Michigan Football: Top Replacements for Fired Michigan HC Brady Hoke

By Ace Williams June 17, 2014

Top Replacements for Fired Michigan HC Brady Hoke

Last Updated: 12/14/2014 4:35 pm ET

We've made some BIG changes to the hot board, going on info from strong sources who are not only close to the Michigan athletic department, but who have direct access to the coaches listed.

As of this afternoon, this is the definitive list of coaches, in order, that Michigan is pursuing. Keep in mind that Jim Harbaugh is unquestionably #1 on this list, but Michigan won't wait for him forever if he doesn't have a definitive answer and UM's other targets are moving on.

1. Jim Harbaugh, 49ers Head Coach

The former Wolverine All-American QB is the favorite for the job according to gambling websites, including Sportsbook, who pulled the odds after an abnormal amount of money was being bet on Harbaugh to become the next Wolverines coach.

Harbaugh has not publicly commented on the Michigan job opening, and we don't expect him to until either he accepts the job, or Michigan hires someone else.

2. Jim Mora, UCLA Bruins Head Coach

As we reported yesterday, we're now hearing from multiple sources that Mora wants out at UCLA and had his agent reach out to Michigan Athletic Director Jim Hackett.

Mora has NFL experience, has done a great job rebuilding UCLA and has reportedly told his agent he would accept the Michigan job on the spot if offered. We have been told that Mora is a solid #2 on Michigan's list.

3. Gary Pinkel, Missouri Tigers Head Coach

Here's where it gets INTERESTING. We were contacted Saturday by a source who spoke directly to a member of Pinkel's immediate family, and that family member was 'almost certain' that Pinkel was going to be offered the Michigan job after the SEC Championship game and would be announced as Michigan's coach within a matter of days.

Let's be clear - we've known this source for years, and they've known the Pinkel family for over two decades.

4. Sean Payton, New Orleans Saints Head Coach

For some reason, Payton and his son are HUGE Michigan fans. The two of them have been going to Michigan basketball games for years, including UM's Final Four and National Championship games in 2013.

Payton has reportedly told friends for years that he'd love to be Michigan's coach someday, and former Michigan OC Terry Malone has been in his ear about going to Ann Arbor for the past few weeks.

There are unsubstantiated rumors that Michigan AD Jim Hackett was in New Orleans meeting with Payton this week....so keep an eye on this one.

5. Bob Stoops, Oklahoma Sooners Head Coach

Since coming to Oklahoma in 1999, Stoops has presided over one of the nation’s most consistently successful programs. There are two big reasons Michigan thinks he would consider an offer:

1. A major sports agent who has represented Oklahoma players for years has been telling many Michigan boosters that Stoops is looking for a change.

2. After losing to Oklahoma State today, Sooners fans and Stoops might just be at a breaking point. Stoops has been less-than-stellar over the last few years, and Sooners fans might not appreciate what a tremendous coach they have.

If Stoops were to ever leave, this is the year.

This is the list, folks, take it as Wolverine gospel.

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Update from 12/5/2014

Brady Hoke is officially out as Michigan head coach, so it's time to take a look at the candidates to replace him in Ann Arbor. While the big names like Jim Harbaugh might be a longshot, there are still plenty of interesting options for the Michigan athletic department...

HOME RUNS

LesMiles

Les Miles, LSU Tigers Head Coach

Miles has been linked to the Michigan job before, and there's no doubt he'll come up this time around as well. While Miles is in the home run category because of his previous successes, we should note that he's far from beloved at Michigan - Lloyd Carr can't stand him, and none of the explanations for why paint Miles in an especially positive light (Google 'Les Miles Gary Moeller' for the dirt). There are also questions about whether or not Miles can sustain a dominant program, and some of his coaching decisions in recent years have come under heavy criticism. While Michigan will no doubt look at Miles to succeed Brady Hoke, there are enough red flags that we wouldn't hold our breath.

Jim Harbaugh, San Francisco 49ers Head Coach

No surprises here. Michigan would do everything in their power to get Harbaugh if he becomes available, but his situation in San Francisco is still very hard to get a read on. If the rumored divorce with the 49ers does happen after the NFL season ends, Harbaugh will be the most wanted man in football...and Michigan would have to fend off interest from no less than half a dozen other teams and programs to get their guy. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Harbaugh would prefer to stay in the NFL if he leaves San Francisco...so this one might be too far a reach even for a program with Michigan's resources.

