Brady Hoke: Whole staff will return next year
December 2nd, 2013 at 3:14 PM ^
December 2nd, 2013 at 3:15 PM ^
If you're going to shell out enough cash to make your OC the 3rd highest paid at his position, get someone who won't oversee several historically bad craters.
I know Space Coyote is all "I can see some logic in the play calling," but we're paying for excellence, not mediocrity. That's what I don't get. There's a difference between cautious optimism following Saturday's loss and lighting all standards and expectations on fire.
The excuses are done. What happens if we lay an egg in the bowl game? This announcement was premature.
December 2nd, 2013 at 3:18 PM ^
December 2nd, 2013 at 4:14 PM ^
What about those asking the same questions, and that IS their day job?
December 2nd, 2013 at 3:16 PM ^
Brady Hoke appears to be an intelligent man and claims this is the job of his life. I believe him. There is no question that he has bet his future as HC on next year. I have to believe that Hoke sees things in practice that encourage him, which have not been apparent on game days most of the season. I hope that is the case.
December 2nd, 2013 at 3:18 PM ^
December 2nd, 2013 at 6:10 PM ^
Do not resort to calling people "dumb".
I know that this topic is a passionate one for people, but we need to try and refrain from personal insults and gratuitous abuse as a substitute for considered opinion. This goes similarly for the divisive "apologist" talk and all the other nonsense put forth on the board lately.
December 2nd, 2013 at 10:21 PM ^
December 2nd, 2013 at 3:17 PM ^
December 2nd, 2013 at 3:17 PM ^
If Borges can consistently call games like he did this weekend, I have absolutely no problems with him coming back. When he calls a good game, he calls a GOOD game. And the same goes to Funk, who's O-Line finally generated some consistency against a good rush defense.
I trust Hoke to make this judgment call, but if this doesn't work out next year, its not just Funk and Borges' jobs that are on the line, but I think Hoke's as well. Not that I hope it ever comes remotely close to that.
December 2nd, 2013 at 3:33 PM ^
December 2nd, 2013 at 3:18 PM ^
December 2nd, 2013 at 3:22 PM ^
December 2nd, 2013 at 3:43 PM ^
December 2nd, 2013 at 3:24 PM ^
Go blue
December 2nd, 2013 at 3:18 PM ^
December 2nd, 2013 at 3:44 PM ^
We will see if your comment about Ohio seeing that it needs to make changes. Their defense hasn't been too great the last few years and Fickel and company are all still employeed
December 2nd, 2013 at 3:19 PM ^
December 2nd, 2013 at 3:19 PM ^
December 2nd, 2013 at 3:24 PM ^
December 2nd, 2013 at 3:38 PM ^
This defeatist negative attitude to make your opinion seem right is getting ridiculous.
Besides if it goes to help in. Handbasket for the bowl game then someone oils still get canned.
December 2nd, 2013 at 3:20 PM ^
will not lose any sleep over it. As someone else pointed out, all of this is beyond any of our control, so there's no point it letting it bug me. I DO have a lot of concerns about Borges and Funk going forward, but we'll just have to see how much the team improves next year. I'm going to assume that Brandon will let this go one more year, THEN take some action if things don't go well in 2014.
I agree that the coaches are certainly not happy with how things went and will work extra hard in the offseason to improve the offense and defense. I am very happy to hear Gardner is coming back. Although I've had times this season where I was pretty exasperated with him, after this last game, I know he has the capability of having an amazing year next season. Devin will work even harder to improve his passing skills and we should see the interceptions drop quite a bit.
I think the offensive line needs to get even bigger and stronger next season - so some big effort in the weight room is probably in order.
And if Mattison can greatly stiffen up the D-line and middle of the defense, these games that we lost by giving up a late TD drive should turn into wins next season.
So, I'm going to try and be optimistic about all this until I see what happens next season. I'll certainly feel better too if we win the bowl game in a convincing manner.
December 2nd, 2013 at 3:21 PM ^
Oh well my faith was shaken in the staff this year. if we have a repeat of this year then i'll be on the fire Hoke bus instead of the fire Borges one. If we struggle on the road, can't run the ball or cant protect the QB for the third year in a row then they all have to go. I would rather have had 2-3 new coaches next year and had some new hope but, i'll put my last bit of faith in these coaches and move on. They're all playing for their jobs next year
December 2nd, 2013 at 3:22 PM ^
to ensure Borges would be kept around for the future. Then, when they needed a stop to win the game, they got it. Win-win for them.
That, or Borges followed my advice for making the offense functional on Saturday. Guess that's one way to maintain your status as 3rd-highest paid offensive coordinator.
December 2nd, 2013 at 3:23 PM ^
December 2nd, 2013 at 3:55 PM ^
December 2nd, 2013 at 8:35 PM ^
Once the points system returns, it depends on whether my sig line draws users to excessively auto-neg me. It is admittedly designed to oppose those that post "26-12 =/= 15-22" as if that's somehow relevant to the discussion about how effective Hoke and his staff have been as Michigan coaches.
