Would you be in favor of hiring a rival coach for Head Coach?
Pretty straightforward question (and pretty hypothetical because this doesn't seem like a legit question to have to answer this time around).
If a rival coach of the caliber of a Kelly, Dantonio, Meyer or one of their capable coordinators (like a Naduzzi) showed interest, would you be in favor of this for the HEAD COACHING job at Michigan?
Also, does anyone know of some examples of this happening before? Recent example would be USC hiring Sarkisian from Washington, although not the same level as aformentioned rivals.
Personally, I wouldn't have a problem with it - even Tressel or someone - as long as we win. If we didn't win, the world may end. Our (arguably) beloved GMatt has had stops at both UM and ND, and was embraced again by the UM community a few years ago, as a DC though, obviously.
Thoughts?
EDIT: In case anyone was confused about which position I am referring to, it would be our J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Head Football Coach.
October 20th, 2014 at 9:09 PM ^
Isn't the program identity supposed to be Leaders and Best? What it's become, sadly, is moralizing elitists and emo fans over the last eight years. They could hire some real leaders, the best in their profession, the "best" but that would cost money and might upset the apple cart of an uptight cadre of fans/Michigan apologists. The same bunch that probably feels bad that Mike Hart called Sparty "little brother" and is apologist about it.
So, you're saying that supporting redemption for an elite level football coach and athletic administrator is not part of Michigan's "identity"? The guy has been a respected "leader" and he made some mistakes. He has more MNC rings than anyone around Schembechler not named Lloyd Carr.
Leaders? Hire them. Best? Pay them. Redemption? Why not Tressel; hell, why not Michigan?
October 20th, 2014 at 9:28 PM ^
It's not moralizing elitism to say a head coach at M needs to have character that's beyond reproach as a prerequisite to for the job. I don't think Tressel is beyond redemption in coaching, I just don't think Michigan should be a place where a dishonest coach comes to redeem himself.
A leader doesn't lie, the best can't be all about wins and losses, and if you ask me you're not very heroic or valiant if you're ignoring and then lying about a major part of your job.
Just for the record I'm all for paying whatever a top coach can demand, I don't consider myself emo and I think Mike Hart earned the right to say just about anything he wants after four big games vs MSU.
October 20th, 2014 at 10:56 PM ^
So given this criteria, I assume we can eliminate the following CC candidates as they have not been above reproach, certainly:
Les Miles
Jim Tressel
Nick Saban
George O'Leary
Todd Graham
Bobby Petrino
Urban Meyer
Pete Carroll (though he wasn't coming anyway)
Mike Price
Mike Leach
James Franklin
Probaby some more but I was too busy over here reading my copy of "The Winner's Manual" by the disgraced Jim Tressel.
Given the Michigan criteria I will pray harder for a Harbaugh.
October 20th, 2014 at 11:37 PM ^
You're conflating a lot of things here. Lying (or misleading if you want to be generous) to the media about taking your next job is not at all the same thing as lying five times in an official investigation into your team and your conduct as head coach, so Saban, Meyer and Graham aren't in Tressel's category and I think they could/would meet the standard Michigan has.
There's a lot of smoke around Miles and how truthful or not he is recruiting players, but a lot of his worst alleged practices would be illegal by Big Ten rules. I'd defer to an obviously more knowledgeable AD to make the call on how ethical Miles is or isn't.
I 100% wouldn't want Petrino or Franklin, I don't know O'Leary and Price's stories well enough to give an opinion on the spot, and I'll admit I've forgotten what Carroll did or didn't know which would be the deciding factor for him.
I'm pretty sure Leach was cleared of any wrongdoing and almost definitely got the short end of the stick with an entitled parent and spoiled kid on his team. Assuming that's anywhere near true I'd hire Mike Leach if both sides thought he could win here.
October 21st, 2014 at 10:46 AM ^
There have to be a) outstanding coaches with a record of running clean program, who b) we don't already hate with a passion. I'm sorry, I do not want to win with Narduzzi coaching us because I can never forget the dirty play he ordered against Denard and company. I cannot stop thinking of Dantonio, Tresser, and Meyer as hatred rivals. I don't say this with any particular personal animosity, since I am aware that I don't even know these people. But enemies are the spice of a good sporting experience and I don't want to mess that up. It would just be too conflicting to have fun winning if one of these guys was our coach.
October 20th, 2014 at 7:05 PM ^
are cheating assholes like Jim Tressel. Don't sell your soul. It's not worth it.
October 21st, 2014 at 12:30 AM ^
hypotheticals ever. He was very gracious in public and people that knew him mostly genuinely like the guy. He wrote books extolling the virtues of doing things the right way. He was also the embodiment of the win at all costs mentality. He didn't just cheat relentlessly, he was also involved in other incidents that brought his character into question. I very much doubt he ever coaches in college again. Imo, Michigan is more likely to follow the U of Chicago example than hire him.
