Mike Macdonald hire made official
January 17th, 2021 at 3:02 PM ^
I have no problem with this hire, defense was never why we hired Harbaugh. My problem continues to be lack of movement on the offensive side of the ball other than adding Mike Hart. We can hope and pray that Hart and a new qb coach is the piece we were missing all these years but I’m not sure enough will change for the offense. With both Harbaugh and Gattis still around, I’m not sure how we can expect any significant improvement.
January 17th, 2021 at 4:08 PM ^
The QB coach in waiting is waiting to get knocked out of the playoffs today against the Saints.
January 17th, 2021 at 4:57 PM ^
I thought I read the other day that Harbaugh is taking over as QB coach in addition to his HC responsibilties.
January 17th, 2021 at 4:16 PM ^
The offense prior to this past year wasn't a problem.
The only returning starter on offense last year was Mayfield, and he played sparingly. Going back to Don Brown's explanation for the defensive struggles, the same applies here too...they lost a boatload of practices in the spring, and you can't overcome that when you are replacing virtually everyone.
Having said that, the leash is short.
January 19th, 2021 at 6:26 AM ^
I agree ER. The offense sucks in second half performance in big games most of the time. Three and outs. Three and outs and more three and outs. When you do that against hot offenses and we don't have 5 stars on the bench like the team down south, it spells giving up points.
January 17th, 2021 at 3:08 PM ^
Jim has a pretty good track record with young up-and-comers. Macdonald is 33, Sean McVay is 34, so his age shouldn't be an issue. I just hope this isn't an inside deal between the Brothers Harbaugh. If Jim knows he's out in a year and doesn't want to uproot an established DC for a one year gig, this makes perfect sense as a one year rental.
That said, I hope this is a home run hire, MM turns out to be a defensive genius, Jim regains his mojo, and Michigan football is back on a path to success.
January 17th, 2021 at 4:02 PM ^
When JH goes 5-7 this fall, he may have no choice but to be out.
January 17th, 2021 at 11:33 PM ^
It hasn't been a day and he's already referred to by his initials.
Me? I prefer he be called Mikey Mac.
January 17th, 2021 at 3:12 PM ^
The MacDonald era has begun.
January 17th, 2021 at 4:38 PM ^
I'm lovin' it
January 17th, 2021 at 3:29 PM ^
Welcome Coach! Let's get to work!
January 17th, 2021 at 3:29 PM ^
OK? But can he recruit? Hope springs eternal...
January 17th, 2021 at 9:14 PM ^
During the UGA coaching change, he was the GA selected to go on recruiting visits, so he has some experience there.
Can’t be worse than what he’s replacing, can he?
January 17th, 2021 at 3:33 PM ^
Dax has retweeted this and liked on insta. Has to be a good sign..
January 17th, 2021 at 3:41 PM ^
Even though I fucking hate the Ravens because they are an abomination that literally should not exist (20-3, suck it Ratbirds) welcome Mike MacDonald and I wish you great success here.
(Even as I Keep Forgettin' we're not good anymore)
January 17th, 2021 at 3:44 PM ^
I like the hire. Young guy who was in college less than 20 years ago. Never played college ball yet rose from a high school coach 13 years ago to in consideration (from reports) to be the heir apparent to the defense in Baltimore. If we are to believe that we hired the wrong Harbaugh then we should trust John in his decisions to elevate this guy and from what I believe, his recommendation.
January 17th, 2021 at 5:42 PM ^
January 17th, 2021 at 4:10 PM ^
After the season this year:
"It's only year one of MacDonald, he just needs time to get his guys".
I can see it now.
January 17th, 2021 at 4:18 PM ^
You mean like some DT's and CB's?
January 17th, 2021 at 4:19 PM ^
Your post predicting it today is worse than those posts will be. Nothing would make many of you happy so I just don’t get why you even bother.
January 17th, 2021 at 4:56 PM ^
A big ten championship would surely make me happy. Hiring new assistants which we do every year and get the same results, does not.
January 17th, 2021 at 5:08 PM ^
I forgot UM was the only team with staff turnover. Again, this proves my point. I'm willing to bet you have bitched about last years staff to some effect? Now, you are criticizing the new staff that is hired. What the fuck do you want them to do? Again, some people will be unhappy regardless.
January 17th, 2021 at 5:56 PM ^
They should have moved on from Harbaugh completely. A 50% paycut with a small buyout basically says "We don't have much confidence in you turning this around, but we'll give you one last shot". Be my guest and buy into the offseason hype again, but I will not.
January 17th, 2021 at 6:02 PM ^
C'mon man. You know you'll be back on the train when they start hyping Milton as the Heisman winner in September.
January 17th, 2021 at 6:21 PM ^
McNamara this time
January 18th, 2021 at 1:21 AM ^
McCarthy, no doubt.
January 17th, 2021 at 4:56 PM ^
There has been a lot of negativity around the program. I would argue this is well earned.
However, the 2021 recruiting class and current/anticipated staff changes give me some reason for hope. This is all I can ask for in the off-season as a fan.
It appears Harbaugh is moving from the "experienced" coaches to young and energetic guys that may bring both an increase in recruiting and much needed energy and attitude.
Mike Hart, Mike Macdonald, Christian Robinson (if rumors are true) is a good start.
Certainly concerns still exist. However, I'm interested to see how the staff fills out and how they tackle the rest of the off-season.
January 17th, 2021 at 6:03 PM ^
My thoughts exactly.
January 17th, 2021 at 11:15 PM ^
You have to wonder though if all that talk about paying Harbaugh less to be able to pay top dollar for coordinators was just a clever scheme by the AD. Seems like they continue to save money with these hires. No big names, top dollars not needed.
January 17th, 2021 at 6:19 PM ^
Hopefully he gets right to work on the portal.
January 17th, 2021 at 9:12 PM ^
He looks like a Canadian comedian.
January 18th, 2021 at 8:28 AM ^
The best-kept secret in college football is now confirmed?
January 19th, 2021 at 6:01 AM ^
It looks to me, that we are going from a known in Don Brown to an unknown in Mcdonald as a DC. We can be hopeful, but it's a wait and see. I want to know more, like others on here, what his schemes will look like, his ownership of the overall D and imput on coaching staff.