Michigan hires Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Greg Mattison to fill same role with Wolverines
Updated at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Brady Hoke isn't the only Michigan Man part of the Wolverines' new football staff.
Baltimore Ravens' defensive coordinator Greg Mattison has been hired as the Wolverines' defensive coordinator, Michigan officials announced Tuesday night.
"Greg loves Michigan, loves recruiting and is excited about coming back to Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan,” Hoke said in a statement issued Tuesday. "Greg is one of the top defensive coordinators in football, and his defensive units have always prided themselves on stopping the run. He will be a great asset to our program and an excellent addition to our staff."
Mattison could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
Mattison just completed his second season as the Ravens' defensive coordinator. In 2009, the Ravens allowed a league best 3.4 yards per carry and finished the season as the NFL's third-ranked defense.
Mattison, 61, replaced Rex Ryan as the Ravens' defensive coordinator a year after joining John Harbaugh's staff in 2008. The post was Mattison's first NFL job after spending 31 years coaching at the college level.
"We completely respect the decision Greg made to join the Michigan football program. He has loved Michigan since working there earlier in his career," Harbaugh said in a statement released by the Ravens Tuesday night.
"We will miss him because he's a great coach, but also an even better person. The students there are the lucky ones. Not only will he teach them football to the highest level, he will influence them to be the best persons they can be. Greg is one of the good people you are fortunate to meet in your life. We are disappointed that he will not be coaching our defense, but we know that he is following a true love by returning to the Wolverines."
At Michigan, he will replace Greg Robinson, who was fired along with the rest of Rich Rodriguez's staff following a lopsided Gator Bowl loss to Mississippi State. The Wolverines ranked 110th nationally in team defense and allowed 5,860 offensive yards last season.
Mattison was on Michigan's staff between 1992 and 1996, spending his final two years in Ann Arbor as the Wolverines' defensive coordinator. Prior to being appointed coordinator, Mattison served as Michigan's defensive line coach, a position Hoke was hired to fill. Mattison also worked with his new boss during a stint at Western Michigan when he worked for Jack Harbaugh.
The Wolverines defense ranked among the top 20 nationally in many statistical categories during his two seasons as coordinator.
After leaving Michigan, Mattison worked at Notre Dame and Florida.
Hoke has turned his attention to recruiting, but must also round out a staff that includes offensive coordinator Al Borges, Offensive line coach Darrell Funk, receivers coach Jeff Hecklinski, tight ends/special teams coach Dan Ferringo, running backs coach Fred Jackson, linebackers coach Mark Smith and strength and conditioning coach Aaron Wellman.
With the defensive coordinator's role filled, Hoke still has to fill the defensive backs and defensive line spots.
"Our staff is going to be a staff of high character that care about kids," Hoke said at his introductory press conference last week. "It's great working with people like that."
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
GoblueinNE_PA
Thu, Jan 20, 2011 : 2:53 a.m.
I'm really happy with the way Coach Hoke has performed since being hired. Whether its his coaching hires or playing defense with recruiting class. I think you'll see the staff snag a couple more players for this 2011 recruiting class, perhaps turning around some of the kids that in the past would have been slam dunks for us. Folks, our long, 3 year night mare is truly over. Great things are coming for our football program. The feeling is palpable! Can't wait for signing day and the Spring Game!!!
Keith
Thu, Jan 20, 2011 : 12:58 a.m.
This is a awesome news, Great Hire. Players sign-up, LETS GO D Hey, GR Take Notes.....
Lorain Steelmen
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 10:25 p.m.
We're not done yet. There is still a d-line and d-back coach to be hired, and possibly Scott Leoffler as a wild card, probably as QB coach. Let's see how that all unfolds. Meanwhile, the coaches that ARE on board, need to have a productive two or three weeks, going forward. Go Blue! ...........We'll know a bit more in mid February.
johnnya2
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 8:45 p.m.
