What Will It Take For You To Get Back On Board?

Submitted by Darker Blue on

Serious question. If Michigan wins out, would you be okay with Brady Hoke coming back next year. I mean Beilein says he's behind Hoke, and believes in Hoke, how the hell can you argue with Beilein? 

I think this team is improving, even though the defense took a step back this past weekend. 

 

So after rereading this, this is a poorly worded OP but I'm too lazy to change it. I'll neg myself and move on. Hopefully you understand what I was trying to say. 

mtzlblk

October 7th, 2014 at 11:24 AM ^

The incompetence on display this year, along with the duplicitous handling of any sensitive situation and the information surrounding it make it so there is no way I'm back on board, for Hoke, or Brandon. For me, this is not necessarily about the team's record.....I'm not really that upset at the losses....so a few wins are not going to change anything for me. I would be calling for Brandon to go even if we were undefeated.

ilah17

October 7th, 2014 at 11:33 AM ^

In the beginning of the season, I said I wanted to go 9-3 for Coach Hoke to stay. That is now impossible. I haven't changed my mind. I think we need a change, at head coach and at AD.

joubertly breathing

October 7th, 2014 at 11:34 AM ^

First off, I'm always on board (if I haven't left yet, I'll never leave).

But if Hoke wants me to get turnt for his Saturday clap-a-thons, all that I'd ask in return is a serious attempt at facial hair. Preferrably a big moustache. 

bj dickey

October 7th, 2014 at 11:34 AM ^

This will not be a popular opinion . . .

While I'm very, very unhappy with the way the team has played, and some elementary coaching mistakes, like failure to have 11 men on the field, I'm much more willing to forgive and forget as to Brady Hoke and the rest of this staff than I am to the A.D.

We knew this was a work in progress, and forecast the troubles likely to come this year two years ago.  And, here we are.  To me, the telltale year has, and continues to be next year.

That said, as as bad as this team has been this year, Brady is quickly running out of runway before he gets to next year.  Is it irreversible?  No.  If they .500, is it irreversible?  Maybe, but maybe not.  If the team can come together and play competetently under a new offensive system, I'm willing to cut them some slack, and cut the staff some slack, because it seems that they've put together quality recruits who should start to shine next year. 

As for Brandon, it's my opinion he should go.  Too many screw-ups.  Too much disdain for whom he regards the "little people".  Too much idignancy toward students.  Too much loud music.  Too much Coke.  Too much micromanagement.  Finally, too many democrats on the board of regents who are likely to be more than willing to let him go. 

I'd respectfully suggest that his demeanor over the last two weeks, the interviews he's given, and, if to be believed, the defensiveness of his emails and communications, is indicative not only that Schlissel has already made up his mind, but that Brandon knows it. 

Soulfire21

October 7th, 2014 at 11:36 AM ^

To be on board with Hoke?  As a HC, I'm not sure, winning out, a Big Ten championship game appearance and win (at 6-2 would be admittedly very unlikely, as each MSU and OSU would have to lose another game and I don't see that happening) and maybe I'm back on board.

Realistically, if he would just admit he's in over his head as HC of a major program and would accept a demotion to DLine coach.  He admittedly Michigan is his dream job, and he definitely can reach and capture top talent, he just can't develop them as a HC.

Soulfire21

October 7th, 2014 at 11:36 AM ^

To be on board with Hoke?  As a HC, I'm not sure, winning out, a Big Ten championship game appearance and win (at 6-2 would be admittedly very unlikely, as each MSU and OSU would have to lose another game and I don't see that happening) and maybe I'm back on board.

Realistically, if he would just admit he's in over his head as HC of a major program and would accept a demotion to DLine coach.  He admittedly Michigan is his dream job, and he definitely can reach and capture top talent, he just can't develop them as a HC.

CompleteLunacy

October 7th, 2014 at 12:15 PM ^

Setting aside the unlikeliness that Hoke goes 6-0 to end the year...if that does happen, I could envision a situation in which Penn State beats OSU in their home night game and then OSU beats MSU in their matchup. That would give PSU,OSU, and MSU at least two losses (since MIchigan would have beaten all three in the win out scenario). and Michigan wins the tiebreak and goes to Indianapolis (assuming no surprise run from Rutgers, the only team that at that point can have two losses but beat MIchigan in a tiebreak).

LSAClassOf2000

October 7th, 2014 at 11:38 AM ^

Like most people here, I would have to say that I believe I have seen all that I need to see in the case of Brandon - he has eroded the cofidence of too many in the department and I don't see how that leads to effective leadership. 

If Hoke won out (there's a thread on this already, but this is a different question, of course), he likely stay at least for another year regardless of any reservations I might have. More importantly, however, it would demonstrate an ability to coach and prepare and maximize talent that might warrant another year from the people who make that decision. Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing who they could get to do those things, especially maximize talent. 