Got to admit, I'm happy that no one has replied to it yet with an ad hominem on my intelligence. That, or the mods are excellent at banning all the people that have.
@Bill yeah I tried to edit an /s into that, but was replied to too quickly.
December 2nd, 2013 at 4:51 PM ^
I sincerely hope your first paragraph was intended to be sarcastic.
December 2nd, 2013 at 3:27 PM ^
Football is somewhat like business, the CEO makes changes so the shareholders (the folks that buy tickets) think we're heading in the right direction. No change and the shareholders get a bit angry.
I get Hoke's loyalty, I believe he needs 5 years to build but we headed in the wrong direction this year. As a life-long (50 plus years) fan I am getting very tired of losing to OSU and MSU every year. If our talented boys (a lot of 3, 4 and 5 stars) continue to lose to teams with less talent that we have, I have to blame the coaches. It's not luck. I am so tired of settling. So, good one coach. Now you need to buckle down and better blow some doors off in the non-elite bowl game we are going to this year and better come up with a way of beating our rivals next year. As a fan I will aways watch UM and love the team but I will not be happy until we return to excellence. We have amazing athletes as we saw on Saturday. Time to put up some signature wins on the road next year or hit the road. I am so tired of this lousy product Mr. Hoke CEO, Michigan football. Oh and one more thing, no golden parachute.
December 2nd, 2013 at 3:27 PM ^
December 2nd, 2013 at 3:40 PM ^
December 2nd, 2013 at 3:29 PM ^
Hoke said that at this point he "anticipates" all of the staff returning. That is a far cry from the staff is 100% returning. A HC of a bowl-bound team is not going to can his OC two days after a deflating loss. If a move comes, it'll come after NSD and with no prior announcement. RELAX PEOPLE.
December 2nd, 2013 at 3:45 PM ^
December 2nd, 2013 at 3:29 PM ^
December 2nd, 2013 at 3:37 PM ^
The offensive line might be just as bad and we lose a game-breaking receiver. Plus the schedule is harder and we blow chunks on the road. Defense will probably be better, but we're looking at 8-4 max depending on which coach's head is still lodged up their ass.
December 2nd, 2013 at 3:58 PM ^
Our defense has the ability to be awesome. We essentially lose nothing from our front seven and add experience plus we can add Pipkins and throw in Mone to stuff the run. Countess, Taylor, Wilson all are back with probably Dymonte as the other safety and with Jabrill in there somewhere rotating.
We were close to elite this year even with an inept offense. We lost 4 games by what a combined 11 points? We could have been 11-1 very easily. The offense is only going to get better. We play in the B1G. It ain't tough.
If you see 8-4 AS THE MAX(?!?!) for next war then you are jaded by your rage at how the season turned out/Borges.
Or you know, just think we're going to suck forever
December 2nd, 2013 at 4:13 PM ^
Where to begin. You seem very confident in a number of offensive players you've never seen before. Especially when you consider that they only have to replace one of the most prolific receivers Michigan has ever had. While the oline should be better, that's not saying much, and if they're only marginally better we could still be in for a long year. Especially if the tackles can't protect the QB. And Peppers on offense? Guy is going to have his hands full just playing defense.
We lose two starters on the defensive line and still lack playmakers. We also have to replace a safety. We've seen over the years that it's not always easy. I think we can be better on defense, but I'm not setting my hopes to "awesome."
I don't think 8-4 is the max, but I unfortunately see more reasons to be pessimistic than optimistic at this point. That's obviously clouded a lot with how I feel about Borges. I hope I'm wrong.
December 2nd, 2013 at 5:03 PM ^
We play in the big ten 8 wins is always do able especially with our Maryland and Rutger filled schedule. (Of course I said the same thing this year)
When I said close to elite I probably should have ' ' it. 11-1 is a close to elite, if not elite, record .... And wins and losses are what matter. Obviously we are not an elite team, that's abundantly clear. What I meant was that our record could very easily have been ( it also could have been really bad)
December 2nd, 2013 at 4:25 PM ^
Probably the dumbest thing I've heard in a month. We could have just as easily had a losing record and missed a bowl game. By rights, we should be 6-6, narrowly escaping 5-7. We were not "close to elite" in any category. Maybe our linebacker play was somewhat in the vicinity of that area later in the season.
The running backs didn't start "pouring it on" later in the season. They look okay.
I really like Chesson, Funchess, and Butt, but the rest are unknowns.
So having 40% of the line never start a game and 20% start two games is really that much better than 60% with no starts? Especially when you drop two NFL-caliber tackles? Whatever. I can't fix your brain. The line might not be a total tire fire, but I have zero confidence that they'll even be mediocre.
The schedule is much harder. We play good teams on the road. I'm not that optimistic.
December 2nd, 2013 at 5:08 PM ^
Sorry for the misunderstanding. After I posted t I figured that part would get misconstrued.
December 2nd, 2013 at 5:17 PM ^
There are only 2 probable L's on next years schedule. OSU and MSU. OSU loses essentially their entire offense and MSU loses a bunch from their defense. 8-4 is a definite possibility but it ain't a max.
