Michigan Thursday: ESPN Getting Close To Buying the NFL Network

Being in business with the NFL is good business.  The value of each NFL franchise keeps going up year after year.  Jerry Jones bought the Cowboys for $150M and now what is it worth? $20B maybe?

If you're a network and want to show NFL games, you better come with Billions for the ugly Thursday night games.   

Now it's reported that ESPN and NFL Network are close to agreement for ESPN to purchase the network owned by the league.  The estimated purchase price is $2B.  This negotiation has gone on for over a year and as the season inches closer, so has this deal to the finish line.  

I'm torn on this deal, the best thing the NFL Network does is the Red Zone, but when you're a media company and now you're in bed with the NFL even further, can you really report the news fairly?  Can you investigate your partner if there is wrongdoing?  

The NFL has a ton of power and with that much power comes corruption.  Having journalists and media companies being able to investigate organizations helps balance the scales.  It looks like ESPN is out of that game and just prefers to provide top tier content.  Which is probably the right strategy for these times.

• Sherrone and the few players are expected on stage at the Big Ten Meetings today.  I hope we learn a few nuggets.  Like maybe the health of the QB room?

Michigan Thursday: 2K Days

The guys that track the number of days Michigan hasn't lost to Ohio State make me smile.  Today marks 2000 days since the Buckeyes beat the Wolverines.  That is a long time and also great time.  After the 10 years the Wolverines went through, this has been a wonderful change.   Go Blue! 

• Keeping the number of days theme:  100 Days until Michigan Football!

• Michael Barrett has signed with the Raiders.  I really see his future to be in  Ann Arbor as a LB coach. 

• Speaking of assistant coaches, Sherrone promoted one guy and extended others.  Here are the details:
• Steve Casula got promoted to Co-OC and got a raise to $500K
• Tony Alford got a new 3-year deal and a $50K raise to $900K
• Lou Esposito got a $100K raise to $600K 
• Ron Bellamy, LaMar Morgan, and Grant Newsome all got extended through 2026 without a raise. 

• Michigan continues to be on commit watch with a new 👀 from coach.

• RIP to Jim Irsay (Thank you for hosting the Wolverines Big Ten Championships!)

Wolverine Wednesday: Idaho is Close to Montana

Michigan got another top tier TE commit on Tuesday.  Similar to Colston Loveland who is from Idaho, the 6'4 250 TE Matt Ludwig is from Billings, Montana.  Which clearly means he is destined to greatness and a future top 10 pick in the NFL Draft.  

Matt's highest rating comes from On3 who has him inside the top 100 prospects in the country.   The composite from 24/7 has him a consensus 4-star.  His offer list includes: Georgia, Texas Tech, Auburn, Tenn, Florida, Cal, LSU, PSU, Texas, Stanford, and more. 

Greg Biggins from 24/7 has this quote: Ludwig is arguably the best prospect to come out of the Big Sky State in the last decade if not longer.

Welcome Big Man! 

• Looking like the last Corso headgear game will be Alabama @ Florida State on 8/30.

• NFL players playing Flag Football in the Olympics seem a bit unfair and I love it! 

• SVP continues his shutout streak at the Sports Emmys

Michigan Thursday: Dax Has His Extension Picked Up

Dax Hill has always been a good football player.   A 5-star out of high school to Michigan's secondary, now with the Cincinnati Bengals.  After being injured last season, the Bengals just picked up his extension and Dax will be in the Queen City for the next two seasons.  “I’m glad they did it. Another year I’m here. I love the city. It’s good to be here another year,” Hill said, via the team’s website. “Prove myself a little bit more. I feel like I haven’t really done much. Obviously, I’ve done a little bit of everything, but just really hit on the ceiling that I want. I felt like I haven’t really reached that. I’m on the way to that and striving to get there.”

• Former Michigan WR/CB Amorion Walker has transferred to Middle Tennessee State, best of luck to him. 

• Former Michigan defensive lineman Kechaun Bennett has signed with UCLA.

• Former Michigan WR Karmello English is still in the portal.  He played last year at West Georgia and was productive.  He has visited Wisconsin and other schools. 

• 4-star RB Javian Osborne who is down to Michigan and ND is expected to pick the Fighting Irish this weekend. 

• This isn't a great list to be first on but Donovan Edwards has been ranked by CBS Sports as the top undrafted free agent. 