Bob Stoops, Oklahoma Head Coach

Since coming to Oklahoma in 1999, Stoops has presided over one of the nation's most consistently successful programs. The Sooners have a 168-42 overall record with bowl appearances in every one of Stoops' 16 seasons, and he's easily one of the best candidates out there. Michigan would have a very difficult time prying him out of Oklahoma (the odds are slim at best), but the athletic department reportedly has him on their shortlist.

MORE: Michigan Players React To Brady Hoke's Firing On Twitter

REALISTIC CANDIDATES

PatNarduzzi

Pat Narduzzi, Michigan State Defensive Coordinator

A highly-regarded coordinator who knows the Big 10, Narduzzi is well-liked by the decision-makers in Ann Arbor despite his ties to East Lansing. While most Michigan fans wouldn't jump with joy at hiring a coordinator from Michigan State, this would be a solid - if conservative - hire.

Jim Mora, UCLA Head Coach

Mora is a proven commodity at this point, and his recruiting success at UCLA has been impressive so far. While it won't be easy to pry him out of Los Angeles with his project there still in its infancy, Michigan can offer money that a UC school can't come close to competing with.

Bret Bielema, Arkansas Head Coach

Bielema finally has Arkansas winning SEC games, and his impressive defense is getting some belated national recognition. Bielema is a Big 10 guy from the beginning, which would help lure him out of the SEC...but Nebraska is reportedly interested as well, and the Wolverines would have to fend off interest from the Huskers to get their guy. Michigan fans might be hesitant at first, but they already have one thing in common with Bielema: a healthy dislike for Ohio State.

MORE: Michigan Recruits React To Brady Hoke's Firing

DARK HORSES

MarkRicht

Mark Richt, Georgia Bulldogs Head Coach

Richt's popularity with the Georgia faithful is waning, and we're hearing that a change of scenery could be in the cards soon. Richt has said he feels like after 15 years at UGA, he can't win over any new fans...and that doesn't sound like the words of someone who wants to retire in Athens. Richt isn't one of Michigan's top targets at the moment, but they're keeping an eye on his situation at UGA.

Pat Shurmur, Philadelphia Eagles Offensive Coordinator

Shurmur wants another head coaching job, whether it's in the NFL or in college. It's starting to look like few NFL jobs will be available this offseason (at this point, Oakland and Chicago are the only guarantees), and Shurmur is an Ann Arbor native with strong roots in the state. While those roots pull more strongly towards Michigan State than Michigan (he graduated from MSU and coached there for a decade), it's hard to see him turning down the Michigan job if it was offered. We've heard Shurmur's name more and more over the past few weeks - definitely one to keep an eye on.

Sean Payton, New Orleans Saints Head Coach

Completely out of left field? This took us by surprise too, but there's apparently something to it. Payton's son is a die-hard Michigan fan (the two have visited Ann Arbor to watch basketball games frequently in recent years), and Payton was actually interviewed back in 2007 during the coaching search that eventually led to Rich Rodriguez. Payton is extricating himself from a messy divorce, and there are rumors that he's looking for a 'fresh start' somewhere new. If he's on the market, Michigan would be crazy not to pursue him

Other Names To Watch:

Wheatley

Tyrone Wheatley, Buffalo Bills RBs Coach

The former UM standout isn't a strong contender this time around, but he's definitely one to watch for the future. Many in NFL circles consider him a rising star.

Cam Cameron, LSU Offensive Coordinator

While plenty of fans would bristle at the idea of hiring a coordinator, Cameron has years of NFL coaching experience and already coached at Michigan for over a decade.

Mike Shanahan, Former NFL Head Coach

The former Broncos and Redskins HC is reportedly "very interested" in coaching at either Michigan or Florida. So far, we haven't heard anything to suggest that the feeling is mutual.

Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State Head Coach

Gundy, a former Les Miles assistant, has been linked in the media in recent weeks...but like a few of the other names here, he's pretty far down Michigan's list.

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Previous Hot Board (11/26 update):

Michigan Men Home Runs

We all know the names and the reasons why these guys are tied to Michigan, so not much needs to be said.

1. Jim Harbaugh

2. John Harbaugh

3. Les Miles

Non-Michigan Men Home Runs

There are some very interesting names in this group, and while many of these guys won't be interested, the Michigan athletic department will at least be reach out to gauge their interest in the job.

1. Gus Malzahn, Auburn Head Coach

There is a set of influential Michigan alumni that have quietly started campaigning for a run at Malzahn. During the Penn State game, there were several groups of donors who were very vocal to Michigan President Mark Schlissel that they wanted "Malzahn for Michigan."

Malzahn only makes $3.85M a year (less than Hoke), so Michigan will likely dangle a $5M/year salary and the idea of not having to compete in the brutal SEC West anymore as reasons to leave Auburn.

