Brandon & the Cloak of Silence
With the endless CC & recruiting threads, something obvious just struck me. Not only has DB done a great job of not wavering and staying on message, he has also done a great job of maintaining an invulnerable cloak of silence. So often, someone in the office blabs what is going to happen. To be true, this often is caused by someone at the top sharing info with someone who can't be trusted. I think that there may have been some version of this that happened in the coaching search after Carr. (Specifically, in regards to Les Miles.) Perhaps DB learned from that debacle. Regardless, he has done a masterful job of keeping his own mouth shut.
DB's ability to keep his own counsel and keep his mouth shut will pay dividends in various ways. He is sending a clear message to the entire athletic program.
- First, he is a man of his word.
- Second, he will not be swayed by the masses or by media pressure.
- Third, if he is willing to act this way with the football program, no less can be expected all the way down through all sports teams at Michigan.
- Fourth, there are very limited backdoors in the athletic administration. Often, there are toadies or folks behind the scenes who spill the beans. Having a united front and lack of loose lips in the admin is very impressive.
- Fifth, no one in the media can expect special treatment from DB.
I'm reminded of the scene in "The Right Stuff" where John Glenn refuses to cave to media whore pressure from LBJ. By DB taking heat now, and yes, causing some discomfort for RR & for the recruiting world, healthy patterns are being set that will pay significant dividends throughout all sports at Michigan for years to come. I salute him, and have full confidence in the process as regards RR & our football team.
December 21st, 2010 at 11:20 AM ^
Actually, I think that's mainly a function of there being nothing to blab. Meaning what Brandon said is actually true in spirit and not just in the most technical sense (which itself is actually pretty rare for an AD) and he actually hasn't made up his mind yet.
December 21st, 2010 at 11:28 AM ^
I don't see how DB could not have made up his mind at this point. He has been intimately involved with the FB program all season, including being on the sidelines, talking to the players, talking with recruits, talking with alum and former players and meeting with RR regularly.
If he has not made up his mind at this point, and he is going to rely on a "formal" review process or the results of a single bowl game against Miss. State, than to me, this speaks of indecision and a refusal to recognize that running an athletic department is different than running a corporation in some regards.
I am not saying that this is the case - I actually thing that he has made up his mind (at least largely), but that he has his reasons for not announcing the decision (the whole JH-already-all-but signed conspiracy, or perhaps not wanting to take away from this team's bowl experience, or, if RR is staying, perhaps wanting to wait until after what he believes to be a likely bowl win to announce so that the fanbase will accept the decision better - who knows what his reasons are). But, I don't think that it is reasonable to believe that he hasn't made up his mind.
December 21st, 2010 at 11:43 AM ^
He thinks he might love this other girl, but if he finds out he can't have her, he is keeping the current one around just in case. I think it is that simple.
December 21st, 2010 at 12:34 PM ^
December 21st, 2010 at 12:38 PM ^
I think the Harbaugh thing is almost entirely a media-fueled monster. I'd love to believe that Brandon is waiting to find out if Harbaugh is going to be available or not. But by now the people who know, know. If Brandon had made up his mind "yes", he'd have announced it - he wouldn't be so stupid as to let things hang. If he'd made up his mind "no", Harbaugh would be here by now, or a search would be ongoing, the details of which would leak like a sieve because that's what athletic departments do.
If you mean it's unreasonable to think Brandon hasn't already drawn his conclusions on the season, then sure. If you're thinking Brandon already knows what he's going to do WRT RR, no. He doesn't.
December 21st, 2010 at 1:27 PM ^
I believe Richrod is going to go into this game as a make or break. He has a couple weeks of extra practices with a 100% healthy Denard and i think his plan is to blow the dust off the last few pages of the play book he has not yet been able to impliment and Michigan is going to look like the machine we have been waiting for.
December 21st, 2010 at 1:50 PM ^
I really want to see this! Also, I agree. I think the players will make it happen and Rich Rod will be around for several more years... and a couple national championships. Write that down.
