureate, I'm not sure if that's any consolation for you, but hey, better than nothing, right? Just hang in there, kid, we'll get through this together. I promise, once you jump on the Hoke bandwagon, I won't say a word about! It'll be just like you were there the whole time! Everything is going to be all right, little buddy. : )

chiro19

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 9:18 a.m.

When you look at the two coaches, RR and Hoke, what are the things you notice? RR- crazy offense that can produce in the right conditions and against the right competition, no defense, a bit unstable emotionally and a bit sleazy off the field (in terms of business, not personally), can recruit speed, has some trouble really excepting anything different than what he thinks will work (which is fine as long as it does work!) Hoke- It is almost like you can take a deep breath because you know what to expect. Rock solid O and D lines, hard nose hit you hard non stop wear you down football, TOP football, sounds like an honest non shady guy, and seems as though the players look up to him and should. I think this is a good hire for michigan. Only time will tell.

azwolverine

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 9:16 a.m.

PU, Fair enough. I like your answer.

marlon glenn

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 9:13 a.m.

Harbaugh...Grand slam. Miles...Triple to left. Hoke...bunt single to break up a no-hitter. At least he's on base! :)

Joe

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 9:12 a.m.

PU I would not want RR back in the state of Michigan, let alone in the locker room at UM! He is a fraud, a cheater and a liar and deserved to be let go. Does that answer your question?

P U MSU

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 9:06 a.m.

Whoa Whoa AZ, I will always support our coach. You can bet on that. I have not said one thing negative about Hoke. What I do know is that many people wanted Harbaugh and nobody else. I was simply asking a question. Unlike many others, I am not going to hang some cloud over this guy and give him a fair chance. I believe RR was not given a fair chance and will never support the decision to fire him. However, that is a totally different situation. I cannot blame Hoke for what happened to RR. I will tell you that I am not all that excited to go back to a pro-style offense, but I will get over it. The past is the past and I look to the future. If Hoke can figure out how to win games than that all I care about.

tulsatom

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 9:06 a.m.

Dave Brandon back to pass, looking for the streaking Harbaugh down the right side but he's blanketed by triple coverage. He buys time to his left and spots Miles on a wheel route but he's also well covered. Brandon, now scrambling to avoid the rush, spots his safety valve (Hoke) in the flat and hits him in stride for a critical score. Translation: Hoke might not have been the first choice, but he was the safety valve and may be just what the doctor ordered.

azwolverine

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 9:05 a.m.

superbuck, You're right. Also, the staff that a coach puts together is very important. No HC can do it all by himself. The next few weeks of both recruiting and assembling his coaches will be crucial for Hoke.

superbuck

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 9:02 a.m.

The only way for Mich to become what all of you are wanting is to recruit the top 10 offensive players and the top 10 defensive players in the country. I'm a Big 10 fan and we all must admit that the SEC is now dominating on recruiting and putting together some very elite teams. accept it.

XTR

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 9 a.m.

RR - 6-18 Big Ten, 0-3 OSU/MSU and you guys still want him back? lol! It is time for a new ace to prove himself. I have not seen any negative statement/s with this hire from people directly or used to be directly involved with Michigan Football. If this hire is good for them, it must be good for Michigan Football.

azwolverine

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 8:56 a.m.

By the way, PU, I do think that you asked a fair question. That said, will you continue to support UM under Hoke and give him a fair shake, or are you going to belittle every move that he makes before you even give him any sort of chance?

BlueGator

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 8:53 a.m.

PU, Under no circumstances would I ever want RR back. RFraud was an embarrassing disaster before he even left the WVU campus. Good riddance.

azwolverine

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 8:53 a.m.

PU, I'll tell you the same thing I would have told you six weeks ago. I would take Hoke in a heartbeat over the former coach. I feel MUCH BETTER about the direction of the program at this moment than I did when we were regressing defensively almost daily and could muster an average of only 8 points per game over three years to OSU. I'll admit I wanted Harbaugh or Miles more, but Hoke was third on my list and I'm very happy to have him. Does that answer your question directly?

SemperFi

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 8:50 a.m.

Yes, Michigan will have a defense to be proud of again. Yes, BH can recruit. Yes, BH was the 1st choice from the start(The national search was smoke and mirrors to appease the masses). Yes, the offense is going to rock(Don't be surprised to see Scott Loeffler return to Ann Arbor as QB coach, possibly as O coordinator). Go Blue!

Jason

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 8:47 a.m.

Yes, RR should have been given one more year oh well. Go blue.

PopEye

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 8:47 a.m.

LaMarr Woodley said it best. Be patient. Patience is trusting in God's timing and not yours. If you can't be patient, go cheer for that other team,north of here. You know, the Elite one (as Dantanio says). And no, I'll take Hoke over RR. Remember EAT SPINACH go green

PopEye

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 8:43 a.m.

LaMarr Woodley said it best. Be patient. Patience is trusting in God's timing and not yours. If you can't be patient, go cheer for that other team north of here. You know, the Elite one (as Dantanio says). And no I'll take Hoke over RR. Remember EAT SPINACH go green

P U MSU

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 : 8:35 a.m.

Well you got the "Michigan Man" like many of you all wanted. Let's hope he can win some games. 6 weeks ago when I told you all Hoke would be the next coach, I asked whether you would want RR or Hoke, many responded by saying DB wouldn't be so stupid and hire Hoke. Nobody really answered my question. SO, I'll ask it again. Would you take RR back now that you know Hoke is the guy?