RockinLoud

January 8th, 2014 at 5:11 PM ^

Pos bang!

Although I don't know how to feel. On the one hand I feel bad for him since he seems like a really good dude. On the other I'm pretty happy Hoke is making a change, hopefully for the better. Do we go after someone big? Or maybe someone solid like Bill Cubit?

The Victors

January 8th, 2014 at 5:11 PM ^

Definitely did NOT see this coming, but must say I am for it.

With that said, if Hoke/Brandon are only going to stuff a certain philosophy (must huddle, lack of hurry-up offense, no audible/adjustments to defense, etc.) down a different OC's throat, then it doesn't matter who is the OC.  Hire a top-notch OC and let him do his job; let him innovate; let him adjust to defensive alignments. I am not saying Hoke/Brandon did this the last 3 years, but it can't happen if they want Michigan to compete for championships consistently and not get left behind.

Now I am really interested to see who the new OC will be. I would love someone like Mike Bloomgren to come in and be OC/OL, and then hire a dedicated QB coach. Not sure what happens to Fred Jackson. I would imagine they have someone or at least a few candidates before making this decision to let Borges go.

denardogasm

January 8th, 2014 at 5:48 PM ^

There is no evidence whatsoever that Brandon has any involvement in the Xs and Os of the team, and Hoke has not shown himself to be overbearing in that way either.  In fact, Hoke seems to be just the opposite.  He seems to delegate well and calls himself a defensive coach.  

jared32696

January 8th, 2014 at 5:11 PM ^

great so Gardner has to learn a new offense in his last year? I'm about to get negged to hell but don't be so shortsighted. Spring practice starts February 25. Better be a helluva name to grab up and pick him ASAP

samsoccer7

January 8th, 2014 at 5:12 PM ^

I don't think this happens unless there's someone expressing interest, or someone Michigan really thinks they can get.  I know, I know, we all thought that after the 2 coaching changes so I could be completely wrong, but there has to be something behind the scenes, right?  RIGHT?

LSAClassOf2000

January 8th, 2014 at 5:14 PM ^

"Decisions like these are never easy," said Hoke. "I have a great amount of respect for Al as a football coach and, more importantly, as a person. I appreciate everything he has done for Michigan Football for the past three seasons."

Such decisions never are, and I do respect all the time and effort the entire staff put into this team. In the case of Hoke, it cannot be easy to see someone who left a job and came across the country with you to Ann Arbor go under any circumstances. Like many here, I was not the biggest fan of Borges either, but I do respect the effort all the same and I respect Brady Hoke for standing by his staff throughout the season and waiting until a more opportune moment to make changes. I imagine Borges will land somewhere - best of luck to him. 

westwardwolverine

January 8th, 2014 at 5:21 PM ^

Its actually a wise move by Hoke. 

Say Michigan goes 8-4 (likely given the young line, tough road games) next year...he buys himself a 5th year because the OC needs time to transition. 

If Michigan goes 8-4 with Borges...well...that excuse wasn't going to fly. 

True Blue in CO

January 8th, 2014 at 5:15 PM ^

this was probably one of the toughest decisions Coach Hoke has ever had to make or be a part of in his career.  I am sure there was pressure from above (Rich Alums > Brandon > Hoke) to make a change but this will help Hoke grow as a coach and leader.  All the best to Al and hope that that the Rich Alums are backing up their wishes with their pocketbooks so we can retain a well qualified OC.  We will never know the full story but let the OC search begin.  To all MGoBloggers, fire Up FlightTracker and start watching the comings and goings at the airports.

skurnie

January 8th, 2014 at 5:15 PM ^

Very surprised this happened now...guessing it was Brandon who pushed hard (or made the call). It needed to happen, despite the upcoming change for the offense and DG.

BlueCube

January 8th, 2014 at 6:19 PM ^

they will be coming out of the dead period for contacting recruits in a week if I remember correctly. One of the first priorities is 2015 quarterback. You want to have your coordinator on board with the quarterback.

Their also could have been some concern on feedback on the 2015 recruits. Two possiblities come to mind right away. It's better to sell those individuals and others that you are committed to winning.

 

desertwolvie1

January 8th, 2014 at 5:16 PM ^

I'm suprised just like everyone else. I know most people want a big name, but I'd rather have an effective (or is it affective...) OC even if he's an under the radar type.  Just figure out how to consistently get us some positive rushing yards PLEASE!!