A head coach really has two jobs to do. Probably the biggest one is to hire the right people to work for him. When you have great assistants, you get great teams. The day to day coaching is not done by the head coach. The job turns much more managerial in nature. The head coach does not even do the most recruiting. It is a position coach who finds the recruits and reports to the head coach. Greg Mattison was the recruiting coordinator that brought most of the 1997 team to Ann Arbor. He seemed to do prety well at UF, and other than the Steelers, had the best defense in the NFL last season. Greg will help bring talent to the U and coach the hell out of the defense.
Dusty
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 10:28 p.m.
And for what it's worth, Baltimore fell to 10th in yards/game allowed in 2010. Still 3rd in points/game allowed, though, so whether you want to call that a significant dropoff or not is agruable... but it IS a drop.
Dusty
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 10:26 p.m.
Actually, Baltimore was 3rd in yards/game allowed and 3rd in points/game allowed. Number 1 in both categories was the Jets, who just happen to be coached by the guy who preceded Mattison at Baltimore.
David Vande Bunte
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 6:05 p.m.
I absolutely love this hire. The best way to convince a potential recruit that you are serious about reviving a defense that has become the laughing stock of college football is to have a guy with a track record. When you think of the the Baltimore Ravens, the first thing you probably think of is defense. That is what they do best. To have Greg Mattison, a guy that has managed that defense for two years be able to talk to recruits is a HUGE deal, and gives him credibility. A defensive recruit wants to know that Michigan is going to fix its defense. Nobody wants to play for a joke. Michigan's defense last year was a joke. If I were a recruit on the defensive side, I would want to know what Michigan is doing to fix it before I commit. Hiring a defensive coordinator from an NFL team that is known for its stifling defense goes a long way towards that.
spartyisyourlilsister
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 6:01 p.m.
Hey D21, I know I was a huge detractor of Hoke when he was hired on, but he is really winning me over now. He seems to have an excellent vision on what he wants for this team and he is assembling an outstanding coaching staff. Hopfully that will translate into lots of wins in the near future!!
D21
Thu, Jan 20, 2011 : 12:07 a.m.
Yeah, kind of a surprise there and we know those coaches will COACH UP the Wolverine players better than the previous regime.
D21
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 5:57 p.m.
"Don't worry about me recruiting," Mattison said with a laugh. "Recruiting is all about where you're at. If you really believe in the school you're at … it's easy to sell a place like Michigan."
spartyisyourlilsister
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 5:26 p.m.
For those that think that Mattison is too old, look no further than: Charles Richard "Dick" LeBeau age 73 (born September 9, 1937 in London, Ohio) was a National Football League Hall of Fame defensive back. He is currently the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator and is considered to be one of the greatest defensive coordinators of all time. He spent 14 years in the NFL as a player with the Detroit Lions and is in his 36th year as a coach. Considered an "innovator" and "defensive football genius."
johnnya2
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 8:46 p.m.
LeBeau looks like he could still intercept a few with the likes of Harrison and Woodley stalking the QB.
Lorain Steelmen
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 5:20 p.m.
djuninho. Thanks for the update on Scott Loefller. I hope Miles misfires down there, and SL takes a look at UM. It'd be nice to have him back.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 11:36 p.m.
Scares me that I'm agreeing with Lorraine, but it certainly would be nice to have Scott back. This is a young man who ought be prepared to be the Michigan head coach at some point in the future. Good Night and Good Luck
Lorain Steelmen
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 5:11 p.m.
I was interested to see that John Harbugh referred to Mattison as one o the good people, you meet, along the way. This supports Jim Nazium's post. Certainly his NFL background will help with recruiting. It may also help in the ablility to make 'adjustments' as the game or half dictate. Given that the Packers are still playing I would guess that Mike Trgovac, is off the table. My concern, as some else mentioned, is the age of the coaching group. The DL coach, and Dbacks coach may help offset this. It remains to be seen. In the end, they will relie primarily on the work done this season, to build upon. Recruits are still a year or two away. As Coach Hanlon mantioned three years ago...patience. I hope the 'negative crowd' shows a little restraint.........But overall I remain cautionously optomistic.
