Per Bruce Feldman: Don Brown Has Been Sacked
December 22nd, 2020 at 7:07 PM ^
And give up the competitive advantage of our opponents not knowing who our coach is???
December 22nd, 2020 at 8:56 PM ^
Yeah, I don't know. I just can't imagine they start clearing out staff without Harbaugh's say so. And if they're giving him the go ahead to overhaul the defense, he must be coming back. If there were any question about him coming back, they would wait to see who the new head coach was so he could be part of the search for the new coordinators. So, while there may be i's to dot and t's to cross, I have to believe the deal is basically done with regards to Harbaugh's extension.
December 22nd, 2020 at 4:08 PM ^
Let's see who is the replacement. This should be interesting.
December 22nd, 2020 at 4:08 PM ^
Good dude. Had some capital G Great defenses early on. System had a flaw that was exposed by OSU and wasn't able to adjust.
Thanks for the memories. Hope he lands on his feet somewhere.
December 22nd, 2020 at 4:09 PM ^
Needed to happen but Dude was exactly that. Grateful for some fantastic defenses just wish he could’ve adjusted to OSU and similar offenses. Seemed like a great guy though.
December 22nd, 2020 at 4:09 PM ^
Was clear they wanted him to leave for the BC head job last year, then kept him when he didn’t get the job. Great tactician, but his woeful roster construction should be remembered for all times.
December 22nd, 2020 at 5:44 PM ^
Eh, I wouldn’t call him a great tactician. He had a fantastic fastball but literally no other pitches.
He couldn’t stop a crossing route to save his life and his in-game adjustments were virtually nonexistent. Also, his roster management was beyond bad.
He put up some good numbers in his first two seasons against lesser competition but from 2017 and on that defense was doomed.
December 22nd, 2020 at 4:09 PM ^
Necessary but still sad it didn't work out better in the end. Thanks for some good memories Don.
December 22nd, 2020 at 4:09 PM ^
Necessary but makes me sad nonetheless. He is a good guy
December 22nd, 2020 at 4:09 PM ^
I think, if this is to be believed, Harbaugh is staying
Also, Don Brown was a Dude. Too bad it didn’t work out. Gonna be interesting where Michigan/Harbaugh’s staff goes from here
December 22nd, 2020 at 4:09 PM ^
I feel weird doing a POSBANG for someone losing their job, but this needed to happen. Thank you for the hard work the past few seasons Don.
The past 2 seasons have been a little rough, but what you did is not lost on us, despite what some fans would say
December 22nd, 2020 at 4:10 PM ^
Crazy how people turned on this guy. I do believe he needed to go, but for the vast portion of his time here, he did very well. And I liked him. Bittersweet IMO
December 22nd, 2020 at 4:13 PM ^
It sounds like most of the board (rightly) still likes the guy and appreciates the early years. But if he had stuck around for another year and delivered like he had this season, his reputation and good will would have been dust.
December 22nd, 2020 at 10:09 PM ^
My impression is that he would have retired before overseeing more mediocrity. He seems like a dedicated and honorable individual. I wish him well.
December 22nd, 2020 at 4:21 PM ^
in 2016, Michigan lost 3 games by a total of 5 point... in 2019, Michigan lost 4 games by a total of 76 points...That's not even bothering to look at 2020's results.
at some point, people look at the record and say its time to move on..."Turned" versus "held him accountable" is a matter of perspective.
as mentioned, i like the guy, and hope he lands on his feet somewhere solid...
December 22nd, 2020 at 4:10 PM ^
Bittersweet for me. I loved Don Brown, but it was time to make a change. He will bounce back I am sure.
Hopefully his replacement can stop crossing routes, and teach tackling.
December 22nd, 2020 at 4:11 PM ^
About a year too late but that's okay. Go give me some young defensive recruiters who have energy and go from there
December 22nd, 2020 at 4:19 PM ^
I think having Ambry, Aidan, healthy Kwity and healthy McGrone for the duration of the season changes the complexion on defense but we probably still don't break 4 wins with Milton regressing like he did. I support this change.
Thank you Don Brown for the hellacious 2016 defense, Khaleke playing amazing in 2017, and the Winovich and Bush swagger in 2018. Last year's defensive performance against Iowa was outstanding as well.
December 22nd, 2020 at 4:11 PM ^
Mason time
December 22nd, 2020 at 4:21 PM ^
Mason + Banks as a Co-DC and S coach?