Michigan Tuesday: Haywood Moves Announcement to Wednesday

I thought it was strange that Ty Haywood would announce two days before the 2nd National Signing Day of the 2025 class.  He clarified he will be announcing at his school on Wednesday morning at 8AM.   So we will wait until then. 👀

• The NFL is planning a professional Flag Football league. 

• Michigan is in the top 6 for #1 player in the 2026 class OT Jackson Cantwell

• Herbie's son took his official visit to Ann Arbor last weekend

• Biff's title is Associate Head Coach

• Michigan is looking at 2026 4-star QB Oscar Rios

Michigan Monday: NFL Championship Sunday

We have a Super Bowl repeat from a couple years ago between the Eagles and Chiefs.  Watching the NFL got me thinking about how the networks waste money on 2 things: Pregame Shows and NFL Game Day Booths.  

Outside of ESPN's Game Day, I think all other pregame shows are a waste of time.  I will not watch Fox's College Pregame show with Urban Meyer on it.  I always feel like he is going to try to sell me a bridge in Florida.  NFL pregame shows fall into a similar bucket for me.  

Now let's talk about the guys in the booth.  I will ask you a question, are NFL fans watching the games because of Romo and Brady or for the game?

We all love Brady and he is learning this job.  He got better as the season went on.  

Romo was great coming out of Dallas but now sounds like a elementary school child watching a football game.  Neither Brady nor Romo deserve the money they are getting to call games. 

ESPN struggled to find a good booth for Monday Night Football after Gruden left and decided to pay Aikman and Buck over $30M a year for two guys working 17-18 days a year. 

Now don't get me wrong, I want competent people in the booth but there has to be a different choice then paying former Dallas QB's $16M+ a year. 

I will rest my case with the popular Red Zone.  Which comes with no commercials and very small windows for the announcers.  Which seems like the perfect amount. 

With ESPN laying off employees almost every quarter, maybe they should look at some of these high price talent they are paying to call games.  

Ok, that was my "get off my lawn" post for January! 😀

• Jeff Persi transfers to Pitt.   Good luck to Jeff in the steel town. 

• Ohio State is expected to lose both coordinators: DC Jim Knowles leaves for Penn State after turning down Oklahoma.  Chip Kelly is expected to leave for an NFL OC gig.  There are 3 teams interested in him.  Not surprised by Chip who will chase money but the Jim Knowles one is very interesting and a small glimpse of what its like coaching in Columbus when you win a National Championship but lose to Michigan.  Ryan Day said it took him weeks to leave his house (outside of work) after losing to Michigan.   Neither Coordinator was at OSU's Peach Bowl Championship Celebration. 

• Michigan Basketball after getting run out of West Lafayette, hosts Penn State tonight in an early tip on a Monday Night. 

• Who is PFF's Highest Rated DT for the 2024 Season?  Yes, its Mason Graham 

• Michigan thought they had their 2026 QB locked up when Brady Hart committed.  Brady then changes to a 2025 recruit and then decommits when Bryce committed.  Another QB Michigan was interested in 2026 was/is 2026 Newbury Park (Calif.) four-star QB Brady Smigiel.  This Brady was committed to FSU, until this weekend. Michigan's new OC Chip recruited Smigiel at 
  UNC, I expect Michigan to be a big factor in his recruitment moving foward. Yes, Please! 

Michigan Thursday: Another Staff Member on Dusty Staff

Dusty has been super busy since he took the Michigan job.  He has been working the portal, recruits, and trying to build his staff.   He has one staff member already in with former Oklahoma State head coach Mike Boyton and now he has added another in Georgia assistant Akeem Miskdeen.

Akeem coached with Dusty at Florida and FAU before taking the Georgia gig.  He comes with two upsides, 1 - he knows Dusty and his system and 2-he has a great relationship with former Michigan committed recruit Khani Rooths.  Who Dusty watched at an IMG practice this week.   Now some are predicting that Roots heads back to A2.   

Love the hustle, that will pay off with a decent roster next season.  

• Dug to Kansas State.  Good luck to him.

• Ben Mason being signed by the Chargers is classic Harbaugh 

• Juwan spoke the Athletic about what happened at Michigan 

• Ohio State hired one of Michigan's worst coordinators ever Tim Drevno 

• NFL Network is cutting staff and trying to sell itself to ESPN

Michigan Tuesday: Enough Jimmy and Mike Hart?