Blu n Tpa
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 4:02 p.m.
P n Lk Just got Kellen Jones, LB from TX. He stated the hiring of Mattison and talking to Coach Hoke sealed the deal. That noise you hear is the sound of your negativism echoing down the empty hall that once held the WCiMFH's supporters. No more coaches from Glenville State or whatever DII or III school that "drain trust" came from. (No, that's not a typo!) Soon it'll just be two or three holdouts talking to themselves and explaining how "next year" will be the downfall of Coach Hoke. I'm thinking as many wins in his first year as somebody else did in his first TWO years. Both overall and Big Ten! Go Blue!
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 3:23 p.m.
Well like the man said, "If ya wanna win ya gotta have the Horses" and we don't. The fickle fans at Mich. will never give Brady Hoke the time to accomplish what he needs to do to get back a winning tradition, sorry folks but that's just how it is. Mich. fans should take classes at Ohio State and learn how to be true, supportive fans. Unless Mich. fans change that attitude, gotta win every game and right now, poor old coach Hoke won't stand a chance, such a shame.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 11:34 p.m.
Let there be no doubt that the "anti-Hoke" faction were die-hard RichRod supporters. And all PortageLake is trying to do here is to stir the pot because he so loved RichRod
D21
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 6 p.m.
I wouldn't worry about that since there is such a small anti Hoke faction out there that one would have a better chance of finding the needle in the haystack than finding an anti-Hoker.
BornInA2
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 4:27 p.m.
"Win every game right now" Really? Can you back that statement up? This post is ridiculous in that it both lumps all fans together and presents a prediction of the future and opinion as fact. Did Glenn Beck move to Portage Lake and take up an interest in Michigan football? RR has *plenty* of support for several years. The results he produced in every aspect of the program eroded that support: NCAA violations, win/loss, respect for traditions, and accountability, all failed. So he was fired. Get over it.
maddogterry
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 3:10 p.m.
This is a great hire. Let's hope he can throttle the team in Ohio like he did when he was a Florida DC in the national championship game. The Ohio team was held to a total of 82 yards offense - 35 yards in the Air and 47 yards on the ground. Also, the comment about his defense being bend don't break and then when Herman came in we were a much more aggressive defense is BS. Actually is was when Chuck Woodson came in that we were aggressive and that is because Woodson took one side of the field and the rest of the team took the other. When Woodson left, Michigan used a bend don't break defense that became a bend and then break defense. Good Luck Brady and your Staff. I am looking forward to more sanity on the Michigan Front. Go Blue!!!
Dusty
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 7:57 p.m.
Uh, no. The blitz packages were much more prevalent in 1997 than in 95 and 96. *Charles* was there for all 3 of those seasons.
friend12
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 3:07 p.m.
Maybe Steve Stripling will return as DL coach. His lines were always solid. One quick comment to Tater, get over it. RR is gone.
PrideLand
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 2:40 p.m.
Message from David Brandon to Jim Harbaugh: See what happens when you don't take the Michigan job, we take your brothers DC! ;)
Mike Perkins
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 2:38 p.m.
Wondering if the hiring of Mattison and Hoke's ties to the D-line will allow UM to turn the top DE away from Penn State and keep him in state. Just wondering. Would be nice. Go Blue!
Blu-n-Tpa
Fri, Jan 21, 2011 : 1:21 a.m.
note: Mike Perkins served in the UP in the AF?
Blu n Tpa
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 2:37 p.m.
There's a lot of positives here and I agree that Michigan might put together a last minute rush under this staff, maybe even to finish in the top 25 recruiting-wise for 2011. But, as much as I would enjoy that , I'm excited and interested to find out what this staff can do with the guys already here. I would even be willing to share the improvement with those coaches who have recently departed UM. Heck they can take ALL the credit. I just want Michigan to play "knock your block off" football again. Go get us some new Wolverines. Go Blue.
djuninho
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 2:35 p.m.
