Ross Changes His Tune Comment Count

Brian

the-godfather-kiss-of-death[1]

The Wall Street Journal's Stephen Ross batphone rang again today:

On Monday, Ross said that he still thinks Brandon can do the job. But he also has promised school president Mark Schlissel that he won’t interfere or oppose a decision to fire Brandon.

“I don’t think alumni should control universities,” Ross said. “We have a great president and he is running the university and not me.”

Ross said Schlissel has “been talking to a lot of people” about Brandon and “has not come to a hasty conclusion.” If he has made a decision, Ross said, “he has not told anyone.”

IS THIS THE KISS OF DEEEEAAAATH?

Comments

BlueReign

October 27th, 2014 at 3:06 PM ^

Yes?

 

1.) Major donor has opinion that disagrees with the fanbase. Fanbase is displeased.

2.) Major donor changes tune and in turn agrees with fanbase. Fanbase is releaved. 

3.) ... 

4.) Profit???

 

This is genuinly confusing? 

 

ST3

October 27th, 2014 at 2:46 PM ^

And Ross has Big Money*.

"Big money goes around the world

Big money underground

Big money got a mighty voice

Big money make no sound

Big money pull a million strings

Big money hold the prize

Big money weave a mighty web

Big money draw the flies



Sometimes pushing people around

Sometimes pulling out the rug

Sometimes pushing all the buttons

Sometimes pulling out the plug

It's the power and the glory

It's a war in paradise

It's a Cinderella story

On a tumble of the dice"

*or continuing today's theme, he has Big Boi Money

uncleFred

October 27th, 2014 at 7:52 PM ^

of tar and pitchfork carrying students?

Either Schlissel performs as president of a multi billion dollar institution with thoughtful and appropriate restraint based on a full evaluation of the entire body of work of one of his employees or the inmates end up running the asylum. 

Brandon has done a number of things which I disagree with strongly, but he's done a number of good things as well. Since he's a mixed bag I'll leave it to the president to decide his fate, but I expect the president to make a carefully valued decision and will be very concerned if he allows himself to be railroaded by a bunch of angry students and annoyed alums (of which I happen to be one). 

The very last thing I want him worried about is a time table to fire Brandon based on who has time to hire the next head football coach. Yeah football is important, and I'm a life long fan, but there are many other responsibilities for the AD than just a head coach hire. 

 

Tater

October 27th, 2014 at 2:43 PM ^

The worst AD in the history of Michigan football will be gone soon.  Since he is the de facto head coach, I think he qualifies as the worst head coach in the history of Michigan football, too.  He is like an architect in reverse; he managed to tear down a great program.

Hopefully, it won't take too long to build a new one.

AlwaysBlue

October 27th, 2014 at 3:00 PM ^

inherited a program that was broken. You can argue he broke it further but I'd say he fixed the culture in terms of recruiting to a Michigan theme and he will leave a pretty talented and balanced roster. I'd rather launch a new coach off Hoke's pad than RR's.

AZ-Blue

October 27th, 2014 at 3:45 PM ^

Why?   Hoke had a year longer than RRod and the offense actually regressed.  The D under Mattison improved exponentially once Gerg was canned - not RRod.  Talking about "culture" change in a vaccum is meaningless IMO.  Winning is the culture we're after whether it be a spread option coach or a pro style.  Win and you've renewed the culture of Michigan.  Period.  All other issues work themselves out and are merely footnotes and not a reflection of the "culture."

ST3

October 27th, 2014 at 2:53 PM ^

the next bye is between Indiana and Northwestern. We also have three weeks between home games, so anytime between now and the Maryland game works. You don't want to fire a guy at Thanksgiving, so let's hope it's done soon.

Vasav

October 27th, 2014 at 2:46 PM ^

Perhaps this is naive, but I see this as one major point in favor of Michigan's culture. Obviously the feeling around here is that our athletic department is toxic, as are our alumni. And the "Michigan Man" meme backs up that assertion. But maybe we do some things smartly - like our powerful alums don't hold the school hostage to get their way.



Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad

samsoccer7

October 27th, 2014 at 2:49 PM ^

I think Hoke is gone no matter what happens with Brandon.  I also think this was a calculated move by Ross to step aside while not exactly selling DB out.  He basically said he shouldn't play a roll in these decisions, which is making himself not culpable for what happens.  And Hoke is gone b/c he'll be a lame duck next year and giving him an extension would crater everything.  So I think we're all gonna be happy in a couple weeks, probably only to be saddened by the eventual hire.

samsoccer7

October 27th, 2014 at 2:52 PM ^

I also found this article and, not sure if this was known to people here before, but John Harbaugh said he knows Bates pretty well:

http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/ravens_harbaugh_proud_of_alma_mater/3874027?linksrc=story_article_yb_original_head_3874027

And if John can vouch for the guy, he can sell Jim on it as well.  Just an interesting little tidbit of info to maybe increase our optimism for the next coach.

ChicagoGangViolins

October 27th, 2014 at 3:34 PM ^

 

Hoke and Brandon are loyal and intelligent enough to assist with a mid-season transition.  Ross will take care of Hoke and the subordinates' compensation, possibly contributing money and assistance on the side.  Brandon may have a role with the Dolphins, he knows how to milk the cash cow.  I think our CC problem is finding a qualified AD (not so much), head coach, OC, DC and assistants.  So the hire decisions may or it may not be made mid-season but you, betting man, have it right that the wheels are in motion.

 

 

caup

October 27th, 2014 at 3:22 PM ^

and says this:

 

"Little brother? No, I certainly do not consider MSU to be our little brother.  Not at all. I totally disagree with Mike Hart on that one.  Why?  Because I actually love my little brother. So no, MSU is not our little brother, they are the punk-ass kid from the other side of the neighborhood. And you can go ahead and tell them I said that."