Let's start with the Mike Hart situation.  There isn't any official news on Mike's status with the program at this moment.  The rumor mill is spinning that Mike might have taken a leave of absence from Sherrone's staff.  He is not on the road recruiting, so that seems like a plausible situation.   I don't want to speculate if Mike is having a health concern or a family situation.  He also could be upset over not being promoted to head coach or OC after Jimmy left.  Either way, he does not seem to be with the program right now, which is disappointing.  I mean who isn't upset at work for not being promoted?

There are recent reports that Jimmy wants to hire Coach Clink and Coach Elston now.  My response to that is, enough Jim! I understand this is business but for goodness sakes, lets not destroy your alma-mater on the way out the door.  Fish from another pond! 

Sherrone probably needs to hire both as Co-DC's and give them a huge raise.  The good news is both are on the road recruiting.  I think the risk is too high for Michigan to hire Cullen from the Chiefs.  Promote your guys and keep the staff in place. 

• Speaking of Harbaugh's hiring former Michigan assistants.  John has hired Doug Mallory as DB coach for the Ravens.  Doug has been on Jimmy's staff the last 3 years. 

• Jay must have read my post from Friday and picked the Seahawks over the Chargers. 

• Jake Moody is a rookie and now firmly implanted in a huge role for the 49'ers in the Super Bowl. 

• There seems to be momentum that BOB is the leading candidate for the BC head coach opening.   Maybe he hasn't sold his house yet?

• PFF college says Josh Wallace did not give up a coverage TD last season.

Michigan Monday: No Lombardi

Sherrone Moore got hired as Michigan's head football coach on Friday and it wasn't even breaking news.  Its was expected and was the right hire.  Jimmy and the team supported it 100% and it was a done deal.  Michigan is losing their top defensive coordinator in the country also to the Chargers but he was probably gone either way as former Michigan DC, Mike Macdonald is expected to be a front runner for the Seattle gig.  

Now we will have to wait to see what happens with the rest of the staff.  Fingers crossed Jimmy doesn't pillage.  see below

The biggest news of the weekend for me came on Sunday.  It started with Jimmy doing an interview when asked about leaving Michigan, he replied with the regular it was a tough decision, family and I love Michigan but "College Football doesn't have the Lombardi trophy".  

This is Jim Harbaugh in a sentence if I've heard one.   Jimmy lives in his own world and when he is in your corner and laser focused on your goals, it's really a wonderful thing to watch.  Jimmy also found quick success in the NFL by getting close to the Super Bowl and then getting close to winning one.  He also found himself later in a that same situation where his team wasn't preforming and he lost the confidence of the 49'ers executives.   I don't think Jimmy remembers the last part of his contract with the 49'ers.  It was ugly.  

I also wish Jimmy was able to watch Ravens vs. Chiefs before he made a decision.  Maybe he would've of realized how difficult it is to get to a Super Bowl and ever harder to win it.  The Chargers have a talented team with a young star QB and big names on defense.  Yes, they have a shot at a Super Bowl or they could be fighting for a playoff spot every year and fall flat.  NFL coaches are hired to be fired and Jimmy should've of known that.  

Then our beloved Detroit Lions took the field and dominated the 1st half of the NFC Championship game.  I started to believe that Michigan Football could win a National Championship and the Detroit Lions could be headed to the Super Bowl in the same month.  Then you know what happens.  

My first reaction to the loss is: CATCH THE DAMN BALL.  The Lions talented WR's and defensive backs couldn't hold on to the ball at critical points in the 2nd half.   I get Dan Campbell and his aggressive style.  That style turned around this franchise this season.  But, you have to coach the way the game is flowing.  Getting stopped on 4th down flips momentum and costs your team points by not kicking makeable field goals.  Dan left 6 points off the board and lost by 3.  Going for it on 4th down is fine against the Bears in week 7, not in the NFC Championship game. 

So there it ends.  No Harbaugh Family owning football and Detroit Lions ended their magical ride to Las Vegas.   Glad Michigan Football got their work done earlier this month! 

• Who is going to replace Minter?  Rumor mill is saying Seahawks DC Clint Hurtt who worked with Sherrone in the past or Jim Leonard both will be considered with of course a possibility of hiring someone on staff like Coach Clink or Mike Elson.  Here is my take, Michigan has been successful the last 3 years running an NFL scheme, let's find someone that can continue that style of play.  