December 22nd, 2020 at 4:36 PM ^
Bob Shoop has been a DC for 14 seasons. I think there's a reason he's still nebulously on the staff and wasn't fired. If Harbaugh can't get a Mason/Banks type, Shoop is in the barn.
December 22nd, 2020 at 5:07 PM ^
Teeba has a valid point. Wasn't there a rumored "rift" between Dr. Blitz and Shoop early in the year that relegated Shoop to virtual coaching? Shoop's contract would have been cheaper to eat than Don Brown's if "one of the 2 had to go". I suspect Shoop is part of a co-DC arrangement for 2021. Whether it's with Banks, Mason or someone else remains to be seen. Don Brown always presented himself as a class act. Open, forthright and usually a good interview / presser. If he really told recruits that he might not be here but to pursue the M experience, that says a lot about his character. Time to get to work on building a new leadership team.
December 22nd, 2020 at 5:47 PM ^
At least one of the recent signees has tweeted that he was never told about Brown’s imminent departure before he signed his LOI.
December 22nd, 2020 at 5:57 PM ^
Ummmm, that’s not a sign of someone paying attention. Not trying to be mean but this was happening and being surprised by it is...weird.
December 22nd, 2020 at 7:38 PM ^
Wasn't there another tweet out there saying how DB was telling recruits he may not be back but to stick with UM?
8.5.5December 22nd, 2020 at 4:12 PM ^
I mean, not super surprising to anyone.... but still, I liked the guy and was hoping that he would have been able to turn things around after the first OSU debacle, but it seemingly got worse...
Can't play that system without elite players, especially at CB and DL...even though he tried running zone, it simply wasn't working.
Good luck to the guy; i am sure he'll find another landing spot somewhere in the mid to upper P5
December 22nd, 2020 at 4:12 PM ^
Shaving the stache!
December 22nd, 2020 at 4:12 PM ^
Looks like Harbaugh solved his problem with aggression.
December 22nd, 2020 at 4:12 PM ^
Yeah, while I don't know that we want to revel in a man losing his position, I do also believe that this was something that needed to occur if we were going to move forward in a meaningful direction at all, Harbaugh or not.
December 22nd, 2020 at 4:12 PM ^
If it's true, I wish him well.
December 22nd, 2020 at 4:13 PM ^
Don Brown was likable so a posbang feels kind of gross. However, I have wanted them to move on for 2 years so up votes for everyone.
December 22nd, 2020 at 4:13 PM ^
Sooooo many positives the first few years. Thanks DB for those times. Very frustrating to watch this D against OSU the last 4 years, and against most teams for the last 2. May the 'stache live long and prosper.
December 22nd, 2020 at 4:14 PM ^
Thanks to the Mods for changing title!
December 22nd, 2020 at 4:14 PM ^
Just to echo what many have said, it was probably time. Still, a part of me is saddened. Always liked the guy and wish him nothing but the best. I hope wherever he lands he leads them to success.
December 22nd, 2020 at 4:14 PM ^
Dreaded double post.
December 22nd, 2020 at 4:14 PM ^
It was time for a change, but Don Brown and the defense has carried Michigan and Harbaugh since the day he was hired. Ask yourselves, how many games has the defense won despite the offense? Now reverse that question and ask how many games has the offense won?
The offense has been a tire fire for 6 years, and the defense has routinely been rated among the best units in the country.
I have a hard time blaming Brown or having any ill will towards him.
For one, you just know that guy was the emotional leader of the TEAM, not just the defense.
It was a needed parting of ways, and maybe the next D cord. is amazing. But what good is that if the offense is still a steaming hot pile.
December 22nd, 2020 at 4:22 PM ^
This is very balanced. I don't remember where I saw the post with the Michigan defense and offense rankings by season since like 2015 or whatever, but the Defense has routinely been top 10 (I think one of the seasons it was actually 11) and the offense has routinely been far worse than top 25, closer to the 50 range. Yes, we need balanced schemes, solid recruiting at all positions, and the ability to counter and make changes on the fly. BUT anyone who thinks that the reason Michigan isn't winning anything is because of Don Brown is not watching football with their eyes. Jedd Fisch was far and away the best offensive asset we have had during the Harbaugh era, and that was some time ago.
December 22nd, 2020 at 5:11 PM ^
well put
December 22nd, 2020 at 5:28 PM ^
^^^The answer to that question is three. Only THREE fucking games under Harbaugh where the defense allowed 28 or more points and Michigan still won. PATHETIC.
2015 Indiana
2016 Colorado
2020 Rutgers
THAT'S IT!
LSU won SIX GAMES last year alone when they allowed 28 points and still won. By the way, they also won the effing National Title last year.
