Here are the big names, with my odds:
Les Miles, 3-1: He truly is a Michigan Man, and he's won a national title. There's been a lot of talk about how he still secretly would like to get this job and doesn't feel appreciated at LSU. But he does have a hefty buyout.
Brady Hoke, 4-1: Gets the Michigan Man tag because he was a Lloyd Carr assistant, and Carr figures to have more input in the search this time around. Hoke did a very good job at Ball State and San Diego State, but many UM fans are still lukewarm about him. It's certainly a bigger jump from SD State to Michigan than from WVU to Michigan.
Gary Patterson, 5-1: Coming off a fantastic season at TCU. His teams are 25-1 in their past 26, and you'd think if anyone could fix the mess that is the horrible Wolverines D, it's Patterson. Plus, his offense would fit with Denard Robinson. I also think he'd have a hard time saying no if offered, but will Michigan folks buy in? No head coach is more hands-on. If they thought RichRod could be rough, Coach P might make him seem like Mack Brown.
Jim Harbaugh, 6-1: Until he signs an NFL contract he's still a contender here. Did an unbelievable job turning a dismal Stanford program into a powerhouse that was as physical as any team in the country. The Cardinal played like Michigan used to.
Jon Gruden, 8-1: Flirted with a few college searches before and supposedly would like to stay in the broadcast booth at least for another year, but my hunch is he'd be very tempted by Michigan and would be curious to try out all that scheme studying he has done of Chip Kelly's and Urban Meyer's offenses the past few years.
Mike Trgovac, 15-1: Longtime NFL assistant Trgovac was a star D-lineman at Michigan (he played in three Rose Bowls) and spent five years as the Carolina Panthers' DC. He certainly is a Michigan Man and also a well-respected defensive presence, although having not been a head coach hurts.
Kyle Whittingham, 20-1: Stock may have fallen a little in the past two months after the Utes got routed a few times this season, but still a hot commodity and like Patterson, would bring a tough, physical style and boost a bad D.
Chris Petersen, 25-1: Boise State's head coach is well-regarded but always has been reluctant to leave the land of the blue turf for supposedly greener pastures.
Recent Comments
Had an Auburn hat, Michigan hat, and LSU hat in front of him at the Army game....Les=Frost?
My thoughts exactly.
"3 Wolverines late arriving to bowl site."
No mention of horrendous snow storms and massive airport closures and delays. Guess the newspaper. These people are unbelievable...