Is there anyone on our staff you'd like retained if we got a new coach?
Yes, this is another post about coaching changes.
If we were to get a new coach, would you want a whole new staff? For instance, if Matt Campbell were hired, would you want him to bring everyone from ISU over? This didn't really work out for Frost at Nebraska who took all of the UCF staff with him, but I do believe there should be some sort of continuity if/when a new head coach comes. It does look like much of the ISU staff has stayed with Campbell from Toledo. There are only 2 or 3 from the UM staff I like at this point, Warinner, Moore, and maybe Jean-Mary.
December 1st, 2020 at 6:53 PM ^
But it actually IS good. Great even. For fucks sake, we just sent four guys to the NFL on the OL this past season.
December 2nd, 2020 at 10:07 AM ^
We sent 4 guys to the NFL, yet we couldn't move the ball on Army or MTSU last year.
Again, individually our guys develop. As a unit, they have never come close to being dominate. I've never seen a line do less with more than what I saw the last 2 years.
December 1st, 2020 at 2:50 PM ^
Warriner, Sherrone Moore and maybe Gattis depending on the style of the new coach. Possibly Jean- Mary for recruiting purposes. Warriner would be the only one im dead set on keeping though.
December 1st, 2020 at 2:50 PM ^
Warinner and Moore. BJM seems to be a good recruiter, but the LBs have really not looked great this year
December 1st, 2020 at 3:18 PM ^
Is that on BJM or Brown though? He coaches part of the linebackers. Its his first year, trying to give him a pass for one year.
December 1st, 2020 at 2:51 PM ^
Warinner and Zordich. Possibly Sherrone Moore, as well.
December 1st, 2020 at 5:52 PM ^
If Sherrone Moore is the guy who went old school on All and had him carrying around a football on the sidelines all game, I approve. Although I would probably have done that awhile back.
December 1st, 2020 at 2:55 PM ^
Scary thing with Campbell bringing his staff is, as you mentioned, almost all of them have been with him since Toledo. There is very little big time recruiting experience there, so (assuming he’s our coach for sake of argument) you’d like to see him go out and get at least a couple guys with some experience at major programs.
Go out and grab Muschamp or Derek Mason for DC. Go get a couple young, up and coming position coaches. Hell, bring Partridge back as Co-DC. As it stands, I don’t have much faith in Campbell’s current staff being able to go head to head with ND, PSU and OSU regionally and get top guys. I feel like you have to mix in some big time program experience and some young ace recruiters into the staff as well.
December 1st, 2020 at 3:20 PM ^
I understand the concern but I don't really agree with the rationale. If you believe that Campbell is truly an outstanding coach whose experience will translate from Toledo and Iowa St to a big football school like Michigan, why do you not think his assistants can handle it? Do you think that Campbell has been successful in spite of the other guys? I think it's a bigger risk to take away a guy's trusted assistants and force a new relationship with a "big time" coordinator?
December 1st, 2020 at 4:07 PM ^
Iowa State's recruiting class rankings:
- 2021: #52
- 2020: #46
- 2019: #46
- 2018: #55
- 2017: #52
- 2016: #55
A bad class at Michigan is #15, and usually we hover around #10. Even if he improves to average around a #20 class here, is that good enough? It would be an entirely different way of winning than we are used to doing. It's possible, but I think the best path to success is hitting our historical average in recruiting while building a culture of competence and schematic ingenuity. I think ND is hitting that note rather well currently.
December 1st, 2020 at 5:04 PM ^
Exactly, And that is my point. For Michigan to get to that next level where we are competing with OSU, going to Indy, going to the CFP, we need more than just a really good coach. We have to recruit the athletes who are capable of competing on that level week in and week out. I’d feel much better about our ability to do that if Campbell brought in a couple ace recruiters.