I'll add that I couldn't disagree more with those who want Michigan to adopt a win at all costs mentality. I have to wonder if there isn't a division between those who attended the school and those who adopted it as fans.
October 20th, 2014 at 4:00 PM ^
October 20th, 2014 at 4:22 PM ^
I 100 percent agree that Narduzzi deserves a college football head coaching job, however I'm not sure he deserves the head coaching gig at a program like Michigan. Although Narduzzi has had success, since 2004 he's only been a coordinator under Dantonio, so you can't definitely say that Narduzzi, and Narduzzi alone is responsible for that defense.
If you do go the coordinator route, I'd say that a guy like Tom Herman would be a better fit, as he has had really good sucess at Rice, Iowa State, and now Ohio State all under different head coaches. Plus, say what you want about Urban Meyer, but he has produced some outstanding head coaches from his coaching staffs.
October 20th, 2014 at 5:38 PM ^
Everything I've seen suggests Narduzzi is a good coach, and I think he'll get a chance to prove it somewhere soon.
But you raise a point that I had not thought of yet, and it's a valid concern.
October 20th, 2014 at 5:43 PM ^
Agree completely as there is a big difference between being an OC or DC vs. a HC. Totally different set of responsibilities and not everyone who is an OC or DC always makes it as a HC especially going to a major program. I present you the people's exhibits A, B, & C - Lane Kiffin, Will Muschamp, and Charlie Weis.
October 20th, 2014 at 5:44 PM ^
Agree completely as there is a big difference between being an OC or DC vs. a HC. Totally different set of responsibilities and not everyone who is an OC or DC always makes it as a HC especially going to a major program. I present you the people's exhibits A, B, & C - Lane Kiffin, Will Muschamp, and Charlie Weis.
October 20th, 2014 at 5:52 PM ^
but nowhere near Ann Arbor. Dantonio's crush for OSU was always very obvious. I would not be able to handle Narduzzi having the same affection for MSU if he was our head coach. I also think he would defer to Dantonio on the recruiting trail. It's ok to respect your opponents, but you can't be cool with them being your alpha.
I honestly would worry about a Trojan horse, I don't care how stupid that sounds.
Also, I honestly think MD keeps telling Narduzzi that soon he will retire, and the MSU gig is Pat's.
I was really bummed when Narduzzi didn't take the Uconn job last year.
October 25th, 2014 at 1:55 AM ^
October 20th, 2014 at 4:00 PM ^
As long as they have little to no history of criminal or NCAA violation activity -- I'm fine with it. Could you imagine hiring Dantonio and having him pledge allegence to Michigan...and how much that would piss off MSU fans?
October 20th, 2014 at 4:10 PM ^
about Ohio's shenanigans when he was an assistant under Tressel. A lot of evidence suggested that many NCAA violations were going on during those years, even though the NCAA (with Gene Smith on the infractions committee) did not adequately investigate them.
October 20th, 2014 at 4:04 PM ^
Mark D? Lets face it- he would have an awesone defense- just take his coodinator.
Second choice- Kill
Best option
Tressel as HC
Kelly as OC
Narduzzi- DC
October 20th, 2014 at 4:03 PM ^
A lot of people will say "hell no" to Tressel, Meyer, and Kelly. Some people will take this as having a problem with their affiliation with our rivals. In reality, they all have some pretty nasty baggage I would NOT want them to bring to Ann Arbor, regardless of the success they may have on the field.
I wouldn't be OK with it, and it has nothing to do with them having coached our rivals.
October 20th, 2014 at 4:04 PM ^
DAVE!!!! STOP IT!!! I already told you in the other thread we will not hlep you save your job
October 20th, 2014 at 4:04 PM ^
Tressel's knowledge without the douchbaggery
October 20th, 2014 at 4:06 PM ^
Bo came from some school a little ways southeast of Ann Arbor.
Or something like that.
October 20th, 2014 at 4:08 PM ^
October 20th, 2014 at 4:10 PM ^
Getting an active head coach from a conference-mate is different, though. AFAIK Michigan doesn't have a varsity HC they poached from a Big Ten team, let alone MSU/OSU.
October 20th, 2014 at 5:06 PM ^
I don't know who the hell he is, but fire up the FlightTracker3000® anyhow!
October 20th, 2014 at 7:06 PM ^
Fritz Crisper was in charge of produce storage back in the 1940s. His legends patch is 37F.
October 20th, 2014 at 7:02 PM ^
Saban went from LSU to Alabama, albeit via a short NFL stint. Spurrier did the same thing, from Florida to Scar. Those guys didn't even leave their division.
Worked out OK for the teams on the receiving end.
October 20th, 2014 at 4:11 PM ^
We should hire the best coach for the program. Period. I don't care if he's coached for a rival or not.
