Complete speculation - Fritz Henderson for AD?
This has nothing rooted in fact or rumor, just pure speculation.
I went to B-school with Fritz Henderson, the recently deposed CEO of General Motors who played baseball at U of M in the late 1970's. Might he be a candidate for AD? I'm guessing he might be more interested in another shot at the brass ring of a major corporation, but if the head of Domino's might be a candidate how about Fritz?
I thought the timing of his leaving GM was a bit odd.
December 13th, 2009 at 9:11 PM ^
Brings up a nice discussion....I guess we'll see what happens,however I doubt it. I think it's gonna be Brandon
December 13th, 2009 at 9:19 PM ^
Bates
December 13th, 2009 at 9:38 PM ^
Manuel
December 13th, 2009 at 9:48 PM ^
Fritz Henderson - not.
December 13th, 2009 at 10:06 PM ^
want an AD with a history of business success
December 13th, 2009 at 10:13 PM ^
Yes, I guess getting to the top of GM = complete failure. That Michigan Bus degree and Harvard MBA are pretty worthless too...
December 13th, 2009 at 10:23 PM ^
Those are certainly pretty accomplishments for the resume, but they do not automatically translate into success as an athletic director. Also, nobody called him a "complete failure," and nobody called his degrees "worthless." You can hardly blame a fan for wanting a successor with proven track record of finishing in the black. Michigan has to look beyond "ooh look, a former CEO of a major US company with excellent academic credentials! We're sold!"
December 13th, 2009 at 10:39 PM ^
I was responding to the comment: "Don't make me gag - want an AD with a history of business success" I was just saying getting to the top of GM might be considered success. Not saying he would be a great AD, nor suggesting it. Both Canham and Martin were first and foremost successful businessman, a key ingredient for success in my opinion.
December 14th, 2009 at 1:27 AM ^
Fritz Henderson was CEO of GM for like 2 seconds (7 months actually). His head got rolled so the CEO of GM wouldn't have the stigma of being the guy who fired everybody like Fritz did. Not advocating for him per se, but implying that mere association with GM should taint a potential candidate is pretty silly. Frankly, as far as making cold blooded business decisions goes, is there anyone more qualified?
December 14th, 2009 at 12:04 AM ^
Henderson actually had success wherever he was posted with GM until he took over GM America, and it can be argued that he really couldn't undo everything that was piled on him in time.
So yeah, awesome point there.
December 13th, 2009 at 10:11 PM ^
...or give me death!
December 13th, 2009 at 10:16 PM ^
for your last meal?
December 13th, 2009 at 10:27 PM ^
Either one, as long as it will make David Brandon become the new AD.
December 13th, 2009 at 11:01 PM ^
Dave Brandon would be fine, but De Carolis would be better in my opinion. The only thing better than a great corporate resume is a great AD resume.
December 13th, 2009 at 11:27 PM ^
but I talked to a guy who told me that his second cousin's girlfriend's pet dog's mom's owner makes copies for an assistant of Joe Castiglione, and he said that Castiglione has accepted an offer to become M's new AD, along with Bob Stoops as the head coach and Jim Harbaugh as the defensive coordinator. This source is legit. No word on whether Harbaugh gets his own bathroom.
December 14th, 2009 at 4:31 AM ^
I'm partial to De Carolis, myself.
December 14th, 2009 at 10:39 AM ^
the main reason being is that I do not think that he has the passion for sports or intercollegiate athletics that is an absolute requirement for the AD job.
December 14th, 2009 at 8:38 PM ^
He played for the baseball team while he was at Michigan. I think he would have some passion for intercollegiate athletics...