Granted, it is incredibly difficult to recruit in Ames, IA. So we have absolutely no idea how good his current staff would be at recruiting while wearing a block M. It is a risk bringing them along, and while you can survive that risk and come out on top, doing so with 10 guys is a bit much. That doesn’t mean I’m saying Campbell can’t bring any or even most of his staff. But I DO think it’s in his best interest to use the much larger assistant salary pool he will have to go fetch some top recruiters. I don’t believe his current staff is infallible, and I’m sure there are areas where an upgrade can be made and Michigan certainly has the money to make them.
There is another side to all of this. I’m not sure if any of his staff has any ties to the state of Michigan. It might help local recruiting to have a familiar face recruiting the area. Whether it’s a local high school coach you take a chance on, a former player, or a guy from another program that recruits the area.
Scott Bell recently looked into Campbell’s staff and their ties to him. 6 of the 10 assistants coached with him at Toledo. 1 coached with him back at Mount Union. And 1 he promoted from being an offensive analyst. So since his time at Toledo, he’s only gone out and grabbed 2 coaches from outside his program/circle. Hopefully he would have enough awareness to not just bring his buddies along without considering any outside options.
December 1st, 2020 at 4:17 PM ^
I do think Campbell is a really good coach. I think his staff is full of good coaches. However, we have to acknowledge that Michigan is a big step up from Toledo and Iowa State. You’re recruiting new territory against new teams, and more importantly higher caliber teams.
It’s an added risk when you’re taking an entire staff of guys who have never coached at a major P5 program in their careers. I think you can mitigate that risk a fair amount by mixing in a couple assistants who HAVE that experience. It doesn’t inherently have to be a big name coordinator. But I think walking in here without any coaches with major P5 experience on your staff (including the head coach) just makes the hire that much more of a risk.
December 1st, 2020 at 3:35 PM ^
This. I really like the Campbell idea but he needs institutional support to help build a recruiting machine. That is definitely his weak point and one that could prevent him from having the success we all crave.
And yes, that means he needs some ace recruiters on his staff
December 1st, 2020 at 2:57 PM ^
I think Jay Harbaugh should get some looks as well. I don't really have anything negative to say about his coaching (assuming he doesn't control in-game rotation) and I've been pleased by recruiting/running back performance.
December 1st, 2020 at 3:01 PM ^
Sorry gonna disagree here..we haven't had a power running game in forever and Jay hasn't changed that even when with our previous stellar Oline.
December 1st, 2020 at 3:08 PM ^
Do you think that's his prerogative? My understanding is that his focus is technique/recruiting and not scheme. Could be wrong though.
December 1st, 2020 at 6:56 PM ^
What does “power running game” have to do with Jay?
December 1st, 2020 at 2:59 PM ^
The only coach who seem to be coaching up players is Warinner. I don't think the young OL is the problem this season and these young OL players are going to be great in a year or two. I hope the next coach keeps Warinner.
December 1st, 2020 at 3:00 PM ^
I just flat out do not understand why people say Gattis, our offense looks way more confusing since he has been here and the man has literally ZERO track record at calling plays during a game. Why didn't Saban fight to keep him if he was so brilliant. Hiring him was a knee jerk reaction in an effort to help recruiting after getting drummed by ohio in '18. Gattis is NOT the answer, I'd just as soon see him go as Harbaugh at this point.
December 1st, 2020 at 3:01 PM ^
Warinner, obviously.
Just to be a contrarian, I think Jay Harbaugh away from his dad would be very interesting. Everyone hollers "NEPOTISM!" when they can't think of anything else to scream, but honestly the units he's coached have been more good than bad. It's a low bar, when the "QB Whisperer" can't even get ONE full season of above average QB play in 6 years, but here we are...
But, the real answer is whoever the new HC wants, he gets.
December 1st, 2020 at 3:01 PM ^
Warinner for sure. That’s really the only coach I would for certain retain if I was taking over.
December 1st, 2020 at 3:02 PM ^
Warriner is a lock. I'd also look at Zordich - he's really good at coaching the corners. And my surprise keeper thought...
I'd look at keeping Jaybaugh. Stop laughing... He's currently the best recruiter on the staff and his position groups have consistently been among the best 2-3 groups on the team. The kid can flat out coach. Doubtful that he'd be retained, or would even want to stay if Dad is axed. But he's one of the legit better coaches on the staff.
