Brady Hoke, shown being introduced to the crowd during Wednesday's basketball game at Crisler Arena, called Michigan his 'dream job' during his introductory press conference. (Associated Press photos)
Introductory press conferences mean little in terms of wins and losses on the football field, but if they did it would seem the Michigan football program is on it way to being a force in the Big Ten once again.
Brady Hoke absolutely left a strong opening impression during his introductory press conference on Wednesday and shows he clearly understands the important things and all the nuances that come with guiding the winningest program in college football.
Rich Rodriguez admitted not being fully aware of the magnitude of the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry when he was hired and didn’t understand all the traditions and procedures of certain things within the football program like the No. 1 jersey. Hoke understands those things and reiterated his desire to restore Michigan to the way it was when he was an assistant from 1995-2002.
Hoke, who was a part of five Big Ten championships and was on the staff of the 1997 national championship team, has a strong desire and passion for Michigan football and clearly is living a dream not that he is in charge of the football program. He said all the right things during the press conference from using “the team” mantra that was often used by the late Bo Schembechler and not referring to bitter rival Ohio State as “that school down in Ohio”.
Being from Ohio and growing up a Michigan fan, Hoke firmly knows the rivalry and cited “The Game” as the ‘most important one on their schedule’
He also seems set on adapting to the talent that is in place and cited Denard Robinson as being special.
Hoke, who was a defensive line coach while at Michigan, likely wasn’t the sexy choice by fans for the job, but won many of those people over on Wednesday. He couldn’t have gotten his Wolverine head coaching career off to a better start.
Michigan AD Dave Brandon (left) poses for a picture with new football coach Brady Hoke.
But talk is just talk, and Hoke has plenty of work to do in the coming weeks to make sure Michigan becomes the powerhouse it once was. First and foremost he needs to make sure Denard stays. He also needs to quickly get a recruiting class put together prior to national signing day on Feb. 2 Lastly he needs to fix the defense. Hoke seems to be capable of doing these things.
While time will tell what the Hoke era holds for the Wolverines, it appears Michigan got its man and found the right person to lead the football program.
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