CC: Harbaugh's extension offer
By now, most have heard the news that JH has been offered a sweetened extension to his current deal by Stanford.
Link: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5889922
Putting aside Stanford's AD's optimism, who knows whether JH will sign it. Who knows if he is in contention for the Michigan job or if there even is a Michigan job.
But, this public offer does impact my view of Brandon's handling of our coaching situation. My opinion is now that Brandon is mis-handling it. Why? There are two possible decisions that DB can reach in January, and regardless of which he reaches, he JH's public extension offer by Stanford makes DB's handling poor:
1. DB decides to keep RR, either because he thinks that RR is the best option or because there are no better alternatives (and if JH signed an extension, there really aren't any, regardless of whether you are pro-RR or anti-RR). If this is the outcome, than DB screwed up in his process. Delaying has already cost us a potential super-star compliment to Denard in Dee Hart. It has also cost us our only QB in the class. I know that Sousa was not a 5* prospect and he is considered to be a project at QB, but so was Denard. The fact that kids are decommitting and other feel compelled to comment on the situation on twitter has really hurt recruiting. If the end result is to keep RR, then this should be done yesterday, so that we can have stability and end the drama surrounding our program.
2. DB decides to fire RR. Here is the one reason that I have not been mor down on DB - I bought into the conspiracy theory that DB has been delaying his decision because his plan was to go after JH and he did not want to create a circus surrounding JH forcing JH to sign an extension with Stanford on the even of his big game like Miles did. If this was his plan, it jsut got blown sky high by Stanford's AD beating him to the punch. If JH signed with Stanford and DB decides to fire RR, then our only worthwhile replacement is gone and we are left with who?
I have become increasingly frustrated by DB's delay. Not because I want to know for my own edification. Because, as expected, this delay is hurting recruiting, increasing negative attention on our program and causing uncertainty that cannot possibly be good for this young team as it prepares for its first bowl game in 3 years. I personally could see dealing with this if DB was doing so to prevent putting JH in a tough spot before his bowl game, but now JH is in that same spot regardless.
2 caveats: (1) Notice that I did not express an opinion on which decision DB should make. That is not the purpose of this post. Personally, both JH and RR are creat coaches, and I am happy that I don't have to make this decision.
(2) Yes, I know that there is a post entitled "Reputable rumor: Harbaugh . . ." That just talks about a rumor that JH has already signed an extension. This is a discussion about actual news - that Standord has publicly offered JH an extension.
December 6th, 2010 at 1:47 PM ^
which is to say, not much.
December 6th, 2010 at 2:15 PM ^
No, but I never assume or proclaim that my opinion matters. My opinion matters as little as their opinions matter.
My point still stands - they are a generation that are seeped in a different tradition, way of life, and general outlook that is very, very different than exists today.
December 6th, 2010 at 2:38 PM ^
the right to express your opinion. I suspect they do, too.
You are right though, to discount one's opinion because of their age or the generation they belong to is ageism. I don't know how apologizing in advance makes it any less so.
I wonder whether in 40 years or so, the generation you belong to will be seeped(sic) in a tradition, way of life,(sic) and general outlook that will be be very different than what exists then.
December 6th, 2010 at 3:25 PM ^
In fact, I hope that, in 40 years (I'll be 75), I'll appreciate that life is very different than when I was "coming up" and try to appreciate that priorities change.
P.S. Every generation is steeped in tradition but each have a different outlook on life. My point, as I'm sure you are aware, is that it is very presumptuous to assume that what you hold dear and deem important is, in fact, important to subsequent generations. If you want to get into a battle of grammar than lets do it. Otherwise, I think you got my point.
December 6th, 2010 at 3:42 PM ^
In fact, I hope that, in 40 years (I'll be 75), I'll appreciate that life is very different than when I was "coming up" and try to appreciate that priorities change.
Isn't it presumtuous of you to assume that nobody from the 1950-1970 teams is as you hope you would be at the same age?
Also, why is it only what your generation "deem(s) important" that matters to you, if, in fact, you are as open-minded as you would have to be to appreciate that times change. Isn't the whole of the Michigan family important here?
