Rodriguez fires all Michigan assistant coaches December 21, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Rich Rodriguez fired Michigan's assistant coaches yesterday during his second day as an employee of the school. Rodriguez met with the coaches one by one at Schembechler Hall as retiring coach Lloyd Carr packed up his belongings in boxes. Michigan athletic director Bill Martin declined comment. Carr will coach the Wolverines on Jan. 1 against Florida in the Capital One Bowl, then Rodriguez will take over. Each of Carr's assistants were given two-year contracts in March that will pay them through Feb. 28, 2009. Meanwhile, West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin doesn't believe the Mountaineers reneged on promises to Rodriguez and says the coach should have to pay a $4 million buyout. The governor cited the 70 percent boost to Rodriguez's pay, increased salaries for his coaching staff and a $2 million academic center for athletes. 'I don't know the intricacies of it. I'm speaking as a fan,' Manchin said.
WEST VIRGINIA ANALYST: Rich Rodriguez's recruiting prowess, weakness and whether his offense will work in Big Ten December 20, 2007 Source: Detroit Free Press - "The Free Press recently spoke with wvsports.com (West Virginia’s site on Rivals.com) writer Jim Laise. Laise, a West Virginia alum, has covered West Virginia basketball and football with the Rivals site for five years. We discussed how Rich Rodriguez stacks up as a recruiter, whether his offense can find success in the Big Ten and if he was surprised that Rodriguez left his alma mater..."
STRIKE IT RICH: West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez accepts Wolverines job December 16, 2007 Source: Detroit Free Press - "West Virginia's Rich Rodriguez, who met with U-M president Mary Sue Coleman and athletic director Bill Martin on Friday in Toledo, has accepted the Michigan coaching job, replacing retiring coach Lloyd Carr..."
The Wolverines produced just 91 yards on offense and gave up 222 yards to sophomore RB Chris Wells. The wet and gloomy weather served as a fitting backdrop to Carr’s 1-6 record against Jim Tressel. (November 17, 2007) Lloyd Carr's Top 10 losses
Michigan isn't a top 10 program nationally November 23, 2007 Source: Detroit Free Press - "There are five principal factors in determining a program’s reputation: Institutional support, Quality of resources, Natural recruiting base, Competitive coaching salaries, Historical pedigree. There's no debating that the top five programs using the previous criteria are, in order, Texas, Ohio State, Florida, Southern California and Notre Dame. Each scores high grades in all five categories. The next five are Oklahoma, Florida State, Tennessee, LSU and Alabama. The Wolverines only merit top-10 grades in one category - historical pedigree..."
Michigan coaching job not the plum it used to be December 8, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "First Les Miles and now Greg Schiano. It's as if the yellow on the Michigan winged helmet has dripped to create egg on the face of the Wolverines football program. The school that likes to cluck about its rich football history -- NCAA records for most wins (860) and highest winning percentage (.745) -- is in the awkward position of wondering why its lofty reputation isn't enough to get coaches to crawl on their knees to accept the job opening created when Lloyd Carr announced his retirement in November..."
Les Miles' flip-flop on the Michigan job caught many off guard -- including the Wolverine brass. Sources say Miles was slated to talk to Michigan today. Just talk, not accept a contract. In a preemptive strike, LSU gave Miles a mega-million dollar deal he needed to accept or reject on Saturday. After that, it would be off the table. He opted to stay in Baton Rouge.
With Miles out of the picture, Michigan may find itself scrambling. The names I keep hearing the most are Cal's Jeff Tedford, Wake Forest's Jim Grobe and Iowa's Kirk Ferentz. I know Grobe thinks he has one move left in him. But I also know it will take a lot to get him away from Wake. Ferentz is a favorite of Michigan president Mary Sue Coleman.
Two other interesting names recently were dropped in my lap: N.C. State's Tom O'Brien and Missouri's Gary Pinkel.
O'Brien has been at N.C. State just one season, but he is a perfect fit in Ann Arbor. He's a Navy grad who has coached at high-minded academic schools such as Virginia (as an assistant) and Boston College (as head coach). Plus, O'Brien is one of the nation's best coaches.
Pinkel fits the Michigan profile: He has a clean record, he's smart and he's reserved. He also is a hot commodity.
Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly is another worthy candidate. He's a fantastic coach and is very bright.
Bodoglife.com has posted odds on who the next Michigan coach will be. Les Miles is the favorite at 2/1, which means a $100 bet would net you $200. There is a max $100 bet.
THE ODDS Les Miles, LSU coach -- 2/1 Kirk Ferentz, Iowa coach -- 9/2 Mike Trgovac, Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator -- 5/1 Brian Kelly, Cincinnati coach and former Central Michigan and Grand Valley coach -- 6/1 Ron English, U-M defensive coordinator -- 6/1 Bret Bielema, Wisconsin coach -- 7/1 Bobby Petrino, Atlanta Falcons coach -- 10/1 Jon Gruden, Tampa Bay Bucs coach -- 10/1 Jim Harbaugh, Stanford coach and U-M alum -- 10/1 Bill Cowher, ex-Pittsburgh Steelers coach -- 15/1 Field (all others) -- 2/1
Coaching history: Head Coach: LSU (2005-present); Oklahoma State (2001-04); Oklahoma State (1995-97); Michigan (1987-94); Colorado (1982-86). NFL coaching experience: Assistant coach: Dallas Cowboys (1998-2000).
More info: Miles is in his third season at LSU after being the head coach at Oklahoma State for four years. He was a position coach under Bo Schembechler and Gary Moeller at UM, coached with the Dallas Cowboys and was the offensive coordinator at Oklahoma State.
