CC: which sources are credible/not?

Submitted by Eye of the Tiger on

As you are all assuredly aware, there's a TON of noise about our coaching search. So I thought this could be a place where we discuss the relative credibility of sources--especially the ones who make the strongest assertions (e.g. Football Scoop, GH, etc.).

So who do you find credible/not credible and why?

 

 

Cali Wolverine

December 8th, 2014 at 10:09 AM ^

and then trying to take credit on the off chance they were right. Oh yeah and Jim Harbaugh. He is credible, but I don't thnk he has said a single word about the Michigan job.

Brimley

December 8th, 2014 at 10:12 AM ^

I like Brian.  He's measured and logical.  Doesn't throw shit out just to get people going.  Tells what he knows, logically considers others' pov (with links).  He's done a good job with this wildfire.

Everyone Murders

December 8th, 2014 at 10:15 AM ^

THE_KNOWLEDGE, just based on track record.

My hope otherwise is that no source is credible, because I'd love for Michigan and its search firm to keep the process under wraps - so long as they produce a great coach.  Florida and Nebraska did a pretty good job of keeping it quiet, but they did not undergo particularly long search periods. 

If Michigan is able to keep the good info out of the public's awareness during a more protracted search, I view that as evidence of best practices.  Loose lips ... .

MaizieGoBlue

December 8th, 2014 at 10:20 AM ^

I think everyone is credible, but Harbaugh is using smoke screens to avoid the Miles/Herbstreet disaster of 07.

I notice that it's the NFL writers mostly that are saying Harbaugh has no interest in leaving the NFL. I think the "leaks" are being strategically given to NFL people eager to be first to report, all the while, JH is planning his move to AA.

Wishful thinking you say? maybe, but it's all I have right now.

charblue.

December 8th, 2014 at 12:57 PM ^

been pretty accurate. In examining credibility, you have to judge the purpose of the leak or report. It's a current hot take, lots of clicks.

But the perameters of credibility are based on logic and timing. Most of the reports that have recently surfaced with the most credibility are coming out of Michigan, not the West Coast. Most the reports denying Harbaugh's interest are coming from industry observers, mean NFL industry people.

I thought hiring a head-hunting firm was a very smart move on the part of Hackett because it would aid him in acting behind the scenes with little fanfare and greater disguise

You don't have to be an insider to figure this crap out. The longer Michigan waits, the more likely Harbaugh comes to Ann Arbor. If he were out of the picture, they could move immediately on somebody else. The college season is over. So, contract availability is the primary issue along with remaining games for pro coaches.

I believe this: Harbaugh is somewhat reluctant to leave the NFL, the highest level of football competition. However, he knows that going to Michigan now has to happen or this opportunity may not come again. That is his dilemma along with family-related concerns.

But the key is this, as long as you don't hear Harbaugh say he's out or Michigan changes timeline course, then Harbaugh remains the top choice with first refusal rights. After that, it's a guessing game.

Heinous Wagner

December 8th, 2014 at 10:59 AM ^

As someone who's been a working journalist for 33 years, most of the old rules about sources still apply, even in the digital age.

--Whoever is closest is usually the most reliable. In the case of Harbaugh, the best two sources are the coach and Hackett. And then the working beat reporters for the 49ers. Notice I said "reporters," not "columnists." Who is more trustworthy, Wojo or Sharp? 

--Does the rumor or tidbit sound plausible? Read all of this stuff with your BS detector set on "stun." Others have warned about clickbait, and that's bang-on. The journalists who are working today are being driven by their bosses to provide this kind of thing, and it's more important than truth, follow-through, fairness or many other attributes. If your analytics don't look good, you're gone.

--In the blogosphere, where you still go with proximity and plausibility. Then factor in track record, and here's where Brian goes to the head of the class with this old ink-stained wretch. He's well-sourced, fair and careful about what he posts; therefore, what he says carries additional weight.

Rhino77

December 8th, 2014 at 12:21 PM ^

I accidentaly tuned into Cowherd this morning and he brought up Michigan again and his "sourced" candate. 

I get the feeling he is talking about Sean Payton. 

Perkis-Size Me

December 8th, 2014 at 3:21 PM ^

Please, someone explain to me the logic behind Sean Payton. Didn't he just sign a huge contract extension with the Saints last year? Why on Earth would he ever leave New Orleans? Especially when he has one of the best QBs in the NFL running his offense.

He's having one down year. They'll storm back to winning 10-13 games next season.

Harbaugh is a more likely candidate than Payton. And I'm a guy who believes there's about 0% chance that Harbaugh comes back.




Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad

charblue.

December 8th, 2014 at 1:06 PM ^

He is prime dumbazz on the hoof. He is what he is. I don't even care if a portion of what he says might be true, because after this is over he will claim he got it mostly right. Listen to him at your peril.

CRISPed in the DIAG

December 8th, 2014 at 3:04 PM ^

"Sources closest to Jim" - not credible

"Former teammates of Harbaugh and former players close to the program" - credible

"NFL sources" - not credible

"Brian" - credible

"Sam" - not credible

"Cowherd" - nevermind.  you get the idea.