2. Dan Mullen, Mississippi State Head Coach

The idea of Mullen coming to Michigan has such a "Woody vs. Bo" feel to it - a former assistant coach taking on his mentor in the greatest rivalry in sports. Mullen worked directly under Urban Meyer for 10 seasons at four different schools (Notre Dame, Bowling Green, Utah and Florida) and was the OC at Florida for both of Meyer's BCS Championship teams.

Mullen is from Big Ten country (grew up in PA) and his wife is an Ohio U grad, so getting him to leave the SEC isn't as big of a hurdle as some may think. Mullen is the hottest coach in football right now, coaching the nations's #4 team, and will certainly be pursued by Florida and NFL teams if he's interested in a salary hike and a higher-profile job.

3. David Shaw, Stanford Head Coach

If you can't have Jim Harbaugh, why not make a run at his successor at Stanford? Shaw would be an amazing hire for the portion of the Michigan fan base that longs for a smash-mouth offense and suffocating defense like Michigan of the 90's. Shaw makes $3M at Stanford, so Michigan could certainly give him a massive raise, but he is on the record as saying he wants to retire coaching for the Cardinal, his alma mater.

Most likely candidates if none of the above is hired

1. Pat Narduzzi, Michigan State Defensive Coordinator

If ya can't beat 'em, hire 'em? Narduzzi has had a ton of interest from mid-level head coaching jobs and has been holding out for a big-time program to come calling. Rumors are out there that he would absolutely spurn MSU and take the Michigan job, and he would be a great hire.

He is young (48), knows the Big Ten, and has great recruiting relationships with high school programs all over the Midwest. As we stand today, this is the most likely candidate to be running the Michigan program in 2015.

2. Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State Cowboys Head Coach

Gundy has some "ethical" question marks, given the Sports Illustrated allegations from 2013, but the guy has shown the ability to win big at a non-traditional power and is incredibly experienced (16 seasons as an assistant or head coach at a Power 5 school) for his young age of 47.

Gundy would face some of the same opposition from traditionalist fans that Rich Rod faced and would need to win big in year one to be embraced by the Michigan faithful. While he does run a spread offense, it's a passing spread that doesn't require the QB to run - something that Shane Morris and Wilton Speight could flourish in.

3. Mark Stoops, Kentucky Head Coach

The youngest of the Stoops brothers has gotten Kentucky off to a hot 5-1 start this season. He is inexperienced as a head coach, but has won a BCS Championship as a defensive backs coach at Miami in 2001, spent six seasons as DC at Arizona, and three years re-building Florida State as defensive coordinator. He would be a risky hire, and not one that would have Michigan fans cheering, but he's a realistic backup option if the school misses on the home run candidates.

4. Tyrone Wheatley, Buffalo Bills Running Backs Coach

Wheatley's star is on the rise, and while it might be a little too soon for him at this point in time, let's just say this is very possible down the road.

See our previous Michigan football coaching hot boards below:

Last Updated: 10/11/2014

As Michigan's nightmare season continues, the odds that Brady Hoke will be back in 2015 just keep shrinking.

Make no mistake, Michigan is going to shoot for the stars with their next hire. After speaking to folks close to the program to get a vibe on the likely targets, here's our take on who Michigan is after and what it would take to land them.

10. Greg Schiano, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Rutgers Scarlet Knights HC

Price tag: $4M

Schiano was set to become Michigan's head coach in 2007 before changing his mind at the last minute, leading to his agent suggesting fellow client Rich Rodriguez for the job. He is young enough (48) to coach for 15+ years, and has accomplished enough to justify consideration for the role. His 11 seasons at Rutgers only yielded a 68-67 record, but he won 8 games or more in five of his last six seasons, including winning 5 straight bowl games before heading to the NFL.

He likes Michigan...and many at Michigan like him.

9. Kliff Kingsbury, Texas Tech Red Raiders Head Coach

Price tag: $4M

This candidate would be very polarizing in Ann Arbor, but he could be a home run. Kingsbury was Johnny Manziel's OC during his 2012 Heisman campaign and went a respectable 8-5 in his first season at Tech.

He is crazy young (35), but excelled as an assistant under Kevin Sumlin at both Houston and Texas A&M. Risky...but could be crazy successful with the Michigan resources.

8. Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State Cowboys Head Coach

Price tag: $5.5M

He's a MAN, He's 40! (now 47). A Les Miles disciple, Gundy has steered OSU to their best stretch in school history, finishing in the top-25 in five of the last six years, including two top-ten finishes. He's an Oklahoma State alum, so pulling him away from his alma mater would be tough, but he's held in high regard where it matters.