December 21st, 2010 at 2:03 PM ^
I wouldn't say make or break. If I had to put money on something I'd say RR will be back win or lose, unless the game is a complete and total debacle.
December 21st, 2010 at 4:29 PM ^
I 100% agree with you. I think the Gator Bowl is a one game interview for next year's coaching job.
December 21st, 2010 at 5:40 PM ^
If he'd made up his mind "no", Harbaugh would be here by now, or a search would be ongoing, the details of which would leak like a sieve because that's what athletic departments do.
You are ignoring two factors here:
1. Harbaugh may not want to come until after the bowl. He may have a strong desire to coach his Stanford players in their crowning achievement - a BCS bowl. Brandon can't just snap his fingers and make Harbaugh appear. When you go after an established coach, you do it on his timetable, not yours.
2. Brandon and Harbaugh are good friends. They don't need any third-party involvement. If they speak on the phone, but don't discuss it with their associates, who would know?
December 21st, 2010 at 12:44 PM ^
...is likely already made, to your point. As posited before, perhaps he's placating the alumni and boosters AND keeping RR sharp and in DIRE NEED of a BOWL GAME VICTORY.
Dirty tactics? Meh...
December 21st, 2010 at 5:45 PM ^
How exactly does this "keep RR sharp"? Doesn't this create a major distraction for him before the bowl? If anything, I think he'd have a much easier time preparing for this without the burden of a possible firing weighing on his shoulders. I'm guessing he's had quite a few sleepless nights.
December 21st, 2010 at 6:17 PM ^
What if
1) DB wants to get rid of coaches who are longtime associates of RR but has seen, in his judgement, that RR is loyal to a fault
2) He thinks he may be able to get JH, but only after the bowl game and JH (though informal communication) is not willing to commit to a yes or no, yet
So, after the bowl games (both Michigan and Standford), assuming we get neutral results (close wins or close losses for both)
1) DB goes to JH to get a yes or no
2) DB then goes to RR and says, "You have to get rid of all of the coaches on the defensive side of the ball. All of them. YOU can hire a new DC, but the new DC WILL pick all of the assistants, none of which should be associates / friends of yours."
If RR says no way. I will get rid of Gerg but the rest of the coaching staff stays. If JH has declined (for whatever reason: wants to stay at Stanford one more year, wants an NFL head coaching gig, etc), then DB will say, OK, you make all of the staffing decisions, but next year, the decision will be the day after the OSU game, and you had better win.
If RR says no way and JH has said yes, RR goes out the door, JH is hired.
If RR says OK DB, we will do it your way, the RR gets to stay.
I think there are at least two more decision trees in the following two scenarios:
2) Michigan dominates their bowl game and Stanford gets blown out
3) Stanford dominates their bowl game and Michigan gets blown out
I am not going to detail scenarios 2) and 3).
Sure, this is all rank speculation, but it is something that someone of DB intelligence and experience MIGHT do.
December 21st, 2010 at 11:22 AM ^
But in all seriousness, I would agree with you. There has not been a single shred of meaningful intel about where this is headed. Does anyone in the MGoBlogosphere know a bit more about how these types of processes typically play out in a university setting. Who is likely to be included in the inner circle?
December 21st, 2010 at 11:27 AM ^
EXACTLY what I had in mind, thanks for the memories.
December 21st, 2010 at 3:21 PM ^
is "EXACTLY" what you had in mind, then why did you use "cloak"?
December 21st, 2010 at 11:22 AM ^
You should make this into a diary
/s
December 21st, 2010 at 11:23 AM ^
everyone is sick of seeing CC threads but formelyanon keeps deleting everyones OT posts so we can keep our minds off of this crap.
December 21st, 2010 at 11:26 AM ^
I don't necessarily think the CC threads are what drive people nuts. Its CC threads that have the same content in 7 other CC threads since OSU.
But, lack of OT during such a long stretch doesn't help. BUT... the rules are rules.