Fix the motherfucking offense.
December 22nd, 2020 at 8:48 PM ^
Don’t remember Indiana. Colorado wasn’t on the D to get over 28, it was the O giving up a TD I believe. Rutgers this year was OT, so that adds points and changes that narrative.
December 22nd, 2020 at 10:04 PM ^
There's no doubt Harbaugh's offense has sucked, but you can't call it a "great" defense if they are on the field with a chance to win games and they can't do it. Despite the offensive mistakes against OSU in '16, the defense could've easily made the play in the backfield before the "spot" run. Same with the FSU game....Michigan takes the lead, and lets FSU go right down the field to score at the end. Now, if Michigan had a good/great offense maybe the defense isn't in that position, but regardless...A great defense is going to be able to close out a game. I don't really have faith in Josh Gattis as an OC, but might as well give him next year because one thing Michigan can't keep doing is changing OCs. If these kids are learning a new offense every 2 years or so it's just killing their development and cohesiveness. I still have a feeling Harbaugh has his input on offense, and it really is a shame because there is absolutely NO reason the offense should be this lackluster. I say this assuming either McCarthy or Mcnamara will be the starting QB. This offense needs to truly be opened up, and let the pass setup the run. As much as I hate OSU, a playcaller like Ryan Day is exactly what Michigan needs. He will throw the ball 20-30 times in a half, whereas Michigan still struggles to get their QBs to have 300 yard games. When you have Bell, Jackson, Henning, Worthy, Johnson, Sainristril along with Corum and Edwards catchjng balls out of the backfield....How does this team make offensive play look so difficult? I don't want to hear Harbaugh's goofy "Let it Rip" and then proceed to have the same boring, predictable offense. I mean what is it going to take for the offensive staff to get rid of the wildcat, or other plays that just completely waste downs. Ok i'm done ranting.
December 22nd, 2020 at 11:19 PM ^
I agree that it was time for Brown to go, but...
Alabama's defense allowed 46 points in the SEC title game AND WON.
It is damn shame that Brown built absolutely title-worthy defenses and was completely betrayed by our shitty offense, time and time again.
Yes, OSU adjusted and eventually figured out how to shred Brown's defense, but damn it with a competent offense Michigan wins the Big 10 and makes the CFP once or twice before the roof caved in.
December 22nd, 2020 at 4:15 PM ^
I refuse to celebrate but it is time.
December 22nd, 2020 at 4:15 PM ^
This is excellent news. His schemes were exposed terribly against O State - time and time again. Let's hope that pool of money for assistant coach hiring is large enough to pull in an established and proven DC.
December 22nd, 2020 at 4:16 PM ^
He was a meteor, streaking across the sky with some fantastic defenses early on before burning up in the atmosphere.
Perhaps he can leave the 'stache behind. Just set it up on the sideline to glare across the field at Ryan Day and intimidate him.
December 22nd, 2020 at 4:17 PM ^
I don't think Ryan Day gets intimidated by Don Brown much
December 22nd, 2020 at 5:01 PM ^
You don’t really think OSU is going to be intimidated by any defensive coordinator, right?
December 22nd, 2020 at 4:17 PM ^
Don Brown was a good dude and I think we should all remember that he came in here after DJ "The Benedict Arnold" Durkin decided to go to Maryland BEFORE The Game in 2015. The class he reportedly showed last week on the recruiting trail is no surprise. This is a good sign that JH knows things must massively change.
SIDE NOTE: Be careful to heap ridiculous amounts of criticism in coordinators...I doubt very few of us could do that job. Don Brown left UM at the right time and I wouldn't doubt for a second that he understood it was time for him to go.
December 22nd, 2020 at 4:44 PM ^
DJ Durkin kinda seemed like a psycho. For about 10 games of that season he was "our psycho" in the same vein of, oh let's say, Bill Laimbeer. I am not sure it was true betrayal so much as the sociopathic behavior we all recognize in college football head coaches. He is in the SEC now and likely will never rise beyond Co-Defensive something. To turn around and hire Don Brown (a video of him inviting players into his home was one of the first "fan glimpses" if I recall) was a home run hire.
They kinda need a home run hire slash psycho. Hopefully, that candidate is out there and JH takes more time than a 30 minute phone call to decide.
December 22nd, 2020 at 4:18 PM ^
Thanks mods for editing the title.
Always hate hearing that someone lost their job, but he was paid very well and should land on his feet or enjoy retirement. Was time for him to go, the blueprint was out on how to attack his defense and he refused to adjust.