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!