December 21st, 2010 at 12:02 PM ^
Try seven a day since the OSU game. Maybe we should have designated one day of the week as "CC Thread Day" and everyone could get it out of their systems. We could all save our thoughts/opinions until that day and "let the poison out" (Howard Stern reference) then and only then . . .
December 21st, 2010 at 11:23 AM ^
This is a good point, supported by more good sub-points. How is this possible?
Nice post and I'll tend to agree with you. For how much it sucks sitting here and waiting for a response, it would be just as bad for DB to not stand up to his word and evaluate the whole program after the season. Mind you, I still think it would be more beneficial to come out and announce something sooner rather than later, but this is a respectable approach by DB, IMO.
December 21st, 2010 at 12:36 PM ^
...if Brandon makes one only because people keep asking for it then think about the kind of precedent that sets. Before long after every loss people will be clamoring about the job status of the coach. Then after every game. And eventually Brandon will have to make an announcement everyday on the status of the coach. Give an inch & they take a mile. There is no end to this kind of absurdity. Will we have a daily color-coded hot seat alert similar to Homeland Security's terrorist alert system (yellow today, FWIW)? Let's hope not.
Brandon has, repeatedly, stated that he will evaluate teams/coaches after completion of their seasons. Personally, I think that means that Rodriguez will probably be back and that this is all just a big non-story. But the silence sure keeps us outsiders curious about what is going on and constantly checking Mgoblog.com It almost makes me think that Brandon has equity in this website and is trying to drive up its numbers before an Mgoblog IPO.
December 21st, 2010 at 1:21 PM ^
And maybe the only point. Has the Iowa AD issues a press release that they are keeping their Football Coach so the recruits don't have to worry?
How about MSU? How do we know they'll keep their Head Coach without having a press release stating it's true?
Basically the only reason this is a story is because it's Michigan and there are enough people who hate Rodriguez to make bringing the issue up create click thru.
It has intrigued me how many people on this site post that they wish they knew the answer. But the answer is, "Brandon hasn't fired anyone". Assuming he will fire the Head Coach is basing an assumption on no information.
I do appreciate the OP's viewpoint and the way he presented this. I will say that Brandon hasn't been completely silent. There is an interview with Angelique from a couple weeks ago, so "post OSU" but "pre Bowl". So he hasn't completely shut down interactions with the Media. Just those portions of the media who are fiction writers instead of reporters of fact.
December 21st, 2010 at 11:25 AM ^
fairly well thought out. And more than just pounding the key board and saying "Only Brandon Knows."
December 21st, 2010 at 11:24 AM ^
D.B has been saying that he would evaluate the entire program after the season even when we were 5-0.
December 21st, 2010 at 11:28 AM ^
Why was Beilein given the nod after playing a pretty weak early season schedule and having an extra year on RR? DB did note the youth on the team which in basketball is far less a concern than in football.
December 21st, 2010 at 11:41 AM ^
Because Beilein has long term job security at Michigan and Rodriguez doesn't. In the Detroit News a few weeks ago, Brandon endorsed him as coach at least through the time when the facility upgrades can take hold. So the policy of evaluating all 27 sports after each season applies to not quite every coach. It works really well to avoid having to answer questions on the football coach right now though.
The people who hold out hope Rodriguez is going to get a stay of execution should probably ask themselves why Beilein got this endorsement and Rodriguez hasn't considering the obvious importance of stability in football (the most important sport)? The answer is pretty obvious.
Here's what is known from public statements or lack of them: Harbaugh isn't dealing with any of this while he coaches the program he built into a power plays in it's first BCS bowl game. That has been the word and behavior since they whipped Oregon State. Therefore, we are in a holding pattern. If Harbaugh somehow falls through, Brandon wants to maintain the option to bring Rich back. It isn't his first choice clearly. Made even more difficult by the goofy outburst at the banquet a couple weeks ago.
The obvious answer in light of all the facts is usually the best one. Waste of time trying to outthink the room.
