Jim Harbaugh's Dreams Came True

I am pleased to learn that Jim Harbaugh is the University of Michigan’s 20th head football coach. With his hiring brings hope, high expectations, confidence about the future, plenty of excitement, stimulation and electricity. It was a wise choice to say the least. There is plenty of coaching DNA within the Harbaugh family.

Jim arrived to Ann Arbor in 1973 as a young child, about 10 years of age, which is a critical period of development, psychologically and emotionally. His father Jack was hired by Bo Schembechler to be a defensive backfield coach. By 1973, Bo’s transformation of excellence, and becoming part of the great Michigan football tradition was in place. Jim began thinking and dreaming (playing, having fun) of himself as a hero on the Gridiron at the Big House. Thus, sports, imagery of success in Ann Arbor was imprinted, at this time, on this young boy

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 Harbaugh played high school football, in Ann Arbor. His family moved to California, but Jim was recruited and returned to Ann Arbor In the early 80s.  He was well acquainted with coaches Bo Schembechler, Jerry Hanlon and Gary Moeller, whom he met about 10 years earlier. From this solid foundation of   coaching relationships, was added increased experiences of learning from these wonderful, personable, and caring mentors.

From especially Bo and others, Jim learned about the importance of team. He now realizes how important team cohesiveness is for a successful program. He knows that the team becomes like a band of brothers, that each cares for each other, plays for each other, in order for that the team to function as one. The offensive team has to be cohesive, the defensive unit must be cohesive and the cohesiveness of the special-teams unit is also required to increase the probability of victory. Jim also learned about the importance of practice, working out and its place in minimizing mistakes.  Jim was well aware of the repetition that is required in practice, as well as the hard work required and needed in order to meet victory goals. Further, Jim learned about fairness, which is treating the players equally and not allowing individual egos to get in the way. There can be no prima donnas on the team.

Bo made it clear to his players that they could achieve more than they realized (re- framing thoughts), and it was his job to make them perform better (one can always get and perform better), which he did. Jim knows and learned this lesson well. Jim improved player performance at the University of San Diego, Stanford University, and with the San Francisco 49ers as their head coach. This suggests that Jim knows how to turn things around and can assemble a coaching staff that requires cohesiveness as well.

Jim also learned from his past player and coaching experiences, not to trash or speak negatively about the players previous coaches. At Jim’s first press conference in Ann Arbor he spoke highly of previous Michigan head coach Brady Hoke. Class was modeled for Jim and he demonstrated that he has learned this trait very well.

PS

Thom Darden, Michigan All-American and All-Pro with the Cleveland Browns returned in 1975 to Ann Arbor to assist. Bo Schembechler, and Jack Harbaugh in implementing and teaching staff and players, the Pittsburgh Steelers Cover 2 defense. Were they successful, you bet your life.

Coach Jim Harbaugh Goes To ?

 Where Will Jim Harbaugh Coach Next

 Middle-aged football coach Jim Harbaugh has a major decision to make. Likely, the San Francisco 49ers, plan to let him go after three seasons [2011-2014]. Developmentally, he is at a crossroads in his professional career. Some questions he could ask himself include: 1. Where do I want to be-in the NFL or in college in five years? 2. Where do I want to be-in the NFL or in college in 10 years? 3. The same question in 15 years, when he’ll be eligible for Social Security. 4. How long do I want to be a head coach-in the NFL or in college? 5. Do I want to be an athletic director? 6. Do I want to be a general manager, or an owner of an NFL team? 7. Where do I want to rear my family for the next five, 10 or 15 years?

It would seem to me that these are some of the questions that confront Jim. And only after a thorough investigation, the road taken will be clear. Apparently, he’ll have an opportunity to coach the Oakland Raiders. Some positive points include: 1. He would still be in the Bay Area. 2. He’s familiar with the organization and owner Mark Davis as he was their quarterback coach from 2002- 2003. 3. Although the Raiders are rebuilding, they have a pretty impressive rookie quarterback [Carr]; a pretty impressive young running back [Murray]; two pretty impressive linebackers [Moore and Mack]; 4. And future Hall of Fame safety Charles Woodson to help instruct the many newcomers. Of course there are more positives.