They still need to hire a QB's coach... Loeffler is interviewing for the OC position under Miles at LSU... if he doesn't get that, I hope he comes back to UM in his old position...
Jeff
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 2:42 p.m.
Al Borges will coach the quarterbacks as part of his duties as offensive coordinator.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 2:09 p.m.
GREAT hire!! GO BLUE!! Good Night and Good Luck
Blu n Tpa
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 1:25 p.m.
test, test, test Can you hear me?
81wolverine
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 1:07 p.m.
Sounds like a very good hire. Welcome back Greg! Hopefully, he'll bring the aggressive packages the Ravens used with him to Michigan. But I agree with BlueGator that this team needs MUCH sounder fundamentals first - tackling, staying in their lanes, basic pass coverage skills, playing off blocks, etc. Also, his experience should pay off on the recruiting trail.
missionbrazil
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 1:01 p.m.
Another good hire by BH. Mattison has tons of college experience and now NFL experience, and he loves UM. A lot of good things have happened in the last week, and more are coming. I believe BH and his staff will be able to pull off a better recruiting class than many people think, even though they started late. And we certainly seem to have a staff that can coach and motivate players to perform at their best. Go Blue.
golfer
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 12:37 p.m.
i agree with 100% give it a break.sportyridr. if you can not say something good do not say it at all for now!!!!!!
Mick
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 8:30 a.m.
@1st & Ten, hey bud, what msg boards and what players did you find out about? Share my friend, I'm excited about the path of the UM Program!!!
1st Down
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 8:23 a.m.
Reading some of the other message boards...there are some rumblings about some top defensive recruits now taking a look at us and Coach Hoke... stay tuned! The class could have a nice strong finish and be set up well for the 12 class.
clarklaker
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 8:18 a.m.
I wonder if this hire will make Zettel think twice. go blue
Mick
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 7:10 a.m.
1st of all Rude Jude, good job in your answer to Tater's comment about Carr. 2nd of all Tater, gee I'm so excited that you're now optimistic instead of guarded. 3rd of all I hope that people who want(ed)/did bash the Hoke hire are more concerned with the program winning and being Nationally Ranked as opposed to wanting to be right about the hire, mull it over.
jgtrueblue
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 4:05 a.m.
While I do not know Jeff Hecklinski other than being with Hoke for some time, I have to say it is very disappointing to not see Erik Campbell or Scott Loeffler back. Mattison IS a good choice.
tater
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 4 a.m.
Happily, my numbers were off. Looking at Angelique's column, there are six coaches from outside the tree and three from inside. In other words, it is enough to keep the more parochial and short-sighted fans, media, and ex-players happy saying "MIchigan Man" over and over, but should be enough new coaching DNA to keep Michigan moving away from the last six years of of what happened with the Carr-tel. I think I am going to change from guarded to optimistic about this hire.
missionbrazil
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 8:49 p.m.
Not only did LC win the BT twice in those last 6 years, his teams won 11 games once, 10 games twice, and 9 games twice, plus we finished in the Top 18 or better 5 of those 6 years, including 3 Top 10 finishes. It is very funny that in those 6 years tater mentions LC had close to the same amount of BT losses than his man RR had BT wins in his 3 years. On top of that, Carr is and always was a class act, and he ran the program in a very honorable way. Your bitterness is clouding your judgement tater. Give it up.
RudeJude
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 4:45 a.m.
If you're the one changing your opinion so soon, wouldn't you be the shortsighted one? Lloyd Carr goes 55-20 and wins two Big Ten Championships in his final six years and you make it sound like he destroyed Michigan football. I can appreciate your belief that Michigan needs a more diverse coaching staff, but there is no need to attack Coach Carr while stating it. If you have proof that Coach Carr subverted the Michigan program after his departure, please enlighten us, we're all ears, otherwise act like a Michigan fan and show some respect to a coach that earned it. Let the bitterness go already.