December 21st, 2010 at 12:27 PM ^
As usual, NateVolk makes complete sense.
Brandon is seeking Harbaugh, but if it doesn't work out he'll stick with RR for one more year and see how it goes.
December 21st, 2010 at 12:27 PM ^
don't know why this originally got negged. I agree with you. The only way to actually get a decent idea of what will occur is to look at it with common sense. There is definitely a chance RR gets to stick around (and I'm hoping he does get that chance), but I think Brandon wants to see what happens with Harbaugh before jumping to conclusions. As weird as it sounds, from what has occurred so far, I think the ball is in fact in Harbaugh's court, which in my view is unfortunate.
December 21st, 2010 at 1:20 PM ^
Brandon is doing exactly what he said he would, wait until after the season. Giving an endorsement now wouldn't be doing that now would it? Or is that too obvious?
December 21st, 2010 at 2:00 PM ^
In the Detroit News a few weeks ago, Brandon endorsed him [Beilein] as coach at least through the time when the facility upgrades can take hold. So the policy of evaluating all 27 sports after each season applies to not quite every coach.
December 21st, 2010 at 6:40 PM ^
As you stated, there is a reason Beilein get's to stay. I think he will get evaluated after the season, but DB thinks there is no chance Beilein will be let go.
If DB thinks there is even a 10% chance that RR is let go, then he can't give him a vote of confidence. Can he?
All we knpw is there is a realistic chance (at least 10%) that RR will be let go. There is also a realistic chance (again at least 10%) that RR will be kept.
Everything is rank (but very entertaining) speculation.
December 21st, 2010 at 11:28 AM ^
...DB keeping his own counsel, it's impressive that there aren't rumors being peddled from inside the AD. This goes to a certain organizational discipline that only occurs when folks understand there are consequences for leaks and effective compartmenting of information.
December 21st, 2010 at 11:33 AM ^
You clearly articulated what I meant to say in my OP. Being a former (current?) military man, you get this (the need for organizational discipline and consequences for leaks.) Discipline in the AD Office is really the major thing I wanted to praise, even if for selish reasons, I wish we knew NOW what was going to happen.
December 21st, 2010 at 11:46 AM ^
I have been going with a gut feeling that he is waiting until after the bowls to pursue a name or two that he wants, and if they do not pan out then he will stay with RR. I am starting to waver on that slightly with the continued silence. I would have to assume if that was his plan, he would have put a few feelers out there. It is one this to keep leaks from sprouting in your own office, but it would be really difficult to keep other coaches and their circles from spilling something. Even media types (Herbstreit) can open their mouths and sabatoge an AD's plans. He is either the best secret keeper ever, or he has not been in contact at all with anyone.
December 21st, 2010 at 12:06 PM ^
I like your point.
While I may disagree and believe that DB plans to keep RR around, I think you are examining an interesting viewpoint that hasn't been looked at very much yet. Whenever a coach is being contacted, regardless of how tight the seals are within the athletic department, there always seem to be parties that stand to benefit from making the information pubic, be it the coach in contact to receive a raise from his school (not relevant in our case), an agent in the know representing a coach who could benefit from the first coach leaving (someone looking to take over for Harbaugh), someone looking to sabotage the other groups plans (Herbstreit '08), or just some excited secretary/intern that opens their mouth.
I haven't heard any 'inside information' I believe to have come from inside the athletic department or someone close to JH, which leads me to believe the similar points you made, UMdad: either DB is a master secret keeper or he really hasn't done much in the way of contacting/working with JH.
I'm not a fan of the "DB didn't publicly support RR like he did with Beilein in that one brief question from the newspaper so therefore he is for sure getting rid of RR" theories because it doesn't logically prove anything except make a theory and because most of its supporters are condescending/absolutely correct (/sarcasm). I think this viewpoint shows 1.) people can bend their theories to match facts however they want and 2.) we might as well just find something else to talk about until sometime in early January.
December 21st, 2010 at 12:17 PM ^
"...making the information pubic."
