Hackett Talks the Talk
Mr. Hackett deserves credit for talking the talk:
"I wanted to make sure that Brady received adequate time to exhibit the results that would come from his effort and I believe that Brady and our coaching staff had enough time to produce those results and unfortunately they are not there. In the end, I feel that moving in a different direction is the right decision. I wish Brady and his family all the best in the future."
http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120214aac.html
All that remains to be seen is whether Mr. Hackett can walk the walk--which Mr. Hackett has lucidly defined as having a football coach who can "produce . . . results."
I'm keeping my fingers crossed, Mr. Hackett.
December 2nd, 2014 at 4:50 PM ^
December 2nd, 2014 at 5:58 PM ^
We loved Brandon AND Hoke after their press conferences...
At this point, enough talk. Let's see some results.
December 2nd, 2014 at 6:02 PM ^
Hackett said something that was sorely needed in 2008: "I want to get rid of the word 'Michigan Man.'" Bad math or grammar aside, it sounds like Hackett isn't putting all of his eggs into the "Michigan Man" basket. Yost came from WVA. Bo came from Ohio. It's time to welcome another outsider if that's the way it ends up.
December 2nd, 2014 at 6:13 PM ^
this! And just listening to his press conference gives me hope. Hackett appears to be a much better guy than Brandon and I hope they certainly pull the best available option
December 2nd, 2014 at 6:21 PM ^
It was his follow up sentances explaining what "Michigan Man" represented. And that it wasn't about being connected to the program. It was about values and integrity.
That is the part that, IMO, will live in infamy. Those follow up lines should get blown up, bolded and put on the front page of every Michigan related site in the world.
It was a textbook definition.
Too many people think they know...and they don't. Too many people get bent out of shape over the term because too many people think they know...and they don't.
He explained it beautifully.
I have no problem with the term...just use it correctly. Not as a filter or strainer to decide whether someone should or shouldn't be part of the University. And there should be no arrogance attached to it.
But unforunately it's so misinterpreted that it's necessary for it to just go away.
December 2nd, 2014 at 8:34 PM ^
He explained the origins of the term, the fact that he didn't like how women were excluded, and then went on to remind us of the ideals involved. The overriding ideal is "selflessness". Quite a message to convey in a press conference. I was all around impressed with Hackett's presser, he's articulate and prepared, and I'm satisfied that he treated Brady Hoke and staff with consideration and dignity. He also clearly opened the door for player input going forward, instead of ending the conversation.
December 2nd, 2014 at 7:32 PM ^
December 2nd, 2014 at 8:39 PM ^
That it was the vasty majority LOVED both of their opening press conferences.
There were the same threads like this after each was hired. Brandon also had a similar thread to this once Rich Rod was fired.
My point is, these guys are heads of their "departments," they get paid shit tons of money...they're supposed to know how to hold a press conference.
What's funny is everyone loved Hoke's press conference and 3 years later no one could stand his pressers. He regressed. He didn't execute.
December 2nd, 2014 at 4:52 PM ^
I was outright giddy when he said he'd like to completely get rid of the term "Michigan Man", or have it be understood in its proper context if it is to stick around. Progress.
December 2nd, 2014 at 5:01 PM ^
If nothing else, we have made a massive upgrade at AD. Of course, I have a large rock in my front yard that would have been better than Brandon, but I'm glad someone is finally pointing out what Bo was referring to when he said "Michigan Man."
December 2nd, 2014 at 5:47 PM ^
Hackett spent A LOT of time talking about the importance of character in his presser. With that tone set, I think Les Miles is off the table. I don't see how he'd be able to defend that hire. With all of Miles' rumored offenses, some of them are sure to be true.
The board seems overwhelmingly supportive of Miles if we can't get Harbaugh; I believe today's press conference means we should start looking for another option that will make us happy.
December 2nd, 2014 at 7:06 PM ^
It made me think they'd go make a run at Mark Richt to be blunt.
December 2nd, 2014 at 4:52 PM ^
Thouroughly impressed. NIght and day from Brandon. Lets get this right!
December 2nd, 2014 at 4:52 PM ^
December 2nd, 2014 at 4:53 PM ^
December 2nd, 2014 at 4:57 PM ^
Mike DeBord running things as an admin until the next coach is hired!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ANGAR!
December 2nd, 2014 at 5:19 PM ^
..so what's the issue with DeBord. Seems to be a common sentiment there. Not sure I know why.
December 2nd, 2014 at 6:01 PM ^
"Fire Borges" ...