Solar Blue
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 3:48 a.m.
Excellent well rounded experience, obviously he is well qualified. I like that he has at least a little NFL experience as well. From a recruiting standpoint, he can tell defensive players that he knows what it takes to excel and make it to the next level. The fact that he has worked with All Pro defensive players like Ngata (Nose Tackle), Ray Lewis (LB), and Ed Reed (Safety) means that he has worked with skilled players on all levels of the defense. Like Coach Hoke, his passion for Michigan means that he will give the young team his best.
heartbreakM
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 3:33 a.m.
What a GREAT hire. Glad to see guys with roots here now able to get together and do it. None of us know how Mattison will be--only the season will tell, but based on the Ravens awesome D (last weekend excepted) and the Gators awesome D under Mattison should give us all high hopes of success. Especially with that veteran D-line which needed to be coached better. Also, the D-backs should be better with better coaching, and they should be experienced with Woolfolk, Floyd, Christian, Avery, etc returning. Now, even better is a coaching staff understanding Michigan football and having great chemistry. NFL credentials (mattison) and I see better times coming. So far, Hoke has done great on paper. Let's hope spring practice and recruiting continue in the same way.
John
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 3:21 a.m.
chiro19 wrote: "Except that Robinson never had success in the NFL or in College. He was mediocre middle of the pack when with Denver..." Wow, Robinson's two Super Bowl rings with Denver equals "never had success" and "mediocre middle of the pack." Harsh! Mattison seems like a good hire. Hopefully he still has the passion at 61 to hit the recruiting trail and fire up young men.
Jeff Butler
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 3:10 a.m.
Now we are talking defense, if anybody questioned Brady Hoke's ability to recruit this will answer that question definitively - THE MAN CAN RECRUIT! First he gets Denard to stay and now one of the top D-Coordinators in the country. This is starting to get me excited again. Now go out and get some High School seniors Brady! GO BLUE!
Dusty
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 4:37 a.m.
There's a big difference between getting a player of Denard's character to stay when he is already here and getting a kid to come to the school in the first place. And I'm fairly sure Hoke couldn't have landed Mattison if Brandon was only willing to pay the kind of salary Martin was willing to pay for a DC 2 years ago. No way are you pulling a DC from the NFL with the second lowest salary in the Big Ten.
LSUWolverine
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 2:55 a.m.
While it might not help with this recruiting season, bringing in Mattison is definitely going to help in the future because Hoke is adding another connection to the NFL with this hire. Great hire!
LordCarr
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 2:23 a.m.
Jim Herrmann owes his 97' Frank Broyles Award to Mattison. The defence will be much improved next year.
LordCarr
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 1:58 a.m.
Huge Hiring!!!! Greg was the Father of our 97' national Championship Defence. Recruited alot of those great players. Jim Herman got to reap the spoils of Mattison's first go round. Welcome back Mr. Mattison. Great Hire by Hoke!
azwolverine
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 1:56 a.m.
Awesome hire! This is exactly the type of hire I was hoping for when Hoke was hired. I heard he had a lot of connections with top notch coaches, especially with M connections. It won't take long at all for our defense to be the monstrous D we are accustomed to at UM! Way to go Hoke, and welcome back Mattison! Go Blue!!!!
I like Chicken
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 1:56 a.m.
Good hire....lay the foundation
Mick
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 6:58 a.m.
I'm glad that chickens lay eggs and this hire will lay a good foundation!!!!
lawrencelaundry
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 1:39 a.m.
How awesome. I now am starting to get excited knowing we will have a great staff that can actually coach. Go blue!!
Jim Nazium
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 1:26 a.m.
"Our staff is going to be a staff of high character that care about kids," Hoke said at his introductory press conference last week. "It's great working with people like that. I like that statement by Hoke, if you are putting your foundation stones in place what a great way to start. I don't care how many "Michigan Men" are on this staff either, I just want them all to be of high moral character and get us back on top. When we hit that high ground again, top talent will be wearing U of M gear in High School and wanting to play in the Big House, but it all starts with the student athletes and not selling out like the dirty programs out there including that school just south of us and the little one just north as well. Good hire Coach, keep up the good work.
