My '08 had to be replaced last year. Likewise my sister's '03 was replaced around 3 years ago.
As for special tools, there were shops that didn't have the tools to pull out the engine when I called around. Wound up going to the subaru dealership. Felt like a chump getting that done at the dealership tho with the peace of mind that they'd do it right. Just ripped me off on hourly rate. Wouldn't go to Suburban Subaru for service again. I'd check with one of the 3 other dealers in the metro-Detroit area for their rates.
If you're considering a subaru, just make sure it's had it's head gaskets replaced. There was a common issue with head gaskets going after around 6 years or 120k miles, although really driven by age. Any subaru from the mid 2000s may have this problem. I'd check the repair history. The repair can cost well over $2k depending on where and what else you get done. Otherwise they're great drivers with solid reliability and fantastic in snow. Never once got stuck in 8 winters.
With that age and price range you're sure to be in for repairs from time to time (even with your current car) so be sure to check the labor rate at several shops. I found this out too late for my head gaskets. Was a 10 hour repair and the shop I went to had a labor rate $20/hour above market. Wound up costing another $200 than if I had gone elsewhere nearby.
Not sure that I'd chalk Hackett bringing in JH to be the all-time biggest get. People praised Gene Smith for bringing in Urbz, but a bucket of fecal matter could've convinced him to take a big job at a major program loaded with talent for $4M/year. His only other potential suitors were in college and it's obvious he wanted back in. Gene Smith should've been thrown out with Tressel.
If Hackett convinces JH to come, good for him, but I'm guessing it's not really the work of a genius AD. JH is going to make the decision he wants to make and I would surmise that he can name his own terms (within some level of reason) if he wants the job. Point is, if JH wants to come, then as long as it's not Dave Brandon at the helm driving people away, I don't see it making any difference who the AD is.
Now if JH takes the job conditional on a Hackett staying or naming a specific replacement, then we have something to talk about.
I think you're right. I bet there will be a ton of regrets over the next few years. Unless somebody is able to surpass the 9-10 win mark, which is already a solid mark, in their first 3 years there, fan unrest will rise to Michigan levels. Nebraska basically just set the bar at 10 wins plus occasional seasons of 11+. That's nuts.
For the first time in 7 years at Nebraska, Bo Pelini will not have 4 losses in a season!
Still a head-scratcher to me. But as with pretty much everybody, I fully expect he'll be a HC somewhere else next year. He's not a Muschamp/Kiffin kind of situation looking to land in a good coordinator spot. My money is on Kansas right meow, but we'll see what else opens up.
He cannot delete emails that are subject to ongoing FOIA requests (just like litigation hold) until it's resolved. I have to wonder if his secretary is aware of this requirement before purging emails.
Also, actually resorting to a lawsuit is something that would be better contemplated following the football and CC season. If it appears that we may be stuck with DB for the long haul, and we're unsatisfied with any amends he makes with students, alums, etc., there may be legal avenues to take.
Ultimately, I have confidence in Pres. Schlissel to make the right (my preferred) decision.
You're definitely right about wanting to avoid ugly litigation. I see two possibilities:
(1) Bringing a case in the state's interest. This is an area of the law I don't profess to know much about. As a public institution, it is accountable to the state. I would guess that somewhere in the state AG's office, there is an unfriendly. Hell, maybe Regent (ugh, I can't believe he's a regent) Bernstein would file such a suit.
(2) Make enough noise that he should be fired with cause, especially if this whole post gets picked up by more media sources. The more noise, the more leverage the University has over DB for favorable deal terms, especially if he believes that he could reasonably be terminated with cause. The risk averse businessman in him should (emphasis on should) look at the chance of getting nothing and take whatever deal the University offers him (Prisoner's Dilemma). Of course, expectations of rational human behavior apply.
Looking back on DB's contract, there are two major arguments that he may be in violation of in light of these communications. They are as follows:
A. Private communication violates contract
(1) Sec. 8.2(a)(i) provides for termination with cause for "failure by the Director to perform in any material respect any of his duties or obligations..." Sec. 5(d), detailing the Director's duties and responsibilities provides that: "Director shall represent the University positively in public and private forums and shall not engage in conduct that reflects adversely on the University or its athletic programs. The Director shall perform his duties and personally comport himself at all times in a manner consistent with the high moral, ethical and academic standards of the University and its Athletic Department."
These communications are likely included as "private forums," in which DB must act with a certain level of propriety. I'm not sure if there are documented standards that the University applies, but if somebody digs them up, I'd be interested in knowing them. These would probably include guidelines for email communications with third parties.
