Free documentary screening tonight at 7 if you're not doing anything.
Hello: New Athletic Director Dave Brandon
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As suggested by this and every other site that ventured to offer an opinion about who Michigan's next athletic director would be, the new head man is current (and soon to be former) Domino's CEO Dave Brandon. Angelique Chengelis has the scoop:
Dave Brandon, the chairman and CEO of Domino's Pizza and a former Michigan football player and university Regent, has agreed to a five-year contract to become Michigan's new athletic director and is expected to be introduced to the department staff Tuesday morning, according to two sources with knowledge of the situation.
Brandon, 57, has deep ties to the university and also to Michigan business and politics and has long been considered the front-runner to replace athletic director Bill Martin.
Ladies and gentlemen, the new guy:
It's late so no full analysis right now other than "nice hair." Between Brandon and Greg Robinson, we've got a regular Just For Men commercial going on over here. Daddy, you should really start dating again.
Something to address the foremost question in your mind—"what does this mean for Rich Rodriguez?"—is appropriate, however. When a couple of tipsters indicated that Brandon was a more likely candidate than I suggested in my first stab at the candidate list I related the tipster's take on Brandon's opinion of the head coach:
The tinfoil-hat wing of the internet that's suggested Brandon is a part of the shadowy anti-RR cabal hypothetically headed by Lloyd Carr could not be more wrong. Brandon was a key supporter of Rodriguez's candidacy. He and RR have dinner regularly. 3-9 engenders some frustration, but one of the items cited was Rodriguez getting "too friendly with the media".
This is not someone who has anything but the program's best interests in mind.
At the point I posted that no one else was suggesting that Brandon was a clear front-runner and most assumed, as I had, that Brandon's other desires would preclude a serious run at the job: the likelihood the above is quality information is very high. Brandon will give Rodriguez a fair shake at turning things around.
A quick take: Brandon is a default, safe choice. That probably sounds like damning with faint praise to an outsider, but Michigan fans will take the safe choice 100 times out of 100 at the moment. He was a regent. He's worked with Bill Martin and Mary Sue Coleman on the stadium renovations. He's a serious business-type person who should continue Bill Martin's legacy of financial stability, and he was a walk-on on the football team so he could better about the stadium atmosphere issues—in all revenue sports—I've expressed some discontent about.
There are some differences between running a major corporation and a major athletic department but there are just as many differences between running Oregon State or Arkansas and running Michigan; I'm perfectly content with the hire. This won't be another Goss. The only downside I can see is that Brandon's familiarity with the people in the department might make him loathe to clean out a bunch of people who have committed error after error—Marcus Witherspoon, practice log fiascoes, compliance issues, possibly Adrian Witty—in the last couple years.
January 5th, 2010 at 1:41 AM | 
Now taking bets: over-under
Now taking bets: over-under
January 5th, 2010 at 8:53 AM |
Yes it does.
Yes it does.
Yes it does.
January 5th, 2010 at 1:47 AM |
how does he feel about night games?
how does he feel about night games?
seriously. i wonder if we'll see a few under him
Rudy watches inspirational movies about Shawn Hunwick
January 5th, 2010 at 2:05 AM |
Dave Brandon's View?
Dave Brandon's View?
Everything tastes better when it's oven-baked!
January 5th, 2010 at 2:11 AM |
Meaning: Probably no, only
Meaning: Probably no, only
Meaning: Probably no, only when the sun's out...
January 5th, 2010 at 10:07 AM |
but
but
maybe if he decides to further modify the stadium so that the top is covered and filled with oven coils we can convince the southern teams to play bowls up north.
January 5th, 2010 at 2:07 AM |
Can't complain.
Can't complain.
Can't complain. Athletic Department should be in good financial hands for the next few years and hopefully, he's better with some of the hiring decisions than Martin was. Not a shot at RR, but the whole search was a fiasco. Hopefully, he learned from Martin's mistakes.
Just remember. It's not a lie, if you believe it.
January 5th, 2010 at 9:42 AM |
on the search
on the search
Yes, the search was a fiasco, but how much of that was Martin's fault? Sure, he's the public captain, but how much do we really know about the influence of the Les Miles Fan Club, Lloyd, and other elements? I'd guess that it was a three-ring circus and that Martin only *shared* the blame.
All the leadership ability in the world won't matter if it isn't accompanied by an appropriate level of power and ability to make decisions.
"..."
January 5th, 2010 at 10:39 AM |
Weak argument
Weak argument
As the Athletic Director, Martin was responsible for the fiasco that was UM's head football coach search, as well as the other fiascoes that occurred on his watch, regardless as to the level of his personal involvement. That is why Martin also deserves the credit for landing Rich Rod.