BigWolverine13
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 1:19 a.m.
Greg Mattison was a very effective recruiter when he was here. It may be too late to have an effect on this years class but it will be great for future recruiting.
michboy40
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 1:19 a.m.
I'm not sure what to think of this. I remember being pretty pissed at Mattison when he split for South Bend, and I never really forgave him. I guess I have to give him a shot now that he is back in The Hall.
Theo212
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 1:11 a.m.
Golly, I hope we can play good defense. Coach Hoke will help us be good. Football is a team game played by our Wolverines. We Wolves are tough and we fight and stuff like that. Golly.
tulsatom
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 1:09 a.m.
I support the hire because of his coaching credentials and his knowledge of what defense at Michigan is supposed to be. Whether he can get there with the talent at hand is a whole different story.
tulsatom
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 1:13 a.m.
My only concern is whether he will be around long enough to establish some stability at U-M. After all, he is 61 or 62 and is at or near retirement age (unless you're Joe Paterno). .
bluenella
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 12:51 a.m.
Sweeet. Go, Brady, Go!
D21
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 12:36 a.m.
Mattison spent more than 30 years at the collegiate level, most recently as the co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach for the University of Florida for three seasons (2005-07). His defenses ranked among the top 10 nationally in rushing defense each of his three seasons. Mattison helped the Gators win the 2006 National Championship and SEC Championship. His defense held Ohio State to 82 yards of total offense in a 41-14 victory in the BCS National Championship Game.
Matt
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 12:33 a.m.
couldn't be more happier about this hire!
sportyridr
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 12:32 a.m.
When the "band" being put back together tater Yes when the band gets back together we played better that we ever had, true story, now please go put on a happy face...if for just a minute
golfer
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 12:29 a.m.
i have lived in ann arbor for many many years. like about 70. i have gone to about 6 uofm games. never really been a michigan fan. matter in fact i thought michigan fans were way to michigan. now with what has gone on with hoke and the new guys. i have done a turn around. going to get my michigan hat out. watch the games and follow them from now on. i am excited so go blue from a reborn michigan fan.
Dusty
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 4:33 a.m.
You've been in A2 for 70 years... and THIS coaching staff is the one that has you excited?
cnorman
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 12:26 a.m.
if he does resemble LOGGIA then that would truly be a BIG hire.
oldblueypsi
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 12:24 a.m.
With tongue firmly implanted in cheek, may I ask: Does Ray Lewis have any eligibility left?
johnnya2
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 8:37 p.m.
I was thinking Ed Reed myself
D21
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 12:10 a.m.
Mattison looks a bit like Robert Loggia. Great hire.
1st Down
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 12:25 a.m.
I just had visions of Mattison tap dancing on the keyboard with Tom Hanks...
tater
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 12:05 a.m.
Counting the head coach, there are now three from the Inbred Michigan Coaching Tree and four who are not from the IMCT. The next two hires are going to be very important as to whether this team goes "back to the future" or whether it goes forward to a future that includes being able to beat Jim Tressel. Hoke is now teetering on the edge of making hires simply to "put the band back together." I hope the next two hires have some new DNA to contribute to the geneology. When the "band" being put back together is one that learned from a coach who went 1-5 against Jim Tressel, the music can turn really sour in November.
johnnya2
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 8:36 p.m.
Interesting that you fail to mention Mattison left Michigan in 1996, so his record against Jim Tressel is not 1-5. I guess by your standards any person who ever had any contact with Lloyd Carr or a previous Michigan coach is somehow "tainted". Get over it, your loser coach is gone.
Wolvincbus1
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 6:12 p.m.