Livonia Wolverine

October 7th, 2014 at 11:44 AM ^

I'm never getting back on the Hoke train. I'm embarrassed to have him represent the University of Michigan. He apparently struggles with the concept that you're allowed 11 men on the field, he struggles to put a clear structured sentence together, and overall he's just a shitty coach. As they say in Chicago-HE GONE.

bj dickey

October 7th, 2014 at 12:00 PM ^

I am not embarrassed to have Brady Hoke represent the University of Michigan.  He has handled himself well under this sh--storm.  Most coaches would not have handled this as well. 

Has he been less than effective as a coach?  Yes.  But I'm not embarrassed by that, and neither should you be.  After all, if we're only concerned with the record of the team, how are we any different that Auburn, and why not simply send bag men to recruits houses. 

I am embarrassed by Brandon.  This is a University.  Of which the Athletic Department is a piece.  It is not a University and a separate athletic department.  Put another way, the athletic department is here to serve the students, staff and community.  I cannot imagine the repercussions to the medical school, LSA, or any other school had their respective leaders handled their administrative duties with the same type of disregard for their consituents as has Mr. Brandon. 

McSomething

October 7th, 2014 at 11:49 AM ^

Where? And what it would take to get me back on board would be a new AD hiring a new head coach. Preferably one that has proven themselves already as a winner.

UMWolves

October 7th, 2014 at 11:55 AM ^

is what I want to see.  Oddly enough, the offense looked like it took a step forward last week, but that was missed for all the errors the defense made.  I have to remind myself daily that this offense is learning a brand new system.  If Hoke is to blame for anything it was waiting too long to make a move on Borges IMO.  He's put himself in a no win situation.

 

ETA:  I want to see Brandon shown the door as well.  I've had enough.

MGoBrewMom

October 7th, 2014 at 12:05 PM ^

.. at least not my support of the Michigan Program. But, I think it's apparent that things aren't going in the right direction, and we are in a place where results = personnel + preparation + execution. So, if this is our reality, we need a change. If things turn turn around, get some momentum, I would probably be ok keeping the coaching staff...maybe. I guess I just dont know if I believe it will happen. As for the AD, I like the $$ DB brings in, but not at the expense of the students or at the expense of our reputation. Those things outweigh the revenue for me. The sky writing. The Coke promo. The sponsorship of the Head Coach....all bullshit. I want him gone. And especially if we are getting a new coach. No way should he get to be involved in that decision...imo.

VaUMWolverine

October 7th, 2014 at 12:07 PM ^

Sorry. My patience is gone.
AND DB GONE!!!!!

That's when I'll be back and only then. I haven't watched since the second quarter of the ND game. I can be very stubborn.

That being said, if everyone returns next year and they win a lot, I'd come back.

Greg McMurtry

October 7th, 2014 at 12:38 PM ^

Win the B1G Championship. He said it himself, if he doesn't win it he's failed. 4 years of failure using his own words. B1G or gtfo. Seems like a nice guy, but we all know where they finish.

victors2000

October 7th, 2014 at 12:41 PM ^

For any team and a sign the team is doing something right. Judging from the Neg-ativity there are some that want change at all costs, even the uncertainty of the future. What worries me is that there are some jokers out there who won't be happy unless they get exactly what they want and if the next guy isn't it they'll be waiting in the tall grass for the first mistake and start up the hate all over again.

maizedNblued

October 7th, 2014 at 1:23 PM ^

I have been a big supporter of BH during his time here but the more I analyze the situation, I just don't think the players respect him as a Head Coach. I think everyone loves him but in terms of the X's and O's and the precision and timing of football, I think he's lost the respect of his players.

Tater

October 7th, 2014 at 1:26 PM ^

I am still "on board" with the players.  But David Brandon needs to be fired.  

As for the scenario of Brady Hoke winning out, it simply isn't going to happen.  The only way it will is if the coaches dedide to do what they want and not listen to David Brandon's playcalling suggestions anymore.  That isn't going to happen.

JamieH

October 7th, 2014 at 1:36 PM ^

I'm pretty much at full housecleaning stage.  New AD, new coach.  New direction for the program, hopefully with someone proven at the helm of both positions.

samdrussBLUE

October 7th, 2014 at 1:41 PM ^

If we finish 5-1 or better I will allow him back.  And I think 7-5 saves his job.  Anything less and I think he will be gone.

DrewGOBLUE

October 7th, 2014 at 2:04 PM ^

I'd quite possibly bet every dollar I have that it doesn't happen, but if Hoke miraculously gets this team to show extraordinary improvement basically overnight, win 5-6 more games, and finish with a bowl win, there might be a case to keep him.

