Well Isn't This Awkward?

This is the new Michigan coach Brady Hoke talking about Signing Day with former Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez. Its comparable to when a current girlfriend talks to a former girlfriend almost right after the breakup. I didn't see Hoke take any cheap shots though. Sidenote about Signing Day, Clowney is down to South Carolina, Clemson, and Alabama.  Props to Quickish and CBS Sports for the video.

-Charlie.

Hoke to Ann Arbor: Not the Worst Idea

Hoke looks to make people
forget about RichRod

The Michigan Head Coaching position has been a hot button issue for awhile now.  After many people rejected the chance to coach at the Big House, a lot like girls' refusal to join A-Bar at the 230 Niagara residence.  Brady Hoke ended up being the choice because Michigan knew he wanted the job more than anybody. Hoke wants to win, especially beat their biggest rival Ohio State.

Hoke had a very emotional press conference with emphasis on beating the Buckeyes. I remember when the Chicago Bears hired Lovie Smith and his opening press conference was all about beating the Green Bay  Packers. That sort of talk fires up a distraught franchise and makes them feel as if they can beat their rival the next year, no matter their record. If I am a Big Blue fan, I am inspired to see what their new coach will do. 

The boosters will give Hoke a bigger cushion than Rich Rodriguez. This is the exact same thing Auburn did with Gene Chizik. They brought in a guy who the boosters loved and it resulted in a National Championship. I don't think it happens as quick because Denard Robinson is no Cam Newton.  Hoke's biggest struggle will be putting together a team with guys who might not fit his system. 

Honestly, it would not be the worst idea if Robinson left. Let Hoke bring in a new guy who fits his system and build for the future.  So what if you finish 3-9 in the first season, at least you have a guy who can be a superstar by year three. No matter who stays or leaves,I guarantee you Michigan will be ten times better on the defensive side of the football no matter their record.  Of course, they have Blue Chip athletes, they're Michigan. But in the last three years, they played in a horrific 3-3-5. Ecuador's military is stronger than a 3-3-5 in the Big Ten.

The first step to Hoke's success will be if the soon-to-be Michigan recruits buy into what he is selling, and if Hoke can get some players who are undecided to reconsider the Wolverines.  Right now, Ohio State and Nebraska are in the top 20 for the 2011 season according to Rivals. Further, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Michigan State all are higher than Michigan who comes in at 37.  This needs to be the last year that the Wolverines find themselves outside of the top 25. They need to figure out way to bring the Desmond Howards, Charles Woodsons, and Tom Bradys of the world to return to Ann Arbor. 

If Hoke got horrific Ball State program to a 12-1 record, took San Diego State to a bowl game for the first time since 1998. It didn't take very long to do either of those.  Michigan will take more time, believe that, but Hoke will keep making strides for the Wolverines to be the powerhouse they were in the last decade. 

-Charlie.

Daily Debate: Michigan's Head Coach Vacancy

Les Miles decided that he will not take his talents to Michigan and keep enjoying the turf of Tiger Stadium.  What puzzles me about the situation is Miles has a specific buyout to go coach the Wolverines and he is 57 years old. He will not get that many more chances for his dream job.  So why question is why are the Wolverines having trouble finding a head coach?

Even a team like Notre Dame who also has lost their luster as a football program had Brian Kelly as their coach almost right away.  I really think Rich Rodriguez sit them back by running that open spread and the 3-3-5 defense. Sure they have athletes, but are they going to fit in every system.  Michigan better find a coach by this weekend or these recruits will start looking elsewhere.

-Charlie.

You hit the nail on the head with this one Chuck.  If Michigan would have offered Miles the job three years ago when all of Lloyd Carr's recruits were there he would have jumped the first flight to Ann Arbor.  However, with the current talent at Michigan I don't see many coaches who run a pro style offense wanting to coach there.  Michigan is going to have to turn to a second tier coach looking for his first big break.

-Eric