Michigan Wolverine Football: The Extent of the Search Process

Posted at 7:00am — 12/6/2014

Michigan Wolverine Football: The Extent of the Search Process

Here Coachie, Coachie, Coachie!!

Inquiring minds want to know, what is the actual blow by blow process going on in the search mechanism? Some are a liddy bit skeptical as to if the search actually started Tuesday, or did Director Hackett actually make the decision weeks ago as many calculated?

Inquiring minds may want to know, but those with the power and the process behind the search want a distraction free process. In today’s world that is difficult but not impossible.

The author sat in on committees for Department Heads and a Dean. So, did about 15 others who, like me, had no real say, but enjoyed the wine and dine lovely parting gifts before heading back to the dregs. Like the above situation, there will only be between one and three folks really wielding the true decision.

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How much say Hackett has is speculative. President Schlissel seems to indicate a large part of the process and final decision will fall to AD Hackett. This would be unusual for a University to allow an athletic director with a question mark attachment to take the reigns and course the big decision.

This situation is not normal and is complicated with new higher-ups facing a fresh challenge The new President clearly has some ilk over the perception of Michigan as a football first entity. This seems somewhat misplaced since Michigan has had no tear in its academic fabric; a high level of student still is attracted, so to speak. The tone and timing was ill.

President Schlissel has faculty events to attend, faculty matters to finalize, and connections to make. He certainly must be pleased he has found some interference and a man who will take a systematic approach. How Schlissel reacts to the final choice would be an interesting meeting, but he clearly is not a football mind.

So, what may happen in this process? First off a resource assessment may be undertaken to determine how the actual state of resources compares with what is needed to obtain a major overhaul that yields positive results. What such an assessment should yield is a group of clear weaknesses that include talent yet to develop at the quarterback position, a lack of overall team speed, and a slow pace in player development. Add one more ingredient to the inventory: Michigan sorely lacks impact players.

The offensive line and strength and conditioning will probably be scrutinized heavily, followed on down the line with evenly dispersed vigor. There will be little discussion as whom to keep on board (staff), Michigan could probably not receive a coaching commitment placing any condition regarding keeping staff members.

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The unintended consequence of losing a very talented class will need to be part of the equation. Can the new coach be convincing enough in name and accomplishment to bring a few back into the fold, or will this loss of an asset be dismissed as unrecoverable and the search discount this concern and move onward? Michigan has a reasonable talent base, but not remotely close to top shelf. The search will need to read the ability to recruit successfully starting with the 2016 class.

Who the new head coach can bring on board to fill the staff should be critical to the search criteria. Big name programs have staffs that separate themselves from the mundane and normal. The choice of coordinators and offensive line coach may determine whether Michigan makes immediate progress or stumbles along with a same song, same verse result.

Any candidate will need to say certain responses to gain favor. Since there appears to be an outside firm involved, agents will prepare any good candidate for parrot-speak after feeling out what the university seeks.

Hackett and anyone else with true hiring power will need to plan a direction and time strategy. This has happened as Hackett mentioned a swimming lane approach that listed the candidates and expected timelines. It was easy to read between the lines that certain candidates will be held in higher esteem but must fit the swimming line time guidelines. Some of the swimming lane candidates may false start or not make it into the pool. Hackett will use the logic of if no A, go to B, if no B, go to C. Choice A may have a longer lane, but eventually the lane ends.

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The process in place, whatever it is, most likely is sound. It will take more than an impressive process and a nice day with the search committee to grab a candidate with big name recognition. It is almost an assumption beyond argument that some big fish are on the list. The big fish know the situation, the bait, and the risks. The little fish know that five million a year, plus the usual annuities, etc, can set up a coach for life, especially one over say fifty years of age. That bait will be taken if offered. NFL coaches generally do not like the idea of recruiting youngsters and dealing with college life, Some, like Mattison, seem positive about the teaching and life coaching that exists at the college level. Pro coaches can easily leave, even with a nasty buyout clause, and Michigan is in no position to place hard buy-outs on a sought after candidate. Everyone in the process knows Michigan does not have the leverage, excepting to the small fish.

There are assumptions that hopefully Hackett does not succumb to in his final choice. Past records or size of previous job are not perfect indicators of success or failure; Florida and Nebraska seem to have dispersed that assertion. There is no guarantee that staff changes only may vault the program toward increased success. Simply put, there are no guarantees, but certainly preconceived better choices that appear logical.

Do not expect Michigan to hire a Mike Leach type. Expect the upper crust to insist on someone who passes scrutiny in academic success, player development, player retention, public perception and parent approval. Those are things outside agencies can help with, but never discount the possible connections agencies and agents possess that may not always work to the best interest of the patron.

The process will yield logic and timelines. But it may take money and some rays from the heavens to just say yes to Michigan.

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Written by GBMWolverine Staff — Doc4Blu

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