Red Berenson has been the coach at Michigan since I was a year old. We started going to games at Yost when I was too young to remember, and had season tickets throughout my childhood. I owe a lot of my memories to Red Berenson. It was definitely time, but it still feels sureal that he'll no longer be the coach.
Sure, Mel is a Michigan Tech alum and Harbaugh is a Michigan alum, but Mel spent the majority of his adult life living in the Ann Arbor area and coaching at Michigan, whereas Harbaugh had not lived in Ann Arbor since college.
The 49ers were a mess, but he likely would have his pick of 4 or 5 NFL teams. On the other hand, there are only a handful of college hockey teams at the level of Michigan and turnover is typically less, meaning if Mel turned down Michigan, he may not get a similar opportunity down the road.
I can't think of the last time we hired someone who had been a successful AD somewhere else for this position. Granted, some have worked out, but nice to see see someone with a track record.
I don't think that would be a problem. No coach is going to require graduating seniors to attend those practices because it would be just as much a waste of the coach's time as the players'. He's going to want to focus on getting ready for next year.
I think the problem with that he's not getting any younger and his skills will get rusty with a prolonged absence from coaching (or at least perceived to be rusty). I think people understand a year off to decompress, but more than that, athletic directors and head coaches (if he's looking at a coordinator or position coach position) are going to wonder if he's been away from the game for too long.
I would think that, "Hey, Michigan will be paying most of his salary the first several years" would be a strong selling point to a mid-major school or even lower-tier power 5 where expectations aren't at the same level.
One year in, and one of Harbaugh's assistants is already hired away as a power-5 head coach. I may be mistaken, but I don't think a single one of Brady Hoke's assistant coaches has moved up the ladder. It was pretty much lateral moves or demotions for all those guys.
I think having coordinators and assistants that other people want is a good probelm to have.
I don't think it's fair to say this is a money- and ego-driven decision. It's one thing to ask for loyalty to the team, but this isn't a lateral move or a shady deal. It's a talented defensive coordinator accepting a Big Ten head coaching job.
I don't think The Team, The Team, The Team means you can't seek to move up in the coaching ranks. Bo never held a grudge against Gary Moeller when he left to take the Illinois job.
I have questions about whether taking a job in the same division as Michigan, OSU, MSU and Penn State was the best move for Durkin, but I don't have hard feelings about him deciding for himself that it was.
I agree that LSU should be a destination program, but if winning 78% of your games and a national championship while playing in the toughest conference in the country gets you the axe, why would you leave a Florida State or Clemson for that?
And if you're at a stepping stone school (Tom Herman), there are going to be a lot of other openings this year and next year where your job security isn't based on beating Alabama. I wouldn't be surprised if LSU gets a bit of a rude awakening.
I would have loved to see Harbaugh coach Chad Henne. He wasn't as mobile as the typical 'Harbaugh quarterback,' but given group of receivers he had and the way Harbaugh develops QBs, would have been fun to watch.
Both Jabrill and Jourdan have a good balance of confidence and humility. They realize they're a good team and have high expectations, but they're more focused on getting better and improving technique, etc.
They come across much more like 10-year pro veterans than college kids.
It's been said many times already, which I think is a testament to the number of people who enjoy and admire your work, but wishing you the best in a speedy and full recovery.
I am always amazed at how people get on their high horse about academics with football players, but no one blames an engineering major for slacking off in his or her random philosophy class. Most people would be fine with a theater major spending a few extra hours on a production rather than going to Anthropology 101. I'd be willing to bet Mark Zuckerburg skipped some classes to invent Facebook, and I've never heard a university president criticize his priorities.
I don't mean to downplay the importance of academics, but rather I think the emphasis should be on learning in and out of the classroom and developing your character and who you are as a person. The wonderful thing about a school like Michigan is the diversity of students in terms of their backgrounds, their interests, their talents, what they pursue after college, and how they contribute to the university community.
He is a consistent winner at the NFL level with Michigan connections, and there are at least reported tensions between him and the Ravens' front office following the Ray Rice saga.