"You will suffer humiliation when the team from my area defeats the team from your area." -- The Onion
January 5th, 2010 at 7:23 AM |
As mentioned last night
As mentioned last night
When the news broke during the EDSBS Liveblog of the Fiesta Bowl, the best joke about it was easily:
"With the Domino's CEO being named the new Michigan AD, I can't wait for the sign in his office: '5-7 has a distinct cardboard taste.'"
Honestly, I can't wait for the new era of Michigan perfectitude that should follow this change.
Craig Barker || The Hoover Street Rag || Twitter
"The Michigan fanbase: a cynical, Eeyorish bunch even in the best of times."
January 5th, 2010 at 7:47 AM |
At least we'll have no
At least we'll have no
At least we'll have no problem bulking up linemen! Eating a pizza every night has never been more affordable.
I wonder if Domino Farms will add a big block M to their holiday light display.
"This is the EMU game, not the emo game."
January 5th, 2010 at 8:46 AM |
And so it is done
And so it is done
Everyone now:
I solemnly vow to never consume
Pizza Hut products again.
Honestly, I'm pretty happy with this. Brandon is obviously a successful business man and brand shepherd on the national stage. We are looking for have gotten someone that can not only make lots of money for the athletic department, but also exert some control and influence on our public image across the country. Moreover, I'm very relieved to hear about the connection between he and Rich. What I think the program needs from the athletic department is consistency and momentum heading into next year.
I'm pleased with this choice. Let the pizza jokes ensue.
January 5th, 2010 at 8:09 AM |
Getting too friendly with the media...
Getting too friendly with the media...
One thing that has amazed me about RR's tenure is that the same media that he has been so friendly to have consistently raked him over the coals since he arrived in Ann Arbor. Carr treated the media like dirt and they were nice to him; RR is nice to the media and they treat him like dirt.
It doesn't really make a lot of sense, but I have a feeling that RR will not continue make the program as "transparent" as he has, because of the apparent inverse relationship between transparency and positive press.
January 5th, 2010 at 8:20 AM |
so what your saying is
so what your saying is
RR should treat the media like they are an attractive female.
January 5th, 2010 at 11:04 AM |
I think...
I think...
I think that RR should treat then like a red headed step child. We'll see how they treat him after going 9-3 and destroying the sweater vest and tosu. (One can dream right?)
_____________________________________________________________________
"What do people mean when they say the computer went down on them? " -Marilyn Pittman
GO BLUE
January 5th, 2010 at 8:49 AM |
What is up with that?
What is up with that?
I'd like to hear from some writer types. There's something pretty sick about women who are only attracted to abusive jerks who cheat and change in a heartbeat. Is it the same with journalists?
It's great to be a Michigan Wolverine.
January 5th, 2010 at 9:38 AM |
Or like right now where
Or like right now where
Or like right now where AnnArbor.com's Dave Birkett is kvetching on Twitter that Coach Rod still has not held his end of the year press conference. Why would he want to do that, particularly before the NCAA investigation findings are announced.
Craig Barker || The Hoover Street Rag || Twitter
"The Michigan fanbase: a cynical, Eeyorish bunch even in the best of times."
January 5th, 2010 at 9:07 AM |
Wait for it ...
Wait for it ...
At least we finally have someone in charge who understands the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry.
January 5th, 2010 at 9:31 AM |
He has also played a big role
He has also played a big role
He has also played a big role in fundraising for the new children's hospital, FWIW.
He was not just a regent, but a GOOD regent. There is a difference.
The guy is smart, he listens, he has the University's best interests at heart. I think this is fantastic.
Candace: No... That why they make smart word box for tell monkey hard brain-hurty things.
Phineas: Removing prepositions makes it more condescending.
January 5th, 2010 at 9:49 AM |
I, for one, welcome our new
I, for one, welcome our new
I, for one, welcome our new pizza overlord.
January 5th, 2010 at 10:08 AM |
We're lucky Brandon wasn't hired in '07 or earlier:
We're lucky Brandon wasn't hired in '07 or earlier:
Just imagine what our S&C program would look like under Mike Gittleson w/ the Domino's hookup.
January 5th, 2010 at 10:53 AM |
Do you think...
Do you think...
Do you think that Barwis will let the team eat pizza with their chocolate milk?
_____________________________________________________________________
"What do people mean when they say the computer went down on them? " -Marilyn Pittman
GO BLUE
January 5th, 2010 at 11:47 AM |
Barwis the chemist.
Barwis the chemist.
Eating pizza with chocolate milk turns fat into fast-twitch muscles.