Some of the negative points include: 1. The Raiders head coaches since John Madden have had short careers, especially within the last 10 years. 2. Owner Mark Davis is Al Davis’ son, and relatively unknowledgeable in football matters. 3. The Raiders continue to talk about relocating to Southern California [This may be a negative]. 4. How realistic is it for the Raiders to win a Super Bowl [older brother John has one]. 5. Remember, the NFL stands for “not for long.” These are the obvious negatives.

Another option includes returning to the University Michigan, the home of former glory. Some positive points in returning to Ann Arbor include: 1. Jim had unparalleled success, at the University of Michigan. 2. The head coaching job at this University is most prestigious 3. There’s a lot of excitement among Michigan alumni regarding his potential return 4. Although, the Wolverines are a young team, Jim has an opportunity to teach, develop and bring out their maximum potential [quarterback, running backs offensive line, defensive backs and hopefully the redshirted Peppers]. 5. If Jim is successful, likely an athletic director position would be in his future.

A few negatives include the following: 1. The legend, the statue would be always looking over his shoulder-Bo Schembechler. Could he ever measure up to Bo? 2. The Wolverines recruiting record and head coaching record has been less than satisfactory since 2007. Jim would need time to develop a program. Can the alumni delay gratification for this to happen [winning versus losing]?

Once again there many issues that confront Jim Harbaugh. If he’s in competition with his brother John, then he needs to win a Super Bowl [my friend Tony said he would go for two rings, if his brother had one]. Also, Jim ,   has not done well in the pros against Seattle’s coach Pete Carroll. Can he let these things go?

Jim has already surpassed his father Jack, as far as coaching goes. I’m wondering what advice father Jack would give his son? Best of luck, Jim Harbaugh.

Jim Harbaugh's Mid life Crisis

 Jim Harbaugh’s Midlife Crisis

Jim Harbaugh is presently the head football coach of the San Francisco 49ers. For the past month or so, the media has been reporting that Jim Harbaugh is out as far as the San Francisco 49ers are concerned for 2015. The media has also reported that Jim is being recruited for a head coach coaching position by the University of Michigan and the Oakland Raiders.

Jim was an All-American quarterback for the University Michigan back in the late 80s. Jim’s first NFL coaching position, as quarterback coach, was for the Oakland Raiders, in 2002. Jim also attended high school in both Ann Arbor and Palo Alto. He was even head coach for the Stanford Cardinals prior to taking the San Francisco 49er position.

If all the media reports are true, Jim’s dilemma is apparent. Although he had close knit ties, in the past, in Ann Arbor, he has more current connections in the Bay Area. Michigan’s football program at the moment is less than ideal as is the Oakland Raider’s. Both programs desperately need to improve.

If it’s a matter of prestige, and sibling rivalry [Jim’s brother John is a Super Bowl winner-the pinnacle; Jim has outperformed his father, “only” an assistant coach with the Wolverines and the Cardinals] then the NFL would more than likely win out. I’m sure that there’s another NFL head coaching position, [And win a Super Bowl like his older brother] in the cards. For Harbaugh, if it’s a matter of “returning home” to one’s glory in adolescence and young adulthood, then Ann Arbor is the place. It’s been said that you can’t go home. If Harbaugh returns to Ann Arbor, he would return home. If it’s a matter of present connections, current residence, Bay Area familiarity, then, the Raiders would win out.

Harbaugh just had a birthday and is now 51 years of age and is in a midlife crisis so to speak. His life for the past 45 years or so has been sports and football but not necessarily in that order. His identity is that of a football player and coach. Since retirement from professional football, Harbaugh has been working with young men in both a mentoring and teaching role. I cannot imagine a major change in direction for Jim. As he’s progressing developmentally through life’s stages, Jim is in his second marriage. [Intimacy versus isolation] and is in the generativity versus stagnation stage.

Developmentally this mature man is focused on guiding and teaching the next generation through the vehicle of football. Jim has touched many young men in the last decade or so. He has gained their trust as expressed by creating a team with winning football. He has a gift of being an outstanding athlete with a super professional career and is in a position to reap economic security.