B. FOIA policies violate contract:
(1) Sec. 5(a) incorporates Exhibit C into the agreement, making all the elements of DB's job description binding on him. Of those duties, is "know, recognize and comply with all applicable laws..." Any knowledge that his email policy is designed to skirt FOIA requirements would be strong evidence that he is in breach of his contract. A violation of MCL FOIA requirements may be enough to be found in breach of this provision. Failure of his duties is terminable with cause under Sec. 8.2(a)(i).
(2) Sec. 8.2(a)(iii) provides for termination when University assets are compromised. Threat of $500 statutory penalties for violating Michigan FOIA law, in the aggregate, may be considered a sufficient detriment to the assets.
Conclusion:
I invite BiSB or other legal-type people to use some contract theories to push for action. A little prodding along, or leverage on the part of the University would go a long way to secure resignation or termination.
IIRC, he was the guy Bert brought in at Wisco when their OL didn't perform for a few games. Complete turnaround in one week. Not sure if he's still in football, but I'd want that guy coaching my OL. Results showed on the field.
I had thought about that name before too. He has HC experience (B1G no less) from Indiana. But I'm not sold on the offense that LSU is fielding right now. If I'm taking a shot in the dark on a coordinator, I'm not sure he's the one I'd go with. Does give us a good chance with continuity with the likes of Mattison, however.
1) Jim Harbaugh (so much for realistic)
2a) Pat Narduzzi (if Warde Manual is our AD)
2b) Bert Bielema (if Jeff Long is our AD)
2c) Tom Herman (if Brad Bates is our AD)
...
7) Bob Stitt
I'm not sold on the HC requirement. It's hit or miss to me.
Big Picture:
Hear me out... Who is the most Bo-like persona out there? It may be Narduzzi. For perspective, Bo was an assistant at a program we despised, for a coach we despised, and built a period in the rivalry (Ten-Year War) that has its own Wikipedia page. I have no interest in running a Meyer-type program, while perhaps that's an option with Dan Mullen or somebody else on Meyer's current staff. Instead, we may gain from the "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" path by focusing on Narduzzi who has some solid street cred. We may loathe his "60 minutes of unnecessary roughness" now, but you have to admit you would at least tolerate and most love that attitude if it were coming from our side of the line and ending in victories.
Stars aligning or conspiracy theory?
Narduzzi has fielded the same consistent D over the last several years and has clearly been targeted for HC positions. We also can assume he has goals of being a HC someday from the ultimatum he gave Cinci to either offer him the HC job or he'd leave to join Dantonio at Staee (they did okay going with Kelly anyway). Replacing #FireDaveBrandon with the likes of Warde Manuel may be an interesting move as he's already probably built a rapport with Narduzzi to lure him away from Staee to UConn.
I would venture a guess that Narduzzi has his eye on Dantonio's job, but must be aware that it's not likely to open up soon and certainly wouldn't make that step once here as HC. This would be a great way to spice up the rivalry even further (as if it's needed).
Challenges:
I'm concerned that the incoming AD (assuming Brandon is out) will try to overcompensate by narrowing a search to offensive guys (just like the Carr-->RR search and the opposite direction for RR-->Hoke). A quality HC from one side of the ball can build a staff and program that's equally competent in all three phases of the game.
Biggest downside? Bulletin board material, especially if he turned down what I am certain will be a compelling dollar figure.
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As for special tools, there were shops that didn't have the tools to pull out the engine when I called around. Wound up going to the subaru dealership. Felt like a chump getting that done at the dealership tho with the peace of mind that they'd do it right. Just ripped me off on hourly rate. Wouldn't go to Suburban Subaru for service again. I'd check with one of the 3 other dealers in the metro-Detroit area for their rates.
With that age and price range you're sure to be in for repairs from time to time (even with your current car) so be sure to check the labor rate at several shops. I found this out too late for my head gaskets. Was a 10 hour repair and the shop I went to had a labor rate $20/hour above market. Wound up costing another $200 than if I had gone elsewhere nearby.
Also gloves say Ula (c apparently got lost somewhere)
Adidas bruined another classic uni (yes, I went there. Wordplay ftw)
If Hackett convinces JH to come, good for him, but I'm guessing it's not really the work of a genius AD. JH is going to make the decision he wants to make and I would surmise that he can name his own terms (within some level of reason) if he wants the job. Point is, if JH wants to come, then as long as it's not Dave Brandon at the helm driving people away, I don't see it making any difference who the AD is.
Now if JH takes the job conditional on a Hackett staying or naming a specific replacement, then we have something to talk about.
