Even though Pep Hamilton is leaving Michigan for an XFL job, Michigan is still paying him through this June (LINK).
Former San Diego State and Michigan head coach Brady Hoke is headed back to San Diego State . . . as the defensive line coach (LINK). Yes, it’s a bit rough to go from being the head coach of the all-time winningest program in the country to defensive line coach of Marshall Faulk University. But I still like the guy, and I respect the fact that the guy just likes to coach. Sometimes I think about how long I’m going to coach, and I can see myself getting older and still wanting to be involved in the game, even if it’s at a lower level.
New Michigan quarterbacks coach Ben McDaniels is making decent money (LINK).
Windy City Blue’s favorite writer talks about the status of the interior offensive line for 2019 (LINK).
I’ll be honest: I don’t know why all of these plays below are called “smart,” but they’re fun nonetheless.
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All things considered, I think Hamilton worked out reasonably well in in the end. Michigan made progress in evolving the offense and ended with it’s best performing offense in many years. The stage seems set for Gattis to lead a leap in 2019.
Of course how much credit/blame Hamilton gets for 2017 and 2018 is subject to interpretation. Drevno/Warriner and turnover at QB/WR/TE were significant. Regardless, Hamilton’s gone now and there’s excellent opportunity to ascend.
I see a bit of parallel to Tommy Amaker – he wasn’t the ultimate answer some may have hoped for, but the program was better off than when he arrived. An unexceptional tactician but solid recruiter and high-character contributor to the program culture. Amaker cleaned things up and laid down a solid foundation for Beilein.
One can only hope Gattis works out so nicely…
The interior OL is a HUGE part of why I’m excited about next year’s offense. Along with QB & WR the returning personnel are talented and proven veterans. I still remember the mgoblog analysis from a years ago that concluded that experience was a critical factor on the interior line (less so at OT). I buy that theory.
Lot’s to work with and build around in 2019. We’ll see about Gattis, LT, and RB but even those ‘questions’ are limited in scope. If Gattis falters, there’s Harbaugh and Warriner to guide things. Runyan’s a decent player at one tackle spot and there’s a whole lot of options at the other. RB doesn’t matter so we’re fine with a walk-on there 😉
We’ll see what happens on defense but if nothing else, the offense will be fun. I haven’t been this excited about watching a Michigan O since Denard was around.
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I wish People nothing but the best. At the same time, I recognize that UM fans are the latest fanbase to not miss him, and not want him back
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