bleuadams

November 30th, 2010 at 1:10 PM ^

*****THIS IS AN IMPORTANT POST TO READ BECAUSE IT'S 'THE' TRUTH*****

#1) Michigan is NOT Jim Harbaugh's 'dream job.'  He wants an NFL job, because him and his brother are so competitive.  SD, SF, Oak and Car (and maybe even Dal and Min) are all going to be fighting over him this off-season.

#2) Dave Brandon is going to be doing absolutely everything he can to convince him to come to Michigan over the next month.

#3) In all likelihood, Rich Rod will be brought back (signing a two year extension after the bowl game), and Greg Robinson will be replaced (along with the 3-3-5).  Ron English is supposedly an early DC candidate. 

MGoRob

November 30th, 2010 at 12:26 AM ^

Umm...unless he was to say become head coach, why would he leave one big school for another of similar prestige for the exact same position?  I guess he could be paid more... but I doubt it.  And unless he has had a falling out with RR, then I don't see this happening

edit: ah, I get it, as a safety in case RR is fired (which isn't happening, sorry!)

Bando Calrissian

November 30th, 2010 at 12:42 AM ^

We got an opportunity to spend some time with the Mattisons at the UM alumni family camp a shortly before he bolted for Notre Dame, and all they talked about was how much they loved Michigan, how he wanted to coach there for life, how it was so great and being DC in Ann Arbor was the perfect situation...

And a year or two later (might have even been the following winter, I can't remember if it was 1995 or 1996) he bolts in the gap before the bowl game for the exact same job at Notre Dame.

Total cash grab.  Can't blame him all that much, but still a bit of a puzzler at the time based on how naturally gushy the family was about how much they loved UM.  It wasn't an act.

Bill in Birmingham

November 30th, 2010 at 5:06 AM ^

I'm not sure this has been true in the successful (ie, Spurrier and Meyer) eras. Way back they were notorious cheaters in the Charley Pell era. I certainly wonder about Zook. However, in their MNC years led by one arrogant genius, Spurrier (who I like by the way) and then another, Meyer (who I most definitely do not like), I have heard very little about cheating. The truth is, with their recruiting base, they shouldn't have to cheat to get top talent.

M-Wolverine

November 30th, 2010 at 12:36 AM ^

The Gator Bowl a lot more interesting.



He interviewed for Florida schools head coaching jobs before. Maybe he figures it's be easier in-state, or in a program where the head guy isn't really the OC (I mean, does Magee get any credit over Rich Rod?). Or it's all the other rumors, which are even getting me weary.

Magnus

November 30th, 2010 at 8:24 AM ^

I agree that the offense would still be pretty good, but we don't need another defensive coach.  We just need a DC who's allowed to run his own defense, and position coaches who are on the same page as the DC.

me

November 30th, 2010 at 8:40 AM ^

that that is ultimately what needs to happen.  So yeah, I don't think simply adding a defensive coach to this group is the answer.  My thinking is more along the lines of, if RR is staying, he's basically got a year to turn the defense around.  So it's kind of an all hands on deck situation and you'll need all the hands you can get over there. 

In the alterntative hire a ST guy for a year.  I know you did that analysis that basically says few schools have them.  But again, I'm looking for the quick fix, which might just be hiring a guy dedicated to that.

Probably overly shortsighted, but it a staff opening is definitely an opportunity to address some deficiencies.

 

jg2112

November 30th, 2010 at 9:20 AM ^

Maybe the team doesn't need another defensive coach. I'd agree with you on that.

However, this team needs a special teams coach, badly. Of note: Stanford has a dedicated special teams coach. It's Bill Polian's kid (coincidence with Harbaugh, I'm sure). He worked at Notre Dame and did quite well, and has significantly improved Stanford's special teams in his first year there.

Seeing as how special teams directly led to the holes in three games (Iowa, Penn State, and Ohio State) that the Michigan offense couldn't dig out of, I think the team needs a special teams coach. It's 1/3 of the game, and the team needs a dedicated and consistent focus on it.

jmblue

November 30th, 2010 at 4:06 PM ^

That's a good idea.  As long as RR is the coach, we really don't need a separate offensive coordinator.  Use the extra coaching spot for something we clearly do need - a dedicated special teams guy. 

If RR hires a new DC, leaves him alone and gets someone to fix special teams . . . he may yet have a chance to turn it around.

twohooks

November 30th, 2010 at 12:46 AM ^

I am all for RR, I want it to work just as much as any Blue Blooded Michigan Fan. But really, Top 5 offense. Denard Robinson. Unlimited resources. 9 starters on offense returning. Michigan wont be outbid if it were about money. Michigan wouldnt let an top 5  statistical OC out the door to interview. Were not there yet but were days away of getting OJ type evidence that something is going down. In close, I Love My School No Matter Who Is Coach, Period!

M-Wolverine

November 30th, 2010 at 12:52 AM ^

Michigan Athletics has been notoriously cheap, especially regarding personnel. The "honor of working for" and all that. Though I think it's shifting and moving more into "you get what you pay for". (Martin was notoriously cheap, going around buildings and shutting off lights and telling staff to use the stairs instead of the elevator. He probably would have had a stroke seeing the Stadium lights on).

KinesiologyNerd

November 30th, 2010 at 12:48 AM ^

Well, it would suck, but I think we would survive it. Probably promote Rod Smith or something. What I won't look forward to is the shit storm about this meaning RR is getting canned.