stephenrjking

February 6th, 2017 at 12:25 PM ^

This move to Tennessee suggests that a move to Michigan is actually a real possibility for Hoke. Consider:

1. The Harbaughs have a lot of respect for Hoke, and Michigan's treatment of Hoke was important to them when the transition to Jim was being considered.

2. Greg Mattison graciously accepted a demotion to DL coach to stay with the program. He loves Michigan and loves to coach, and shows the way it can be done.

3. Mattison is going to retire sooner or later, and filling his role will be crucial to Michigan maintaining its level of defensive prowess.

4. Hoke loves Michigan, as we know.

5. The last groups of players that Hoke coached will be out of the program soon, allowing for a "clean break" for both the roster and the staff were he to come back.

It would involve swallowing some pride to come back, but I wouldn't be surprised if Hoke were the type to do that. Mattison has already shown the way here. We believe he is a quality DL coach, and Michigan will need one when Mattison decides to hang up his khakis. If Hoke can put together a couple of good years at Tennessee I think he might be a top candidate to come in.

GoBlue in IA

February 6th, 2017 at 3:18 PM ^

Excellent points regarding why a Hoke return just may transpire.  But that last paragraph says it all - not sure many people would be able handle swallowing all that pride.  

But if it all works out, Hoke comes back as the DL coach, there is some level of redeeming himself a bit as a quality position coach.

FrankMurphy

February 6th, 2017 at 4:02 PM ^

I'm not a Peyton Manning fan (I think we all know who the GOAT is, and it's not Peyton Manning), but I don't think Manning has done anything to merit being mentioned in the same sentence as the ugliness at Baylor. To the contrary, he's actually a stand-up guy and a class act.

There are many reasons why Tennessee doesn't have a reputation as a paragon of virtue. Peyton Manning is not one of them. 

getsome

February 6th, 2017 at 10:43 AM ^

correct, as many have said hoke does not have coordinator or head coach chops at big time program but hes a rock solid recruiter and position coach.  dude is just a DL coach and theres nothing wrong with that, hes proven to be a darn good one.

thats a prime gig for him, nice to see hoke land on his feet.  im sure hell do ok with the vols (though that program has some real issues - the east has been open for several years, they need to make a move)

MGoStrength

February 6th, 2017 at 10:52 AM ^

Totally, I'd take a quarter of a million dollars per year and be just a position coach at a Power 5 program any day....not a bad gig!

 

Hoke is a good guy, who loves UM, who was stuck under an oppressive AD.  I will root for him as long as it doesn't compete with UM.

M Ascending

February 6th, 2017 at 11:04 AM ^

I agree that Brady is best-suited to be a DL coach, and a very good one at that.  He was a loyal Michigan Man right to the end and I wish him great success.  I only wish that he weren't going to the absolute sewer that is the Tennessee football program and athletic department. 

I'm afraid that an honorable man such as Brady will get eaten alive there and will have to deal with a culture that is totally abhorrent to him.

Yooper

February 6th, 2017 at 11:29 AM ^

I bet he is getting at least twice that, plus some Oregon pay.  Being a top assistant at a

Power 5 school is getting better and better financially.

Blue in Yarmouth

February 6th, 2017 at 10:31 AM ^

as a DL coach in a heartbeat. He has shown an eye for talent and ability to devleop said talent at that position and can recruit as good as anyone. He also has a passion for UM that burns within him. I was one who hated the hire as BH for HC but DL coach would be awesome. JH should try to lure him back.

Blue in Yarmouth

February 6th, 2017 at 12:11 PM ^

I didn't say I was "the" one or imply I knew something no one else did. I would wager half the people on this blog didn't like that hire. And just to show my many faults I was one who love RR and didn't want him to leave so what do I know. I was just prefacing the statement so people would know it wasn't coming from a guy who loved Brady Hoke from the jump and would look for any reason to bring him back. 

UMfan21

February 6th, 2017 at 10:51 AM ^

he did what he "should" have done perfectly. he challenged himself for bigger roles (arguably the pinacle of football at UofM), and found out it was beyond his level. no shame in trying. in fact, he made mad bank while doing so. I would love to push my career to be CEO of a Fortune 500 company and collect a fat golden parachute when I discover it's above my head, only to revert back to what I'm good at. we should all be so lucky.

Everyone Murders

February 6th, 2017 at 10:33 AM ^

Good hire for Tennessee, and hopefully he's able to recover from the Oregon experience there.  The man was born to be a MAC head coach, and if this ultimately puts him back in the MAC (or functional equivalent) it's all for the best.

Advice to those in Knoxville?  Be prepared for a run on ear plugs.  Because you're gonna hear practice.

SAMgO

February 6th, 2017 at 10:36 AM ^

Considering the hot seat Butch Jones is about to be on, this could be another 1-2 year stop for Hoke. Will be interesting to get some clarity on if Hoke is actually a good D line coach or if it was really just Mattison all along and Hoke is even more useless than previously thought.