SEARCHBITS XVI: GO TIME
I KNOW IT'S OVER AND OH IT NEVER REALLY BEGAN EXCEPT FOR THREE CONSECUTIVE NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME APPEARANCES BUT IN MY HEART IT WAS SO REAL. San Francisco is eliminated from the playoffs. (Thanks, Lions!) This should accelerate everyone's decision-making process. Harbaugh is now going to consider his future in earnest; Michigan will enter with their bag with "$$$" on the side and hope to woo the fair maiden.
I've heard that both Harbaugh and the 49ers will start moving now. While official announcements may wait until after the season, the process of making a decision starts in earnest now.
This time there will be no coy crap, no hedging on the part of the athletic director about how much control Harbaugh will have or how much film he gets to watch. (Academics are the one area in which Harbaugh will have to compromise somewhat, as the AD does not have control over Michigan's willingness to admit JUCOs. The guy made it work at Stanford; Michigan is way less hardcore than Stanford.) Michigan will approach Harbaugh with an offer competitive with the NFL and the promise that at no point will he be forced to apologize for one of his players putting a piece of metal in the ground.
If he doesn't end up coming, at least we'll know that Michigan did everything they could this time.
ON LES MILES. I have to make an about-face here. Just yesterday I said that Miles had seemingly found himself on the shortlist after years in the wilderness. Another day's worth of information and I don't know that's true. Michigan made basic contact with Miles (or, in one version of the story, his agent finally got through to someone after calling repeatedly) and that's as far as anything went.
Depending on who you talk to, he's either a prominent non-Harbaugh viable option or far enough down the list to be irrelevant—ie, behind a guy who would obviously take the job. It sounds like a lot is being made of not much contact. There is a large group of guys close to the program who advocate for him, and I think that's where that's coming from.
Still, the next two bullets mean he's in play.
OFF THE BOARD. OSU OC Tom Herman takes the Houston job. I had just heard the first reliable thing that Michigan was looking at him as a plan B option and now he's (almost certainly) not one of those. I am distressed, because I'm with Bruce Feldman:
If I was a #Houston fan I'd be thrilled. I think Tom Herman is as close to a 'Can't Miss' as you're gonna find in a first-time head coach.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) December 15, 2014
On the positive side, OSU no longer has the guy.
MEANWHILE, PLAN B. It's not hard to see things falling through to Miles if Harbaugh doesn't take the job. There is no consensus on who secondary options are. Scout keeps pushing Jim Mora; Rivals keeps pushing Bob Stoops. I've heard both. The problem there is that neither is in a bad spot; either could be mentioned largely because agents are trying to get an extension for their clients (Mora) or make their guy look attractive after a crappy season (Stoops). People high up in the university admin think that the reported Stoops interest is indeed an agent play.
If neither of those guys makes a move, the next best idea the paysites seem to have is Sean Payton. As discussed, I will believe that is even a vague possibility if Payton is fired by the Saints and only then. The prominence of a sitting NFL coach with an $8 million contract on the plan B list is a bit alarming. To me that means "we do not have enough reasonable names to fill out a plan B list."
If Michigan refuses to consider Dan Mullen and Herman is off the board, then after they get through their list of debatably available sitting head coaches who's left?
That's some good pointing at least.
ON DAN MULLEN. There has been absolutely nothing about him anywhere, from my inbox to the paysites to randos on twitter who seem to have a connect. Nothing. The only chatter anyone's gotten is that Mullen is off the radar after Michigan called up Jeremy Foley and Foley bombed him.
Broken record time: that's a major mistake. At this point, Jeremy Foley's hired a blindingly obvious Urban Meyer, Ron Zook, and Will Muschamp. He drew every media member within a 500 mile radius to his contract negotiations, like the world's most wizened sixty-foot tall bug zapper. If he has opinions, Michigan should take those into consideration.