7. Greg Roman, San Francisco 49ers Offensive Coordinator

Price tag: $3M

If Jim Harbaugh isn't leaving San Francisco, why not make a run at his top assistant? Roman is seen as an offensive guru and runs the offense most Michigan supporters want to see. Roman was Andrew Luck's OC at Stanford and has led the 49ers offense to three straight NFC Championship Games and a Super Bowl appearance. Roman isn't as sexy of a hire as some other names out there, but most Michigan fans would be ecstatic if he took the job.

6. Chuck Martin, Miami (OH) Head Coach

Price tag: $2.5M

Who? We had the same reaction when this name was thrown out by a Michigan insider, but when you look deeper, it starts to make sense. Martin spent a decade in the state of Michigan as a defensive coordinator and eventually head coach at Grand Valley State, and his first four seasons as DC saw him working under Notre Dame HC Brian Kelly.

After assuming the head coaching role in 2004, Martin won NCAA DII National Championships in his second and third seasons. He reunited with Kelly at Notre Dame in 2011, and was OC during the ND's run to the BCS National Championship game in 2012. Martin is in his first season as head coach at Miami (OH) - the same school where Michigan legend Bo Schembechler coached before taking the UM job. Some have compared Martin's background to Jim Tressel, and while he still has a lot to prove, he's being watched closely.

5. Cam Cameron, LSU Offensive Coordinator

Price tag: $3.5M

Doesn't it seem like Cam should be 70 years old by now? Cameron was on the Michigan staff from 1983-1993, and was QB coach for Jim Harbaugh, Elvis Grbac and Todd Collins. Cam LOVES Michigan and has worked for 'Michigan' guys for much of his post-Ann Arbor career.

Cameron was head coach for Steve Ross's Dolphins for a year, OC for John Harbaugh in Baltimore for five seasons and has been OC at LSU for Les Miles this season. Cam's experience could provide a major boost for Michigan's offense, and would also likely keep Greg Mattison as DC given the many years they've worked together: 92-93 at Michigan and 2008-10 in Baltimore. Even though it feels like he's been around for centuries, Cam is only 53 years old.

4. Tyrone Wheatley, Buffalo Bills Running Backs Coach

Price tag: $2M

Wheatley is the true wild card in this scenario. The former Michigan All-American RB is doing an impressive job with the backs in Buffalo this season, and will get an opportunity as an NFL OC job somewhere in the next few seasons. Wheatley is a rising star in coaching circles, and made his way to the NFL remarkably quickly. He would KILL IT on the recruiting trail, but would have to hire an all-star cast of assistant coaches to help him settle in as a first-time head coach. This one would be odd, but it's a REAL possibility.

3. Les Miles, LSU Head Coach

Price tag: $7M

If Dave Brandon is still the AD after this season, Miles becomes less likely to ever get a shot at the Michigan job. Brandon has a widely known 'beef' with Miles, and there are rumors that Miles and Brandon still have issues that resulted from Miles' behavior as a Michigan coach in the early 1990's (Google 'Les Miles Gary Moeller" sometime).

If Miles were offered the job, he would 100% take it. In this interview with MLive.com this summer, Miles made it very clear that he'd take the Michigan job if an offer came his way.

2. John Harbaugh, head coach, Ravens

Price tag: $8M

Nothing would make the transition in Ann Arbor smoother than if Harbaugh took the job. Make no mistake, John loves Michigan as much - or more than - his brother. Given his age (52) and massive prior success, he would be a home run hire, rivaling Urban Meyer to Ohio State as the best college football coaching move in recent memory. You don't often find a NFL head coach less than two years removed from a Super Bowl championship taking a college job, but this may be a rare case.

1. Jim Harbaugh, 49ers Head Coach

Price tag: $8.5M

This s college football's version of LeBron James' "I'm Coming Home" announcement. If Jim were to take the job, Ann Arbor instantly turns into the epicenter of college football and 8 years of mediocrity are forgotten. Jim has his detractors in Ann Arbor, but he also has influential supporters. I've been told that Michigan will make an offer to Jim that is the most lucrative is football coaching history. The numbers being discussed are 6 years, $50M (avg of $8.33M) with massive bonuses for Big Ten Championships and College Football Playoff appearances/wins, making $10M/year a possibility.