• Breaking News: Ben Herbert will be joining Harbaugh in LA.  Not good Harbaugh.  It's one thing to chase your trophy dreams it's another to pillage the coaching staff of your university and leave it with huge holes.  Justin Tress who was on Ben's staff is now the full-time S&C Director.  So as of right now, Jessie Minter, Jay Harbaugh, and Ben Herbert are all going to LA. 

Wolverine Wednesday: Tuesday Came and Went with the Chargers

Many in the NFL media thought an offer and acceptance between the Chargers and Jimmy would come by Tuesday night.  Jimmy did meet with the Chargers on Tuesday but reports are he is back in Ann Arbor now.  So we don't know what was discussed in the interview and if they're in negotiation or are the Chargers continuing their process.   

NFL Reports are a salary in the neighborhood of $18M per from LA and if Jimmy left he would be taking Minter and Jay Harbaugh with him.   His OC would be Greg Roman.   

Michigan is reported now have an offer out to Jimmy making him the highest paid coach in college football and like the Nike/Jordan contract, it has escalators built in so he is always the highest paid coach (if another coach gets a better contract).  The new contract has reported safeguards against an overly aggressive NCAA. 

A few things come to mind.  

Ok, why did that take so long?

What is Jimmy asking for from the Chargers?

If he is looking for stability, that is clearly in Ann Arbor.  If he is looking for a Super Bowl win then he has to try his luck at the NFL.  

Does he have any NFL offers?

I know this is painful for us Michigan fans but the longer this takes, the better it is for his return to Michigan.

• Will Rogers will stay at UW and play for Jedd Fisch

• Minter is out on the road recruiting

• Snoop says Pete Carroll wants the Chargers job

Michigan Tuesday: In The Zone Where Something Can Happen

John U. Bacon loves to say about Harbaugh leaving Michigan, "Nobody knows anything".  That continues to be the case for the last couple of weeks.  Jimmy has interviewed with the LA Chargers and Atlanta Falcons.  Both have scheduled 2nd interviews.  Most believe Jimmy is really only interested in the Chargers job. 

Now, NFL insider Mike Garafolo is saying the meeting between the Chargers and Jimmy this week is more about what his staff would look like and who the GM might be.   Mike said, "this feels like the zone where something can happen and there is a strong offer financially."  Mike also believes Jimmy really wants to go to the NFL and is not holding up Michigan for a better offer.  That a deal could be done in the near future. 

There is plenty speculation in those comments, even though they sound definite.  

If your interviewing Harbaugh or Belichick for a 2nd time, your not asking them how they have overcome adversity?  You are talking about staff, style of play, can you work with GM X or Y? Who do you like in the draft and how can you get the best out of our QB?

The Chargers have a solid roster with big contracts and ready to win.  I love Harbaugh but if I was running the Chargers he would not be my top prospect.  He is an old school coach that is much better for college then the NFL.  The 49'ers staff and players grew tired of his message.  NFL coaches are hired to be fired.  Look at Philly, they were in the Super Bowl last year and now Siriani is barley keeping his job and is on the "hot seat".  Jimmy's brother is the exception, not the rule when it comes to head coaching tenure. I would back up the bus for Ben Johnson. 

Michigan has one last shot and should not let Harbaugh on the plane to LA if they are serious about keeping him.  I've heard other reports that the Chargers are still planning to do 2nd interviews with many candidates and could still be a week or 2 away from a decision.  Nobody knows anything.

• Michigan Basketball plays Purdue tonight.  Yikes! 

• Seems the Titans are moving forward with the Bengals OC as their next head coach. 

Michigan Friday: News and Notes

• The Chargers may end up offering Jimmy a contract offer but they sure are not acting like it as they continue to interview everyone under the sun.  Former Stanford head coach David Shaw interviewed yesterday, Dan Quinn, Ben Johnson, and Mike Vrabel (Thursday) are all expected to interview with the Chargers today or this weekend. 

• Miami has a TE that just got approved for his 9th year of college football.  He has had 4 years of season ending injuries.  When he is done, he will be in college for 10 years.   He must have a boatload of degrees by now. 

• Ohio State has hired BOB or Bill O'Brien has its new OC.  Great move Ryan Day! 

• Walk-on OT Noah Stewart from Muskegon has entered the portal for the Wolverines.  He has been at Michigan for 4 years and appeared in 5 games. 

• John Harbaugh says his brother loves Michigan but he also loves the NFL.  Great insight John! 

• There are reports that Juwan Howard is expected to be back next season in a "turn it around or head out of town" year. 