In many ways, he's like his brother but without the erratic personality that turns some people off. Granted, he's never been a college head coach, but he grew up around college football and coached in some of the lower ranks before going to the NFL.
He's won a Super Bowl, which means he may be less tempted to be lured back to the NFL after 4-5 years, since he's "been there, done that."
Also, with John Harbaugh, maybe Mattison stays, which could be a good thing with a better head coach at the helm.
Interesting thought. Maybe I'm being naive, but I have a hard time believing a guy that would give $300 million to his alma mater would intentionally sabotage Michigan like that to get a coach. I assumed his support of Brandon is genuine, but I can't for the life of me understand why...
Aside from his vague statement about Dave Brandon being the most qualified, does anyone have any idea why Stephen Ross is such a Brandon fan? Even if one thinks Brandon is a good AD, as Brian suggested, you would still logically conclude that there are other good ADs and he's not worth the empty seats and controversey.
Are they just old friends and Ross is a loyal guy? Or is he the last guy on Earth still buying Brandon's self-generated marketing genius hype? I don't get it.
The head coaching candidates here don't seem any more qualified than Brady Hoke was when he came. One year at Wyoming doesn't seem much different than two years at San Diego State.
I understand that the Harbaugh, Sumlin, etc. may not be an option and that this list is intended to be the non-power five conferences anyway. But will we really have to go that route? Even during a downswing, it's still Michigan. Surely we'll be able to do a little better than this...
Some of the coordinators do sound interesting. Narduzzi and Herman are likely to be head coaches somewhere soon and know what it's like to coach in the Big Ten.
I don't have a problem with having a safety net for those that leave to pursue their dreams and it doesn't work out. This offers players a benefit that -- although available to everyone -- will be used mostly by those that earn the most money for the school. It strikes me as an appropriate balance between recognizing the reality that a handful of players are essetially funding the entire athletic department while still treating everyone ostensibly equally (which I think is necessary to maintain the spirit of college sports and possibly Title IX).
Not a fan of Les Miles, but I agree that age shouldn't necessarily be a diqualifying factor.
A coach that stays a few years but nurtures his assistants can actually lead to a relatively smooth transition. I'm thinking Chip Kelly to Mark Helfrich and Jim Harbaugh to David Shaw.
Of course it's risky, but it strikes me as equally risky to hire an unproven coach. Whoever takest he job will be walking into a mess, and having a few decades of dealing with ups and downs would be an advantage.
If we assume Dave Brandon and the mess that is the Michigan Athletic Department are likely to prevent us from getting a first choice like either of the Harbaughs or Sumlin, wouldn't that also preclude many of these other guys?
While Michigan is traditionally a job you would jump at if you're coaching Oklahoma State or Stanford, would these guys really leave to come to a place where the Athletic Director stands on the sidelines and sits in on your video sessions? Where there's a very real possibility the guy that hires you is out within the year? And when Florida may be a possible destination, which seems more stable at this time?
Basically, if Dave Brandon is still employed for the coaching search, aren't a lot of these guys also likely off the table? And if Brandon is gone, don't the Harbaughs of the world become possibilities again?
"Ace and I are trying to come up with the last Big Ten coach to have 1) a job at the time of his hire and 2) a resume better than Franklin's, and, well…"
Wouldn't it actually be Rodriguez? 32-5 his last three years at West Virginia and experience as Clemson's OC?
Recent Comments
...was actually nine, not five.
Really enjoying this series.
Red Berenson has been the coach at Michigan since I was a year old. We started going to games at Yost when I was too young to remember, and had season tickets throughout my childhood. I owe a lot of my memories to Red Berenson. It was definitely time, but it still feels sureal that he'll no longer be the coach.
Sure, Mel is a Michigan Tech alum and Harbaugh is a Michigan alum, but Mel spent the majority of his adult life living in the Ann Arbor area and coaching at Michigan, whereas Harbaugh had not lived in Ann Arbor since college.