Below is our list from June 2014, before the season spiraled out of control:

Coming off a disastrous 2013 season, Michigan HC Brady Hoke is coaching for his job in 2014. Folks close to the program have told me that if he doesn't go 2-1 against Notre Dame, MSU and Ohio State - or win 10 regular season games - he'll likely lose his job after the season ends, forcing Michigan to find a new coach for the second time in four years.

I've had numerous conversations with prominent alumni, former players and members of the current athletic department staff in the past several months, and based on those conversations, here are the likely candidates Michigan would pursue if Hoke is let go.

***9/27/14 UPDATE *** Michigan's nightmare season continues against Minnesota, and Hoke will need a miraculous turnaround to save his job. As things stand, here are the top ten candidates to take over in Ann Arbor:

Second-Tier Candidates (possible, but unlikely at this time):

10. Greg Roman, 49ers Offensive Coordinator

9. Lloyd Carr, retired Michigan head coach

Far-fetched? Not as much as you'd imagine. Carr still has it, and would likely take over for 3-5 years while grooming a replacement internally. Bill Snyder of Kansas State is five years older than Carr (Carr is 68) and returned to KSU with a bang after three seasons of retirement. KSU has been to two BCS games since Snyder returned.

This would be a bit crazy, but, do NOT count it out as a possibility. It has legs.

8. Kirby Smart, Alabama Defensive Coordinator

Smart has every trait you would want in a first time head coach, but getting him to Michigan in the near future won't be easy. Smart believes he's next in line to take over after Nick Saban retires, so selling him on a move to Michigan would be tough. If he's willing to listen to offers, though, Michigan has the resources to make a deal happen.

7. Chuck Martin, Miami (OH) Head Coach

6. Jim Harbaugh, 49ers Head Coach

It isn't very likely that Harbaugh leaves the 49ers until he wins multiple Super Bowls, and recent reports claimed he has "little interest" in moving to a college job. Still, after the offseason rumors that the 49ers were willing to part with him (and San Francisco's shaky start to the 2014 season) it isn't ridiculous to see Harbaugh changing jobs at the end of this season.

First-Tier Candidates:

5. Cam Cameron, LSU Offensive Coordinator

4. Les Miles, LSU Head Coach

If Dave Brandon is still the AD after this season (not a guarantee with a faltering football program and new university president), Miles becomes less likely to ever get a shot at the Michigan job. Brandon has a widely known 'beef' with Miles, and there are rumors that Miles and Brandon still have issues that resulted from Miles' behavior as a Michigan coach in the early 1990's (Google 'Les Miles Gary Moeller" sometime).

If Miles were offered the job, he would 100% take it. In this interview with MLive.com this summer, Miles made it very clear that he'd take the Michigan job if an offer came his way.

3. Kevin Sumlin, Texas A&M Head Coach

Sumlin has plenty of admirers at Michigan, but hasn't registered interest in the job. It would take a boatload of money and convincing, but Sumlin could end up in Ann Arbor if the athletic department decides it wants him badly enough. Some wealthy alumni are enamored with Sumlin, and think he's the next Urban Meyer.

2. Tyrone Wheatley, Buffalo Bills Running Backs Coach

Wheatley is the true wild card in this scenario. The former Michigan All-American RB is doing an impressive job with the backs in Buffalo this season, and will likely get an NFL OC job somewhere next summer if a head coaching job doesn't materialize. Wheatley is a rising star in coaching circles, and made his way to the NFL remarkably quickly. He would KILL IT on the recruiting trail, but would have to hire an all-star cast of assistant coaches to help him settle in as a first-time head coach.

1. John Harbaugh, head coach, Ravens

Nothing would make the transition in Ann Arbor smoother than if Harbaugh took the job. Make no mistake, John loves Michigan as much - or more than - his brother. Given his age (51) and massive prior success, he would be a home run hire, rivaling Urban Meyer to Ohio State as the best college football coaching move in recent memory. You don't often find a NFL head coach less than two years removed from a Super Bowl championship taking a college job, but this may be a rare case.

Why this makes sense:

1. Rumor has it that Harbaugh is fuming about being undermined by Ravens management in the Ray Rice fiasco. It isn't hard to see why

2. He would KILL in recruiting - he's basically his brother with a better attitude

3. He LOVES Michigan, and reportedly always wished he could have played for Bo Schembechler

4. Harbaugh has accomplished all he can in the NFL, and isn't as enamored with Baltimore now that Ed Reed and Ray Lewis are no longer anchoring the team

5. With the NFL (and his team in particular) getting torched in the media on a daily basis, the timing for a move to college has never been better

Michigan would likely have to offer him a seven year, $50 million+ contract to make a deal happen.

Who do you think should replace Hoke if they fire him? Sound off in the comments section!

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