Wolverine Wednesday: Thank You CFP

The media and the internet love keeping the Connor story alive.  An internet joke of a photo and video of a guy that looks like Connor Stalions is on the sideline of the CMU - MSU dressed in Central Michigan staff gear with a sideline credential.   The internet has pretty much debunked this story for many reasons.

1. There are at least 2 guys on every staff that looks like Connor Stalions 

2. Connor is bald and this guy has hair 

3. No field pass was issued to a Connor Stalions.  One was issued to a Hugh Jazz. 😉

4. If you are going to quietly record a team signals, you don't dress up as a CMU staffer and do it from the opposing sidelines.  

5. CMU must love the coverage, because they should've just come out already and said that's Frankie (made up name) who is on our staff. 

6. Central's coach is very familiar with being mis-represented in a photo (hugging a dead shark!)

7. Michigan insiders are saying that a Harbaugh extension could be done very soon.  Which clearly contradicts the WSJ made up story from Sunday.  This is also a signal they don't believe the NCAA will hit Harbaugh too hard with any penalty from this nonsense. 

8. How are they going to prove it's Connor?  DNA evidence?

The case it could be him:

1. He is a big Corey Hart fan and loves wearing sunglasses at night

How many Connors can you find?

Central did have a nice win over Rocky Lombardi in his 18th year as a college QB and Northern Illinois last night in the snow of Mt. Pleasant. 

From the stupid stuff to the fun stuff.  The CFP did Michigan a huge favor last night and I personally can't thank them enough.  

Ohio State has some nice wins this season, over some very mediocre teams.  I'm not comparing them to Michigan's schedule as OSU strength of schedule to date is much better.   OSU doesn't have the toughest path to Ann Arbor either.   They face Rutgers this weekend, MSU, and Minnesota prior to their trip to Ann Arbor.   So, the odds are that OSU will be #1 when they roll into the Big House in a month. 

This just gives the Wolverines more motivation to play well the rest of the year.  In my opinion, this couldn't' have lined up any better.   Here is a little tip, don't sleep on Rutgers this weekend facing the #1 team in the nation at home.  Rutgers is far and away the best team Michigan has faced this year and if that dual-threat QB goes off and OSU is a little sleepy.  There could be a huge upset or at least too close for comfort game for the Buckeyes. 

• DPJ is coming home!  The Lions traded a 6th round pick for the talented former Wolverine WR. 

• UNLV update, they fell to 6-2 as they lost a competitive game to 7-1 Fresno State.

• Michigan Basketball commit Christian Anderson went for 29 points in Oak Hills season opener.

• The Raiders fired Josh McDaniel late last night after an embarrassing performance on MNF against the Lions.  Get ready for more Oakland is still in play memes.

• OSU RB Williams is out for the season with an injury.

• There is speculation that Kirk Ferentz did not approve of the firing of his son and this could be the final straw for him leaving Iowa after the season. 

Wolverine Wednesday: All Wolverines Signed by the NFL -1

All the Michigan Wolverines drafted by NFL have signed their rookie contracts with one exception, Ryan Hayes has not come to agreement with the Dolphins yet.  

Mazi Smith: 4 years for $13.2M and will wear #58 for the Cowboys 

Luke Schoonmaker 4 years for $6.2M and will wear #86 for the Cowboys 

DJ Turner 4 years for $6.1M and will wear #20 for the Bengals 

Brad Robbins 4 years for $3.9M and will wear #10 for the Bengals 

Jake Moody, 4 years for $5.3M and will wear #4 for the 49'ers

Ronnie Bell, 4 years for $3.9M and will wear #10 for the 49'ers 

Mike Morris, 4 years for $4.1M and will wear #94 for the Seahawks 

Olu Oluwatimi, 4 years for $4.1M and will wear #51 for the Seahawks 

I think the Seahawks got the steals of the draft with Mike and Olu.  I'm willing to bet a $1 Olu is the starting center for Seattle in September. 

Congratulations to all the signed Wolverines, manage that money!  The NFL is a cold business. 

Michigan Thursday: Nebraska QB heads to Boca

Many folks head to Boca Raton when they retire, my son and now Casey Thompson, former Nebraska QB head to Boca for higher education.   Casey Thompson will play his 6th year of college football for the head coach that he started with.  Casey Thompson started his career at Texas and played for Tom Herman, neither lasted very long, Tom was let go and Casey headed to Lincoln.  Tom had been recruiting Casey since the age of 15 and now, they are back together at FAU. 