The 49ers were a mess, but he likely would have his pick of 4 or 5 NFL teams. On the other hand, there are only a handful of college hockey teams at the level of Michigan and turnover is typically less, meaning if Mel turned down Michigan, he may not get a similar opportunity down the road.
Good lord, can you imagine how horrifying it would be to play against Jim Harbaugh in dodge ball? Even fourth grade Jim Harbaugh.
I can't think of the last time we hired someone who had been a successful AD somewhere else for this position. Granted, some have worked out, but nice to see see someone with a track record.
I don't think that would be a problem. No coach is going to require graduating seniors to attend those practices because it would be just as much a waste of the coach's time as the players'. He's going to want to focus on getting ready for next year.
I think the problem with that he's not getting any younger and his skills will get rusty with a prolonged absence from coaching (or at least perceived to be rusty). I think people understand a year off to decompress, but more than that, athletic directors and head coaches (if he's looking at a coordinator or position coach position) are going to wonder if he's been away from the game for too long.
I would think that, "Hey, Michigan will be paying most of his salary the first several years" would be a strong selling point to a mid-major school or even lower-tier power 5 where expectations aren't at the same level.
I've really enjoyed this weekly feature this year. Found it very informative and helpful. Hope you keep it up next year.
Was that an option? I don't remember him being considered.
One year in, and one of Harbaugh's assistants is already hired away as a power-5 head coach. I may be mistaken, but I don't think a single one of Brady Hoke's assistant coaches has moved up the ladder. It was pretty much lateral moves or demotions for all those guys.
I think having coordinators and assistants that other people want is a good probelm to have.
I don't think it's fair to say this is a money- and ego-driven decision. It's one thing to ask for loyalty to the team, but this isn't a lateral move or a shady deal. It's a talented defensive coordinator accepting a Big Ten head coaching job.
I don't think The Team, The Team, The Team means you can't seek to move up in the coaching ranks. Bo never held a grudge against Gary Moeller when he left to take the Illinois job.
I have questions about whether taking a job in the same division as Michigan, OSU, MSU and Penn State was the best move for Durkin, but I don't have hard feelings about him deciding for himself that it was.
I agree that LSU should be a destination program, but if winning 78% of your games and a national championship while playing in the toughest conference in the country gets you the axe, why would you leave a Florida State or Clemson for that?
And if you're at a stepping stone school (Tom Herman), there are going to be a lot of other openings this year and next year where your job security isn't based on beating Alabama. I wouldn't be surprised if LSU gets a bit of a rude awakening.
I wonder how many smart toy bears you can get if you buy two Cokes.
I'm a little surprised no one said this, but I would go back to the 1969 Michigan-Ohio State game and just soak it all in.
A close second would be reliving the 1989 basketball run, starting with Bo saying "A Michigan man will coach Michigan."
38-3 Michigan
I would have loved to see Harbaugh coach Chad Henne. He wasn't as mobile as the typical 'Harbaugh quarterback,' but given group of receivers he had and the way Harbaugh develops QBs, would have been fun to watch.
Both Jabrill and Jourdan have a good balance of confidence and humility. They realize they're a good team and have high expectations, but they're more focused on getting better and improving technique, etc.
They come across much more like 10-year pro veterans than college kids.
When Brian predicted 18-0 in his preview on Friday, I thought there's no way the margin will be that big. I love being proven wrong.
...this sounds a lot like a Brady Hoke press conference.
Won't say anything about the nature of Sione Houma's injury, had a great practice, still evaluating this and that.
And somehow I loved it.
It's been said many times already, which I think is a testament to the number of people who enjoy and admire your work, but wishing you the best in a speedy and full recovery.
Michigan 82, Hilldsale 52
I am always amazed at how people get on their high horse about academics with football players, but no one blames an engineering major for slacking off in his or her random philosophy class. Most people would be fine with a theater major spending a few extra hours on a production rather than going to Anthropology 101. I'd be willing to bet Mark Zuckerburg skipped some classes to invent Facebook, and I've never heard a university president criticize his priorities.