January 5th, 2010 at 10:17 AM |
I never attended Michigan,
I never attended Michigan,
I never attended Michigan, but with the Domino's CEO as the new AD, I feel like my proclivity for getting high and ordering Domino's Pizza finally makes me a real Michigan Man.
January 5th, 2010 at 10:21 AM |
Not so fast, Brian's tipster
Not so fast, Brian's tipster
I overheard Brandon's sister-in-law's golf pro tell a caddy that Rodriguez was toast.
January 5th, 2010 at 2:35 PM |
Not so fast
Not so fast
"I overheard Brandon's sister-in-law's golf pro tell a caddy that Rodriguez was toast."
Yeah, my barber's brother-in-law's sister was saying the same thing.
January 5th, 2010 at 10:23 AM |
Yes, Mr. Brandon,
Yes, Mr. Brandon,
I'd like to order two large National Championships ... with extra cheese.
January 5th, 2010 at 10:23 AM |
Does this mean
Does this mean
Does this mean that Asst. Athletic Director Lloyd Carr will have to resign as Chair of the Little Caesar's Bowl?
A Brunette Girl
Hail to the college whose colors we wear;
Hurrah for the Yellow and Blue!
January 5th, 2010 at 10:28 AM |
Is 5 yrs the standard
Is 5 yrs the standard
Is 5 yrs the standard contract for an AD to work under?
January 5th, 2010 at 10:41 AM |
Does this mean that Hungry Howies is out at the Big House?
Does this mean that Hungry Howies is out at the Big House?
So when does all the corporate advertising around the stadium begin? I thought Bill Martin did the $$ thing for the Athletic Dept. It seemed to be a popular belief that the Athletic dept needed an experienced AD not another CEO type. I'm not so sure the Regents understand athletics and its importance to this university.
Oh well, pizza for everyone. Can the AD bring Dominos back to Jackson? All the Dominos stores closed their doors in Jackson at least two years ago.
What the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve and...Those Who Stay WILL Be Champions.
January 5th, 2010 at 10:55 AM |
Are you kidding? Having a
Are you kidding? Having a
Are you kidding? Having a sound money mind at the top is the biggest key! In a few years, when OSU announces that sweatervest will be cutting 5 key assistant positions because the football program is massively outstripping its budget, and Michigan is building a new Taj Mahal or something, you'll be singing a different tune.
"This is the EMU game, not the emo game."
January 5th, 2010 at 10:41 AM |
Let's not overlook that this
Let's not overlook that this
Let's not overlook that this hire will prolong our 10 year streak of having an AD with two first names.
January 5th, 2010 at 12:21 PM |
Not to mention our continuing
Not to mention our continuing
Not to mention our continuing affinity for guys with the name Brandon.
Craig Barker || The Hoover Street Rag || Twitter
"The Michigan fanbase: a cynical, Eeyorish bunch even in the best of times."
January 5th, 2010 at 11:16 AM |
Interesting Video
Interesting Video
Forgive me if this has been shared before. It is a very good watch about how Brandon et al fixed Dominos.
"The Pizza Turnabout"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AH5R56jILag
January 5th, 2010 at 11:39 AM |
What is his Fake 40 time?
What is his Fake 40 time?
Inquiring minds want to know. :-)
January 5th, 2010 at 12:05 PM |
Doesn't anyone see this
Doesn't anyone see this
Doesn't anyone see this coming?
MGoGTI
January 5th, 2010 at 12:03 PM |
Pizza jokes
Pizza jokes
Let's get them all out of our system today, then declere a moratorium.
Preparation is not suddenly accomplished, it is a process steadily maintained.
January 5th, 2010 at 5:06 PM |
You know
You know
if you make that a large moratorium, you can add a bread bowl for just 99 cents.
January 5th, 2010 at 12:06 PM |
Double Post
Double Post
I'm a Moron. Move on.
MGoGTI
January 5th, 2010 at 12:23 PM |
The AD staff is not a minor issue
The AD staff is not a minor issue
The people who screwed up with Witty, Witherspoon, practice logs, compliance are all from the Lloyd era. No way Brandon will do anything to Lloyd's people.
If I was Rodriguez and something like the Clemson job was available, I'd be getting out of town as fast as I could. It isn't, so he'll be here through 2010.
It's not whether Brandon is supportive -- the same underlings who've been pulling the death by a thousand cuts stuff on Rodriguez are going to be emboldened by this hire. And they'll pull the same crap on the next coach if he's not Hoke or DeBord.
The most reassuring background thing would be the reassignment of some AD staff as well as some "retirements". Starting with Scott Draper. But, as noted above, I'm highly highly skeptical that that will happen.
