If They Could Say It

Submitted by Ron Utah on

The look of a man who knows something you don't

One of the worst things about freedom of speech is spin.  The media is so focused on a game of "gotcha" that anyone with a remotely public profile has to be careful about how honest they are.  It has created a world where back-door dealings are the ONLY way to conduct any business that is even remotely interesting to the public.  You can say anything in the world, and get in trouble.

So I have decided to start a regular feature here on MGoBlog called "If They Could Say It."  The idea is that I will say what I believe the public figures would say--through their voices--if they could be honest without penalty.  It will be irregular during the off-season, but closer to weekly during the season.

I am not a reporter.  I don't have sources.  I will base these statement purely off of what happens and my interpretation of personalities and events.  I will use supporting information, statistics, and quotes, but the ultimate result is just my guess at what these people would say, if they could say it.

The first episode is a belated look back at the CC...

Seems like a good place to start

Jim Harbaugh

"I contacted Michigan through back channels as soon as Brady Hoke was fired."  

During a coaching search, nobody tells the whole truth.  Nick Saban repeatedly denied he was interested in the Alabama job just days before he took it.  But what's clear in this case is that Michigan never seemed to get serious about a Plan B, because they knew they didn't need one.  I believe Hackett was working with Harbaugh's back channel by the time he took the podium to give his now famous "swim lanes" speech.

Furthermore, Harbaugh did NOT take the contract he certainly could have gotten.  While his pay is high, he could have gotten Nick Saban money.  He turned that down, and I think he would say, "Because I don't want to be the highest paid coach in college football until I've proven I'm the best coach in college football."  But this is more evidence that Harbaugh wasn't spending December trying to get himself a deal, but rather negotiating the details of the deal.

Jim Hackett

"Although we never really needed a back-up, we had several candidates in line, including Doug Marrone.  But we also had a guy whom we knew would accept the job if it was offered to him: Dan Mullen."

Jim Hackett is intelligent, organized, and methodical.  Even though he knew before he even started the search that he was likely to get Harbaugh, he was working on back-up plans.  The Cutcliffe call controversy is some evidence that Michigan was, in fact, asking who might be interested in being a candidate.  But having a short list would not have been good enough for Hackett, who knew there was a chance, however small, that he might not get Harbaugh when December 30th finally arrived.  With a search lasting that long, he would have needed a surefire candidate ready to take the job if offered, and I believe that was Dan Mullen.  Why?  While Marrone and likely several other NFL types might have been called first, they would have had to accept the job immediately--a sticky situation if you're in the playoffs or if you just want some time to kick the tires at Michigan.  Mullen has a proven track record, knows the area, and would have created some immediate buzz as the Bo to Urban's Woody.  Brian agrees.

Comments

Mr Miggle

January 12th, 2015 at 7:32 PM ^

candidate. Who it was is one of those things I would also like to know. I think things would have moved very quickly if Harbaugh had turned us down. The way Sam Webb kept pumping up Jim Mora made me think he knew something about that.

stephenrjking

January 12th, 2015 at 8:03 PM ^

Interesting premise. Could have some humor here too--it has potential to be enjoyably light-hearted. Also could add a "what he said, what he meant" element. Like: Brady Hoke. What he said: "We didn't execute." If he could say it: "We totally stink," or, "I have no idea what to do."

Zarniwoop

January 12th, 2015 at 8:08 PM ^

I absolutely love this idea.

I despise what the media does to communication between sports icons and the fans. Hell, anyone in a prominent position and the rest of us that aren't sniping, slack-jawed, Kardashian wannabes.

Whoa, that got away from me a little bit.

What I meant to say is that I look forward to this!

Moonlight Graham

January 12th, 2015 at 8:10 PM ^

But ... man am I ready to put all that behind me. I don't want to think about CC's or Hoke or Nuss or Borges or RichRod or even Lloyd Carr or Gary Moeller. I just want to watch Harbaugh get to work. He has my full attention, and I am also growing tired of hearing about Ohio State and Sparty (not directed at you). 

alum96

January 13th, 2015 at 6:19 AM ^

Dan Mullen should have ran to Nebraska and begged for the job after their 1st choice (Bielema) said no.  He gambled and lost.

I think Miss State has a chance to be last place in the SEC West next year.  Best case I don't see them better than 5th with all they lost.

This was his year to strike with a senior laden team.  Sad that they laid down like that in a bowl to boot.

maize-blue

January 13th, 2015 at 8:41 AM ^

It will be interesting to see how Miss St. trends. Like you mention, they had a lot of seniors on this team which probably lead directly to their success this season. Mullen was also one of the hottest names in coaching for a while. It will be really hard for Miss St. to have success year year in and year out. I think he made a mistake by staying while his stock was high.