Michigan Monday: Trending Right

How big was that fish you caught? 

John Beilein sure picked a good time to have one his worst runs in his Michigan career didn't he?   That squad looks awful after dropping it's 4th in a row and most Michigan fans hardly even notice because we only have room in our brain for Jimmy updates.

Most Michigan insiders believe Jimmy is strongly leading towards Michigan and the NFL Insiders who were 100% against it from the beginning are now starting to soften their stance.   It's looking good but I will believe it when he is in a Michigan sweatshirt in Schembechler Hall.   I have to say I love the way it's trending and I'm optimistic he will be Michigan's next head coach.

Here is the latest:

• Michigan Insider Chris Balas believes that the 49'ers will just fire Jimmy after the season and not attempt to trade him.  What does that mean?  It could mean the writing is on the wall for the Michigan job and they know Jimmy wouldn't approve a trade anyway.   What about the $5M Jimmy is owed?  My guess is both sides would agree to waive the money if Jimmy is employed right away, I can't see the 49'ers asking a college to pay the $5M buyout.   After another painful loss on Saturday night, I'm betting both Jimmy and the 49'ers are looking for this to be over.

• NFL Insider Jay Glazer said that the 49'ers and Jimmy will "divorce" 24 - 48 hours after the season.   Usually that happens the day after the season.  

• Dolphins owner and #1 Michigan donor Stephen Ross said that Joe Philbin will remain the coach of the Dolphins next year.   There is one competitor off the market.

• The Bears played much better yesterday and almost upset the Lions.   They could keep their coach and trade Cutler or they could get rid of them both.   Most Chicago insiders believe the Bears ownership is too cheap to pay for Jimmy services.   They got their last coach from the CFL for goodness sakes.

• There are reports the Falcons could be interested but they could make the playoffs if they win on Sunday.

• An NFL guy also reported yesterday that Sean Payton, Doug Marrone and Dallas' Jason Garrett were also Plan B candidates.  I'm betting all these guys have the same agent.  Sean makes $8M a year already, Doug has done a nice job for the Bills and Jason Garett is going to get paid by Jimmy Jones after the season.  

• Oakland will not be moving to LA next year, which is probably a positive for their run at Jimmy.   What's the negative?  Does he really want to work for a guy that cuts his own hair with a flowbee?

 

• Timing?  Does anyone remember how Alabama got Saban from the Dolphins?  They fired their head coach in late November and Saban announced on January 3rd he was taking the Alabama job.  How did that move work out for them?  Waiting one more week, will be worth it if Jimmy comes to Ann Arbor.

There are reports that Hackett and Jimmy might be meeting early this week in SF.   People were disappointed that the flight tracker was turned off but it seems most of this stuff has been happening on the phone anyway.   Hackett is also expected to give the players an update (conference call) on Tuesday and another one early next week. 

One a side note, Jimmy's birthday is tomorrow.   Wouldn't it be nice if he gave Michigan fans a big gift!!  Someone is the athletic department needs to call Adidas and send Jimmy a case of khakis and Michigan sweatshirts.

• Future Hall of Famer Charles Woodson got his 60th pick yesterday for his career.