I don't mean to downplay the importance of academics, but rather I think the emphasis should be on learning in and out of the classroom and developing your character and who you are as a person. The wonderful thing about a school like Michigan is the diversity of students in terms of their backgrounds, their interests, their talents, what they pursue after college, and how they contribute to the university community.
He is a consistent winner at the NFL level with Michigan connections, and there are at least reported tensions between him and the Ravens' front office following the Ray Rice saga.
In many ways, he's like his brother but without the erratic personality that turns some people off. Granted, he's never been a college head coach, but he grew up around college football and coached in some of the lower ranks before going to the NFL.
He's won a Super Bowl, which means he may be less tempted to be lured back to the NFL after 4-5 years, since he's "been there, done that."
Also, with John Harbaugh, maybe Mattison stays, which could be a good thing with a better head coach at the helm.
Interesting thought. Maybe I'm being naive, but I have a hard time believing a guy that would give $300 million to his alma mater would intentionally sabotage Michigan like that to get a coach. I assumed his support of Brandon is genuine, but I can't for the life of me understand why...
Aside from his vague statement about Dave Brandon being the most qualified, does anyone have any idea why Stephen Ross is such a Brandon fan? Even if one thinks Brandon is a good AD, as Brian suggested, you would still logically conclude that there are other good ADs and he's not worth the empty seats and controversey.
Are they just old friends and Ross is a loyal guy? Or is he the last guy on Earth still buying Brandon's self-generated marketing genius hype? I don't get it.
The head coaching candidates here don't seem any more qualified than Brady Hoke was when he came. One year at Wyoming doesn't seem much different than two years at San Diego State.
I understand that the Harbaugh, Sumlin, etc. may not be an option and that this list is intended to be the non-power five conferences anyway. But will we really have to go that route? Even during a downswing, it's still Michigan. Surely we'll be able to do a little better than this...
Some of the coordinators do sound interesting. Narduzzi and Herman are likely to be head coaches somewhere soon and know what it's like to coach in the Big Ten.
I don't have a problem with having a safety net for those that leave to pursue their dreams and it doesn't work out. This offers players a benefit that -- although available to everyone -- will be used mostly by those that earn the most money for the school. It strikes me as an appropriate balance between recognizing the reality that a handful of players are essetially funding the entire athletic department while still treating everyone ostensibly equally (which I think is necessary to maintain the spirit of college sports and possibly Title IX).
Not a fan of Les Miles, but I agree that age shouldn't necessarily be a diqualifying factor.
A coach that stays a few years but nurtures his assistants can actually lead to a relatively smooth transition. I'm thinking Chip Kelly to Mark Helfrich and Jim Harbaugh to David Shaw.
Of course it's risky, but it strikes me as equally risky to hire an unproven coach. Whoever takest he job will be walking into a mess, and having a few decades of dealing with ups and downs would be an advantage.
If we assume Dave Brandon and the mess that is the Michigan Athletic Department are likely to prevent us from getting a first choice like either of the Harbaughs or Sumlin, wouldn't that also preclude many of these other guys?
While Michigan is traditionally a job you would jump at if you're coaching Oklahoma State or Stanford, would these guys really leave to come to a place where the Athletic Director stands on the sidelines and sits in on your video sessions? Where there's a very real possibility the guy that hires you is out within the year? And when Florida may be a possible destination, which seems more stable at this time?
Basically, if Dave Brandon is still employed for the coaching search, aren't a lot of these guys also likely off the table? And if Brandon is gone, don't the Harbaughs of the world become possibilities again?
"Ace and I are trying to come up with the last Big Ten coach to have 1) a job at the time of his hire and 2) a resume better than Franklin's, and, well…"
Wouldn't it actually be Rodriguez? 32-5 his last three years at West Virginia and experience as Clemson's OC?
Michigan 75, Purdue 64
and
Michigan 78, Indiana 70