Why is the voice of someone who wants to go back to the tried and true, in the face of onfield performance well below historical Michigan standards, so irrelevant to you?
December 6th, 2010 at 4:09 PM ^
Those are each very valid points. I guess my only answer is that those with different opinions are irrelevant to me.
Seriously, I do not believe that many (most?) of the Rodriguez detractors are simply opponents because of the onfield performance. If that was the case, I find it hard to believe that so many people would be clamoring for his head after this regular season where the offense was generally spectacular (in my opinion). After watching the offense when it was functioning like it was designed, it is hard for me to question Rodriguez's offensive genius. Defense, well, that is another story that I'd rather not discuss right now (if only because its been hashed and re-hashed).
It is my assertion that many (most?) of the detractors do not like seeing the spread offense run at Michigan. And, if true, I would venture to guess that this is because the detractors have grown so used to the pro-style offense and general success over the years. Its hard to dispute the success - season after season of more wins than losses, bowl games, etc. But I submit that much of the opposition comes from the "old guard" pro-style offense proponents as opposed to people who support the "new age" spread offense.
FWIW, I've enjoyed this back and forth.
December 6th, 2010 at 11:12 AM ^
I'm asking in all seriousness properly due to a fellow grad of UM's architecture school: are you stating this based on alum players you know, or people you know who are close to players? I do business with an alum who played for Bo, and next time I see him I'm going to ask what his reaction was.
And did they despise RR before the bust, or did RR's "performance" at the bust stimulate a change in their perceptions?
December 6th, 2010 at 11:26 AM ^
This info is from former players I know personally and speak with, and what they tell me other former players that they have spoken to have expressed.
Most of the hard feeling are because of the blowout loss to OSU, but the Bust fiasco sealed it.
Again, my feelings about RR differ from theirs.
December 6th, 2010 at 11:36 AM ^
what happened that caused such animosity?
December 6th, 2010 at 11:50 AM ^
My sarcasm detector may be a bit off this morning (I have a case of the Mondays...and will now punch myself for saying, "case of the Mondays."). Your sense of humor raises me up...so I can stand on mountains. It raises me up...so I can walk on stormy seas.
If you were serious, it was because he used the football bust to stump for his job and begged to be accepted as a Michigan Man. That, and the awful Josh Groban song he played at the end with arms raised and tears falling down his face. NTTAWWT.
December 6th, 2010 at 2:32 PM ^
This is interesting stuff. They hate him for the speech or for the Josh Groban, or both?
It's also interesting because if you're right and 98% of players hate RR, we mustn't forget that DB was a former player as well and probably shares their psychology.
December 6th, 2010 at 11:13 AM ^
And how long ago was it that 98% anyone who mattered currently and formerly at the University of Michigan wanted nothing to do with Jim Harbaugh? Including his '85 teammates that were "done with him".
Just asking because you seem to know and talk to ALL these people.
December 6th, 2010 at 11:15 AM ^
Just a hint: when making up statistics, stick with numbers that are realistic. 98% of anybody agrees to nothing.
December 6th, 2010 at 11:23 AM ^
Also, 79% of statistics are made up on the spot. The other 42% are made up later on.
December 6th, 2010 at 11:16 AM ^
And a goofy act I'd hardly a reason to fire a guy.
December 6th, 2010 at 11:22 AM ^
To not make the assumption is to say that Brandon is in the 2%.
Again, until I hear from Harbaugh's mouth that he's staying at Stanford, I'm still going under the assumption that he's not. Question is, where's he going?
December 6th, 2010 at 1:32 PM ^
How many of them were there and hated it and how many hated what they read in the FreeP and heard from Jim Rome? That's going to make a huge difference in people's mindset regarding it.
December 6th, 2010 at 11:05 AM ^
Brandon has been mishandling this situation for the past two weeks...
December 6th, 2010 at 12:41 PM ^
He's doing what he's said he's going to do. What has he mismanaged?