PS - negged OP for being in favor of Tressel...liars and cheaters are NOT good for the program
October 20th, 2014 at 5:19 PM ^
Lol as if Tressel lying and cheating was the sole reason for him kicking Carr's ass since 00. Please get over yourselves... Brady Hoke is just as much a liar with the Gibbons case. Have you been paying attention to Concussiongate?
We're in the same boat as a lot of these schools we view to be under us. Get off your high horse.
October 20th, 2014 at 5:52 PM ^
How does Hoke also fucking up invalidate his point? That's completely diengenuous. If anything, it gives us more of a reason to can Hoke and bring in someone new.
October 20th, 2014 at 6:34 PM ^
At all.
But someone who makes the kind of argument you're making isn't going to see the distinction, so I'm not going to try explaining it.
October 20th, 2014 at 8:18 PM ^
Sorry I don't subscribe to the whole "We're Michigan thus better and morally superior" in every way possible given our own transgressions. If you actually look at Tattogate, it really is not nearly as bad as people on this board make it out to be.
I know the distinction between the scenarios. The only reason I said what I said was to rebuke these high horses on the fact that Michigan has its own skeletons and should not be looking down at others.
This problem was fairly evident when we hired RR and many labled him a hick from the get go judging by his pressers, yet turned a blind eye to Hoke who sounded even worse with his blabbering.
This "superior" mantra needs to stop. That is all.
October 20th, 2014 at 10:23 PM ^
If nobody holds themselves to a higher standard, then no one will be superior.
October 20th, 2014 at 7:22 PM ^
LOL as if anybody said anything about anything being a sole reason for anything. Get over yourself.
October 20th, 2014 at 4:10 PM ^
I would take any of Kelly, Meyer or Dantonio over what we have now.
Gus Malzahn is my guy though. He'll be here soon enough.
October 20th, 2014 at 4:14 PM ^
No problem with it at all. In fact, among a sea of guys who aren't standing out to me right now (aside from the Harbaugh types), Tom Herman certainly deserves some background research.
Personally, I'd say no Tressel because he's Tressel and no Dantonio because he's Dantonio, but if Meyer wanted to come (he doesn't), I'd let him write his own check.
October 20th, 2014 at 4:12 PM ^
Sure, I think Urban or Mork would be great hires. 1A and 1B coaches in the BIG and Both are worshiped by the fans of our rivals. Hiring away one of them would be the biggest dong punch in the world. I would in fact, love doing that. Plus, we would actually have a competant coach running our team. What a novelty
October 20th, 2014 at 4:14 PM ^
October 20th, 2014 at 4:16 PM ^
I joked last year when Mork was being paid $2M in year 6 at MSU we should double his salary and get him at UM. He was criminally underpaid relative to his success.
Of course these things never happen (HC at 1 rival going to the other) but if you wanted a stroke of genius you could debilitate your rival and instantly get one of the top 10 coaches in the nation here in 1 fell swoop. (Of course Dantonio would not coach here for even $10M IMO since his entire adult life has been spent hating UM ...but just speaking in theory)
October 20th, 2014 at 4:25 PM ^
October 20th, 2014 at 4:46 PM ^
You would be correct. He does hate you and wouldn't ever go to Michigan under any circumstances. Guaranteed.
October 20th, 2014 at 4:17 PM ^
October 20th, 2014 at 4:23 PM ^
Bo played for Woody and was an assistant at Ohio State before he came to Michigan.
Gary Moeller was a three year letterman, the co-captain of Ohio State's 1962 team and played on their national championship team in 61.
Both came to Michigan and did quite well and loved the school and program.
Edit: Sorry I didnt see this already posted above, but it is.
October 20th, 2014 at 4:21 PM ^
I wouldn't care. I sincerely believe, though, that Dantonio has a hatred of Michigan that goes beyond professional rivalry and into mental/emotional complexes, and I believe Narduzzi is a major Koolaid drinker of his. The difficulty this presents in even envisioning it with those two makes it hard to say for sure how I'd feel in their case, because it just seems so outside the realm of legitimate possibility.
October 20th, 2014 at 9:13 PM ^
Yeah, when it comes to Dantonio, it's one thing to resist claims that we need a "Michigan man" coaching Michigan. It's another thing to want to hire a guy whose existence is built upon a profound, unyielding, unhealthy hatred of us. I'll pass on that one.
October 20th, 2014 at 11:26 PM ^
Dantonio and Narduzzi are both haters. I don't want either one of them.
October 20th, 2014 at 4:24 PM ^
October 20th, 2014 at 4:27 PM ^
October 20th, 2014 at 4:35 PM ^
Yeah, Urban's really the only one of those I'd accept. He's a bit of a douche, but I don't think he's as bad as the rap he gets. A friendly, humble Boy Scout just isn't going to get it done in college football today. But...Dantonio's whining about Michigan "mocking" him when he started it would forever disqualify him for me, along with Narduzzi's "60 minutes", Kelly's sideline implosions, and Tressel's bare-faced lying.
October 20th, 2014 at 4:50 PM ^
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