Balanced, rational and non-biased reporting on the coaching situation for a change - And look where it's from!
Every Monday during the football season the OSU beat reporter Doug Lesmeris writes a column called for the Cleveland Plain Dealer called "Wolverine Watch". I thought his take on the coaching situation in Ann Arbor today was balanced, unemotional, well-thought out and articulated. In short - none of the things you guys get from the Detroit-based media. I thought the board might enjoy seeing what real reporting looks like for a change.
"You can see how his offense is coming together when he has a guy like Denard Robinson to run it. The defense was young, injured, unsound and atrocious, but making the obvious assumption that the Wolverines will have a new defensive coordinator, that has to get better. The games against Ohio State have been painful, but 7-5 overall and 3-5 in the Big Ten is a step up from 8-16 and 3-13 the previous two years.
But think about if Stanford coach and former Michigan quarterback Jim Harbaugh was named the coach today. His mixture of sizzle and substance, of national appeal and Michigan ties, of relative youth (he's 46) and experience (he's 57-27 in seven years as a head coach at San Diego State and Stanford) makes him an almost perfect candidate. When he walks in the door, doesn't Michigan become one of the 10 most intriguing programs in the country? Would anyone doubt his ability to both recruit and rally the entire Michigan community?
This isn't a call that Rodriguez must be fired. If Michigan doesn't have a contract in Harbaugh's hand first, I'm not sure it's worth the risk. To me, the Wolverines have shown enough to move away from any "RichRod must go" talk, no matter how frustrating Saturday was.
But if Harbaugh is ready to leave Stanford, for another college or NFL job, this may be Michigan's one chance. The same option may not be there next year. If that's the case, take Rodriguez out of the equation. Harbaugh may be a must-get for Michigan."
November 29th, 2010 at 6:30 PM ^
it looks like we posted this at the same time. LOL that is pretty funny!
November 29th, 2010 at 6:32 PM ^
Fuck me with a spoon..you really are not joking.. I would rather sandpaper my fucking balls than continue this conversation with you..
Brilliant.
November 29th, 2010 at 8:31 PM ^
November 29th, 2010 at 8:38 PM ^
sand paper to balls doesnt sound so fun
November 29th, 2010 at 9:00 PM ^
depends what grade and who is doing the rubbing.
November 30th, 2010 at 6:32 PM ^
Sorry DG, I didn't watch the whole video so I thought you were refering to me, but I saw that guy post something about 13-14 year olds so that didn't help out. I just watched that whole video through.
November 29th, 2010 at 7:19 PM ^
That is about the level of discourse with most 13-14 year old teenagers, i.e. 90% of most college football fans whose heads are in the clouds.
November 29th, 2010 at 7:58 PM ^
I actually disagree with you on this, I happen to be fourteen and follow michigan with all my heart. I'm a frequent reader, and new poster on this blog, and understand everything from RR's job status, to lloyd brady's hair.
I play cb in highschool and it's my life's DREAM to play at michigan, and the same can be said about alot of my friends.. i don't think teenagers are given the credit they are deservant of.
November 29th, 2010 at 8:15 PM ^
As a former teenage boy, I can tell you that all teenage boys are idiots. You will agree when you are no longer one. I was told this as a teenager and it angered me. Now, as I realize its truth, I pass it on.
November 30th, 2010 at 12:59 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.
November 29th, 2010 at 6:29 PM ^
The guy did a great job with that. It is ok in this case to think that we could do better with a more secure future, but still allowing for the possibility to retain Rich if it falls through. Thanks for sharing.
November 29th, 2010 at 6:30 PM ^
Yes. No one seems to be thinking about it that way. Everyone is taking a side, pro-RR or con-RR. This is the crux of the issue. I think this is the one chance Michigan may have to get Harbaugh if they want him. Do they want to bring a former prodigal son home? I'm not even sure how I feel at this point, as I have been pro-RR all along, but the thought of a Harbaugh led Michigan program intrigues me.