What I'm saying about the line is it is not going to be worse and it should be better, that's all.
December 3rd, 2013 at 1:45 AM ^
December 3rd, 2013 at 2:10 AM ^
If experience is the issue then why not let them gel. Why did we burn Bosch's red shirt half way through or preserve Kalis' last year. These coaches were clueless and probably will be next year.
Schofield was solid this year. You will rue your words saying he can easily be replaced. We have forgotten what poor OT play looks like. It can be every bit as bad as poor interior play. It only takes one back side sack to take out your QB. Not to mention that Fox and Kugler are likely to challenge for interior positions only to bring back the youth issues.
I appreciate your optimism and will dig deep to share it. Bottom line... this was not a good decision. Losing has consequences and Hoke gave Funk and Borges a mulligan.
Recruits have choices. Players need to find motivation. Michigan men need patience. I don't know where you find the optimism but it's hard for me at least to share it. I will try.
December 3rd, 2013 at 2:28 AM ^
December 3rd, 2013 at 10:15 AM ^
OL is driven by weakest link. Interior play can be covered by good team play - which can be coached. OT is on an island generally against the biggest most athletic guy the other team has. But let's not quibble - any OL hit is a hit.
Lewan was every bit of Lewan as a sophomore. As a freshman he held Heyward in check in the game. We don't have any Lewan's or even Schofield's in the pocket - though there is hope... just hitting on two OTs is a tall order.
Bosch's RS was not burned if we developed Bryant or let Braden or Schofield take a turn at guard.
Miller played two years of bench ball before getting his chance. The coaches are paid to evaluate his play before he hits the field. They are not required to use players who are not ready or the best choice.
I have no choice but to look on the bright side here. I'm Michigan until sweet death comes my way.
Saban looked like an idiot for not having coverage guys on the FG unit - Malzhan looked smart for coaching his players to return a miss. Granted there are few idiots in college football - just winners and losers. I just want to win. If this is how Hoke sees it then so be it. Change at OC or OL position coach is not such a big deal. I don't understand the reluctance.
Go Blue!
December 2nd, 2013 at 4:30 PM ^
8 wins seems optimistic. We could go 1-4 or even 0-5 on the road next year. I like our chances to go 6-1 at home next season. 5-2 at home would be a disaster.
December 2nd, 2013 at 4:46 PM ^
| Date | Opponent / Event | Location | 2013 Sagarin |
 |
|||
| Sat., Aug. 30 |
vs. Appalachian State  |
Michigan Stadium | 173 |
| Sat., Sep. 6 |
at Notre Dame |
South Bend, Ind. | 27 |
| Sat., Sep. 13 |
vs. Miami (Ohio) |
Michigan Stadium | 219 |
| Sat., Sep. 20 |
vs. Utah |
Michigan Stadium | 33 |
| Sat., Sep. 27 |
vs. Minnesota * |
Michigan Stadium | 51 |
| Sat., Oct. 4 |
at Rutgers * |
Piscataway, N.J. | 114 |
| Sat., Oct. 11 |
vs. Penn State * |
Michigan Stadium | 52 |
| Sat., Oct. 25 |
at Michigan State * |
East Lansing, Mich. | 13 |
| Sat., Nov. 1 |
vs. Indiana - Homecoming * |
Michigan Stadium | 57 |
| Sat., Nov. 8 |
at Northwestern * |
Evanston, Ill. | 65 |
| Sat., Nov. 22 |
vs. Maryland * |
Michigan Stadium | 71 |
| Sat., Nov. 29 |
at Ohio State * |
Columbus, Ohio | 7 |
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/ncaaf/sagarin/
So we're going 0-5 on the road next year, with losses to Rutgers and NW. Riiiiggght.
December 2nd, 2013 at 5:03 PM ^
Look at how badly we played @UCONN and @NW this year. @Rutgers and @NW next year are not sure wins.
Michigan is 39 in Sagarin this year. So ND, Utah, MSU, and OSU are all ahead of us. Minnesota, Penn State, IU, and NW are within striking distance. Hoke's history tells us he is going 2-3 on the road next year (6-8 on the road lifetime, 1-2 at neutral fields). With ND, MSU, and OSU all on the road I'd say 1-4 on the road is more likely than 2-3. That means to finish 8-4 we have to go 7-0 at home. Name sure wins against Minnesota, IU, PSU, and Utah.
December 2nd, 2013 at 6:37 PM ^
With this schedule I'd be shocked if we go anything less than 9-3 at the very worst.
Nothing ever is a sure win, ask alabama about that or Flroida but games we should win are Appalachian state, heck everyone of our home games should be a win. We can beat Rutgers and Northwestern on the road. Northwestern is the only place we consistantly win at away from home. The 3 games you should not be sure of are Notre Dame, MSU and Ohio. Everyone else on our schedule is mediocre, bad or a division 2 team. Northwestern is the only exception and they just blew their special season by giving up after the Wisconsin loss.