High Profile Hires

The OP raises valid points, but in doing so transitions from "big name" AD considerations to "big name" coach considerations.  I don't think they're interchangeable.

I couldn't give a grouper's pooper (yeah, I said it!) about whether the new AD is a "big name".  I want someone competent, with business savvy, but also blessed with ears that hear and a sense of what makes Michigan special.  (Hint - it isn't Special K.)  I'm not even sure what a "big name" AD is - the best ones seem to do their jobs well while staying out of the spotlight.

On the coaching side, though, being a "big name" hire matters.  Not as much as coaching and recruiting competency, management ability, and ethics.  But you usually become a "big name" coach by showing some exceptional ability, and I think that is only beneficial to the program.

Manuel as AD, Harbaugh as HC, and a strong message from the get-go--perhaps from Harbaugh himself--that Michigan was going to educate its players. And that is not to denigrate Hoke's effort; I know that he's been getting them to class.

I want to have a message out there that's meaningful to all of the parents of prospective poor and working class kids that they are going to end up with a meaningful sheepskin, and the discipline that came from working their behinds off on and off the field.

Then when Harbaugh says we win on these, our own demanding terms, that means something, to the whole Michigan community. Those who say we can't be Stanford are aiming too damned low.

being able to get a Harbaugh-level coach.  I believe there is someone somewhere out there that is the "off-the-grid genius" you speak of.  I thought Hoke would be the guy, but apparently not.  Sadly or not, the impatience of fans, et al and the "win now" mentality won't give him another year to get it done.  Not sure 4 years is enough, but I understand the frustration when you look at the success of other coaches at other schools.  Although, didn't it take Dantonio longer than 4 to get where they are now?

I would be a "high" profile hire. 

Now I'm going to eat chicken wings for breakfast. 

Sooo basically you're telling me we dont want a high profile coach with a proven winning resume and we should hope for another coach who has a .500 level record in the MAC? Sounds about right.

on the next head coach of the football program.  That will be the initial 'canvas' he/she gets painted on.   Because this program and athletic dept cannot afford to get this one wrong, the focus on this AD having the perfect mix of talent and experience is creating a heightened sense of AD awareness.  DB being DB also has made many very sensitive to this hire as well.  Having said that, I hope they hire a top AD that has 'big boy' AD experience and understands how vital the football program is to the entire dept and university experience.  Given that criteria, I'm not sure an AD from Dartmouth or NW might get that as well as a Jeff Long, Brad Bates or the guy from Oklahoma.   Yes, my agenda is to make sure we get Jim Harbaugh if he wants the job, which apparently his dad has very recently said he does.  For that to happen, we need to hire and AD that will make that priority 1 and then move to all other things.  Beyond that, the above driteria is key to success.

I'm not concerned about how well known the next AD is or is not. The "big name" HC candidates are also some of the best coaches. I think this program needs the guy who can take it to the next level. I think a big name coach is exactly what this program needs.

at Michigan created this situation. All options are open for that reason.  The new Prez has no preconceived solutions.  I'm going to vote today and will see what happens down the road.  Until everyone is on the same page and pulling in the same direction, football success as we knew it will never return. 

The new Prez needs solutions to get everyone on the same page.  Difficult to see that ever happening since with every new AD or HC option on the table ... someone complains.  The new Michgain way.  Very sad.

Michigan needs leaders that will embrace the truth.

Jim Harbaugh told the truth and there was a faction that condemned him for it.

Michigan football is mediocre at best. Truth.

In order to truly become elite in football, the truth must be welcomed. Ohio State has an AD light years ahead of anything Michigan has known.

Thad Matta and Urban Meyer. Undisputed excellence; elite coaches. 

Michigan did not approach Urban Meyer. Jim Harbaugh. Les Miles.

Excellence was not even on the radar, 'last coaching search.

People fear Jim Harbaugh because he will speak the truth. There is a lot of hubris that needs to be exposed and burned.

Jim Harbaugh will do it.

As well as bring smash mouth, kick Dantonio and Urban Meyer ass football.

Question is, is Michigan ready to take it's head out of the sand and see itself as it really is.

It is high time to embrace the truth.

Warde Manual and Jim Harbaugh.

Please come here and fix this shit.

DB wouldn't contact him.  When DB hired Hoke he didn't ever talk to Miles or harbaugh about the job.  Brandon wanted someone that he could control and Hoke was easy.  He was banking on the "Michigan Man" bullshit to carry the day and it worked for a year or so.  Then we all found out that Hoke can't coach.......The more I read, the less faith I have in this going well.  If the AD position will take a year to fill and if Hackett can't get Harbaugh on his own, this program will be Purdue for a olong time to come.  This is the last chance to get Harbaugh, who in my opinion is exactly what this program and conference need.  Harbaugh, Dantonio and Meyer fighting it out every season will help raise the level of the conference and bring it back into the national discussion.  If we get a lowball AD (Ivy League or NW) we'll either keep Hoke or get another version of him.  This program needs a big name and big success fast or that stadium will look like 1968 again.  Hacket, go get Harbaugh now, fill the perm AD later

Um...OK.