Who’s next?
It appears Brady Hoke’s run as Michigan’s head coach might be coming to end after a 42-28 loss to Ohio State on Saturday. The Wolverines are 5-7, missed the postseason and had a season that was a PR disaster for the ages.
Hoke hasn’t been fired yet, but if that happens there are plenty of solid candidates out there.
So, who is the next “Michigan Man?
Here’s a look at the 10 best candidates. Some names you know, but keep an eye on those surprises.
Jim Harbaugh
Credentials: Harbaugh finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting as Michigan’s quarterback in 1986. He had a 58-27 record in college between San Diego and Stanford, and he’s 43-16-1 with the San Francisco 49ers. He’s the closest living thing to former Michigan coach Bo Schembechler.
Upshot: It might take a year or two, but Michigan is back is business as a Big Ten and national contender. Harbaugh vs. Urban Meyer instantly becomes the best-and-most entertaining coaching matchup in college football.
Will it happen? Some call it a pipe-dream, but do you really know what’s going on inside Harbaugh’s head? This might be the Wolverines’ last chance pull the prodigal son away from the West Coast.
John Harbaugh
Credentials: He graduated from Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor. He’s won a Super Bowl as a head coach, and that would allow Michigan to keep defensive coordinator Greg Mattison, who worked with Harbaugh in Baltimore.
Upshot: John might not be a college rock star like his brother, but he’s just as good of a coach. It’s still a win for Michigan.
Will it happen? Probably not. Harbaugh has already denied interest in the position, and the Ravens are still in the thick of the AFC North race. It would be tough to pull this one off before January.
Les Miles
Credentials: Played offensive line at Michigan under Bo Schembechler, looks like Schembechler, acts like Schembechler. Owns a 131-49 record as a head coach between stops at LSU and Oklahoma State.
Upshot: Miles is 61 years old, but he still could turn the program around within two or three years and build a Big Ten championship team. He’s the-next best thing to a Harbaugh.
Will it happen? LSU is having its worst season since 2009, and Miles isn't coaching in a national championship game like 2007. This really is Miles last chance to take the Michigan job. It might be time. Is Miles’ age too much of a concern?
David Shaw
Credentials: Shaw is a Jim Harbaugh disciple who has compiled a 41-12 record at Stanford since 2011 in a much-tougher conference. He brings the right mix of college and NFL principles that fits Michigan.
Upshot: He’s also worked with Andrew Luck and Kevin Hogan. Shaw would work wonders in developing a quarterback.
Will it happen? Maybe. Shaw is a solid hire, and it’s worth knowing he would be Michigan’s first black head coach. That’s a solid spring-forward move for a program riddled with bad publicity. This wouldn’t wow the Michigan fan-base, but it might just be the right play.
Bob Stoops
Credentials: Stoops is 168-42 at Oklahoma. He led the Sooners to the national championship and appeared in four BCS championship games. If the Sooners win their next two, that’s five straight seasons with at least 10 wins.
Upshot: Michigan thrives on stability, and Stoops brings that and then some. The Wolverines get a big-time coach. Stoops escapes a conference without a championship game.
Will it happen? Probably not. Stoops might be tempted, but Oklahoma is still better-suited for a national championship run right now.
Dan Mullen
Credentials: Owns a 46-29 record at Mississippi State. Michigan fans might remember that 52-14 blowout loss to the Bulldogs in the 2011 Gator Bowl, Rich Rodriguez’s last game.
Upshot: Mullen runs a creative offense built around a power-run game, the combination Michigan has sought since Lloyd Carr retired.
Will it happen? No. Mullen might not be in Starkville next season, but he’s not leaving the SEC either way.
Mike Shanahan
Credentials: Won two Super Bowls a head coach with the Denver Broncos. Master of the zone-blocking run scheme.
Upshot: Shanahan might fix the running game, but that’s about it.
Will it happen? No, and it shouldn’t. Shanahan’s stop in Washington amounted to a 24-40 record. Do recruits even know who he is? This is a non-starter.
P.J. Fleck
Credentials: Fleck has led an impressive turnaround at Western Michigan this season. He turned a 1-11 team into an 8-4 MAC contender in one year. He's the youngest FBS head coach.
Upshot: The Broncos could probably beat the Wolverines right now. Fleck, 34, has the necessary Rust Belt ties. Fleck might be the next-big thing in college. Would the Wolverines be ready to gamble?
Will it happen? Probably not. Hoke turned the program around, too. Michigan needs a proven coach who can win big now.
Butch Jones
Credentials: Owns a 60-40 record as a head coach at Central Michigan, Cincinnati and Tennessee. Played college football at Ferris State and is a Michigan native.
Upshot: Jones has helped rebuild the Tennessee program, but it takes time. It might take less time in the Big Ten at Michigan, but patience is required.
Will it happen? Probably not. Jones is more likely to stick around in Knoxville.
Lane Kiffin
Credentials: Dude has a loaded resume. He’s been a head coach in the NFL and at two major college football programs. He’s the offensive coordinator for the top program in the nation. Kiffin had a 35-20 record at Tennessee and Alabama.
Upshot: From an entertainment standpoint, this would be fantastic win or lose. Kiffin can recruit and coach offense, and he could antagonize Urban Meyer again. This would be great for social media.
Will it happen? Not sure Ann Arbor or the Big Ten could handle Kiffin, but admit it, you kinda want to see this happen.