It's possible he'll emerge if Michigan gets shot down by the currently mentioned Plan B guys—coaching searches are weird like that—but that's if and only if Miles is truly unpalatable to the key players. Which he might be, for reasons both valid and not.
ON LOU HOLTZ. COULD HE BE PLAN B? Probably not. According to a reader, Holtz doesn't think it's going to happen. He cites the "wife loves the West Coast" issue, so take it FWIW. While wearing a raincoat, in possession of scuba gear. Preferably.
I WOULD CHORTLE. Please please please:
Definite name to watch with 49ers >> RT @MoveTheSticks Brian Kelly RT @houtexmajorin: if any college HC jumps to NFL who is it
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) December 15, 2014
Not only would that be hilarious, it would open up a number of Notre Dame commits to poaching in a situation where Michigan is going to need to make some fast friends.
Etc.: Kawakami on how the 49ers management undermined their season.
December 15th, 2014 at 7:48 PM ^
yes, I'll be swayed by the guy with the Les reference for a username.
December 15th, 2014 at 12:42 PM ^
I don't know that Harbaugh waiting until the end of the year really negatively affects Michigan. Isn't it the Recruiting Dead Period anyway? Harbaugh should (hopefully!) have recruits calling as soon as he's announced, no matter if that's now or in 2 weeks.
December 15th, 2014 at 12:46 PM ^
Recruits can still be contacted via phone, just not in person.
December 15th, 2014 at 1:52 PM ^
whether Michigan hires Harbaugh next week, he won't be named until after the NFL season. Michigan was reportedly planning to work directly through the 49ers to get Harbaugh. So, there ought not be any more mystery surrounding those seeking his coaching services going forward. He has to make up his mind what he wants to do professionally for the next few years in the next few days. That will decide it.
What that means is, Michigan is more likely to work out a contract settlement with the 49ers if they have determined he will not be their coach next year and Harbaugh says he wants to return to college. The period for Michigan to close this deal or get a definitive answer from their next coach is before Christmas and then announce it the day after the NFL season ends. But that's only if Harbaugh is coming to Ann Arbor.
Otherwise, Brian's searchbits will begin showing heavier action on Plan B.
In any case, this hiring process is about getting a good coach not getting a coach quickly so you can begin recruiting as soon as possible. With the right hire, the announcement will have a huge morale boost for the program and that goes for recruiting as well. All those poached kids will be recontacted in a serious way and brought back on board. And if they stay committed, Michigan will go in other directions based on incoming staff recommendations and contacts.
December 15th, 2014 at 12:44 PM ^
That picture of Harbaugh in the Kawakami article is priceless.
December 15th, 2014 at 3:54 PM ^
It was the headset that got ya right? You like?!
December 15th, 2014 at 12:44 PM ^
Cue the its happening gif
December 15th, 2014 at 12:45 PM ^
A big thanks to Brian for the daily searchbits; they are greatly appreciated. Like everyone else, I am pulling for JH as the next coach, but Bob Stoops would be my second choice.
December 15th, 2014 at 12:52 PM ^
Can we start getting them twice a day since waiting 24 hours to get second hand info from unnamed insiders is too long? Harbaugh Search is a drug that one quickly develops a tolerance to and the dosage needs increased to get the same high. /s
*This in no way is meant to cast a negative light on Brian or his reporting if one would be looking to make that connection.
December 15th, 2014 at 1:05 PM ^
December 15th, 2014 at 12:46 PM ^
The names on potential Plan B lists would all be exciting hires, so much that missing on Harbaugh might be the disappointment it could be. Let's hope that at least one of them is a real possibility. I don't want to hit the Plan C list (unless Mullen is the first name on that list).
December 15th, 2014 at 12:48 PM ^
It's the only thing I want for Christmas. While I understand Brian's point and somewhat agree, it's NOT going to make me feel any better if he doesn't come because we gave it our best shot.