Tater, How quickly history is revised in our minds. Carr may have gone 1-5 against Tressel, but Tressel was VERY fortunate that Ohio State had no injuries to the Key positions (Running Back, Quarter back) in the years where Michigan did. Those teams were so evenly matched that if you took the catalyst out of thier offense instead of ours results would have been different. It's sad that people never analyize the details and just look at a portion of the overall results. Without those injuries, the record would have been near 500, because with a backup qb in one instance and third string running backs, etc. The games were still close. Remember what happened when Steinbrenner bought out Drew Henson? That was a calculated move to get Henson out before his Senior season even though he had rights and waiting a year would have hurt nothing.
Ed Kimball
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 2:15 p.m.
Tressel's record at OSU is 106-22. In other words, nearly EVERYBODY is about 1-5 against him. I agree that UM ought to be able to do better than that, but let's face it. Unfortunately for the maize and blue, Tressel is an excellent coach! Whoever coaches the Wolverines is going to face a tough challenge against the Buckeyes.
LSUWolverine
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 2:53 a.m.
Would you give it a rest with the whole "Inbred Michigan Coaching Tree?" Really, that meme is getting tired and old and it seems like you're getting this stuff straight from a focus group.
1st Down
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 12:23 a.m.
Doh! but Mattison was not part of the Car-Tell Tater! They dont get along at all.... in fact they didnt like each other which is why Mattison left in the first place. so much for another one of your conspiracy theories... lol
Matt
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 12:02 a.m.
i'd love to have Mattison.
D21
Tue, Jan 18, 2011 : 11:47 p.m.
The Ravens' official website writes that "Mattison will move to the University of Michigan, where he will be the coordinator under new Head Coach and longtime friend Brady Hoke." In addition, the Ravens' website reports, Mattison's daughter, Lisa, lives in Ann Arbor, Mich., and is having a baby soon.
1st Down
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 12:22 a.m.
good info D21 thx
D21
Tue, Jan 18, 2011 : 11:46 p.m.
<a href="http://michigan.rivals.com/" rel='nofollow'>http://michigan.rivals.com/</a> Mattison already hired by Hoke.
BlueGator
Tue, Jan 18, 2011 : 11:45 p.m.
Apparently this hire is official: already posted on the Ravens website and wikipedia!
Dusty
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 4:31 a.m.
Well, if Wikipedia says it's true, then it MUST be true! /s (The Raven's website is probably right, though.)
clarklaker
Tue, Jan 18, 2011 : 11:45 p.m.
Rivals says that he has accepted the job.
sportyridr
Tue, Jan 18, 2011 : 11:45 p.m.
My God, do any of you ever quit or at least slow down. Some of you are the nastiest fans I have ever heard talk trash about a team, coach or anything else that comes to mind about any decision made that is supposed to be "your team". Worse than a baby with Colic. Why don't you chill and see what happens, you are not in control, it is what it is and will be what it will be come game time. Here's to 2011 being any step up from what it has been through the last 3 years. I was embarrassed to hang my flag out front many times this year. I even took it down mid way through the bowl game, I was beat down, but I will NOT talk trash.
Dusty
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 4:30 a.m.
If you really took your flag down in the middle of the bowl game, do us all a favor and never put it back up. You don't quit on our student athletes like that.
chiro19
Tue, Jan 18, 2011 : 11:43 p.m.
Except that Robinson never had success in the NFL or in College. He was mediocre middle of the pack when with Denver and about the same with KC and was horrible with syracuse and did a good job at Texas and was the worst DC in michigan history! This is a whole different ball game! In other words, compare those two teams D to Baltimores this year. They are not even close! I have read that Mattison was taking heat earlier in the year and that may be a contributing factor. It would be a significant hire if he goes to michigan! It would definately boost recruiting as well as strengthen the D!!!
BlueGator
Tue, Jan 18, 2011 : 11:27 p.m.