Nothing against you personally, but that misspelling always cracks me up.
December 21st, 2010 at 4:49 PM ^
I like this guy's thinking. Hats off to you... For bringing common sense to the fold.
December 21st, 2010 at 4:51 PM ^
I agree with you, 08Alumnus (and UMDad), how likely is it that everyone could stay quiet? Which leads to the next question -- how likely is it that Brandon would think he could pull off a coaching search starting from scratch on January 2? Hmmmm . . . .
December 21st, 2010 at 5:49 PM ^
On your first question, it's actually quite likely, given that Brandon and Harbaugh are friends. They don't need to contact each other through third parties. It's not that difficult for two people to keep a secret. It gets harder when the secret is known by 20-30 people.
December 22nd, 2010 at 8:01 AM ^
Loose lips sinks ships.
OPSEC people, OPSEC.
December 21st, 2010 at 11:29 AM ^
Your title would be great for a mystery/drama movie or book.
December 21st, 2010 at 11:30 AM ^
While many of us may disagree with how DB has handled the last few weeks, I fully support his right to make this choice and respect the fact that he has at least stuck to his word. While we all have had to endure recruiting decommitments, endless CC articles from the media with no substance, and our own self-inflicted flogging on this board, DB has not wavered. It has been a long 24 days since the loss to tOSU, but at least it is only 11 days until we get to see our team in action on NYD and only 14 to 16 days until this chapter is complete in our complicated drama. DB is telling us nothing until then so all we should be doing is focusing on the game and our hopes for a Michigan victory.
December 21st, 2010 at 11:33 AM ^
Is dead right. In my company, I try to keep leaks on financial performance, bonuses, and restructuring to a minimum. Part of it is because we have deals with a few publicly traded companies so it becomes a major issue if our performance can be tied to theirs. Leaks are death. However, our partners tend to leak stuff all the time. Improve whisper numbers, get better street coverage, etc. It's odd that the publicly traded guys would do that while us small little private guys are verbotten from doing it, but that is the nature of the business.
I think DB just hasn't made up his mind about the defensive staff. I think if Harbaugh was already given and accepted the job, his side would have leaked it. This is not a guy who is known to keep his mouth shut. The fact that we haven't heard ANYTHING from his side speaks volumes to me. DB isn't leaking anything because....there is nothing to leak.
December 21st, 2010 at 12:28 PM ^
I think if Harbaugh was already given and accepted the job, his side would have leaked it.
Wrong.. Harbaugh will finish what he started. What you suggest, they they'd leak it, is the LAST thing Harbaugh would do. Harbaugh would never throw his current team under the bus, as you suggest.
December 21st, 2010 at 1:14 PM ^
As a Wall Street analyst, I agree completely with what you're saying. There is no way that JH has already been offered the job, because it would have leaked already if he had.
December 21st, 2010 at 6:35 PM ^
Maybe JH was unofficially offered the job in a private, unbugged, in person conversation between DB and JH.
DB: "I want you to be the next head coach at Michigan. But, you have to give me an yes or no right now."
JH: "OK, I want it. But I want to coach Stanford in the bowl game. My players deserve it without them knowing I was leaving."
DB: "Fine. We will wait till after the bowl games. But, I have not told anyone, including my wife. If I hear from any semi-credible source that you will be the next head coach, the deal is off. I am keeping Rich in the dark. If I don't hire you, I will go with him."
JH: "Done. I don't want anyone to know either."
<They shake hands>
========
Or maybe it went like this:
DB: "I want you to be the next head coach at Michigan. But, you have to give me an yes or no right now."
JH: "I just can't give you an answer right now. I want to wait till after the bowl game."
DB: "OK, we can talk again after the bowl game. There is a strong possibility I WON'T be offering you the job after the bowl game.
JH: "Completely understand. Let's talk after the bowl game, either way."
========
Or maybe it went like this:
JH: "I am ready to be the head coach at U of M. You should hire me."
