It’s a Little Too Quiet
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16 CommentsFor the first time since this search for a new football coach began, things are quiet. That is unexpected considering from the beginning there always has been a juicy rumor or two to keep us wondering. After the dust settled following Lloyd Carr’s retirement press conference, names immediately started coming out in regards to the vacancy, although nothing really materialized.
The first real rumor that started to get people wondering came when Kirk Ferentz’s name started to seriously become mentioned with the coaching job. Some people started tracking planes while others started coming up with reasons why he shouldn’t get the job. Despite the rumors, nothing ever officially happened.
Next up in the coaching search was a day that none of us have forgotten. Going back to a just over a week ago, Michigan at one time, according to ESPN, had a new coach in Les Miles. The frenzy started with that report as most fans became excited and happy that the search was over. Then everything changed when Miles said that ESPN was misinformed as he accepted a contract extension. Once the fallout of that day started to fade in our minds, there was still no time to be quiet as we turned our focus not to potential candidates, but instead to wondering why Bill Martin was sailing when Miles’ agent was calling him. That story got us through most of last week, and then a new emerging candidate brought us into the weekend.
Thursday night left us with the news that Greg Schiano talked with Michigan extensively about the job. No one was sure if he had received an offer, but most figured he was unofficially given a chance to take the job. Regardless, Friday morning brought the news that he had taken his name out of consideration for the job, meaning we all had to move on again. Some will say that the process nearly ended Friday morning before a change of heart by the Rutgers coach, but we likely will never know exactly what happened.
As the weekend drew closer, I incorrectly expected Saturday and/or Sunday to be eventful for us in regards to Les Miles. Now that Monday is here and nothing new has come out, I’m wondering why everything is so quiet. What I expected was that we would first hear if Michigan was talking to Les Miles; then after that I figured we would also find out pretty quickly if Miles would indeed return home to Ann Arbor or stay in Baton Rouge. Neither of those things happened, though, so now we are left speculating on what is going on right now.
Assuming for a second that Michigan is talking with Miles, the less news we hear the better. If leaks happen and this becomes public knowledge then Michigan’s chances of getting Miles decrease simply because of the sensitive nature of this whole situation. Along with that, the less we know the better simply because I don’t want to get my hopes up until anything becomes official.
Going back to the question of if Michigan is talking to Miles, I’m going to again assume that they are and will speculate on how the scenario would play out. I have absolutely no idea if Michigan would offer him and at the same time no idea if he would accept. Let’s think about the possibility that he does get an offer and does accept. That is the best case scenario right now for Michigan as after Miles, the candidates list looks very scary in comparison.
I’ve heard many people say they think we won’t find out anything until the day after the national title game if Miles accepts an offer from Michigan. There is just no way that can happen simply because the news would leak out and then it could end up being a similar situation we saw with the SEC title game. It would just be bad for everyone if news of an accepted offer leaked out in the days leading up to the LSU-OSU game, so I immediately am putting that scenario out of the picture.
The most likely and best scenario that could happen if Miles was offered and accepted the Michigan job is for everyone to be honest about it. Many would call him 2007′s version of Nick Saban, but when you look at each situation side-by-side, that would be untrue. Honesty in this case, would be the best policy. Miles could come out and say he’s accepted the Michigan job, and although the press likely would criticize him, it’s just a person that finally got a chance to take his dream job. According to Miles on Friday, Michigan still had yet to talk to him, so when he said he would return to LSU next year, that would have been true at the time. Things change, though, and instead of being another Nick Saban where he lied and left for a lot of money, Miles would simply be returning home. Money isn’t even going to be an issue as it’s expected that Michigan won’t offer him a big contract.
When it comes down to it, I expect that we will find out quite a bit in the next few days. There is no way things can stay quiet for more than a few days simply because leaks happens. I don’t know for sure if any leak would be about Les Miles, but from all that I’ve heard, it would be correct to assume that. Will it be a definite answer to the question of if he’s been offered? Maybe. Will it be a definite answer to the question of has he accepted the job? Again, maybe. Right now I just don’t know and until I do, there’s no point to continue worrying about it. I’m going to keep updating everyone daily on the search regardless of any breaking developments because speculating is good just to get all of the possible scenarios out there, but they are just that: scenarios.
Stay tuned in the next few days as I imagine we will know more as the week gets going, but until then, take a deep breath. The end of the world isn’t here yet, and until a hire happens, there is no reason to think that. I would say that we all, myself included, just need to relax despite the rumors you may read. Until something officially happens, we need to just chill out and wait.
yeah, they can keep it a secret if it’s just Martin, Miles, and Miles agent who know. All have an invested interest in keeping it on the down low.
yeah… from what i’ve heard this is a good thing. if we did finally offer to miles (or somebody else) and he declined, there would be another presser where he again denounces his interest in the job. since there is no news, it means he’s interested and they are working things out. i’ll bet by friday we’ll have a new ball coach.
good thoughts. i just can’t see it happening, but–as you say–martin’s alternative list is really weak. the weakness of such a list is inexcusable. there are lots of great coaches out there, but they just don’t happen to have the last names “english,”
“debord,” or “hoke.” i can’t see les walking away from a shot at the national championship. no way. how many chances does a coach get? most get none. and i really can’t imagine such a deal remaining a secret for another month.
