The University of Michigan fired head football coach Brady Hoke on Tuesday afternoon, after four up-and-down seasons. Hoke came to the program bearing initial success, leading the Wolverines to a Sugar Bowl win in his first year on the sidelines, but the team has struggled maintaining a consistent winning culture ever since.
Hoke's fate was probably sealed earier this year, after the coach unacceptably allowed quarterback Shane Morris to retake the field in a game against Minnesota, despite showing signs of a concussion on the previous plays. That incident, and Hoke's subsequent attempts to defer responsibility for that decision, led to widespread criticism and outrage from Michigan fans and national media pundits alike.
With Hoke on his way out of Ann Arbor, here are three candidates the Wolverines might pursue to take his place for 2015:
Jim Harbaugh
Harbaugh is one of the most respected coaching minds on the NFL level, but is said to be on the outs with San Francisco 49ers management. He has a deep connection to UM, having played quarterback there himself, but multiple NFL teams will be in heavy competition for his services as well. Don't expect Harbaugh to give the Wolverines any hometown discount. If they want him, they're going to need to open the coffers.
Les Miles
The current LSU coach is another big-time name with long-time connections to the school. Like Harbaugh, Miles also played for the blue and gold, and he served as an assistant coach there from 1987 to 1994 as well. Miles is also rumored to be on friendly terms with the Wolverines' interim athletic director, Jim Hackett. However, at 61, it's unclear how much longer he intends to coach. After running through three coaches in seven years, Michigan is desperately looking for some stability and longevity at the position. Will Miles be able to provide that?
An Outsider
If a Miles or Harbaugh homecoming isn't in the picture, expect the Wolverines to look south for a new coach. They'll probably send overtures to Mississippi State's Dan Mullen and Oklahoma's Bob Stoops, but neither bit at the also-vacant Florida Gators job, and will probably give the same "thanks but not thanks" to Michigan. One dark horse candidate could be Arkansas' Bret Bielema. He's struggled turning Arkansas into a contender in the vaunted SEC, but has history succeeding in the Big Ten, having led the Wisconsin Badgers to three consecutive Rose Bowls between 2010-2012.
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