Replacements for Brady Hoke

After weeks of predicting, pining, and praying for the dismissal of Brady Hoke as Head Coach of Michigan, the day has finally come to close the book on this disappointing revival story. Brady Hoke was brought in after Rich Rodriguez (another sad tale) to restore the tradition and glory of the University of Michigan. But while Brady said all the right things, and had a system that looked familiar and cozy to all Michigan fans, it never quite felt right in Ann Arbor.

In 2012, Brady was able to coach up Rich Rod’s recruits to a Sugar Bowl victory but was unable to ever build off that momentum. While the win belonged to Brady, the players were recruited and developed by Rich Rod. Hoke’s recruits never developed. He tried to squeeze every ounce out of Rodriguez’s last prize recruit in Devin Gardner, but the quarterback (actual wide receiver) never lived up to the promise as the Michigan offense faltered year after year. Part of the included package was a commitment to a power running game with running backs that reminded us of Mike Hart, Chris Perry, and Tyrone Wheatley. But Michigan fans would have taken a glimpses of a Tim Biakbutuka, but that never happened either. Instead Hoke, invested in a litany of running backs that either could not stay on the field because of injuries or violations, or running backs who you did not even want to see on the field.

            Unfortunately for Brady Hoke, it got to the point where you didn’t want to see the no headset wearing, belly engulfing presences on the field either. Now that the time has come its time to start over…to truly start over. This time Michigan fandom can learn from these dark tales and truly understand that there will be to shortcuts to the top. No “Wiz” or “Michigan Man” that will provide flames of greatness just to fizzle out. This time, Michigan will hopefully steer clear of a gimmick and hire the right coach.

First and foremost, let’s be honest…

            I have absolutely no problem with Michigan fans trying to lure the likes of Jim or John Harbaugh, or even a Les Miles to come to Michigan. It has only been a few days since the firing of Hoke, and its okay to be excited, anxious and think that the hottest coaches in the country could come to your beloved school. But as weeks go by the more and more Wolverines fans should realize that they are not hiring any of those three big names.

Why they can’t hire Les Miles…

            If he would not come four years ago…why is he coming now? LSU is still one of the top teams in the SEC, he has some of his best young offensive talent to ever come through Baton Rouge and the defense is finally beginning to look like an LSU defense. Despite the 8 win season, everything looks promising for next year, and LSU should be competing for a playoff spot in 2015.

Why they can’t hire John Harbaugh…

            Harbaugh already has a Super Bowl ring in Baltimore, and a Super Bowl ring buys you at least 4-5 years of security. While the NFL is a cut throat league and each and every year your lifespan as a head coach is tested, Harbaugh is in the rare position of of having some actual security. Winning a Super Bowl buys you time, and time hasn’t ran out on Harbaugh in Baltimore yet.

Why they can’t hire Jim Harbaugh…

            While this is the most appealing choice for the Michigan faithful as Harbuagh would have a messiah like presence in Ann Arbor, he is not the savior for the moment in Michigan. Harbaugh is being chased out of San Fransisco, but his stock is still incredibly high. Harbaugh vaulted from the college ranks to win a Super Bowl in the NFL. After three straight NFC Championship appearances, including one Super Bowl, Harbaugh has got so close to the Super Bowl trophy he could lick it. NFL teams will be lining up to bring him in and appreciate what the 49ers no longer seem to do. Harbaugh is still chasing that dream of winning the Super Bowl, and Michigan is not even in the side-view mirror.

So who should Michigan hire?

Conservative Choice: Pat Narduzzi, DC, Michigan State

            While the Michigan faithful may not enjoy the fact that I am suggesting an assistant coach from “Little Brother” school, Narduzzi could offer the most immediate impact in the short term. Narduzzi already knows the Big 10, he knows how to neutralize the offenses of the Big 10, and would be able to utilize the best prospects at Michigan, whom all seem to play on the defensive side of the ball. Now while it may be a risk from an offensive perspective and we know very little about his recruiting ability, but Narduzzi, if he were to work out, would most likely be in for the long haul, and his style of football goes easy on the eyes of the Michigan boosters. The whole “if you can’t beat them, join them” philosophy could really pay off.