Even though Jim may be released by the San Francisco 49ers, his future looks great. Jim is an exceptional position during his psychosocial stage of development. Whatever he does, or decision that he makes is likely to be a terrific one. Good for him.

PS

I have no trouble admitting that I am a fan of both the Oakland Raiders and the Michigan Wolverines.

Jim Harbaugh,Urban Meyer and the Ohio State Buckeyes

Urban Meyer, The Ohio State Buckeyes and Jim Harbaugh

The University of Michigan’s football program has been in the news for some time. Not only did they have a losing season, there was also controversy regarding backup quarterback Shane Morris’s concussion. Then, among all the controversy, athletic director Dave Brandon resigned. Michigan’s president Mark S Schlissel then replaced him with interim A.D. Jimmy Hackett. And after the last game of the season, a loss to Ohio State, Hackett terminated Brady Hoke’s contract.

At this point, there has been speculation about Jim Harbaugh, the current 49er head coach, returning to Michigan. Jim attended high school in Ann Arbor, Michigan and in Palo Alto, California. His father Jack was an assistant coach at both universities. Jim then attended the University Michigan and was a three-year starter. As a fifth-year senior in 1986, co-captain Harbaugh led Michigan to 1987 Rose Bowl, and was in the running for the Heisman. His head coach at Michigan was the legend Bo Schembechler. Jim Harbaugh is a Michigan man.

It’s not surprising that Jim was also the head coach at Stanford prior to becoming the San Francisco 49ers head coach. And Jim’s first NFL coaching experience was being the quarterbacks coach for the Oakland Raiders. All told, Jim also coached at the University of San Diego and even played for the San Diego Chargers.  It is clear that Jim has a strong allegiance to the West Coast, as well as to the University Michigan.

Unfortunately, the Big Ten has lost some of its luster as a football powerhouse conference. It is no longer the conference of Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler and 3 yards and a cloud of dust. In fact, early on, during this past collegiate football season, the Big Ten did not have a team considered for the 4 team college playoff. In fact, it wasn’t until after the last college game, that, Ohio State made the cut. And Ohio State will play Alabama on New Year’s Day.

Why would coach Harbaugh return to the Big Ten and coach a below average Michigan team? Where is his heart? Is it in California or in Michigan?

It is clear, that, Ohio State’s won- lost record has been very impressive with the exception of year 2011. And, especially from 2012 to present under coach Urban Meyer. In fact, any one of his three starting quarterbacks this year were superior to Michigan’s starter Devin Gardner.

Whatever Urban Meyer’s drinking, he should save some for Michigan’s new coach. One major key for Michigan’s future success is simply recruiting hard-nosed, tough exceptional athletes. Coach Meyer has it down. I don’t know what his secret is, but he has one. Hopefully, Michigan can infiltrate and learn from his model.

Back in the old days, when Bo Schembechler was the head coach, he had Fritz Seyferth (a former walk-on player) as an assistant in the athletic director’s office. Fritz put together an outstanding recruiting program incorporating CEOs, titans of industry and even president Jerry Ford in the process.

It’s not enough to have football knowledge at the college level. It’s about recruiting, recruiting and recruiting. The head coach and his staff has to be able to relate to the players of today, and like Bo take them and change their mindset , so that they can perform out of this world.

Jim Harbaugh are you up to this challenge? You’ve had impressive head coach coaching records for the University of San Diego, Stanford University and the San Francisco 49ers. We know you can coach. Happy birthday to a young 51-year-old man. Jim you’re young, make the correct choice.

Go Blue!

Suggestions for U of M's A D

 What Type of Football Personality Should U of M  Seek ?

Brady Hoke was the University of Michigan’s coach until 2014. I met coach Hoke this past year at a University of Michigan alumni Association presentation where we shared the stage. Again, later on in the week, we again shared the microphone. This time it was the Brady Hoke-Jim  Brandstatter radio show, in Ann Arbor. My impression of coach Hoke was that he is a real gentleman, soft-spoken and someone you can trust. He seemed very likable and someone to sit down and drink beers together. I’ll bet he’d make a good friend.