However, that would only be if we were to fail at all attempts of wooing one of the Harbaughs, Les Miles, possibly Mullen, or any other potential solid options. In that event, it could be a bigger risk bringing in some coordinator or small school guy than just sticking with the current staff until a home run candidate is available... or dare I say, if in that one additional year of Hokeamania, we mind blowingly go from B1G bottom feeder to playoff contender.

goblue81

October 7th, 2014 at 2:26 PM ^

I won't be back on board with this current staff and administration (AD).  I will however always be on board supporting our athletes, and I will cheer for them as always.  I just won't be 110% emotionally invested as I have been in the past.  

I don't think winning out can save the day for Hoke and crew - the damage is done.  He will be second guessed, critiqued, and blamed for every single mistep.  He just doesn't have any equity left and his presence is and will be toxic regardless of a turnaround.  Some folks will never get over this - people are fickle that way.

His Dudeness

October 7th, 2014 at 3:07 PM ^

I really REALLY hate Brady Hoke, but if we dont get a Harbaugh then we should keep him rather than crater the program further for a non-"big time" hire.

I hope you all realize how much that pains me to write.

 

Michigan Moonman

October 7th, 2014 at 3:29 PM ^

Right before Beilein turned the basketball program into a BIG 10 champion, people on the radio and on the blogs were calling for him to be fired. Dave Brandon said "if I replace Coach Beilein, I've got to find another John Beilein." As it turned out, sricking with a good coach and a good person kept good kids coming to the program and he soon turned it around. Football would be the same way. Losing programs are the only ones who replace their coach every 3-4 years. We've got to support the team and the program and see this transition through. Coach Hoke knows what he is doing. We just have to let him see it all the way through!

Wolfman

October 7th, 2014 at 5:00 PM ^

He's not a good coach, and that's why he always run his team as a "CEO" type of coach depending on his coordinators to actually do the coaching because, contrary to what you are saying, he does not know what he is doing. The one thing Brady does common among great coaches is recruits well However, even with this he struggles to identify needs. He gets a lot of four stars and the occasional five. But just one look at our lbing corp and our DL shows that he recruits clones at these position and doesn't seem to grasp the concept that every position calls for a different skill set. The two positions he has not recruited well are at QB - Malzone could be the answer or even Speight - but we still have questions as to whether they can perform and many coaches throughout the nation had a lot of questions about Shane as to toughness, ability to rise up when pressure makes breathing a little tougher, etc. The other is at DE, which it today's game demands a player that can beat the OT more than getting played to a standstill or worse losing the battle and bring heat on that qb, forcing him into bad decisions or even better, lying flat on his back prior to getting the ball off. Other coaches with lesser talent, but the correct talent at the right positions have figured this out. Brady's inability to do this speaks volumes as to his actual football IQ, which I think is extremely low. His lifetime record would have precluded him from consideration at any other major, let alone a former "elite" program, yet somehow, without spending a lot of time looking elsewhere, Brandon thought the mere fact that he was a prior staff member, qualified him as a perfect candidate for the HC position. This, in a nutshell, tells you why neither is capable at their current positions. Thank you very much.

Jevablue

October 7th, 2014 at 4:11 PM ^

I know it is too much to ask. It was too much to ask of RRod on Defense and it was too much to ask of Borges on Offense, and now it is too much to ask of Hoke at all. That is to simply figure out how to maximize the talent you have instead of seeing how close you can mold that talent to your hard wired view of how players should play.   

Frankly the last time I saw a Michigan Coach do something that was out of the box for themselves, from their own personal standpoint, was the 2008 Capital One Bowl against Florida.  They constantly spread the field, ran against boxes of less than 8, went vertical a lot,  it opened up running lanes for Hart, hell they seemed to be having a lot of fun even.  AND of course this would be Lloyd's last game! Ironic. How many people did not scratch their heads and ask: "Where has this been all this time?"

So sure, whoever the next coach is, on top of being good at what he does, I hope he is good at figuring out what his players are best at, and that he actually lets them do it.  And I hope that opening happens sooner than later.  The situation is already toxic, taking out the uncertainty and drama the rest of the way would help, eveh if just a little, to alleviate it.

goblue16

October 7th, 2014 at 5:07 PM ^

First off i dont care what Beileins opinion is of Hoke just like i didnt care what Carrs opinion of Amaker was. Beilein can speak his mind but it doesnt change how i feel of Hoke. At this point Hoke can only save his job if he beats OSU AND MSU. Anyone who thinks we will win either of those games should get their head checked.

The Geek

October 7th, 2014 at 9:00 PM ^

to get DB out the door first. That is priority 1. After that, let the chips fall where they may. I'd love to beat Sparty and/or OSU for Devin's senior season.

I love the players we have on our team. I picked up HTTV over the weekend and re-read some of the articles. We need to be proud of our team. Hopefully we get a late December bowl game. Who knows...

I will support my school forever. This is just a rough patch.

 

Jason80

October 7th, 2014 at 9:08 PM ^

If I was Hoke's boss I would have already fired him and he wouldn't have a chance to win out. Hard for me then to try to hedge against winning out in the B1G as it would be dishonest of me.