Rivals Survey of Recruits
Rivals conducted a camp in Columbus, and surveyed a number of players that attended. Questions included who will win the BIG, who is the best coach, will Meyer or Harbaugh coach longer, and who has the best unis.
Answers to who will be coach longer:
“Urban Meyer. The way he runs that program is great and the consistency is there. He’s not going anywhere.” – Grant
“Probably Urban Meyer. I think he’s going to be there forever. It seems like Michigan fans aren’t really happy with Harbaugh. And I know it really doesn’t matter with the fans or what they say, but it just seems like they aren’t really that happy with him.” – Anderson
“I think Jim Harbaugh. He’s younger and he’s a good coach, too.” – Stephens
“I’d say Urban Meyer, just because he’s getting it done already.” – Nester
“Urban Meyer because he’s so successful there.” – Johnson
“If I had to guess, I don’t know, probably Harbaugh. That’s just a guess, but he’s young.” – Briggs
“I’ll say Urban Meyer, just because he already has a national title and stuff like that. I don’t think he’s going to retire soon.” - Mathis
“Harbaugh. I think Harbaugh will be there for a long time.” – Douglass
Link to full survey
https://n.rivals.com/news/rivals-camp-series-columbus-prospects-weigh-in-on-big-ten
You don't have to be happy to not be an ass. Some of these fans way beyond unhappiness
There may be better coaches and there may be more successful methods to win in college football, but there is no better coach or METHOD for Michigan Football.
I don't care much about the still mythical "national championship" nor do I want to root for a group of players that probably deserve to be making money in a semi-pro league while devoting 100% of their time to preparing from the NFL.
I actually like getting the 300-600 ranked players who are long shots at the NFL but see the value in an education plus a legitimate shot at a big stage to impress.
...I'm good with going back to results that match the Carr era, especially if one of those years gets us to the top.
I'm just one fan and an alumnus, but I want high character kids who we can be proud of and who also win a ton of football games and a few championships. No exceptions. Yes, that is going to be difficult. But that's what makes it great.
But we better be willing to keep the faith through some tough inclines and perilous seasons or we'll never see the summit.
I still think the supposed struggle with recruiting comes down to 3 things (in my opinion):
1) Frequent coaching changes - hard to maintain recruits when turnover is so high of assistant coaches (even if turnover is necessary)
2) Last season - kids will always want to ride the wave of the team with recent success. A great season this fall can turn alot of recruits our way
3) Fitting the UM/Harbaugh mold - its fairly obvious to see that UM goes for certain types of recruits - good character and smarts as well as ones that love the game. Its a little different at an Alabama or an Ohio State where they will offer and aggressively pursue anyone who has a 5-star by their name from the services.
Just my thoughts but they are probably right since I know everything.