After listening to Thom Darden, Mike Keller, Jim Betts, Fritz Seyferth and other former players, Coach Bump Elliott seems more similar to Brady Hoke, then to Bo Schembechler. Coach Elliott was described as soft-spoken, intelligent, well dressed and extremely personable. In fact, Mike Keller thought that coach Elliott was like an uncle. And, Fritz stated that Coach Elliott would not disrespect the players compared to Bo, who initiated the slap and stomp drill. Coach Elliott had a better record than coach Hoke in part because of his Rose Bowl victory. One expected coach Hoke to be fired, but not Bump, who had an 8-2 record in his last season.

 Michigan needs to find a football head coach that has “fire in his belly.” This head coach should take charge and get in a players face when required. He has to be in control of his program and not be intimidated or influenced by outside forces. If a player is unwilling to take his direction (or rules), he should be dismissed from the team. The strong personality of a head coach should not be intimidated by the A.D. By the same token, the A.D. should not be afraid of the head coach. His ego should be separate, with clear intact boundaries.

We know that Michigan’s President Dr. Mark S. Schlissel is an academic and wants the athletes to graduate from this prestigious institution. Dr. Schlissel has made that clear. The University doesn’t have to compromise its integrity regarding academics. The A.D. should implement the following: 1. Hire an administrator to oversee the academics of the football program. This person has to maintain relationships with deans and faculty alike. 2. Recruit former athletes with degrees to become a mentor/coach/family member for incoming players. It’s important that these mentors were former players, because then these mentors can say to these freshman “I understand what you’re going through because I was there too. I know from personal experience what’s required, and I’m going to help you become successful as we are all part of the same team.” This mentor should be available to the young recruit at all times and be in contact with family and faculty alike. This mentor becomes more than a tutor, he becomes a valued and trusted friend.

Jim Betts, Fritz Seyferth, Mike Keller come to mind because of their experience in administration, athletics and academics. These former players made it clear of their commitment to Michigan football, and to the University, it self. They are Michigan men true and true.

Jimmy Hackett A.D., take advantage of these concrete resources at your fingertips. These men are not like water that will slip through your fingers. Find them and pick their brains.

In conclusion, Michigan needs a strong A.D., a strong football head coach and a strong tutoring-mentoring program in order to take advantage of the many athletes available.

Go Blue!

U of M Needs an AD

   Finding Don Canham

For those of you too young to remember, Bump Elliott( all-American- Rose Bowl hero as a player and head coach) coached the Wolverines  from 1959-1968 ( 51-42-2). In Bump’s final coaching season his team had an 8-2 record. His second loss, the last game of the season was to Woody Hayes’ Ohio State team. The final score was 50 to 14.

 In that same 1968 year, Don Canham was appointed AD. Canham served in that capacity until 1988. Canham was an All American winning the NCAA title in high jump in 1940 and was the Big Ten champ in 1940 and 1941. This All-American track star was appointed head track and field coach in 1950, and he held that position until 1968. His teams had a 52-13-2 record during his tenure. His track and field teams won 12 Big Ten, conference championships-seven indoor and five outdoor. During his illustrious coaching career, Canham was able to accomplish this dominance, in large part because of his recruiting multiracial talent and bringing them to Michigan.

His A.D. leadership was unequaled and Don became the model for athletic directors all over the country. For instance, he was able to market and sell products bearing the name and/or logo of the University of Michigan. Not only that, he addressed the dwindling attendance at the Michigan Stadium and in the process set records nationwide selling more than 100,000 tickets for every home football game.   Renewing the rivalry with Notre Dame helped heighten interest in Michigan football. Oh yeah, the football team dominated and had tremendous records as well, which helped fill the stadium. After Don Canham retired in 1988, the Donald B. Canham Natatorium began hosting Michigan’s water polo, diving, and swimming teams.

Returning to 1968, Don Canham released Coach Bump Elliott, as head coach even though his team won eight games and lost just two. How this could newly appointed athletic director release Bump one of the most respected Michigan man from his duties? Everyone and I mean everyone perceived Bump Elliott as a gentleman, a scholar and a Michigan man to say the least. Well, Canham did just that.

