CC: Pequeno: Sources Say Michigan Officials are in San Francisco

No.

SPY

per se, but I think we can actually piece this puzzle together pretty well. I think you will find that actually much of the daily reporting though slightly overblown in detail actually gives a fairly clear picture of how things have gone down. We should definitely bow to our Michigan insiders for all their interpretative work in ferreting out the searchbits with relevance and those without.

This is what I think about that: I don't think that Jim Hackett and Jim Harbaugh have never met face to face. And that will happen soon if not already.  I think they've probably talked by phone and that Michigan's early efforts between the Hackett team and a select group of Michigan alums and Harbaugh ex-teammates and friends helped do the emotional persuasion work while our search leader worked on the practical issues, and contract requirements for getting Captain Comeback to come back to A2.

I think some of the early reports in the search that were significant and have proven themselves were those indicating Hackett's intention to work directly through the 49ers organization, and to keep everyone in the loop but not in direct line of communication. That has also been verified in various ways in recent days.

I think that the report indicating that JH had consulted Mark Schissel and several regents about JH's contract requirements was an extremely important meeting, and that once this passed the president's desk, a contract proposal was set in motion.

Michigan never offered until it was ready to do so. Indications that it had were simply overblown or misinterpreted.

Now, most of the subterfuge in the search has come from the West Coast and the agent representing our target candidate. He's had a variety of reasons for getting certain messages out, while other members of the Harbaugh team have been leaking other info. Some of this has been to muddy the waters, and keep Harbaugh in a complete no-lose leverage situation. And it has worked.

The one thing nobody on the other side counted on is the professionalism and effectiveness of the man heading the Michigan search. Again, if this does happen, I give complete credit to Michigan's president for hiring Mr. Hackett. He has delegated, assumed responsibility, listened to all concerned and acted with decisive aplomb and effectiveness.

If a last-minute hitch blows this deal, it won't be because of the Hackett victory team. If you wanted to create a timeline for these events and how things have shaken out, you could do it. Brian has given us really good roadmap through this quest.

We should realize that the NFL insiders and scribes are only reporting what they're being told from others not alligned with Michigan, and that explains their attitude and gap in reporting. It's not that they are necessarily wrong, obstinant or can't see the light. It's just that they see the pro game as bigger than college and are hardpressed to see the emotional tug Michigan has on one of the best coaches in football, bar none, pro or otherwise.

ShutYourWhoreMouth.

He is on a personal mission to repeat each "Man vs. Food" episode. I believe today was Mount Nachismo day at Tio's.

I agree. Awhile ago I asked them to throw me a bone. They've done that. I hope they get their man but by golly they've done their best.

I hope so, but the "everything" you refer to is really just internet rumors that 1) Harbaugh will be hired, and 2) they will announce him on Tues. if this were really wrapped up and the announcement was just 4 days away I wouldn't expect that it could be kept quiet. So far, the info hasnt been solid enough for a single national writer (or even a local writer w a respectable publication) to put it in an article that JH is a done deal and that he'll be announced on Tues.

Bought mine wednesday!!