Still a head-scratcher to me. But as with pretty much everybody, I fully expect he'll be a HC somewhere else next year. He's not a Muschamp/Kiffin kind of situation looking to land in a good coordinator spot. My money is on Kansas right meow, but we'll see what else opens up.
Ultimately, I have confidence in Pres. Schlissel to make the right (my preferred) decision.
(1) Bringing a case in the state's interest. This is an area of the law I don't profess to know much about. As a public institution, it is accountable to the state. I would guess that somewhere in the state AG's office, there is an unfriendly. Hell, maybe Regent (ugh, I can't believe he's a regent) Bernstein would file such a suit.
(2) Make enough noise that he should be fired with cause, especially if this whole post gets picked up by more media sources. The more noise, the more leverage the University has over DB for favorable deal terms, especially if he believes that he could reasonably be terminated with cause. The risk averse businessman in him should (emphasis on should) look at the chance of getting nothing and take whatever deal the University offers him (Prisoner's Dilemma). Of course, expectations of rational human behavior apply.
A. Private communication violates contract
(1) Sec. 8.2(a)(i) provides for termination with cause for "failure by the Director to perform in any material respect any of his duties or obligations..." Sec. 5(d), detailing the Director's duties and responsibilities provides that: "Director shall represent the University positively in public and private forums and shall not engage in conduct that reflects adversely on the University or its athletic programs. The Director shall perform his duties and personally comport himself at all times in a manner consistent with the high moral, ethical and academic standards of the University and its Athletic Department."
These communications are likely included as "private forums," in which DB must act with a certain level of propriety. I'm not sure if there are documented standards that the University applies, but if somebody digs them up, I'd be interested in knowing them. These would probably include guidelines for email communications with third parties.
B. FOIA policies violate contract:
(1) Sec. 5(a) incorporates Exhibit C into the agreement, making all the elements of DB's job description binding on him. Of those duties, is "know, recognize and comply with all applicable laws..." Any knowledge that his email policy is designed to skirt FOIA requirements would be strong evidence that he is in breach of his contract. A violation of MCL FOIA requirements may be enough to be found in breach of this provision. Failure of his duties is terminable with cause under Sec. 8.2(a)(i).
(2) Sec. 8.2(a)(iii) provides for termination when University assets are compromised. Threat of $500 statutory penalties for violating Michigan FOIA law, in the aggregate, may be considered a sufficient detriment to the assets.
Conclusion:
I invite BiSB or other legal-type people to use some contract theories to push for action. A little prodding along, or leverage on the part of the University would go a long way to secure resignation or termination.
2a) Pat Narduzzi (if Warde Manual is our AD)
2b) Bert Bielema (if Jeff Long is our AD)
2c) Tom Herman (if Brad Bates is our AD)
...
7) Bob Stitt
I'm not sold on the HC requirement. It's hit or miss to me.
Hear me out... Who is the most Bo-like persona out there? It may be Narduzzi. For perspective, Bo was an assistant at a program we despised, for a coach we despised, and built a period in the rivalry (Ten-Year War) that has its own Wikipedia page. I have no interest in running a Meyer-type program, while perhaps that's an option with Dan Mullen or somebody else on Meyer's current staff. Instead, we may gain from the "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" path by focusing on Narduzzi who has some solid street cred. We may loathe his "60 minutes of unnecessary roughness" now, but you have to admit you would at least tolerate and most love that attitude if it were coming from our side of the line and ending in victories.
Stars aligning or conspiracy theory?
Narduzzi has fielded the same consistent D over the last several years and has clearly been targeted for HC positions. We also can assume he has goals of being a HC someday from the ultimatum he gave Cinci to either offer him the HC job or he'd leave to join Dantonio at Staee (they did okay going with Kelly anyway). Replacing #FireDaveBrandon with the likes of Warde Manuel may be an interesting move as he's already probably built a rapport with Narduzzi to lure him away from Staee to UConn.
I would venture a guess that Narduzzi has his eye on Dantonio's job, but must be aware that it's not likely to open up soon and certainly wouldn't make that step once here as HC. This would be a great way to spice up the rivalry even further (as if it's needed).
Challenges:
I'm concerned that the incoming AD (assuming Brandon is out) will try to overcompensate by narrowing a search to offensive guys (just like the Carr-->RR search and the opposite direction for RR-->Hoke). A quality HC from one side of the ball can build a staff and program that's equally competent in all three phases of the game.
Biggest downside? Bulletin board material, especially if he turned down what I am certain will be a compelling dollar figure.