December 2nd, 2014 at 6:07 PM ^
December 2nd, 2014 at 6:22 PM ^
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December 2nd, 2014 at 11:15 PM ^
December 2nd, 2014 at 9:57 PM ^
Henne not having a functional shoulder did not aid things.
December 2nd, 2014 at 5:31 PM ^
And Hackett immediately added that DeBord won't be a candidate for the head coach job.
He had that base covered.
December 2nd, 2014 at 5:24 PM ^
December 2nd, 2014 at 5:44 PM ^
December 2nd, 2014 at 4:53 PM ^
Office Furniture CEO > Pizza CEO
December 2nd, 2014 at 4:56 PM ^
December 2nd, 2014 at 5:08 PM ^
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December 2nd, 2014 at 4:54 PM ^
I literally clapped when he said he wants to get rid of the term Michigan Man.
And if he gets Harbaugh..........ALL HAIL HACKETT
December 2nd, 2014 at 5:02 PM ^
WD. No clapping.
December 2nd, 2014 at 4:56 PM ^
December 2nd, 2014 at 5:15 PM ^
I was looking for a reason to dislike Hackett, too, though for different reasons.
I didn't mind that he had a CEO background (though I would have preferred a successful AD background), or that he laid lots of people off (a trend I'd like to see him continue within the Michigan AD).
I was looking for a reason to dislike Hacket because I have come to mistrust the Michigan AD in general. Over the past eight years or so, I feel like the Michigan AD (the department as a whole, not merely the director) has made more bumbling decisions than any organization of which I am aware. My general distrust of the Michigan AD is not paranoia, it is the product of hard experience. I will not detail those bumbling decisions here; suffice it to say they color the way I view the entire organization.
But Hackett's frankness, and his standard of "producing results," has settled my nerves.
I'm hoping he walks the walk!
December 2nd, 2014 at 4:59 PM ^
December 2nd, 2014 at 5:00 PM ^
The best part about him saying this is that he provided the context of the term, thereby explaining why it didn't apply and should pass into the vast realm of terms no longer used. That was definitely something that needed to come from the top in the athletic department, at least officially, and there it is. It is a term that needs to go because it seems to restrict the thinking of a fair number of people.
December 2nd, 2014 at 5:00 PM ^
Drop the gun. Take the cannoli...
December 2nd, 2014 at 5:01 PM ^
I want to frame his speech. Great thought provoking statements. Liked the jab at Brandon also ..
December 2nd, 2014 at 5:04 PM ^
participate in the prior coaching searches? Just wondering if he's experienced in that.
December 2nd, 2014 at 5:14 PM ^
He's over-seeing the program in the "interim" (but not as interim coach) until a replacement is found.
December 2nd, 2014 at 5:05 PM ^
see what a complete douche Brandon was compared to Hackett. Its unbelievable those two people can be on the board of directors of so many companies because one of them is a complete tool.
December 2nd, 2014 at 5:05 PM ^
Thank you for the Michigan Man answer - litterally been saying that stuff verbatim (well not the part about women, but the rest of it) constantly for years and hearing someone in power say it so loudly and publicly was awesome.
December 2nd, 2014 at 5:07 PM ^
when he brought up his "flow charts", he quickly realized he probably shouldn't talk about that part of his "process"
December 2nd, 2014 at 5:13 PM ^
I liked that. It showed very quickly that he is taking all factors, including schedule, recruiting, practices, EVERYTHING into account, or at least trying to, and he frankly sounded pretty excited about making sure he does a good job.
SMART + ENTHUSIASTIC usually == AWESOME
Also, using a real search firm to facilitate contact with candidates means no idiots not understanding cell phones. :)
Rob
December 2nd, 2014 at 5:23 PM ^
too CEO'ish and I'm a firm believer Athletic Directors should have backgrounds in athletics not corporate america.
December 2nd, 2014 at 5:07 PM ^
Swim lanes. I hold my opinion until I see results. As Jim just said.
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December 2nd, 2014 at 5:14 PM ^
I recall him as similarly professional, without that sort of narcissism Brandon displayed, when Hackett was CEO at Steelcase. Very glad he is where he is at this moment. Such a difference.
December 2nd, 2014 at 5:14 PM ^
December 2nd, 2014 at 5:19 PM ^
December 2nd, 2014 at 5:23 PM ^
It seems like Hackett can hack it
/sees self out
December 2nd, 2014 at 5:25 PM ^
Dang the presser really made me appreciate Hoke. As fustrating as the losing has been, and sometimes even the winning, he has set the bar as far as how to run a great program in most other areas. Good luck Hoke.
December 2nd, 2014 at 5:28 PM ^
the university proud. He would have made a great coach, hey . . .