The setup is abysmal! Come work for a head coach who has failed in SPECTACULAR fashion, who has fired his prior OC (a top-priority, hand picked, critical hire) after just one season, and who is on the hottest of hot seats and very well may not last all of next season; an AD who may also be in jeopardy; a revolving door of failed HCs and staff who leave in disgrace for lesser jobs; a recruiting "home turf" under siege from everywhere, characterized by the most talented players want an offering from UM early as leverage to trade up in a "business decision" later, and being indignant when the offer doesn't come; an anemic offensive line and no QB; low home game attendance and commensurate revenue; and of course a rabid, impatient and unrealistic fan base, prepared to fly banners and abandon the team at the first sign of a setback. Yikes!!!
I see two profiles that might give this position consideration:
(1) Someone early in their career, with signs of promise from a lesser team/conference. This is the preferred option IMO, although it's risky because anyone who has demonstrated consistent success (which is what we really need) will wait for a better, less risky, opportunity.
(2) A retread, someone who has a mixed track record but has failed recently (Fedora for example). The problem with this narrative is (i) they failed for a reason; (ii) they would take the position primarily to relaunch their career, which means if they succeed, they're soon to leave.
Seems to me UM is between a rock and a hard place on this. Moreover, anyone good will demand an enormous severance, which complicates hiring the next HC if Manny gets canned next season (likely).
I'm obviously focusing on the negatives, and there are positives but on balance, it's ugly! I hope Blake and the administration prove me wrong by uncovering a great hire.
I see two profiles that might give this position consideration:
(1) Someone early in their career, with signs of promise from a lesser team/conference. This is the preferred option IMO, although it's risky because anyone who has demonstrated consistent success (which is what we really need) will wait for a better, less risky, opportunity.
(2) A retread, someone who has a mixed track record but has failed recently (Fedora for example). The problem with this narrative is (i) they failed for a reason; (ii) they would take the position primarily to relaunch their career, which means if they succeed, they're soon to leave.
Seems to me UM is between a rock and a hard place on this. Moreover, anyone good will demand an enormous severance, which complicates hiring the next HC if Manny gets canned next season (likely).
I'm obviously focusing on the negatives, and there are positives but on balance, it's ugly! I hope Blake and the administration prove me wrong by uncovering a great hire.