January 5th, 2010 at 1:42 PM |
Somewhat agree
Somewhat agree
Though I don't agree with the "Clemson" logic, I must admit, that this hire does make me take a "wait and see" approach (as opposed to a "WOOT!" reaction). I realize that Brian just opined that Brandon is supportive of RR, etc, but I do wonder if you may be somewhat right about the people in the Athletic Department and whether or not there will be a shakeup. I am sure I am like all Michigan fans in being pissed off about how the Witty/practice logs/Witherspoon-type stuff was handled and do not feel that it is satisfactory performance by the athletic department according to my own expectations, but...we also might want to keep in mind that this is the same athletic department that has kept our football program clean- major shakeups could mean even worse problem. (As in, the grass may not be greener on the other side).
I guess I am just somewhat skeptical* of the hire, given what we've heard, but optimistic.
*And I'd be lying if I said I like the fact that this guy is responsible for the massive cross outside of Ann Arbor and his establishement (I believe) of Ave Maria law school, but those are personal things, and should not have anything to do with how his performance as A.D. is judged, obvs.
January 5th, 2010 at 1:49 PM |
As for the cross and Ave
As for the cross and Ave
As for the cross and Ave Maria, that's Tom Monaghan's doing, not Brandon's. I don't even think Brandon was working for Domino's when those endeavors began.
Rodriguez? There are people in the athletic department who've dropped the ball on things (like filing practice reports--which was their responsibility, not Rodriguez's, Rodriguez just had to fill them out). If there are no consequences for such incidents, that will speak volumes about the Brandon regime.
If Brandon is as supportive of Rodriguez (or Beilein, or Red) as Brian was told, then he needs to eliminate the behind the scenes stuff as soon as he has the authority to do so. His statements today about factions were reassuring, hopefully he recognizes that there is a problem and causes me to eat my words.
January 5th, 2010 at 2:17 PM |
This may be the stupidest post I've ever read here
This may be the stupidest post I've ever read here
Beyond the "he should leave right away" (like teams are beating down the door to hire a guy who's won 3 conference games in 2 years), calling out people by name, to be fired, is never cool. Less so in this economy. What in the world with your limited internet knowledge do you know that Scott Draper has ever done or not done? Stay Classy.
"I love him, he's a great coach, he's a great mentor, he's a great friend. He's every single thing you want a college coach to be, and he does it flawlessly." -David Molk
January 5th, 2010 at 2:52 PM |
Oh, I suspect Rodriguez would
Oh, I suspect Rodriguez would
Oh, I suspect Rodriguez would be in demand at a number of schools if people thought he was available. No, Florida wouldn't hire him to replace Meyer. But Clemson, if that job was open? They'd think "U-M was a bad fit for him, he was here before, did well, we know the guy". A coach's reputation isn't simply defined by what he did when he coached at your favorite school.
As for Draper, friends of mine have had run-ins with him. You're right, I shouldn't have let those experiences lead to me publicly calling him out like that.
January 5th, 2010 at 3:29 PM |
OK, not the dumbest post
OK, not the dumbest post
Maybe just a bit hasty. And I wasn't saying that Rich is unemployed forever if he's not successful here, just that teams wouldn't be beating down his door. And you're saying the same thing.
I'm not sure I know what "run-ins" constitute, but I respect your revision. It's all good.
"I love him, he's a great coach, he's a great mentor, he's a great friend. He's every single thing you want a college coach to be, and he does it flawlessly." -David Molk
January 5th, 2010 at 3:12 PM |
AD
AD
I think that he can be a good AD. Definitely has a good mind for business.
January 5th, 2010 at 3:20 PM |
The question is if M will
The question is if M will
The question is if M will have to pull a ND and respectfully decline a bowl bid to play in the Papa John's Bowl in Birmingham.
(Again, I am so sorry for my contribution)
"And all I ever wanted was a good job and some bus fare, a rocket and a bomb."- Michael Knott
January 5th, 2010 at 8:27 PM |
The one and only question of
The one and only question of
The one and only question of importance of this hire is whether or not Brandon likes night games. You know that all anyone can think about with this hire.
January 5th, 2010 at 11:21 PM |
Radio
Radio
I heard on the radio today that he is very good friends with the one and only, Jim Harbaugh. If Michigan has another rough year, could he be our next coach? Only time will tell I guess...
Now taking bets: over-under of 2 years until the Stadium is serving up that "delicious" Dominoes again.
PS - This says it was posted at 2:21 AM, yet it's just 1:39 AM. Does MGoBlog have magical powers?
Q: Why did the (Ohio) State grad leave his diploma on his dashboard? A: So he could use handicapped parking.