Outside the Box Choice: Mike Gundy, HC, Oklahoma State

            Mike Gundy has been reportedly on the outs with the Oklahoma State brass, and while that may be reason enough to find a new job, Gundy might actually be faced with the following dilemma: Is there anything more to accomplish in the Big 12? The Cowboys have made a few good runs during the Gundy era but with TCU most likely heading to the playoff, Baylor just on the outside looking in, and with many predicting resurgences from Texas and Oklahoma in the next couple of years, where does that leave Oklahoma State? If Gundy can repeat this same performance in Michigan, he would have an easier path to the title.

Homerun Choice: Rex Ryan, HC, NY Jets

            Now before everyone loses his or her mind over this try and stay with me. There are a two inevitable truths that work in this argument:

1) Rex Ryan will not be a head coach in the NFL anytime soon: While everyone continues to debate after every Rex Ryan postgame press conference about his “mood” and “professionalism” there is a daunting reality that awaits the charismatic defensive guru is: he has not proven to be a good head coach yet! If you look at the places that will most likely be looking for new head coaches next year (i.e. San Francisco, Chicago, Carolina, Jacksonville, Oakland, etc.) most of those teams have major offensive issues that need to be ironed out. During Ryan’s tenure in New York the offense regressed each and every year.

2) Rex Ryan should not go back to being a Defensive Coordinator: At this point in his career, despite the tumultuous ending to his career in New York, Rex Ryan, if anything, was one of the most prolific coaches in the NFL. With all of his shortcomings, Ryan was still a very identifiable, formidable, head coach. Above all, Rex Ryan developed his brand, which is still very marketable. Going back as a defensive coordinator would only tarnish that image. Everyone knows he is a great defensive mind, but what Rex Ryan has created has earned him another shot as a head coach. If anything, he will sell tickets and excite a fan base.

            Which is why he would be a perfect fit in Michigan! Michigan needs someone to ignite the fan base once again and bring people out to watch at Ann Arbor. Michigan would be the most suitable situation for Rex Ryan because of his energetic attitude and his personal skills would work wonders on winning over not the current players at Michigan but potential recruits. What high-profile defensive recruit would say ‘no’ to Rex Ryan? And finally, the college ranks would provide the biggest challenge to Ryan’s defensive prowess. His ability to stop a high profile, spread and speedy offenses could revolutionize the game and continue to add to his legacy as a defensive mastermind.

            If the Michigan brass is serious about looking outside to a non “Michigan-Man” then hiring “the man” who has a system like every other “Michigan-Man”, perhaps they should look at “the fat man”.

The Right Choice: Dan Mullin, HC, Mississippi State

            But while Rex Ryan would be the home run selection the chances are still very slim despite the illuminating argument. Instead, if Michigan is going to do this right, hiring Dan Mullin would be an excellent selection. If Mullin is interested in leaving Mississippi State, and all early speculations indicate he would be open to the idea, he would be the best coach on the market. Michigan should buy even when his stock is so high.

            Dan Mullin will have to rebuild once again after his Mississippi State Bulldogs season has ended. His most prominent players are seniors (10 senior starters), that are going to be very difficult to replace, considering Mississippi State finishes near the bottom of the SEC every year in recruiting. Having to rebuild in the SEC can be quite the task, but rebuilding in the SEC West is the challenge of a lifetime. With teams like the Alabama and LSU consistently playing at the top of the conference, and teams like Auburn and Texas A&M consistently challenging every other year, Mississippi State, at its very best, is the fifth best program in the SEC West. Dan Mullin may have to realize that what he accomplished this year in Starkville is as good as it is going to get.

            Dan Mullin, much like what Rich Rodriguez was supposed to do, will bring freshness to the Big 10. His modern style of offense will appeal to all different types of recruits that Michigan typically does not get. Now while I am sure this all sounds familiar to Michigan fans, the difference here is that Michigan is at such low depths in terms of national relevance, Dan Mullin will have the time to recruit and develop that talent without the spotlight that was on Rich Rodriguez. While Rich Rodriguez could not translate his success from West Virginia in a lesser Big East Conference, Dan Mullin should experience more immediate success coming over from the SEC but granted more time. And with that more time, Mullin can win with his guys, something neither Rodriguez nor Hoke were ever able to do.