CC: Jim Mora, Jr - Everything Michigan Needs

Submitted by blue_shift on

Why aren't we discussing Jim Mora, Jr. here? It seems like he would be the perfect fit for Michigan.

He's only 53 years old, runs a clean program, and is currently paid less than $2 million at UCLA. He's twice the coach of Hoke, at half the price. And his offensive scheme could fit our current personnel. No need for another disruptive offensive transition.

Why do I think he'd be great? First of all, he's had success at all levels of the game - from the NFL to college. He coached under Mariucci & Holmgren, comes from a strong football pedigree (PLAYOFFS?!) and made the NFC Championship Game with the Falcons.

Next, he clearly understands the importance of winning games and beating rivals. In 2011, UCLA was 6-8. In Mora's first year, they went 9-5 and beat USC. He won 10 games the next year, and has won 9 games this year - and as a former DB, he understands how to play defense against the heavy offensive hitters of the Pac-12.

On the recruiting trail, he catapulted a mediocre UCLA class into the Top 15 almost immediately and consistently brings in talent. He's proven he can also develop that talent, as he's sent guys to the NFL.

So why not Mora? He's young, enthusiastic, ethical, talented, understands the academic needs of a public university, recruits well, and has won at all levels of the game.

 

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wolverine1987

December 5th, 2014 at 11:38 AM ^

He is kind of a soft coach that does not get the best of his players. This can't be proven and it's only my opinion, but his teams lose games they should not lose every year, and get embarrassed at least once per year--leading him this year to concoct some phony face paint scheme to motivate and toughen up his players, which like yuck. 

Joined: 07/07/2008

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Bblue09

December 9th, 2014 at 5:53 PM ^

Seen two paid rumor sites, one citing the UCLA side and one citing Michigan side, that Mora to Michigan will be announced no later than 12-14.  Offer is expected at around 4.2M a year.  Source on Michigan was "extremely pessimistic" Harbaugh could be convinced to leave the NFL.  

Joined: 12/09/2014

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raleighwood

December 4th, 2014 at 10:51 PM ^

I agree that Michigan needs a big name (and Mora would count).  This  is mostly because of the last two failures.  If I'm the AD, I'm going for the most "can't miss" name available.  Harbaugh(s) are 1A.  Saban (not happening) would also fall into this category.  Miles and Mora would be 1B's.  If they slip much lower than that, the AD is getting into risk territory (with a few notable  exceptions).

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The Victors

December 4th, 2014 at 6:56 PM ^

I don't think many people will argue with you that he would be a solid hire.

However, I believe it was rumored that Texas offered him the job before Charlie Strong, and Mora turned them down. So why would he come to Michigan?

Joined: 02/01/2010

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Gameboy

December 4th, 2014 at 7:47 PM ^

Look, I heard the interview that Jim Mora Jr gave on the local Sports Radio (Seattle). It was after he turned down the offer from University of Washington and he went to great details on why turned down both Texas and UW - due to his family - he does not want to move.

If he won't take the money (Texas) and won't come back to his roots (UW, for which he got fired from Atlanta Falcons after saying that he would coach there in a sec if offered), why the hell would he come to Michigan?

Can we have some semblance to reality on these threads?

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newtopos

December 4th, 2014 at 7:12 PM ^

I believe it was more than a rumor.  I believe there is an article describing all of the things Texas put on the table trying to land him, including flying out relatives from CA to every home game in Texas on a private plane.  If he was motivated by the financials, he had that opportunity last year.

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LSAClassOf2000

December 4th, 2014 at 7:28 PM ^

I don't think we can stop people from speculating entirely, but to be fair, we have clamped down a bit on the ridiculously outlandish / parody ones (unless it is a particularly good parody) until further notice just to alleviate some clutter. I would think that Jim Mora, Jr. - fan or not of the idea - probably isn't wholly unrealistic as a consideration. 

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93Grad

December 4th, 2014 at 6:57 PM ^

at the very least he has shown he can win with young players at key positions.  Academics are similar and he has proven he can recruit.

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