Brady Hoke is out as Michigan’s Football Coach

02 Dec, 2014

Brady Hoke was fired Tuesday after Michigan stumbled to a 5-7 record and missed the postseason in his fourth year at the helm. Interim athletic director Jim Hackett’s announcement ended weeks of speculation over Hoke’s future and put one of college football’s most storied programs in the market for a new coach.

“This was not an easy decision,” Hackett said. “He’s really earned the respect of all, as being a values-centered coach. We need more men like him in sport today.”

Hoke’s record, however, fell well short of Michigan’s standards. He went 31-20 with the Wolverines, and the team declined steadily after an 11-2 mark in his first season. Hired after the tumultuous tenure of Rich Rodriguez, Hoke was supposed to help Michigan regain its place among college football’s elite, and his familiarity with the program’s culture and tradition helped make the initial transition a successful one.

But after going to the Sugar Bowl in Hoke’s first season, the Wolverines slowly slipped back into mediocrity, and they were among the Big Ten’s also-rans this year.

“I believe that Brady had enough time to produce results, and they’re just not there today,” Hackett said. “Therefore I believe it’s time to make this transition.”

“I feel very fortunate to have been an assistant and head coach at the University of Michigan. I will always support the university and this football program,” Hoke said in a statement. “I want to thank all of the sons that played for our teams and appreciate the commitment that our coaches and support staff made to the program every day. I will miss the relationships that I’ve been fortunate enough to make within this university and community.”

Hackett replaced Dave Brandon as athletic director at the end of October. Brandon’s resignation was part of the fallout from the football team’s problems. In September, quarterback Shane Morris kept playing despite receiving what was later determined to be a concussion. The school later apologized for the “confusion” and “lack of communication” as it changed its protocol to better monitor potential injuries.

A message posted on Morris’ Twitter account Tuesday wished Hoke the best: “I can truly say that I wouldn’t be the man I am right now without having played for Coach Hoke. He believed in me and every player he coached no matter what the situation.”

Whoever takes over at Michigan now faces the same challenge Hoke encountered and never fully conquered: Make the Wolverines matter nationally again.

Michigan has not won the Big Ten since 2004, and the Wolverines are now 1-10 in their last 11 games against Ohio State.

AP

Image AP

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