You have not addressed the problem and the problem from day 1 has been Carr. Carr has self interest here. He wants to have a job for his assistant coaches and an office in Schembechler Hall for many years to come. He is still involved and Martin will have to deal with that if he is indeed talking to Miles. I think Martin will keep looking for another candidate to please Carr. I am a huge Miles fan and hope you’re right.
My main concern is that Martin would rather hire any candidate as long as it’s not Miles. I think it’s clear that Carr is behind all of this regardless of his denials.
If Carr gave his blessing, Miles would be here, pure and simple. There needs to be a process that would facilitate the healing between all parties.
I can’t believe that Carr, Martin and Coleman would ignore the cries of the people and not bring in Miles. Is he the best coach out there? Maybe, maybe not, but he’s the best one on the list that Martin has.
I believe if Coleman, and Martin want to finish financing their big money projects, (without difficulty) they have to consider Miles.
Have you even watched Les Miles coach? He is the LSU version of Carr. I know he is more of a risk taker and a little more emotional, but he, like Carr, is a horriable in game coach. The reason Carr hasn’t had the sucess lately is because he refused to change. Loyalty is a good thing, don’t get me wrong, but you must be able to accept change. Football has changed alot in the past few years. We need someone who is fresh, young and able to open up a new playbook. There is no excuse when you have Hart and Henne not to have one bowl win or win over OSU! I don’t want another coach who will help us win 9 or 10 games and a occasional conf. championship. And not someone else who wins a national championship with another coaches players, if Miles wins this year. Am I sure who that is … NO. But at least I admit it! Miles is not the answer. Tressel would out coach him to. We can’t live in the past. Don’t let us become the next Nebraska,Bama or Irish. Martin do whatever it takes!!! Who we are will not secure who we will become!!
so is anyone hearing anything about grand valley state’s head coach, chuck martin, as a possible candidate? i know hes only a division II coach but tressel was a 1aa. hes got a very impressive record as a coach with a win percentage of .926. he’s young and can win the big games winning multiple national championships. im not sayin hes the right coach for the job but i think with his percentage and connections in the state hes gotta get a little consideration.
Bluejim, seriously can we just put the “he wins with other guy’s players” BS to rest. Miles is in his third year, yes the seniors are all Saban’s guys but still someone has to coach them right. THis applies for anyother coach out there.
Also, what makes you think Tressel will out coach Miles..because of the Okie state-OSU bowl game. Heck, Miles outcoached Meyer and Tuberville this year, what about that. And, who other than Carr, has tressel outcoached. LArry Cocker..yes, but he was the last guy, after that it has been nobody and we all know what happened last year against Meyer!!! so….pelase!!!
I think all of the Michigan fans want the same thing, a winner! What I’ve learned is that every coach has his detractors and supporters. Miles may not be a great coach in the eyes of many but one that we can’t argue about… he is only one of two coaches that will be playing for a National Championship in January 2008. All of the other “Better Coaches” will be home watching the game on TV with their Athletic Directors. Win or lose, he will be there with the talent that he has no matter how he got them.
bigbluejbm,
Does that mean that Urban Meyer is no good because won with Zook’s players? Or that Carroll was no good because he won his first NC with Paul Hackett’s players? Or that Saban was no good because he won with DiNardo’s fifth-year seniors? Or that Roy Williams is garbage because he won with Dean Smiths players? Carr probably did not deserve his NC either huh – heck, those were Gary Moeller’s. Bo didn’t deserve his win against OSU in 1969 huh – those were Bump Elliot’s players. Hey look at the NFL, Gruden won his Super Bowl with Dungy’s players.
Point is, if Les Miles wins the NC game – let’s all praise the man who got the LSU players – Nick Saban. Give me a break, you are ridiculous.
Anon,
Chuck Martin would be a great hire. Winning is winning. Either you know how to do it or you don’t. This guy knows how. He will know how with Div 1 players too. Look at Tressel. Championships at YSU translated to immediate success at OSU. Look at Meyer, Spurrier. People either know how to win, or not. Spurrier took DUKE to a bowl game for pity sake. Went to Florida, won a ton, then went to SC where he took them to bowls after 1 win seasons. People have already covered Meyer’s winning ways everywhere he’s been. If Chuck Martin is interested, grab him quick.
For the record, I would also love to have Miles. I know Miles has great assts and people say that is why he wins. So what. Winning is winning. Look who is 1 win from a MNC with great assts.
Spin it all you want, if Miles goes to UM he IS the 2007 version of Saban, except Saban is a much better coach!!
LSU should have up to 5 losses this year with superior talent. Be prepared to underachieve once again if Les Miles is named HC.
Hey Anonymous 10:13 PM, give me some of that stuff you’re smokin!
mgoblog’s entry “Call it a Come back” mentions that there is a possibility that Friday, Mary Sue Coleman has usurped Martin and extended Les Miles an offer of 2.5 million. Miles has a few days to think it over. The talking points supposedly are, 1) Carr’s roles in the program, and 2) the money for Miles’ assistants. I’m beginning to think that Brian believes this is true. So what the hey!!!
The link below, along with Mvictors also confirms there was a discussion between Miles, Martin and Coleman:
http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071210/SPORTS06/71210070/1054
Hey Anonymous 10:44 PM,
The stuff you’re smoking seems much more potent or else you are just plain dumb!! Enlighten me on how Miles is even in the same category as Saban when it comes to coaching or explain to me how LSU did not underachieve this season when they are a few bad bounces away from having 5 losses right now?