Casey has thrown 47 TD's and 4,829 yards as a college QB and the FAU offense seems to be a good fit for his skill set which will be led by Charlie Frye who comes off Penn State's staff.   FAU has Illinois and Clemson on the schedule this year.  Yikes.

• The Lions are playing the Chiefs to open the NFL season.  What is going on here?  

• Michigan NBA sharp shooters Jordan Poole and Duncan Robinson have both struggled since signing their big contracts.  Duncan came off the bench last night and scored 17 on 50% shooting from 3 in a losing effort by the Miami Heat. 

• Tom Brady will be honored at the Patriots opening game next season.  

• The Michigan coaches are really focusing on top CB talent and inviting and offering the top talent in the country to visit Ann Arbor.  

Wolverine Wednesday: Michigan Assistant's Safe?

Western Michigan had been shopping for a new head coach on Michigan's staff.  Both Mike Hart and Jay Harbaugh were interviewed, co-OC Sherrone Moore declined (he makes more as an OC at Michigan).  The Bronco's ended up not gutting Michigan's staff but grabbed the Louisville OC.  

Did you mention Louisville?  Their head coach left after some poor results and took the Cincinnati job.  Another place Michigan staffers could have ended up.  Now UC and WMU are off the board. 

Louisville tried to hire Jeff Brohm a few years ago and he turned it down.  He takes the Boilermakers to the Big Ten Championship game this season, his team plays very well, and they lose by 3 TD's.  He is off to Louisville, where he played college ball. 

Now Purdue is on the clock, is the Michigan staff being considered again?  The search was pretty quiet until it wasn't yesterday late morning. Ryan Walters on Monday was the Illinois DC, today he is the Purdue head coach.  Jeff is 36 years-old and the 4th youngest head coach in the country.  He inherited a bad defense in 2020 and turned them around to one of the best the last 2 years.   He will not coach the bowl game as Jeff's brother Brian will have that duty. 

The unique thing to me about this hire is that Purdue has always been known as an offensive team with an offense-oriented head coach. This hire is a strong indication of a new direction. 

Outside of the Mississippi State tragedy, I don't expect any Michigan assistants to leave for another college program at this point.  The next window will be the NFL coaching carousel and a Michigan coach getting an NFL assistant gig.  

If Michigan's staff stays in place that will help recruiting in 2024 and beyond.  Losing so many last season clearly hurt recruiting in this class. 

• Corum and Olu make 1st team ESPN and Sporting News All American teams 

• Nebraska de-commit 4-star athlete Malachi Coleman has cancelled his visit to A2 this weekend for Colorado.  Damn it Coach Prime! 

• Uche was named the AFC and Brandon Graham NFC Defensive Player of the Week = Michigan Pass Rush U.

Michigan Thursday: Camp Opens and Hockey Thoughts

First off, I want to thank you for your thoughtful condolences.  I appreciate all of you! My dad loved this blog and read it every day.  

The issues with Michigan's Hockey program are vast and deep and all seem to come from head coach Mel Pearson's desk.   I will borrow this paragraph from Mgoblog on Mel's issues: Pearson chased off team captain Strauss Mann, was ineffectual at best when dealing with a subordinate's abusive behavior towards women, instructed players to lie about positive COVID tests before the 2021 NCAA tournament, and repeatedly lied to investigators.

This report was delivered to the University in May and somehow Mel still has a job.  Mel doesn't have a contract and it would cost the University $0 to fire him.  This is not a good look for Warde.  John U Bacon believes we will hear something soon on Coach Pearson.

---

Michigan opened camp on Wednesday and this is a perfect time to remind us what's important during the next month.  

1. No injuries 

2. Get 1% better everyday 

If I could expand on that thought, here are a couple things I hope are achieved:

- Finding a pass rush

- JJ's arm/shoulder is 100% healthy 

- Exciting freshman make an impact on the 2 deep 

• Daylen Baldwin came to Michigan to live out a dream and increase his stock ranking.  Unfortunately, he didn't see a ton of snaps but did average 21 yards per reception last season.  He didn't get drafted but had a good workout with the Browns this week and got a contract.  Let's hope he makes the team and can play aside DPJ.  

• 3-star TE Zack Marshall is trending to the Maize and Blue. 

• Stephen Ross whose name is on the Business School, got suspended from the NFL for tampering with Tom Brady and Sean Payton.   It should be a case study for a business ethics class. 