December 15th, 2014 at 12:51 PM ^
Regarding Mullen, when all three of Michigan, Florida and Nebraska aren't giving him the time of day, maybe there's more dirt on the guy than we know. Can we really assume it's all just due to pettiness on Foley's part? I don't know. Maybe there are legtimate reasons why he hates him.
December 15th, 2014 at 1:42 PM ^
could it be as bad as the dirt on miles? maybe who knows?
December 15th, 2014 at 3:06 PM ^
Maybe he was banging Jeremy Foley's wife?
December 15th, 2014 at 1:55 PM ^
And if that's true, I can understand the position that puts Hackett in. It's imperative this next coaching tenure starts off on the right foot; the last thing we need is a guy who might give some ammo to the Freep et al.
December 15th, 2014 at 2:32 PM ^
Even with zero dirt, Mullen should not be in the top five. He has done nothing.
December 15th, 2014 at 2:59 PM ^
This season he had the worst program in his conference's history contending for a CFP spot while playing in the country's toughest division, he's coordinated prolific offenses at Utah and Florida, and he has 2 national championship rings as a coordinator.
December 15th, 2014 at 3:57 PM ^
Miss St had 3 winning seasons out of 10 in the decade before Mullen's arrival, and 11 out of the previous 30. Mullen has had winning seasons 5 of his 6 seasons and finished with 10 wins for only the third time in the entire program's history. The previous two seasons were 1999 and 1940 (!). On the other hand, they've had 4 seasons with double-digit losses, most recently in 2003.
December 15th, 2014 at 7:31 PM ^
Making them consistently decent and nearly getting them in the playoff this year is a massive accomplishment. Very odd that no one has stolen him or apparently even tried hard to
December 15th, 2014 at 7:30 PM ^
Or he really is just looked into to Miss State for some reason
December 15th, 2014 at 12:50 PM ^
The options in order are:
Jim
Les
everyone else
December 15th, 2014 at 1:01 PM ^
Therefore, I declare it a terrible list.
December 15th, 2014 at 12:51 PM ^
Does anyone have an opinion on whether Nuss will be brought back or not? He is under contract, and was a highly sought after assisstant.
If this was touched on anywhere else you can direct me there.
December 15th, 2014 at 12:59 PM ^
When Harbaugh is brought in, Nuss will get a look. He seems very high on him. Nuss knows it's a possibility - as you may have noticed, he hasn't latched on anywhere yet.
December 15th, 2014 at 1:04 PM ^
How about you just tell us why you've been so optimistic about this instead of being so cryptic and secretive.
December 15th, 2014 at 1:13 PM ^
The guys I know that were in the program and have spoken with JH seem to think he's headed home. I've heard it was close to a done deal since shortly after Hoke was fired. He may be hearing something similar. Now with the 49ers out of the playoff chase I think the timeline may speed up if he tells San Fran that he will not accept any trade. Grain of salt....etc. But the guys I talk to are the reason I am very optimistic about Harbs.
December 15th, 2014 at 1:29 PM ^
If JH does take the job, Nuss seems like an option at least, what with Roman getting some HC chatter. Even if he doesn't get hired as a HC it's plausible he'd be comfortable staying in the pros rather than following Harbaugh to college.
December 15th, 2014 at 1:01 PM ^
I've heard there's a shot he'll stay on. He is well regarded and this year's issues could be looked at as Gardner PTSD.
December 15th, 2014 at 2:07 PM ^
Should Harbaugh come here, does that mean the OL and run game will be zone-oriented as opposed to POWER POWER POWER (Stanford)?
If Harbaugh concedes to run a shotgun spread I will hyperventilate.
December 15th, 2014 at 12:51 PM ^
was not in the mix. He is an offensive guy, had midwestern roots, started his coaching career in college. A bit on the old side but just a year older than Miles.
December 15th, 2014 at 12:51 PM ^
Only if he can bring John Elway and Terrell Davis with him.
December 15th, 2014 at 2:24 PM ^
I would take Elway and that offensive line they had during their heydey over Davis. That line and scheme turned just about anyone into a productive running back, like Olandis Gary.