@Mick wrote: "I hope that if he were to take the job that our D would be agressive and ball-hawking." While I totally agree with that sentiment, it seems to me that our young defense needs, first and foremost, a solid schooling in fundamentals like positioning, schemes, tackling, etc. This first year I'd be happy with a good "bend but don't break" defense to start out with. We've got a long way to go on D. I also hope that BH is going to coach the D-line as he did at SDSU.
1st Down
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 12:22 a.m.
good point BlueGator on the fundamentals....
XTR
Tue, Jan 18, 2011 : 11:13 p.m.
This guy is already 61. I'm not sure why he would go to Michigan for the same position not unless he is paid more dough? Brady is getting old OC and DC's now.
TrueBlueinOH
Tue, Jan 18, 2011 : 11:02 p.m.
He does seem to have an impressive Resume. He looks kind of old IMHO. I was hoping Brady would hire someone younger with a lot of energy and intensity. On a side note, undecided if I like the new comments format/color.
DHeiserman
Tue, Jan 18, 2011 : 11:01 p.m.
Sounds like he has a somewhat similar resume to gregg robinson. Looks like some things never change. Remember also that he took over Rex Ryan's defense so pretty much all he had to do was NOT screw up a good thing. Besides michigan has to be turned down by three of four people before they can find someone to take the job. Thanks again Dave Brandon
GoBlue1984
Tue, Jan 18, 2011 : 10:39 p.m.
I've been really rough on the Hoke hire, but honestly... getting Mattison would do a lot to quiet me down. If Hoke can pull this off, well done sir!
Mick
Tue, Jan 18, 2011 : 10:33 p.m.
@ 1st Down, I agree about the "Carr Theories" comments you made, also, I think it's funny how some are still referring to you as 3 & Out, Lol! As for Mattison, I liked how he really helped our recruiting in Texas when he came on back in the 90's. However, I recall our Def not being very aggressive under him and that was one of the beefs alot of fans had about him. When Herrmann became DC in 97' and our Def was very aggressive right away, people pointed to that being one of the main reasons for that Championship season. I hope that if he were to take the job that our D would be agressive and ball-hawking. Also, I feel that with his experience in the NFL and coaching future Hall of Famers, that it would help on the recruiting front. That's alot of cache to sell players on, we shall see. Go Blue!!!
1st Down
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 12:21 a.m.
good point Mick...also the Ravens have a good D and lots of talent but they were pretty low ranked in sacks..I dont think they blitzed much under Mattison...
1st Down
Tue, Jan 18, 2011 : 10:15 p.m.
Interesting. He has a good resume, and coming off the NFL gig would be a good person of interest to consider for the UM gig. Reports are that Mattison and Hoke are close friends. It is also interesting to note that Carr and Mattison were reportedly not on good terms at all back in the day, so Mattison took the ND gig and left Michigan. Therefore, it would be safe to assume that if Mattison comes back to UM, the conspiracy theorists who claim that the "Evil Carr" who is still calling the shots at the UM football dept, would be dead wrong, as usual. Go Blue.
maizenbluedoc
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 5:49 p.m.
1st Down: Not trying to burst your bubble, but if all the manipulations surrounding the search for a coach is so secret and it isn't necessary to divulge any information surrounding the search, why is it not possible for Carr to be involved? Carr was one of the most secretive individuals ivolved with Michigan football that I have observed. And, personally, I don't care who the coaches are....JUST WIN.
RudeJude
Tue, Jan 18, 2011 : 10:48 p.m.
Right on 1st Down! It's a shame Coach Carr is treated so venomously by some Michigan fans that they'd make those accusations of him. The guy wins Big Ten championships and a National Title, beats Penn State nine times in a row, and dominates Wisconsin, Michigan State and Ohio State pre-Tressell, not to mention the rest of the Big Ten. He won a lot of games and did it with integrity. Can't we leave it at that? I've never read a single article that states Coach Carr has interfered with Michigan football since he left the program and have found no proof of it otherwise. It's all hearsay. His accusers should bring some proof before they spout another negative word about Coach Carr. Go Blue