December 6th, 2010 at 11:06 AM ^
I think the Ravens should fire Harbaugh and hire Harbaugh
Wait, this isnt the lol at Baltimore, Steeler fans unite thread?
Eh, it should be.
December 6th, 2010 at 11:06 AM ^
Also, you are assuming that DB does not already know what Harbaugh had planned to do... Come to UM, go Pro, stay at stanford.. All this public posturing might be Stanford AD acting desperate because everyone else knows what is going on but him.
The point is, we don't know what is going on, and this really changes nothing (from our standpoint), and if it changes something for JH, then he is out for the $ and ...... ?
December 6th, 2010 at 11:06 AM ^
but not signed. Deep breath, take a shot and get some sleep.
December 6th, 2010 at 11:06 AM ^
The Stanford AD is doing everything that he can to keep order within his program. None of us should really be surprised that JH has been offered an extension or that he will even sign it. Now what our AD needs to do is make the best logical decision and to keep Coach Rodriguez. Why try to get a guy that 1. may not come here if in fact he wants this extension and 2. what do we do in 2 or 3 years when JH decides the NFL is a better fit for him, as that league will be coming off a lockout. I just hope DB would put this all to rest and stand behind his head coach and keep the man, that will lead us to a Big 10 title and beyond in the next few years to come.
December 6th, 2010 at 12:25 PM ^
Should Jim Harbaugh be the coach at Michigan next year, it will be because he has given assurances that he is not going to bolt for the NFL after a couple of years of success. What Harbaugh's willingness to accept this extention means is he has little interest in jumping to another college of NFL job for a mere payday. Without knowing the contract details in terms of buyouts and out-clauses, this tells me that he is holding out for Michigan at the college level or for the right NFL job.
This changes very little if anything.
December 6th, 2010 at 11:07 AM ^
Harbaugh's not staying at Stanford. At the absolute most, he'll coach them for one more season.
December 6th, 2010 at 11:07 AM ^
Hmmm... Every time I see JH, I think Justice Hayes....
December 6th, 2010 at 11:11 AM ^
Since I am held to the CC Detente Act of 2010, I cannot nuke. So I will do something else...
I rarely voice an opinion on the CC topic because of the lack of thought that goes into most of their posts, I can't help but agree with the general feeling on DB.
I think he has already decided, barring a major embarrassment in the Gator Bowl.
Howeva, I think by repeating himself that he would only making a decision after the entire season has forced his hand at doing so. Chalk it up to a rookie mistake? I am sure he hears the same complaints, but maybe in a less direct way. If he does this again, I might have to tell him to go sail a boat.
December 6th, 2010 at 11:17 AM ^
Whoa! How could you Jhackney? I will not issue a Notice of MGoInfraction just as you will not nuke him, but how could you cave and issue your opinion? I feel abandoned . . .
I hate to do it, but I have no choice but to neg you. et tu, Brute?
December 6th, 2010 at 11:21 AM ^
Sorry. I will refuse to comment on the JH vs. RR however. At least until official word is given. Don't worry. It won't happen again. Those are my only two cents on the situation. Notice I did not predict or guesstimate what DB was thinking or doing about JH/RR. I was merely stating again that we won't hear anything until after the Gator Bowl. +1 to you however for standing by your principles. I shall go back to work on my Volume II of the 2010 season.
December 6th, 2010 at 11:25 AM ^
Probably DB decided long ago and is sticking to his timetable for an announcement as a way of drawing a line in the sand with the media, and sending a message to alums who never liked RR and tried their hand pursuading the new AD when the regular season ended. High donor alums have figured out from their interactions with DB that he isn't wavering in his convictions so they've probably given up. Any recruits that are wavering may be told (see: D. Hart?) and RR probably knows that he is going to return unless we put up an egg at the Gator Bowl. So that leaves... us and the media who haven't figured it out yet to continue to speculate.
Then again, I always liked Rich Rod so that's just my hopeful thinking I guess.
December 6th, 2010 at 12:36 PM ^
This seems to jibe with what I heard from an acquaintance who's a booster and goes to "coaches' meetings." I really hope it's true.