November 29th, 2010 at 6:33 PM ^
You and I both. I was just really impressed the way he summed up the pros and cons of the situation such a concise manner. And it's hard to argue his points.
Amazing what actual journalism looks like isn't it?
November 29th, 2010 at 6:33 PM ^
But if Harbaugh is ready to leave Stanford, for another college or NFL job, this may be Michigan's one chance.That's the rub with Harbaugh. He's a hot name for multiple jobs. He could be gone this year, next year and I'd be shocked if was still at Stanford in 3 years. I feel a lot of the attractiveness of Harbaugh is he's an easy move. Declare the RR Era a failure, end it, hire him. Done. If next year we have another poor performance and it becomes painfully clear RR has to go but Harbaugh is in the NFL or in his first year at some big name program and just settling in, who is our out?
November 29th, 2010 at 7:01 PM ^
And Brady Hoke will probably be off the market next year, too. We can hope that defensive coordinator #3 is the charm for RR (and that special teams get figured out somehow, too), or we can strike while the iron's hot here.
November 29th, 2010 at 7:48 PM ^
We cannot have a coaching/philospohy change in two years with Alabama, Nebraska, and tOSU on the menu!
November 29th, 2010 at 10:47 PM ^
When what you're doing isn't working, it hardly makes sense to keep the coaching you have. We aren't exactly tearing it up against OSU as it is.
November 29th, 2010 at 6:33 PM ^
Subtle set up for a 'Michigan Fails To Land Harbaugh' piece if you ask me.
November 29th, 2010 at 6:35 PM ^
That same resume just layed out for Harbaugh was been made for Rich Rod 3 years ago. I honestly don't know what way I lean it's a crap shoot either way.
November 29th, 2010 at 6:44 PM ^
I know the term Michigan Man is somewhat BS, but with his pedigree Harbaugh instantly gets 5 years at Michigan. Played QB for us, is from a family of good coaches, played under Bo, etc. If Harbaugh comes in and has the same record as RR did in three years*, the people ready to lynch RR after three years will be saying "Even Bo said it took time to build a program" as opposed to signing up for a bulk discount at AA Torch and Pitchfork.
*Which he won't, lots of young talent on the shelf for him.
If we keep RR everyone in the world will know it is on a trial basis for one year. So how do we attract a top DC to a program that might undergo a total staff change in a year? What about recruits when people like Saban, Tressel or Meyer can say "I'll be here for all four years for you. RR might be gone in less than 12 months." No matter what happens, this whole "I just after the bowl game" from DB is an admission RR is on the hot seat and might find himself fired.
While not doubting RR's on field abilities in the least I think you can wonder if the off the field climate makes program stability difficult.
November 29th, 2010 at 6:44 PM ^
Truth be told, Harbaugh has yet to win any BCS bowl games (or any bowl games at all). RR's West Virginia record was very, very good.
What I want to avoid is have RR, the program, the team, recruits, the fans, and my soul-dong twisting in the wind for a month until this is all resolved.
November 29th, 2010 at 6:58 PM ^
The resume may be similar and Rrod's pre-Michigan resume may be more impressive, but we also have 3 more years of data on Rrod and his 3 years coaching here are way more relevant than anything he did prior to his arrival at Michigan.
November 29th, 2010 at 9:09 PM ^
As I said from the beginning, RR was the best coach from the worst conference. His style worked in the Big East ... so far not in the B10. Some like to refer to the OU game when WV waxed them ... but I really don't see that as much different than Boise State ... in terms of the lack of week to week competition. Its a one game crap shoot ... and the truly best TEAM doesn't always win.
It is looking like UConn will win the Big East this year and play in a BCS game. What more proof does anyone need that the Big East is and has been weak ! I would even say that IU and Purdue could challenge for the upper tiers of the Big East.
Harbaugh won't stay at Stanford when other big programs come calling. I also believe that a really good coach works with his existing talent. When RR lost Mallett and Manningham and Arrington because he was going to change the system to the spread ... well who knows. I think Harbaugh would still use Denard - and god knows we do have better athletes than Stanford.
