Brandon's Blog
The hits just keep coming. It seems DB now has his own Blog.
Feel free to check out his post on The Politics of Bowling. I'm look forward to a post that discusses Coaching Decision Timelines and How it Effects Recruiting.
http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/brandon/spec-rel/120310aaa.html
December 3rd, 2010 at 1:18 PM ^
"In this day and age of TMZ type of news and rumors"
I wonder if he is pointing out any specific media outlets in Detroit?
December 3rd, 2010 at 1:19 PM ^
December 3rd, 2010 at 1:31 PM ^
Like this:
In this day and age of TMZ type of news and rumors, something will catch the attention of each and every individual. Some of it is confounding and some of it just plain fun.
In the last few weeks, I have to admit, I have been watching, listening and enjoying the "what bowl game are we going to" rumors. And now as Michigan's AD, I'm finding that these prognostications have to be followed closely. The plethora of bowl matchups listed on the web and through traditional media creates a cottage industry of politics as schools try to improve their standing in the eyes of the selection committees and maybe even some of the pollsters.
From schools looking for admittance into a title game, a BCS bowl or just moving up the ladder, presidents, ADs and coaches have to be able to make a pitch for their team.
The Big Ten has three teams in the top 10 rankings of the BCS, and eight of the 11 conference schools are going to find themselves playing in a postseason contest -- only the third time in conference history (2003, 2007 and 2010) eight teams have qualified for a bowl appearance.
During last night's Michigan Football Bust, it was that excitement and anticipation our football staff and our school want to have everyone feel each and every year.
December 3rd, 2010 at 1:20 PM ^
but he does realize that he is the athletic director and not the head coach of the football team right? Don't get me wrong I like the guy and what he's done here so far (bar postponing his decision) but this seems a little strange to me. Glad he is excited for our team though as am i
December 3rd, 2010 at 1:25 PM ^
I realize that football is the cash cow for the university and with a very vital decision to be made for the university maybe it's whats needed right now. With that being said he seems like the micromanager from hell. If my manager was in my business every minute of the day I'd probably quit because I wouldn't want to work in that environment. Unfortunately I do think the micromanaging is necessary now, but I hope that when this program gets back to winning ways he doesn't continue to be so involved with the day to day operations.
December 3rd, 2010 at 1:28 PM ^
I don't think he's really micromanaging anything... People are making it sound like he's getting involved in recruiting, etc. when all he's doing is answering questions asked by the media. Talking about bowl game selections doesn't mean he's sitting in RR's office telling him which plays he should be calling.
December 3rd, 2010 at 1:35 PM ^
At one point in the Wisconsin game, I saw him sending signals to the Sheridan and thought, "Why is he trying to get involved in the offense?" Turns out, he was just telling Sheridan to order him a barbecue chicken pizza.
December 3rd, 2010 at 2:21 PM ^
He spoke in Cleveland last week and said he and Rich Rod get together Sunday morning and watch the game film. That's some micromanaging.
December 3rd, 2010 at 2:29 PM ^
I thought it has been mentioned that he is a part of recruiting, in that he does talk with the recruits.
December 3rd, 2010 at 1:29 PM ^
I'm not sure to what the answer to this question is so I figured I'd just ask instead of googling for hours to figure it out. Did our old AD Martin attend all of the football games (on the sidelines) like DB is doing? I don't think its all a bad thing (most likely he just loves being there and supporting his team), but when you are on the hot seat its kind of like having the principle in your classroom watching you when you are teaching.
December 3rd, 2010 at 1:42 PM ^
Martin was on the sideline for most, if not all home games.
December 3rd, 2010 at 1:47 PM ^
for the clarification. +1
December 3rd, 2010 at 6:31 PM ^
You forgot "when he wasn't sailing around the world during incredibly crucial decision making times for our athletic department"
December 3rd, 2010 at 1:27 PM ^
I think we now have our very own Jerry Jones...not saying it's all bad, but I think that's the case.
December 3rd, 2010 at 1:32 PM ^
exact same thing. It was another item I planned on adding to my long DB rant but forgot. Micromanaging the way JJ does in Dallas has absolutely no upside and should be avoided at all costs. I hate that our AD appears to be one of these people. It's great that he takes an extra interest in what is going on inside the program but it needs to stop right there.
December 3rd, 2010 at 2:15 PM ^
This is exactly why i wanted someone like Brad Bates. We needed an athletic director with experience not a CEO.
December 3rd, 2010 at 1:21 PM ^
I view this as a good, interesting thing. Instead though, i wish he would just use MGoBlog as his forum. That would be awesome. But then, would we have to clean up our behavior? Perhaps less boobie gifs?
December 3rd, 2010 at 2:43 PM ^
David Brandon LOVES boobie gifs. He might actual demand more.
December 3rd, 2010 at 1:30 PM ^
or others will guide the message to meet their needs. Welcome to the new era of continuous communication Mr. Brandon.
December 3rd, 2010 at 1:36 PM ^
from the beginning of the season, "Take this world and drop it on its f-ing head." Or "I ain't the one" Ice Cube, and walked out.
December 3rd, 2010 at 1:36 PM ^
I am glad he is spending his time so wisely... it isn't like our football program is under merciless attack and losing our classes best recruits or anything like that...
December 3rd, 2010 at 1:41 PM ^
to work at 100% efficiency. It's a well known fact that workers for the University of Michigan are at most 50% efficient when at the workplace...or wait that's just me, my bad. Damn MGoDistraction
December 3rd, 2010 at 2:04 PM ^
It's micromanaging.
I'm starting to sense the outlines of a so-so mixture of corporate geek ("I HAVE TO STICK TO THE SCHEDULE!!! ALL SPORTS THE SAME!!! HAVE TO BE GOOD WITH ALL FORMS OF MODERN COMMUNICATION!!!) and non-delegator/wannabe coach.
The biggest task he has right now is steadying the football program, and he's doing a mediocre job of it. He's far too concerned with process, not concerned enough with substance.
December 3rd, 2010 at 2:32 PM ^
I diasgree with the all sports the same, he has come out and said that the football program is #1. But I do agree with the comment about being to concerned with a process and sticking to it, this has its place but is not always the best route to take.
December 3rd, 2010 at 2:55 PM ^
With some titles, offices, and/or people I'd rather not know what's going on every minute of every day. Show me the results good or bad and I'll judge their actions by those rather than what they had for dinner or watched on TV.
I think it demeans the position, but I'm sure I'm the only one.
December 3rd, 2010 at 3:35 PM ^
Nope. You're not.
December 3rd, 2010 at 2:56 PM ^
Love the blog. Now we don't have to worry about determining what Brandon said and what Lynn Henning, Terry Foster, and other Detroit area column-jockeys think he said.