Michigan Friday: Jacksonville's Clown Show is the Lions Gain

If you've ever been to Jacksonville, Florida, you wonder to yourself pretty quickly, how did this place get an NFL Franchise?  Yes, they have a stadium, it's in Florida, and a guy with a ton of money seemed to be the NFL qualifications points.   Since then, owner Shahid Khan has tried to move the franchise to London or anywhere that could support the team better.   The fact is, it never should have been there in the first place.   Orlando would have been a better choice if you want to stay in Florida or even a place like San Antinio.  

After a decent start to this franchise, now they are just grasping at straws to find anything that will work.  They trade away all their developed draft picks, they've made one of the worst coaching hiring decisions ever in trying to make Urban Meyer work, and very few people respect their GM Trent Baalke.    Legacy Jags QB and current Tampa Bay OC Byron Leftwhich turned down the head coaching job this off season because he didn't want to work for Baalke.  The Jags had to go back to the guy they first interviewed, that no other franchise (even the Jags) wanted Doug Pederson.  That's a problem when you are trying to rebuild your franchise and hire a worthy diverse candidate.  Still Baalke is in role and the Jags keep digging their hole.  

Fast forward to last night, where the Jags again have the #1 pick in the draft.   They have a chance to pick NFL ready Aiden Hutchinson but pass on him for the Georgia kid that had nowhere near the production on the field Hutch had.  Immediately, ESPN started to clown the Jags and Kiper has them in his day 1 losers' category (after picking #1!).  What a clown show!   Yes, the Khan's are good at business and his son has done wonders in professional wrestling but they've made some terrible football decisions lately.  

Now, the Lions are not a shining example of football excellence either.  But they were smart enough to take the local kid, when Hutch fell to them.    Thier next pick, was a bit of head scratcher to me.  Yes, the Williams kid at Bama is a potential superstar, but with the ACL and giving up two high draft picks for him seems like a high price for a guy coming off a serious injury.  

I'm also happy for Dax going to the Bengals who were in the Super Bowl last season.  That is going to be an exciting young team.   2 Wolverines taken in Round 1 is a big deal!  Would have been 3 if DO hadn't injured himself.  

My other Draft observations:

• The NFL really doesn't want to pay veteran WR's do they?  I can't believe all the WR talent that has moved teams this off season.  I was not expecting AJ and Hollwood Brown to be changing teams last night. 

• Loved how quickly the picks were coming in last night.  Keep the show moving! 

• With the FSU DE and Dax Hill on the board, the Cowboys draft an offensive lineman from Tulsa that holds a lot.   Terrible pick Stephen and Jerry.  Time to get real football people in the building!

• Not surprised at the amount of QB's not taken in the 1st round.  Finally, the NFL GM's didn't over reach for a QB.  I also believe there should be a written NFL Draft rule, if Pitt has a draftable QB, the Steelers get first right of refusal no matter the pick.  

• Hat tip to the NBA for not taking a night off from the Playoffs.  Most other leagues would have. 

• Which NFL team is going to have the "onions" to draft David Ojabo in Round 2?

Enjoy the rest of the weekend! 

Michigan Tuesday: Is Tomorrow the Day Jimmy Jumps Ship?

Jimmy interviews Wednesday in person with the Minnesota Vikings.  On a side note, tomorrow is also national signing day.   Now I don't want to overstate the NSD angle, as Michigan signed its class in December which currently ranks #8 on 24/7.  The program is not expected to sign anyone on Wednesday. 

The thinking is, that if Jimmy gets an offer from the Vikings, he will take it.   John U. Bacon feels that Miami is out, and Uncle Stephen Ross will not take Jimmy from Michigan.   With all the information floating around, Scott Bell made a good point on twitter yesterday.   The Super Bowl has two coaches in their 30's, most of the coaches hired already are in their 40's.   Jimmy is 58 and this might be his last shot to coach in the league, as head coaches are trending much younger.   This btw, this a negative for the Vikings hiring him right now and probably one of the reasons Jim Caldwell hasn't gotten a job yet.  