As for Moore and Jean-Mary - both of their position groups have sucked. TE's can't catch or block, and the linebackers have taken a significant step backwards from last year. No thanks, they can both go away.
December 1st, 2020 at 3:02 PM ^
If your water supply was poisoned would you check each tap to see which one is the least risky or would you find a different water supply?
None, zero, zilch, nada.
December 1st, 2020 at 3:17 PM ^
This is not an accurate metaphor.
It would be more like: If you had a personal chef and 9 sous chefs, each cooking a different course, and generally the meals have been bad but 2-3 courses have been consistently, good, would you keep the 2-3 good sous chefs or hire a whole new crew?
December 1st, 2020 at 3:02 PM ^
Personally, would suggest that the head coach keep Warriner, Moore and Zordich. Zordich is one of the best in the business, hard to dispute that even this year with Gemon Green making strides. I still think Gattis has upside as an offensive coordinator, and he seems to be a relatively strong recruiter.
I personally think Joe Moorehead should be considered a candidate here (he got a rough deal in his two years at Miss St, the second year was where 10 players were suspended 8 games each). An offensive staff of something like Moorehead, Gattis, Warriner, Moore and lets say Vince Marrow would be quite nice.
December 1st, 2020 at 3:08 PM ^
Warinner, Ed
December 1st, 2020 at 3:10 PM ^
No. I think the risk would vastly outweigh any potential rewards. There is just no way for a new coach to know who was part of the problem. You could end up with a scenario where a coach did a good job but is still partly loyal to JH, thought JH got a raw deal, and that is just a recipe for cancerous growth throughout the locker room.
If UM brings in a new staff, they should clean house, as far north as allowed. Start fresh with no connections to the past.
December 1st, 2020 at 3:20 PM ^
I agree there is no way to know who all was part of which problems, but I am quite confident any head coach about to get a job as good as UM is able to watch film from our team over the last few years and figure out which units consistently improve.
December 1st, 2020 at 5:04 PM ^
Yeah, agree. But, there are a lot of coaches that can coach that you don't have to worry about them being connected to the culture that was here previously.
December 1st, 2020 at 3:12 PM ^
I think this is kind of a silly exercise since Harbaugh isn't getting fired, but I'll play. Warinner is an elite offensive line coach, Zordich is an elite CB coach, and Sherrone Moore is an elite recruiter. I would want to keep those three at least if we're cleaning house. Maybe see if Gattis is willing to do a co-OC/WR coach thing because of his recruiting chops.
December 1st, 2020 at 3:31 PM ^
I agree Harbaugh isn't getting fired, but I wouldn't be surprised if he goes to the NFL. Most of what I don't like about Zordich is probably Don Brown, so I wouldn't mind him staying. I also agree with Gattis. Maybe as a Passing Game Coordinator/WR coach and we still get an official new OC.
Every single staff member needs to recruit.
December 1st, 2020 at 3:15 PM ^
Fire everyone. Not one position looks good this year. Not one bright spot
December 1st, 2020 at 3:16 PM ^
Warriner......that's it.
December 1st, 2020 at 3:17 PM ^
Keep Warinner and get rid of everyone else. Hire Sarkisian before Texas goes after him.
December 1st, 2020 at 3:22 PM ^
Sarkisian was mediocre at Washington and he failed at USC. I can't think of a school with more institutional advantages than USC. Why on earth would we hire him to coach at Michigan?
December 1st, 2020 at 3:27 PM ^
He took a decimated shitty USC team to 9-4 in his first season. He did that with 57 players on the roster and the next season had the #1 recruiting class in the country. Now he’s been labeled Alabama’s best OC and is a recruiting machine. Other than that, he’s sucked.
December 1st, 2020 at 3:30 PM ^
Aren't you one of the people who thinks Gattis is a failure? How many times are we going to fall for the Alabama offensive coordinator trap?
December 1st, 2020 at 3:56 PM ^
Gattis wasn’t the OC at Alabama. He watched the Maryland coach run the Alabama offense.
