I dumped the Dope

January 8th, 2014 at 6:54 PM ^

Obviously the play on the field is huge, key part of the equation.  But OSU was a nice nice game.  The Team looked flat during BWW but Morris was more serviceable than expected.

BUT (hear me out 8-)

1. I very seriously question offering David Sills as a QB?  I mean cumong man, that's not the caliber of player who could nor should be playing at Stadium and Main if you ask me.  Is it possible Borges just didn't want to go thru the effort to recruit some of the lustrous crop of California QBs?   I just read about the lack of contact after the BWW game and maybe Hoke didn't appreciate the "winter vacation"

2. I watched Auburn's offense with impression.  Its a complex game of misdirection where any number of 3 players could get the ball to run plus it could be a play action pass without being a dead giveaway from 30 seconds out.  Personally I love this style.  It has the traditional run elements while being able to have a significant advantage over the defense.  I can see Hoke saying, what would it take for us to have this style of offense, Al...and him trying to laugh it off as in "that will never work"....whereas Hoke's brain would explode like a volcano saying "that which you state won't work just nearly won a NC!"

Sorry, I don't really want drama although my hypotheticals seem like that.  The new OC will have their hands full, but i expect they will have the full support of the fanbase.  I hope they can retain the recruits which Michigan has already gained verbals from, as well as add some more talented genetics to the pool.

 

ontarioblue

January 8th, 2014 at 6:58 PM ^

Borges represented the University with class his 3 years here. It was frustrating watching this team play. Al's game planning for the most part was horrible, i wish him and his family well in his next challenge.

jcouz

January 8th, 2014 at 7:05 PM ^

This makes perfect sense since the PSD money is due in 3 weeks and a lot of season ticket holders aren't renewing their tickets.  This move should do the trick.  Thanks for nudging Brady along DB.

An Angelo's Addict

January 8th, 2014 at 7:11 PM ^

I want to extend a thank you to Borges for the time he dedicated to Michigan. Now moving on, this was really a smart move on Hoke's part and really had to happen. Borges had to go and the on field results spoke for themselves. Really looking forward to seeing who we get

DK81

January 8th, 2014 at 7:11 PM ^

In game adjustments seemed to kill him in the 2nd half of the year. I hope we pick an OC who will, at least occasionally, run with a little tempo. Also I hope they consider making a change at OLine coach and maybe bringing in a QB coach.

Glen Masons Hot Wife

January 8th, 2014 at 7:22 PM ^

The right move that came a year too late IMO.

I think the problem goes beyond Al.

The real question: Did Jerry Brandon force this to happen? Disturbing sign if so.

Also, goes to show how little of an idea we all have as to what's coming. Even Brian was 100% that Borgi was staying.

MDot

January 8th, 2014 at 7:56 PM ^

I dont think it was a year too late, because I do think Borges deserved a full year to see what he could do with Gardner under center.

 

We saw it, and it was unacceptable.

 

The counter one would have to "the problem is deeper than Al" is, if it's true that Hoke isn't much involved in the offense, then at least on that side of the ball, things could be corrected with the right staff in place. No?

Glen Masons Hot Wife

January 8th, 2014 at 8:17 PM ^

Borges not having DG ready at qb last year (monumental gaffe IMO, bellomy wasn't even close to ready), combined with his mediocre track record, and his abomination of playcalls vs. OSU... he should have been shitcanned last year.

But Hoke/DB know best right? I guess my opinion was wrong for seeing this a year ahead?

samdrussBLUE

January 8th, 2014 at 7:41 PM ^

anyone remember Miami (YTM) against Oklahoma? This is what I am singing: "Bye Bye Bor-ges.  We hate to see you go"

DealerCamel

January 8th, 2014 at 7:54 PM ^

I liked Gorgeous Borges and wanted him to do well.

Didn't so much like the results, though, so good move by Brady.

I don't think you can get rid of him and keep Funk, though.

uncleFred

January 8th, 2014 at 8:33 PM ^

First of all thank you Al Borges. Without a doubt you did your best under difficult circumstances depsite the results you deserve respect for your considerable efforts on behalf of the Michigan football program. If it is your desire to continue coaching may you land on your feet in an excellent program.

I've repeatedly said that only Hoke and Brandon had the necessary information to make these kinds of decisions. In a perfect world Hoke made this decision without pressure in consultation with Brandon. A head coach's autonomy with regard to his staff selections is important and needs to be respected. I would be concerned should it prove that Brandon leveraged Hoke about retaining Borges. 

I'm hopeful that Brady and Brandon have already identified a replacement OC and have sorted out all the various issues involved in making this change. I'm hopeful that this will prove a positive change to the program. For the record not every option out there is a better choice that Al, and this selection at this point in the transition is critical. 

I am concerned about the impact on recruiting and the impact on the players of installing a 3rd offensive system in four years. I'm concerned on the impact on the rest of the staff and their chemistry. 

Coaches are paid to make the tough decisions and there is no doubt that this was a difficult and risky call on Hoke's part. However it turns out Hoke deserves our respect for his commitment to doing what he thinks is best for the program. 

Mgodiscgolfer

January 9th, 2014 at 7:21 AM ^

I guess more at the timing than anything but WOW. As much as I hate to see someone get fired and can't stand these people who are acting like this is the second coming. I can only say best of luck Al. I was the last guy off the RR train and it looks like the last guy off the Borges train, why you ask? Because I hate to see people lose their jobs. I guess this is more the win now mentality of the NCAA but it just don't seem fair. I hear this is a family here at the University of Michigan but if you don't win say, at least a share of the B1G in three years you are not gonna be part of this family. Having said all that, I am excited for the future because at times (during this past year) I wondered if a change might help. I will never pretend to know the x's and o's of football but at times we did seem to be over matched. So thanks Al and welcome to the family Doug and to you and your family best of luck.

MAIZEANDBLUEINCANADA

January 10th, 2014 at 11:16 AM ^

I just went through the last 3 years of Michigan recruiting on rivals.com and noticed that the only higher profile recruit that Borges recruited was Morris? Anyone else know who he recruited or did he just stay away from it? 

Seems like Mattison had a hand in landing some offensive recruits too?