December 6th, 2010 at 11:12 AM ^
Michigan is taking some hits now. Fans are frustrated with DB. It *may* affect recruiting somewhat.
However, I would argue:
- The hits on recruiting caused by the delay are minimal. There is plenty of time between January 3 & National Signing Day. Remember, commitments don't mean jack . . . it is the letter of intent that matters. In case you haven't noticed, Frost, Walls, & Zettel are still in play. So are Hobbi, Jernigan, and Lyons. All six of these guys are four star rated recruits.
- Should RR come back, which I'm assuming he does, the delay doesn't matter. Should there be other coaching changes, they typically wouldn't happen until January anyway.
- Since when should DB make a decision because of the cries of the hoi polloi? It is bad leadership to lose your head when those around you are running around and losing theirs.
- Personal integrity. EVEN if it would be better at this point for DB to give an extension (or release RR) immediately, there is another problem. DB has repeatedly said he will make a review at the end of the season. For him to change now is a sign of weakness, a sign that he is not in control, no, that others control him.
Good things are worth waiting for. I applaud DB holding to his position.
December 6th, 2010 at 11:18 AM ^
+1 for use of "hoi polloi." Very "kalon" of you.
And also for general good reasoning and level headedness. I think DB must have something in mind that is less obvious and more productive than hoi polloi are thinking.
December 6th, 2010 at 11:29 AM ^
and I'm sorry, but I really, really hate this "sign of weakness" argument. Changing your position because the circumstances on the ground have changed isn't a "sign of weakness." It's a sign of someone with the flexibility necessary to do a demanding job well.
December 6th, 2010 at 11:31 AM ^
Good point about flexibility of thought ("This man believes the same thing on Wednesday that he believed on Monday . . . no matter what happened on Tuesday." - Herr Colbert).
But I'm not sure why you apologized.
December 6th, 2010 at 11:12 AM ^
There are key words that Harbaugh continues to use and not use when talking about it. He refrains from using phrases like "I'm not going anywhere" and " I plan on staying at Stanford" and instead uses "I'm not going to talk about other coaching jobs" and "I'm happy at Stanford". This tells me that after his season, he would be open to other coaching opportunities, so even though this extension was offered, I doubt he accepts it due to curiousity of other jobs in the market. Plus, if he doesn't accept the extension now, goes and looks and doesn't find a job he wants, it's not like Stanford would take back that extension offer, I'm sure they would still give it to him.
December 6th, 2010 at 11:53 AM ^
and get in the upcoming volume; Athletic Directing for Dummies: all the things you needed to know but were afraid to ask. Yes, we even include the secret key words. Now you too can know what is going on in your coaches devious minds.
December 6th, 2010 at 11:16 AM ^
We don't know whether DB has contacted JH but if not, this is a pretty serious miscalculation. What is JH to do with this contract vs. no other immediate options? We might be able to buy him out, but it would be more difficult, and why go through that thing again?
December 6th, 2010 at 11:21 AM ^
Is fingernail clipping at work acceptable with office door closed? Or must it be an at-home-only grooming chore?
I'm not sure how many times we can discuss the same thing. Sure, the news link is somewhat new, but then you go on and on with your personal opinion. Its the same thing, over and over. Everyone knows some people think one way and other think another way. Its a polarizing issue that has still not been determined, people want to know, but they're not going to find out until after the season is over. Let it rest until then, please. I beg of you. At least with respect to the need to express personal opinions. Please.
December 6th, 2010 at 11:33 AM ^
Is fingernail clipping at work acceptable with office door closed? Or must it be an at-home-only grooming chore?
Not acceptable at work, it's an at-home-only grooming chore. I say that because those things like to fly away, it can be tough to have a 100% save rate.
What happens if it flies somewhere you can't find it, and you don't realize it's right there, on your desk, out of your view and the big boss is walking in and sees it there?
December 6th, 2010 at 11:17 AM ^
And it's been said... many times, many ways... the timing is stupid.