December 15th, 2014 at 2:28 PM ^
Schlereth does look like he could still play...
December 15th, 2014 at 7:10 PM ^
Every back shannahan had was a thousand yard guy.....terrell Davis,Clinton portis, and Alfred Morris can thank him. He at least has a great eye for rb talent and gets his lines gelling.
December 15th, 2014 at 12:51 PM ^
In class today in med school we learned about neural control of the vasculature. But I'm pretty sure I have zero control of the high blood pressure this coaching sure has given me, though. Please come home Jim!
December 15th, 2014 at 2:22 PM ^
December 15th, 2014 at 2:33 PM ^
If we don't get Harbaugh, muscular control of the sphincter is going to be more important to MgoBloggers.
December 15th, 2014 at 12:52 PM ^
is not in the mix. He is an offensive guy, has midwestern roots, started his coaching career in college, just a year older than Miles.
December 15th, 2014 at 1:11 PM ^
December 15th, 2014 at 1:20 PM ^
December 15th, 2014 at 2:55 PM ^
Shanahan easily looks 70. Les could pass for early 50s.
December 15th, 2014 at 7:32 PM ^
Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad
December 15th, 2014 at 12:53 PM ^
If Jim says no, please give us this:
December 15th, 2014 at 4:49 PM ^
fallback
December 15th, 2014 at 12:54 PM ^
Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad
December 15th, 2014 at 12:58 PM ^
I'm a bit confused about who I'd like more as a plan B - Mora or Stoops. I'm of two minds on that.
But I'm certain of this - if we land one of Harbaugh, Stoops, Miles or Mora, we'll be a damned sight better off than we were with Hoke. And all of them will be able to recruit and restore order.
Color me pleased.
December 15th, 2014 at 2:32 PM ^
Stoops winning % at Oklahoma is basically 2 wins/losses over 16 years different than Bo's at Michigan over 21. That is being done in the modern era with the 85 scholarship limit.
The only coaches of the modern era he trails are Tressel, Carroll, Saban, Spurrier (at UF), Meyer - and Gene Stallings @ Bama. Otherr than Spurrier, Stoops has basically carried his winning % at almost double the time frame over that peer group.
http://mgoblog.com/mgoboard/ot-college-coaches-winning-75-time
Spurrier | UF | 12 | 122 | 27 | 81.9% |
Tressel | OSU | 9* | 94 | 21 | 81.7% |
Stallings | Bama | 7 | 70 | 16 | 81.4% |
Carroll | USC | 8* | 83 | 19 | 81.4% |
Bo | UM | 21 | 194 | 48 | 80.2% |
Stoops | OK | 16 | 168 | 43 | 79.6% |
Miles | LSU | 10 | 103 | 28 | 78.6% |
Royal | Texas | 20 | 167 | 47 | 78.0% |
Hayes | OSU | 28 | 205 | 61 | 77.1% |
So that resume vs a guy who has 3 years of decent success at UCLA and whose team just got railroaded by a just over .500 Stanford in a game they needed to get to the Pac 12 championship game.
I am confused by these sentiments.
December 15th, 2014 at 3:17 PM ^
Mora is .718 overall at UCLA (28-11), and .667 in the PAC 12 (18-9). Those are not bad numbers, especially given the fact that the PAC 12 can make an argument for being the No. 2 conference in the country. And he was a decent NFL coach, which I think would be attractive to many recruits.
Also, Oklahoma has been a great program for years, while UCLA had Neuheisel, who had a losing record overall and an underwhelming 13-23 record in the same league, and at a time when Stanford and Oregon were not superior teams. (Not that Joe Blake was great sauce for Oklahoma, but Stoops has had years to right that ship while Mora has not been at UCLA nearly as long.)
So don't be overly confused by these sentiments. I'm not downgrading either coach, but I think it's a bit unfair to focus solely on W-L.
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