Michigan Football: Gary Patterson and 10 Big Names Who Could Shock Ann Arbor
Not sure if you have heard but Michigan football has an opening for their head coaching position.
The Rich Rodriguez experiment came and went and no one is really any better because of it. The program was in a bit of a downward spiral when he took over—they got rid of Lloyd Carr because he wasn't winning enough and he won nine games his final season.
Now the program is in full-blown crisis mode.
There is some talent on the offensive side of the ball.
Quarterback Denard Robinson put together one of the great seasons in college football history, becoming the first quarterback to run and throw for at least 1500 yards. They averaged almost 33 points per game.
The problem was on defense. There are 120 schools in the FBS—Division I—and Michigan ranked 108th in points allowed per game. They gave up over 35 points per game in 2010. They gave up 65 points to Illinois in a win. In the bowl game against Mississippi State, they gave up 52 points.
Whomever takes over the program is going to have a lot of work to do.
This is still Michigan and the name does carry some cache. Here are 10 names that Michigan could throw a truck load of money at and convince them to bring the tradition back to Ann Arbor.
Gary Patterson, TCU
1 of 10
It’s very unlikely that Gary Patterson will leave TCU, especially with them getting ready to move to an automatic BCS qualifying conference in two years. If Michigan were to come calling and say we will give you whatever you want, could he turn it down?
He builds teams with defense and finds good parts on offense. That’s exactly the kind of coach that Michigan needs. He can energize the fan base and the alumni, which is another important factor for the Wolverines next hire.
Plus, he just won the Rose Bowl over a Big Ten team. That had to make a nice impression on the Michigan athletic director.
Chris Petersen, Boise State
2 of 10
Anytime there is a big job that opens up, Boise State’s Chris Petersen usually gets mentioned for it. He has built something special in Boise and seems intent on seeing that through to the end.
If Michigan could lure him away, that could be the coup of the century. His offense is different from Rich Rodriguez’ because he likes to run a spread offense with a traditional quarterback.
But Denard Robinson leading a Chris Petersen offense wouldn’t be all bad.
His defenses don’t get the credit that they deserve because the offense is so good. But don’t forget, his Boise State team ranked second in the country in points allowed per game in 2010.
Les Miles, LSU
3 of 10
This is probably the least “shocking” name on the list because Les Miles has ties to the University.
However, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of talk surrounding and the head coach at Michigan. In fact, on ESPN today they said that he has “less interest” in the job this time around then he did before Rich Rodriguez was hired.
Don’t underestimate the power of suggestion. Add to that the people in LSU really have never warmed up to Miles and if they have a poor performance in the Cotton Bowl against Texas A&M, things could change in a hurry.
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Butch Davis, North Carolina
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North Carolina was supposed to be very good in 2010. All that came undone even before the season started when violations came down on four of their best players. The NCAA is still investigating potential violations within the program.
If the program is put on probation or forbidden from bowl games, Butch Davis could look for a way out. He is a great recruiter and a very good, underrated coach.
He built the Miami football program back up in the late 90’s—early 00’s that went to four straight BCS games from 2000-03.
Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern
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Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald has emerged of late as a candidate for the Michigan job. He doesn’t sound interested in the job but money can talk. It will likely take a lot to get Fitzgerald to leave Northwestern.
He has turned that Northwestern program around. They have made three consecutive bowl games. He is a Big Ten guy, he knows that conference well and what it takes to be successful.
Can Michigan do enough to pry him away from his alma mater?
Mike Stoops, Arizona
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Mike Stoops was one of the most sought after coordinators when he was with Oklahoma. His stock has cooled some since becoming the head coach at Arizona in 2004. That shouldn’t deter Michigan from trying to make him their next coach.
He has built a solid defense in Arizona. The offense has been up and down during his tenure but they aren’t getting top level talent in Arizona. He has done a really good job with that program.
He can be successful rebuilding the Michigan football program if given the chance.
Mark Richt, Georgia
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Mark Richt’s name has been talked about for a long time.
Coming off another disappointing season with Georgia, he was thought to be on the hot seat. The Bulldogs didn’t fire him but Richt could take offense at the rumors and head to Ann Arbor.
His time at Georgia has been consistent. They routinely win at least eight games every year, not including this season. He has recruited well. He develops the talent that he does recruit. He has won in the SEC, which is an added bonus.
Art Briles, Baylor
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This is probably the least sexy name on the list. Art Briles has built a solid program in three years with Baylor, including a bowl appearance in 2010.
Before he got to Baylor he was the coach at Houston. They built one of the top spread offenses in the country during that time. He won at least eight games twice with Houston.
His teams don’t put a lot of focus on defense which is a negative for him with this job. If he can make Baylor into a bowl team though, he could probably do great things with Michigan.
Gary Pinkel, Missouri
9 of 10
Gary Pinkel is one of the more underappreciated coaches in all of America.
He has turned Missouri into an elite program. They have won at least eight games in five consecutive years, including three years with at least 10 wins.
He builds teams on both sides of the ball. His defense in Missouri this year was 6th in points allowed per game. They beat a then top ranked Oklahoma team. They have been to the Big XII title game twice under Pinkel.
He would make a great fit for what Michigan needs to do to get back to prominence in the future.
Jim Harbaugh, Stanford
10 of 10
Until Jim Harbaugh signs a new deal with Stanford or San Francisco, Michigan can’t stop calling. If Stanford can offer Harbaugh four million per year, Michigan should at least be able to match that.
You can’t discredit the fact that Harbaugh went to the school. Maybe he doesn’t have the affinity for his alma mater that we all think he does, but if the price is right anyone can be had.
The best thing that Michigan can do with regards to Harbaugh is keep the communication going, at least until he decides to go somewhere else.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