Canham, then sought out Bo Schembechler. Although the press didn’t know much about Bo, Canham knew that Bo was part of the Woody Hayes coaching tree that also included Ara Parseghian. Just think about that for a moment. Bo, Woody and Ara are among the best college coaches of all time. A.D. Don Canham also knew that Bo had no trouble recruiting, teaching and relating to multiracial athletes. In fact, Bo’s players remembered him saying (during the turbulent 60s and 70s) you’re not white, you’re not red, you’re not blue, you are Michigan. The truth is that it just took Canham 15 minutes of interviewing Bo at a restaurant to realize that he was the right person for this most prestigious job.

So for me it’s very clear that Michigan’s football problems began in 2007 when Lloyd Carr retired as its head coach. Since then there have been three questionable athletic directors. If Michigan wants to have a good football program, start with the athletic director. Find him and you’ll find the right coach for this historic program. It’s unfortunate that Canham passed away at the age of 87 on May 3, 2005. We could use his brilliance right now.

Go Blue!

Why Wolverine Football Fell from Grace

In talking about, Michigan football, let’s take a look at the past three football coaches as well as the five athletic directors since 1995. Perhaps this will help provide some understanding about the current state of affairs for Michigan football.

Let’s start with Lloyd Carr, the coach from 1995 through 2007 with a 122-41 won- loss record. Under Coach Carr, a few facts include: 1] His teams had an overall, 12-0 record in 1997; 11-2 in 2006; and three 10 victories in 1998, 1999, 2002 and 2003. 2] His teams made 4 Rose Bowl appearances and appeared in a bowl game every season. 3] His team had Heisman winner Charles Woodson and was a Rose Bowl winner going undefeated. 4] His teams won or shared in five Big Ten conference titles. 5] His team was declared the national champion by the Associated Press in 1997. 6] He was an assistant coach under Gary Moeller at the University of Illinois; he was a defensive secondary coach and a defensive coordinator from 1987 through 1994 under Coach Bo Schembechler and Coach Gary Moeller; and was an assistant head coach from 1990 to 1994.  Joe Roberson, Thomas Goss and William Martin [2000-2010] were athletic directors while Coach Carr coached.

In 2008 Coach Rich Rodriquez was hired by A.D. William Martin. Rich Rod’s record was 15 wins-22 losses [winning 3, 5 and 7 games while losing 9, 7 and 6 games]. In 2010. Dave Brandon became the new A.D. and fired Rich Rod and hired Brady Hoke. Brady Hoke’s record was: 11-2 in 2011; 8-5 in 2012; 7-6 in 2013 and 5-7 in 2014.

It seems obvious that Michigan’s football program from Bo Schembechler, Gary Moeller to Lloyd Carr was outstanding. And one can make a case that Rich Rodriquez’s first three years were not good according to wins and losses. And within a year of Dave Brandon’s hiring, he fired Rich Rod and hired Brady Hoke. Why Rich Rod didn’t do well at the University Michigan but is doing magnificently at the University of Arizona is a mystery. Perhaps, just perhaps, that it had something to do with A.D. Dave Brandon. So, just maybe Dave Brandon wasn’t the right A.D (limited experience).

When Dave Brandon resigned, Coach Brady Hoke had no one in his corner, especially the new acting A.D. Jimmy Hackett. It was under Jimmy Hackett’s rule, that Brady Hoke was fired. What may further complicate matters is that President Mark S. Schlissel within two weeks of the Brandon’s resignation, reportedly expressed his concern about the graduation rates of Michigan football players. He thought that admitting students who were not academically qualified, was problematic. The president then issued an apology to Coach Hoke and the program by stating that under Hoke, the graduation rate improved.

Maybe athletic director Joe Roberson got it right when he hired Lloyd Carr. Maybe it was obvious that Coach Carr learned from the best- Coach Bo Schembechler and Coach Gary Moeller. How could Joe Roberson go wrong?

Even though Jimmy Hackett A.D. has a search team, I’m concerned about him getting it right. I do not want to put all the blame and Dave Brandon. However, for the last seven years, there have been inconsistencies and losing seasons unheard of in the Michigan tradition. Since 2000, Michigan has had 3 A.D.’s and 3 coaches. That fact in and of itself is more than likely one of the reasons for Michigan’s decline on the football field. With the new President appointing a new athletic director suggests more potential problems for the football program. I would be very pleased if proved wrong.

Go Blue!