So if Harbaugh is ready to leave Stanford ... then I say go for him. If not then bring RR back ... but GERG still has to go.
Go Blue !
November 29th, 2010 at 9:29 PM ^
that Mallett and Arrington were 100% gone regardless of RR's hiring. I knew Arrington first-hand and he was planning on leaving for the NFL after that year anyway- all of his friends were in that class and he had no plans of catching balls from Threet/Sheridan...
... which he knew was going to be the case because Ryan Mallett was already set to transfer regardless of the circumstances. He grew up a Razorbacks fanatic, living in Texarkana- a town right near the border of Texas/Arkansas. The only reason he came to Michigan was that Mitch Mustain seemed entrenched as the starter and he had a good relationship with our QB coach.
When Mitch Mustain transferred to USC and Lloyd retired, the door was open for Ryan to move back home and take the job he always wanted. Also, he was quite immature at the time and had not made too many friends on the team. Michigan just wasn't the school for him and he has recently talked about this in an interview.
I DO agree, however, with your argument that good coaches do well with the players they have. RR is a good coach, in my opinion, but he definitely could have done a better job of working with what he had. Unfortunately that never would have included Mallett or Arrington under any circumstances.
I have one major question though...
would Harbaugh be able to keep Denard?
I say no.
November 29th, 2010 at 11:40 PM ^
Confirms what I had heard,
November 29th, 2010 at 7:04 PM ^
RR's West Virginia record was very, very good.
And Jeff Casteel played no small part in that.
November 29th, 2010 at 7:55 PM ^
and I would like to see a make or break 2011 for him. Does everyone realize that if he stays 2011 will be the first year that RRod has an upperclassman starter at QB at Michigan? Also, what happens when D Hart and J Hayes are here and we have a true threat at RB? All of that behind a veteran, deep O-line and returning all WRs.
But...
Harbaugh's upside is undeniable. No one else has EVER won 11 games at Stanford. He is one of only 2 coaches that have a winning record against Pete Carroll (2-1). One of those wins came in his second season when USC was #1 and Stanford was a 41 point dog - that would be the biggest upset in the history of college football, people. Could that mean that he would give us a chance against OSU in his first year?
I don't think recruiting would suffer if we brought Harbaugh in; defensive recruiting may improve.
Also, it won't necessarily take 4 years for Harbaugh to turn it around in AA, just because it took that long at Stanford. The offense is loaded and he may show the flexibility to hire a spread OC to ease the transition.
I'm on the fence. I want to see a fully loaded RRod team play in AA, something we haven't seen yet. But if this is our only chance to get Harbaugh...
November 29th, 2010 at 9:05 PM ^
He started some didn't he? But I get your point.
November 29th, 2010 at 6:40 PM ^
Harbaugh was actually HC @ University of San Diego not SDSU, but I really don't expect any "research" from the MSM any longer. Why let facts get in the way?
November 29th, 2010 at 10:39 PM ^
FWIW, I've seen JH-enthusiasts here make the same mistake. Which makes sense. If Harbaugh hadn't coached there, few people here would have even heard of the University of San Diego or that they had a football team. But somehow whatever happened there has become more important than success as the I-A level, with teams we've actually heard of like Clemson and West Virginia.
November 29th, 2010 at 10:50 PM ^
Even stranger is that many seem to think that what RR did at WVU is more relevant than what he's done at Michigan.
November 29th, 2010 at 10:56 PM ^
I don't know that anyone actually thinks that. But you're awesome at this.
November 29th, 2010 at 6:41 PM ^
Harbuagh was hired. Point made was that he is faily young, 46. You don't think he would bolt to the NFL eventually? Then what? Brady Hoke?
/s
November 29th, 2010 at 7:01 PM ^
if ever your head coach leaves for the nfl, it probably means that he was pretty damn successful. looking into the future, you take that.
November 29th, 2010 at 6:53 PM ^
this could, actually WAS, said about RR 3 years ago (except for Michigan connection).