I don't think it's a slam dunk for Harbaugh to the Vikings.   I do believe his love for football probably flows out his veins in an interview but there are plenty of positives and negatives in hiring him.   Let's look at a few:

Positives

• Big Name 
• Splash hire 
• Proven NFL winning record 
• Coached in the Super Bowl 
• Loves Football 

Negatives:

• Has had up and down years in college 
• Plays very much a traditionalist style of football 
• Is 58 
• Is considered very similar to the coach they just fired, Mike Zimmer
• Could be out of touch in today's NFL
• Coaching style seems better suited for college then pro
• Is not John 

The Minnesota leadership was in LA yesterday interviewing the Ram's OC and DC for the second time.  DeMeco Ryans from SF pulled his name out of consideration and will stay with the 49'ers.  The final list seems to be Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell and defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, Giants defensive coordinator Patrick Graham (who impressed the Vikings on Saturday and is expected to interview for the 2nd time today), and Jimmy.    The point is, lots of people get a second interview and only 1 person gets the job.  

What I don't like is how Jimmy is holding the Michigan program hostage during this past month.   Michigan needs a DC and maybe even a new head coach.    If Jimmy jumps on Wednesday or Thursday to the twin cities, this is going be a F'ing cluster for Michigan.    I sure hope Warde has been doing his due diligence for the past month and has some strong leads set up.   Personally, I think that Matt Rule report that was leaked, was a search firm kicking tires of some of the top candidates.    

Either way, this better be done this week.  I think we're all fed up with this process. 

• Tom Brady also made it official and is retiring from the NFL.  Congrats 🐐

Michigan Monday: As Jimmy Turns and The GOAT

Let's jump to the Harbaugh saga before we address Tommy retiring. 

Harbaugh:

Raiders hired Josh McDaniels.  The expected landing spot for Jimmy never materialized.

Jimmy interviewed with the Vikings (remotely) on Saturday night, some called it discussion others are saying it was a full interview.  Either way, Jim is a candidate for the job.   So, is he a finalist?  NFL Reporters are saying that these guys Kevin O’Connell, Raheem Morris, and DeMeco Ryans are expected in Minneapolis this week for round 2 interviews. New Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah known as a well-educated analytics guy worked with Jimmy in San Fransisco.  I wonder if he has some metrics that make Kurt Cousins look like a great NFL QB?

Wild Card - We know Ross loves Jimmy and if he is heading to the NFL anyways, why not Miami?  

The Michigan offer is still a good offer and is not holding up any negotiation.   Harbaugh's buyout is tiny at $1.5M and part of the get healthy contract he signed last year.  

My thoughts:

• Neither team is a great situation.   You know what you have and don't have in Cousins and Tua continues to be a question mark with a Marcus Mariota trajectory.  
• Hard Rock Stadium is a house of horrors for Jimmy 
• Is Ross paying Jimmy's salary already?  (Through donations)
• Does Ross want the PR hit from the Michigan faithful, saying he wouldn't hire Jimmy and then hiring him?
• Does Jimmy want to compete against the Bills and Patriots for the next 5 years?  Those 2 teams are much closer to the Super Bowl.  
• Does a new young GM want to bet his future on a guy whose style is hard nose football that wants $100M?
• I always thought Miami would be a threat but Minnesota surprises me that there is interest on both sides.   If Rodgers moves on, that division is up for grabs.   
• I don't believe Jimmy is trying to leverage contracts here, I think he really wants to go to the NFL and that feeling is not going away with a new Michigan contract.   
• Not having a DC in place already is a clear sign he is serious about the NFL and any offer.  

Reports from ESPN are that Tom Brady is retiring.  Tom's dad and agent, says he has not made a decision yet.   ESPN believes its report is accurate and continues to run with the story.   If true, this is the greatest NFL career ever and I will miss watching him every Sunday.   With a smile on my face, I have always pedaled the narrative that Michigan was under a Brady curse while he was active in the NFL.  Which clearly explains why Michigan beat Ohio State and made the CFP this season. 😀 Congrats Tommy! 

• CBS Halftime show was pure comedy.  Also, is it a problem that a TV network with an "old" demographic has a show called "Ghosts"? 

• DPJ has created a new digital game to support Mott.  What a great gesture!

• Former Wolverine Adam Stenavich has been named the Packers OC

• We can support Joe Burrow because he left OSU right?  That guy has ice in his veins.   Good football again last night, I thought KC was going to run away and win by 30 and lost.   Former Detroit Lions Matt Stafford makes it to a Super Bowl.   I also thought for one minute, Ambry Thomas was going to make all the tackles for SF.  

• Congrats to David Long and Chris Evans making the Super Bowl.  We consider a Blake Countess a Wolverine, right?  He got signed late by the Rams and will also make the big dance.