DB: "You may well be a better coach than Rich, but believe it or not I haven't made up my mind yet. If we have a good bowl game and Rich is willing to make big changes to his staff I am going to keep him. But would you be interested after the bow game?"
JH: "Sure. Let's talk after the bowls."
========
The possibilities are endless.
December 21st, 2010 at 11:35 AM ^
This cloak of silence is creating so much attention! Most people will agree, attention is a good thing. Even if some is negative...We Still Matter!!!! That is what is important. Focus on the positives.
A lesson I learned a long time ago...When the attention stops, then you should worry. Means nobody cares anymore.
We have a winning season.
We're going to an awesome bowl game in "Highly Recruited Territory" (HRT)
We are putting together a solid recruiting class
etc...
December 21st, 2010 at 11:37 AM ^
I agree. Not even Julian Assange could tell us what's going on in Dave Brandon's office.
December 21st, 2010 at 11:39 AM ^
Wait a minute. It might not be DB's masterful skills here; there is another way of looking at this, where DB doesn't look so good.
Not saying this is what I think, but, just examine the evidence. First, there's another zone of silence, this in Palo Alto. There was a little news of a possible extension to JH's K, but, that dried up in terms of news. JH will only talk about his "current job," he won't give the Saban-like promises that he isn't leaving and loves his job yada yada yada. His brother had that comment quoted this weekend, dripping with intrigue and hinting at a change (which admittedly could be to the NFL or could be to AA). JH's wife is giving birth this month, his team is in a BCS bowl on Jan. 3, both reasons to leave the status quo until 2011. Those are just facts, period.
Isn't it plausible -- just plausible -- that JH, probably through intermediaries, told DB that he'll take the job but he needs it SILENT for a whole month so he won't have to go all Les-Miles, damn-strong-team etc etc etc while he plays out his current schedule (and his wife gives birth) before it all happens. So DB, telling no one else, is sitting mum until Jan. 4.
Is that all masterful by DB? Showing great ethos? Maybe. Or maybe he's just biding his time as he's been told do to.
And I give you this. If it's such high ethics to go this route -- what is he doing to Rich this month? I really, really feel badly for RR, even if he is kept with an extension. A whole month of flapping in the wind, recruits & families asking him what's going on, going to bed and waking up having no idea if he's wanted or not. If RR has no idea, then, it's downright mean to have him stressing a whole month for a decision DB already has to know. One bowl game can't decide the man's fate, esp. one against MSU (Not That MSU) -- what the heck do we know about MSU (NTMSU) that will be such a measuring stick? Bill Stewart got a job based on a bowl game, how'd that turn out. And, if RR is doomed to be fired, look at all the other jobs he could have applied for. (Frankly, I think RR would be a GREAT fit in Maryland -- he can recruit Florida, he knows the ACC, the ACC is a joke and his offense would prosper, and he turned a team in WVU not all that far away into a power. But that gig's gone this week.) So this is nuts, DB leaving RR out for a month.
And where is it written that it's more moral to wait until the end of the season (post-bowl game) to evaluate/fire a coach? Again, one game makes a difference? So many other schools don't wait. Does that mean Miami et al. are not as moral as we are? Or that, DB's idea of what is "right" Is not quite so in touch with the industry (where, frankly, he has worked less than a year)? Tom Goss thought he was taking the high road with the basketball team in hiring Ellerby, and not going outside the program at the beginnign of a season... and that was the worst "high road" decision made in the history of athletics anywhere. Then Ed Martin wanted to take the high road and wait for the end of the season -- and we missed out on Rick Pitino for that reason because we got into the game so late (and just barely missed getting him).
I would argue, if DB is really so fraking smart and ethical and worthy of praise, he wouldn't be having RR dangling over the ledge for a month while DB taps his fingers. I don't blame RR for not looking at DB as they pass in the hall.
This doesn't smell of DB doing the "right thing" -- it smells of him playing to JH's schedule. Which, I for one, don't mind in the least. I just feel REAL BAD for Rich Rodriguez, no matter the outcome.