U of M's Next Football Coach

I am thoroughly impressed with Dr. Mark S. Schlissel’s appointment as the University of Michigan’s 14^th president on July 14, 2014. This former provost has an unequaled resume. Dr. Schlissel obtained a bachelor’s degree from Princeton and attained both a PhD and MD at Johns Hopkins. During his professional-academic career, he also was a chair and Dean at UC Berkeley (a distinguished, to say the least, Public University). And of course the provost at Brown, an Ivy League University.

According to one interview, Mark likes playing basketball and tennis and reads about intercollegiate athletics. He is said to have a passion for the role of higher education in making a difference to the world we live in. So, I have no quarrel with his selection as president of this world renowned University. On the other hand, I wonder about his recent interim appointment of Jimmy Hackett as Michigan’s athletic director.

Mr.  CEO Hackett, in a major decision, recently accepted athletic director Dave Brandon’s resignation. And then, he terminated head football coach Brady Hoke. It is true that Brady Hoke had an overall winning record. And it is also true, that in his four years each successive season had more losses. Further, Michigan did not get a bowl appearance request. One can argue should or shouldn’t Brady Hoke, have been fired.

It is also a fact that the University of Michigan’s football-athletic program is big business and has been for quite some time. So, when I heard that Mr. Hackett is having an executive search team fined a new coach that bothered me (too corporate). Yes, I know that past history is important and that predictions about future performance is flawed. Just take a look at the number of hiring’s and firings in big time collegiate athletics, and at the professional level. It appears that it is more an art than a science as far as the selection process.

I would just as soon take a more scientific approach in setting up the criteria for the selection process, especially with the search team. We all know in our culture that the bottom line is wins and losses. I hope they don’t forget the matter of integrity as an important variable. For those of you that do not know, Coach Bo Schembechler’s history, this man was sincere, honorable, didn’t cut corners or break rules. Just ask Fritz Seyferth when Bo found out that a Michigan alum was bending an NCAA rule. Bo would have none of it, and dismissed that alum from Michigan’s program on the spot.

Stay tuned as the Michigan story unfolds. In the meantime, Go Blue!

Jim Harbaugh, Jay Gruden and the Michigan Wolverines

 "Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat."
– F. Scott Fitzgerald

 Jim Harbaugh, Jay Gruden and  the Michigan Wolverines

By now you might know that I’d be very happy if Jim Harbaugh, coach of the 49ers returned to Ann Arbor as head coach of the Wolverines. This former co-captain of the Michigan Wolverines comes from a football background as his father, Jack Harbaugh was a former Wolverine position coach. John Harbaugh, a Super Bowl winner and Jim’s older brother is currently head coach of the Baltimore Ravens.

It’s my understanding that Michigan has reached out to Jay Gruden the head coach of the Washington Redskins. If the Wolverines are considering going to the NFL ranks for their next head coach, I support that idea wholeheartedly. Todays, top recruits generally think about playing in the NFL. and having an NFL experienced coach would be great for recruiting. And we all know that Michigan can use assistance with prospective players as a number of top recruits have bailed because of Michigan’s poor record and Brady Hoke’s firing.

Jim Harbaugh is still my first choice. I would not be unhappy if Jay Gruden was hired. Certainly, men of this caliber would be a good fit for Michigan’s illustrious football history and program.

One suggestion would be to contact Mike Keller COO of the Football League of America for assistance regarding the hiring of football coaches with NFL experience. Keller has put together entire football leagues. And currently is ready to implement another professional football league this spring. He has the contacts with coaches and would be an excellent resource for the University Michigan. In fact, as a former player, he knows Jimmy Hackett, the current Michigan, and A.D.

Another suggestion is to contact Gary Moeller Michigan’s former head coach, who also has coaching experience in the NFL. In fact, Gary’s son, Andy is a position coach for the Cleveland Browns. And I know that both Keller and Gary Moeller would work together efficiently. In fact, Gary Moeller was Mike Keller’s position coach along with legend Bo Schembechler.

Come on Jimmy Hackett, allow Mike Keller and Gary Moeller to assist you.

 Go Blue!