But think about if Stanford coach and former Michigan quarterback Jim Harbaugh was named the coach today. His mixture of sizzle and substance, of national appeal and Michigan ties, of relative youth (he's 46) and experience (he's 57-27 in seven years as a head coach at San Diego State and Stanford) makes him an almost perfect candidate. When he walks in the door, doesn't Michigan become one of the 10 most intriguing programs in the country? Would anyone doubt his ability to both recruit and rally the entire Michigan community?
RR had youth, sizzle, substance, national appeal, experience and a better record than Harbaugh. RRs hire was intriguing, he was able to recruit players.
People act like a Harbaugh hire is a sure formula for success. There is no guarantee Jim will pick the right coordinators, recruit players that don't flop out or smash ankles, etc.
November 29th, 2010 at 7:06 PM ^
Exactly.. It seems everyone pro Harbaugh wants him just because he is a "michigan man" and that will make it all better, and supposedly win?
Other than that, the difference between him and RR are what?
RR leaves, players transfer( don't say they won't) we lose recruits, and if it is announced after the bowl game this recruiting class won't be much to talk about.
The whole BS brandon said about it not affecting recruiting is a joke
November 29th, 2010 at 7:33 PM ^
The difference between the two is pretty simple: RR, in many peoples' minds, has already failed. Harbaugh is not guaranteed to succeed, but it's looking likely that the guy currently in charge won't do so.
November 29th, 2010 at 8:00 PM ^
so we try to make the best decisions we can. The whole "Michigan Man" thing might be way overblown, OK, but you can't deny that at the college level tradition and mystique sell. A Michigan hero coming into a blue chipper's living room has a little more credibility to say "I understand our tradition, our rivalries, etc, and I want you to come and be a part of that."
November 29th, 2010 at 10:06 PM ^
Nearly every major D1 head coach was successful in their previous positions and half of them fail.
November 29th, 2010 at 7:04 PM ^
is Harbaugh testing the waters? I mean. . .
November 29th, 2010 at 7:18 PM ^
Players will leave, recruits will be lost, conditioning program turned upside-down, etc..another 3 years of ~6 wins, then success and and a MNC...then Jim leaves for the NFL.
RR wants to finish his career here...been on the record more than once with that. Give him a 4th year, but require a hands-off approach to the D. DB should be trolling his network to land the best DC in the country, rather than trying to land a 'sizzling' HC..
November 29th, 2010 at 8:00 PM ^
Whether you want to realize it or not, unless you, as a leader, can gel with your subordinates, your system won't be effective or even work. Its clear to me at least that the demeanor of the coaches seem weary, and its either frustration from a lack of execution or that their leader is making their jobs ten times more difficult by either undermining them or not having a clear vision for the whole program.
From some of the sideline shots during OSU game, the staff looks beat down and flat out demoralized. The transition may have take a serious toll on their ability to coach rationally and do the right things with scheme and talent evaluation.
November 29th, 2010 at 7:23 PM ^
Michigan has a coach right now
November 29th, 2010 at 7:35 PM ^
But until DB comes out and says something, do we really?
November 29th, 2010 at 7:39 PM ^
that Harbaugh coached. The only drawback of Harbaugh is my memories of Mike Ditka chewing him out almost every week in Chicago. I think if Ditka had to chew out Bo, well it wouldn't be B..
November 29th, 2010 at 7:59 PM ^
I'm surprised at the number of posters 'surprised' by the weight of Harbaugh's Michigan connections among the fan base. It's not just the Michigan connection; it's the Bo connection. Bo dies, Michigan loses to OSU in the biggest game of the decade (or so), the Horror, Carr's retirement, the Rodriguez era, etc. Harbaugh represents a return to the Bo era for many fans -- who probably also know that's an irrational attempt at nostalgia. The only way to cure the fractured fan base is to hire Harbaugh, or for Brandon (also a 'Michigan man') to stand loudly/clearly behind Rodriguez.
Something else that hasn't been mentioned -- in the past 3 years, Harbaugh's brother got the Ravens coaching job, which was somewhat of a surprise, and has done reasonably well. I think that also helped to elevate Jim's stock.