December 1st, 2020 at 4:08 PM ^
Gattis was co-OC. Doug Nussmeier was also an Alabama OC. Success as an Alabama offensive coordinator is a mirage. Every Alabama offensive coordinator looks like a genius.
December 1st, 2020 at 3:56 PM ^
His failure at USC was personal, not having anything to do with football (he was fired midway through year *2* for alcohol problems). I don't disagree with you on him being mediocre though.
December 1st, 2020 at 3:19 PM ^
Plz stay:
1. Warriner - obvious.
2. Zordich - understand recruiting limitations, but unquestionably develops his position group as well as any. His track record is extensive: Lewis, Clark, Stribling, Long, Hill...and dare I say even Green is starting to show promise?
Ask again later: Jaybaugh, Gattis, Moore. I don't subscribe to the notion that Gattis is a viable candidate for HC. With the exception of 3 games last year (MSU, Indiana, ND), his offenses have been average to bad. Disjointed playcalling mixed, curious play designs and personnel decisions leave a lot to be desired. While one could argue that this is the result of Harbaugh meddling (which AFAIK is a theory that seems to be rooted in message board speculation), I think a good chunk of this falls on the OC.
Goodbye: Brown, Nua, BJM, Shoop (lol), McDaniels
December 1st, 2020 at 3:20 PM ^
I'd keep Warinner, Moore, and Zordich for sure. The LBs have been a bit of a mess this year and he's the LB coach so that's not a good sign for him as a coach.
December 1st, 2020 at 3:23 PM ^
the love fest with warinner on this blog reminds me of season 1 under don brown.... he was worshiped here, now he's the worst D coordinator in all of NCAA football and should have been fired two seasons ago.
our run game hasn't been anything to write home about..... the oline has not been all that great how many tackles for loss have we given up in the run game? how many stops on 4th and short? our Oline isn't moving anyone back..... take away a couple long runs and our ypc are not fantastic
December 1st, 2020 at 4:29 PM ^
We’re replacing four starters this year, all of which went to the NFL mind you, and 3 of our new starters have been injured. A fourth who replaced an injured starter is also hurt. We have played 4 OL this year that are either true or redshirt freshmen.
Context is important here. Not really sure what you expect Warriner to do in this situation.
December 1st, 2020 at 3:27 PM ^
Harbaugh getting a extension doesn't bother me actually I'm fine with him getting fired or getting a extension but Don Brown has to go Harbaugh should of fired him last year after the OSU game giving up that many points to your rival two years in a row is inexcusable. That's beside the point anyway absolutely keep Wariner everyone else pack your bags.
December 1st, 2020 at 3:40 PM ^
Replacing Brown is the only thing I know must and should happen next year. Everyone else is a bit more complicated (Harbaugh with his contract situation, Gattis because we might not know how good a coach he actually is etc.). The blue print to beat Brown's defense is out and it is being executed to a devastating affect. It would be one thing if he showed he was competent at adjusting or coaching any other type of defense but it's been clear the past two years he is incapable.
If Brown remains on staff next year, that will be the final straw for me regarding Harbaugh and Warde.
December 1st, 2020 at 3:57 PM ^
I agree re:Gattis being complicated. Once Shea started getting healthier and executing the offense last year, it looked lethal. We scored more points against OSU than anyone until they faced Clemson in the playoffs (who scored two more than us). When Cade came in this year it looked like the same lethal offense. The sample size is very small with Cade, but I'm not ready to declare Gattis as a failure at OC yet. They clearly made the wrong choice with Milton, but this offense looks like it will work with the right QB. We found that QB and he was immediately injured this year.
December 1st, 2020 at 3:31 PM ^
Moore and Jean-Mary? Our tight ends and linebackers are horrible. Hard pass.
Granted, we're terrible at pretty much every position, but Warinner is the only guy on the staff that has impressed me recently.
December 1st, 2020 at 3:34 PM ^
Warinner. The rest I think are replaceable.
December 1st, 2020 at 3:34 PM ^
No.
Including Warde.