Go Home Jim Harbaugh

  Return to Michigan Jim Harbaugh

Yes, Michigan has reached out to Jim Harbaugh. Although, I have not heard from Jim Harbaugh that he has ruled out the University of Michigan head coach position. Yes, he has coached at Stanford and the 49ers which provides plenty of prestige. However, to go back to his roots, in Ann Arbor, might be the smart thing for him. Likely, he would have to convince his spouse Sarah about the move to the Midwest.Just do it.

Then, I would have him start assembling his coaching staff. Andy Moeller currently line coach for the Cleveland Browns would be a good choice to begin. For those of you that do not know, Jim and Andy were co-captains for Bo’s Wolverines. Previously, Andy was a position coach with Jim’s brother John for the Baltimore Ravens.

Other coaches like Jim’s father Jack Harbaugh and Andy’s father Gary Moeller would be great at assisting in a variety of capacities. I would then reach out to Charles Woodson, headed for the Hall of Fame, and ask him to become part of the staff.

By selecting past Michigan greats, and bringing them into the present forms a terrific model for potential recruits. Jim brings with him tradition, passion, dedication, head coach experience and football knowledge. This man has been a winner throughout his life and it makes sense for him to return home and continue living where it began.  Jim, think hard and be clear about your next move. Hopefully you’ll make the correct one.

Go Blue!

Jimmy Hackett U of M's AD Needs MIke Keller

Jimmy Hackett Locate Mike Keller

Both Florida and Nebraska didn’t take long in selecting their new football coaches. These football powerhouses have experienced athletic directors and they hired two coaches who recruited and coached well in their backgrounds.

Unfortunately, Michigan’s new athletic director has limited experience. Although he played as a backup for Bo, and had recent CEO experience, I’ll bet he could benefit with assistance in the selection process.

 Jimmy Hackett , seek out former Michigan great Mike Keller. Mr. Keller started three years (1969, 1970, and 1971) for Coach Bo Schembechler. As a starter, he received outstanding report cards on games played, and holds the Wolverine record for his superb achievement. Not only that, he was selected in the third round of the NFL draft and the 64^th selection overall; and played against the team that drafted him -the World Champion Dallas Cowboys in the College All-Star game.

While with the Cowboys, Mike had front office experience with Gil Brandt, Tom Landry and Tex Schram. From there he selected and helped put together the expansion team-Seattle Seahawks. He also was a scout, administrator and consultant for the NFL and the NFL-Europe.

Mike Keller was also an Assistant General Manager-VP of Football Operations for the X FL; and the Director of Football Operations for the Michigan Panthers of the USFL.

Currently, Mike is the COO of the Football League of America, which plans its debut in the spring of 2015. This league is another professional football experience for the multi-talented Mike Keller.

Keller has a wealth of football playing experience for the legend Bo Schembechler, as well as with the legend Tom Landry. In his professional career, he has evaluated potential and current football players for roster spots. He hired and fired football coaches. He also created out of nothing, an entire team, as well as the league. Mike was a champion at every level.

Jimmy Hackett, if you want my advice, contact Mike Keller and see if he has the time to assist you in this very important process of selecting a new Wolverine football coach. If you require another opinion, ask Commissioner Roger Goodell of the NFL.

In the meantime, Go Blue!

Jimmy Hackett's Firing of Brady Hoke

Tuesday, I saw a portion of the TV, press conference with Michigan athletic director Jimmy Hackett. For those of you that do not know, Jimmy played as a reserve for Coach Bo Schembechler . In the late 70s. Just prior to his recent A.D. appointment(interim basis) by Michigan President Dr. Mark S. Schlissel, Mr. Hackett was a CEO of a business in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Dr. Schlissel holds an M.D. and PhD from Johns Hopkins and was a provost at Brown University prior to his recent appointment as the University of Michigan’s 14^th president. In the early fall 2014 edition of the Michigan Alumnus Dr. Schlissel , there is a quote, “he has a passion for the role of higher education in making a difference to the world we live in.” This intelligent intellectual with a background in the biological sciences  certainly had reason to appoint Mr. Jimmy Hackett.

At that press conference with Mr. Hackett indicated that there was going to be a search for a new head football coach, and that the search team knew about Michigan’s values of molding the character of the players. Hackett also indicated that winning was important as well.