Keep RR and this was all a big blunder in recruiting and a giant distraction.
Fire RR and you could have had all those bowl practices getting everyone used to a new coach before next season.
And pardon me, but why would Michigan give a flying fuck how Stanford would feel about Harbaugh leaving before the bowl game? Who gives a fuck?
December 6th, 2010 at 12:16 PM ^
Last time Michigan hired a coach away from a BCS bowl game, WV's entire fan base went bonkers and the press killed him. I would argue that if somehow Martin had let RR play in the bowl game then come over the buyout stuff wouldn't have been a bad of a PR nightmare and the Michigan press wouldn't have been all over RR from day 1.
With respect to recruiting, RR supporters say that year was worthless, and that he didn't have a full chance to recruit anyway b/c of Carr, so waiting 3 weeks couldn't have made it much worse.
December 6th, 2010 at 1:17 PM ^
"I would argue that if somehow Martin had let RR play in the bowl game then come over the buyout stuff wouldn't have been a bad of a PR nightmare and the Michigan press wouldn't have been all over RR from day 1."
And I'd argue that your delusional. Regardless of what Martin had to say, once Rodriguez was known to have been on his way here, WV wouldn't have let him set one foot on the field in a head coaching capacity.
You really think the hatred from WV was because he left before a bowl game? They hated him for leaving (and for losing the Pittsburgh game). Period.
December 6th, 2010 at 1:11 PM ^
"And it's been said... many times, many ways... the timing is stupid.
Keep RR and this was all a big blunder in recruiting and a giant distraction.
Fire RR and you could have had all those bowl practices getting everyone used to a new coach before next season.
And pardon me, but why would Michigan give a flying fuck how Stanford would feel about Harbaugh leaving before the bowl game? Who gives a fuck?"
I agree 1000% and cannot possibly emphasize that last statement more.
December 6th, 2010 at 11:18 AM ^
JH hasn't signed a contract extension, so this is premature. But an extension is the important item. The real question about any JH contract at Stanford is the breakup clause and specifically what the amount is if JH leaves for Michigan.
Lou Holtz had a get out of jail free card when he was a Minnesota if he took the Notre Dame job. Other coaches have more onerous breakup fees for particular other programs (I thought that Miles had a bigger breakup fee for Michigan).
Stanford has almost zero leverage in this situation, it may be their intent that they get JH to sign any extension (even one with no breakup fee for JH leaving for Michigan) in the hope that the extension and raise gives JH more incentive to stay.
And the Stanford AD almost must offer JH an extension. If he let him go without offering him something, he would be generating a lot of negative goodwill for the program among its followers.
Regarding the recruiting front, it seemed that the interest in Sousa had been waning for months from Michigan's perspective. And until Dee Hart enrolls somewhere other than Michigan, its too early to tell what the real story is with RR's ability to recruit given Brandon's review window. (We don't know what Brandon has told RR or recruits that visit campus / are on the phone with the coaching staff and AD.)
December 6th, 2010 at 12:01 PM ^
Exactly. Since Harbaugh is in the position of strength, if he wants to leave himself an out for Michigan or the NFL, he will do so. Signing an extension is merely an act of good will on his part (likely to help with bowl game ticket sales).
December 6th, 2010 at 12:33 PM ^
Haven't seen you around in a while...
December 6th, 2010 at 11:18 AM ^
I agree with you completely - nice job of summarizing it. This idea of letting the situation hang in limbo until January while the rest of the world continues to spin makes no sense and is doing more damage every day.
Whether you like RR or not the situation is now deteriorating and will continue to do so for the next month. With all due respect to DB this is not like replacing a senior executive at a corporation. A lot of people are watching and making their own decisions based on what they see.
December 6th, 2010 at 11:25 AM ^
I disagree with your assessment of the situation. I think the "damage" (if any) has been done. Its discussions like this that continue to fan the flames. Michigan just got a New Year's Day bowl bid, Dee Hart has not decommitted (yet?), and Brandon continues to tell people to give it a rest until after the season. He's not going to decide until then so . . . give it a rest.