Jim Harbaugh and Brady Hoke: Two Michigan Men Get Contract Extensions Elsewhere

Question: If you're a head football coach, how do you get a contract extension?

Answer: Be linked in any way to replacing the current Michigan football coach. 

It worked for Les Miles, and now it has worked for Brady Hoke and Jim Harbaugh.  Both have gotten contract extensions today and both have seemed to agree to the the terms.  

Brady will get a raise and a new five-year deal, Jim's is rumored to be for more years and a raise.  These are clear attempts to keep both away from "other" jobs.  Harbaugh is, of course, rumored to be the next Michigan coach or an NFL candidate next year.   Hoke was a candidate for the Minnesota and Indiana jobs. Others had speculated that if Jim said "no thanks" to Michigan, Brady was the next Michigan Man up. 

I disagree with that.  I think Michigan's head coach next year will be Rich Rodriguez or Jim Harbaugh.  I don't believe there is a Plan B.   I believe if David Brandon wants to make a change it's Harbaugh or bust.  Brandon will not fire RR if he doesn't have Harbaugh locked up. 

If Brandon wants to make a change and Jim says no, he will stick with RR.  Brady, on the other hand, made a good decision.  I would much rather coach in San Diego then at IU or Minnesota. 

I also believe both of these guys probably have "A Michigan Clause" that would get them out of any mega contract if they really wanted the Michigan job.


Recruiting News

In-state OL/DE Anthony Zettel won't make a decision until after the holidays, so the Michigan coaching situation should be resolved by then.

Cass Tech's Delonte Hollowell is going to Michigan no matter who the coach is. 

Instate recruit Damon Knox picked MSU today.  Michigan had offered him but there was some concerns on his academic eligibility.  It sounds like Damon wasn't feeling the love from the Wolverines and picked the Spartans today.