We all know that Coach Rich Rod had some issues as well as a poor won- loss record for the Wolverines. The University of Arizona, I’m sure has “good values.” Hired Rich Rod and they are currently ranked just out of the top 10 college football teams. By the way, Coach Hoke at an overall winning record during his four years as head coach. Not only that, the players, both present and past; A.D. Jimmy Hackett and others speak highly of Brady Hoke. Even Shane Morris, the concussion quarterback controversy loves Brady Hoke. So, apparently, Brady Hoke has similar values(building character and winning) to all concerned. Yes, it’s true that this year’s record was disastrous.

Now if Brady Hoke’s values are in concert with the University of Michigan’s why was he fired? Maybe, And what can be measured is the number of students that attend games, going to a postseason bowl game and won and loss record. Underneath the value of winning, is the economic ramifications and big business. Regarding football. This economic juggernaut is related to the ambitious for billion-dollar capital campaign in process. Let’s face it, the number one value in college football is about the economics or money. Whether we like it or not, football pays the bills and brings prestige to universities all over this land

. So, Michigan search for another head coach, its third since 2007 is a major issue. So much about values and building character, etc. is good rhetoric, but is not the entire story. The University sets out to pick another coach, and then make predictions about the won loss record. I can’t wait to learn about scientific methods that the search team utilized in their selection. Stay tuned as a story goes on.

·         For those of you interested in my Warren Pierce radio interview : Link to radio interview with Warren Pierce  https://sites.google.com/site/ithasnothingtodowithage/files/112914_frank%20lieberman.mp3?attredirects=0

Go Blue!

Jimmy Hackett Follow OSU's Urban Meyer

 "Great minds have purposes, little minds have wishes."
– Washington Irving

 U of M AD Jimmy Hackett and Urban Meyer the Genius

No doubt many of you are aware that the top college teams have terrific running quarterbacks who can also pass the ball. And if we think back about the last few Heisman winners such as Jameis Winston, Johnny Manziel and this year’s pick is likely Oregon’s Marcus Mariota. What these quarterbacks have in common is that they are terrific athletes and are exciting when they run with the ball.

Other terrific college quarterbacks were Ohio State’s Troy Smith and Terrelle Pryor. It’s true that they were not three-step drop back quarterbacks, nor did they have terrific careers as quarterbacks in the NFL. So what, if they were not Hall of Fame NFL quarterbacks. However, they were outstanding college quarterbacks who led the Buckeyes to victory, especially over Michigan.

 Just think about last year’s sensational OSU quarterback Braxton Miller. More than likely he would’ve been this year’s Heisman winner, but an injury sidelined him. So what did Coach Meyer do? He inserted freshman J. T. Barrett as his number one quarterback. What did Barrett do this season? Well, he led the Buckeyes and set all kinds of records in the process. As a result, we forgot about Braxton Miller. Then, in the Michigan game, Barrett suffered a severe injury and Coach Meyer inserted sophomore Cardale Jones as the quarterback.  What do these three quarterbacks have in common? They were all recruited by Urban Meyer and can run with the ball.

The last or most recent Hall of Fame (to be), Michigan quarterback is Tom Brady. Yes, Tom Brady is a three-step drop back quarterback. Chad Henne, currently a backup in the NFL, is also a three-step drop back quarterback who played well for Michigan, but could not beat Ohio State. Ryan Mallett was a three-step drop back quarterback, currently an injured backup in the NFL, who transferred to Arkansas when Rich Rod was hired.

The last exciting quarterback Michigan had was Dennard Robinson (beat OSU). Currently, Robinson, with the NFL jaguars, is in his third year and their leading rushing running back. By the way, this year’s Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner was recruited as a wide receiver. And he made a game of the big game, because of his ability to run with the ball.

Maybe the key to Michigan’s football future is not the traditional three-step drop back quarterback? Let’s face it, 3 yards and a cloud of dust is outmoded and done. It seems to me, that for now, a strong athletic fast quarterback that can run the ball is a key, in the college game, because of the improved, and terrific defenses with all the stunts, zones, blitzes and super athletic cornerbacks like Charles Woodson types.

 Jimmy Hackett, are you listening? Go Blue!