Why he does/doesn't get the job: Miles is obviously the front-runner, or so it would seem, for the job. He's was both a player and a coach at UM and seems to be the best choice considering his experience and ties to the program. He's been successful as a head coach. However, the timing couldn't be worse. He’s unlikely to leave during a championship run and U-M might need a coach sooner. Also, word is that there is a rift between himself and Lloyd Carr and some of the more influential voices. Carr pointed out yesterday, "You remember a guy named Schembechler? He wasn't a Michigan man. Fritz Crisler wasn't a Michigan man. Fielding Yost wasn't a Michigan man." Was this directed at Miles? Carr subtly gave his blessing for Michigan to hire Miles, saying that he could 'put to rest' any friction between them. Carr specifically mentioned the recruiting trail, which became divisive when cornerback Jai Eugene changed his commitment from Michigan to attend LSU two years ago. Also consider Miles’s contract already states that if he wins a national title, the university must make him one of the three highest-paid coaches in college football. That would jump his salary to around $3.5 million from about $1.8 million. Carr made just over $1.5 million. Skip Bertman, the LSU athletic director, said of the possibility that Miles would leave. "I don’t think that’s going to happen. What I think is going to happen is that we’ll renegotiate with Les and he’s going to stay."
Report: Miles speaks with Michigan officials December 11, 2007 Source: Gannett News Service - "LSU head football coach Les Miles appears to be a Michigan coaching candidate again. Miles had a phone conversation Friday morning with Michigan athletic director Bill Martin and school president Mary Sue Coleman, according to several people with knowledge of the call..."
View Les Miles' New Contract December 11, 2007 Source: USA Gannett News Service - "Contract Updated Dec. 6, 2007 - LSU football coach Les Miles signed a newly amended contract on Thursday that extends his deal from 2010 to 2012 but does not award him any raise other than what the bonus clauses from his 2006 contract grant..." (View the entire contract; Michigan buyout provision on page 11)
LSU extends Miles' contract through '12 December 6, 2007 Source: Associated Press - " LSU head football coach Les Miles signed a contract extension Thursday to keep him at the university through 2012 and end speculation that Miles might leave for a job at the University of Michigan...'
Miles signs amendment to contract December 6, 2007 Source: mlive.com - "Minutes after LSU's Board of Supervisors approved a new contract for Les Miles on Thursday, the football coach thanked members for their support and signed the deal in a nearby office, according to The Times-Picayune of New Orleans...'
Miles makes decision to stay at LSU December 1, 2007 Source: Detroit Free Press - "Les Miles will not be Michigan's next coach. 'I'm the head coach at LSU, I will be the head coach at LSU,' Miles said in a news conference Saturday..."
Miles says he's coaching at LSU next season December 1, 2007 Source: ESPN.com - "LSU coach Les Miles says he's not going anywhere. Miles, during the CBS telecast of LSU's Southeastern Conference championship game on Saturday, said he will be the head coach at LSU next year. That statement came hours after Miles, in a brief news conference at the Georgia Dome, strongly addressed an ESPN report that he was planning on leaving as LSU's football coach to take the same position at Michigan. 'I am the head coach at LSU. I will be the head coach at LSU," Miles said Saturday. "I have no interest in talking to anybody else.'..."
Miles staying at LSU (with audio) December 1, 2007 Source: mlive.com - "Sources close to both Les Miles and the Louisiana State administration report the coach has reached a multi-year contract extension with his current school and will remove himself from consideration as the next Michigan coach. LSU now has confirmed Miles' extension with an official release on its web site, which concludes: 'Miles will not entertain any offer from the University of Michigan to become the Wolverines head coach or from any other institution.'
1:19 p.m.: Understanding Les Miles-speak December 1, 2007 Source: ESPN.com - "
'I am the head coach at LSU.' Translation: 'I am the head coach today...do you not see me on the field, yelling at refs, promoting my team?'...'I will be the head coach at LSU.' Translation: 'I will be the head coach for the next 4 hours.'...'I have no interest in talking to anybody else.' Translation: 'I already talked to Michigan, I want the job, so I am not interested in talking to anyone else, morons.'...'I will be the head coach of LSU next year.' Translation: 'I will be the head coach of LSU next year if it makes my players relax. I will the head coach of LSU next year if they double what Michigan will pay me. I will be the coach of LSU next year....when pigs fly.'
Source: Michigan to make Miles announcement next week December 1, 2007 Source: ESPN.com - "A source has told ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit that barring any unforeseen circumstances, Michigan will announce early next week it has reached an agreement with LSU coach Les Miles to be its next head football coach. Herbstreit is also reporting that Miles will make Georgia Tech defensive coordinator and interim head coach Jon Tenuta part of his staff at Michigan. Miles, who played at Michigan and served two stints as an assistant under the late Bo Schembechler, will succeed Lloyd Carr, who stepped down after the Wolverines' loss to Ohio State last month. Miles has been head coach at LSU since 2005. LSU is 32-6 with Miles at the helm, including 22 wins in his first 26 games as coach, and won 11 games in 2005 and 2006. The No. 7 Tigers (10-2), whose two losses this season both came in triple overtime, will play Tennessee in the SEC Championship Game on Saturday. Miles also coached at Oklahoma State, posting a 28-21 record between 2001 and 2004, and was tight ends coach for the Dallas Cowboys between 1998 and 2000. Miles has a 60-27 overall record in seven seasons as a head coach.
LSU coach Miles says something strange after loss to Arkansas November 23, 2007 Source: Detroit Free Press - "...Miles might have slipped and hit his head on the way to the locker room because he said something strange, even more strange than usual for him, in the moments after the loss. He said the upcoming SEC title game is a 'much bigger' game 'than the one we just played.' Maybe he’s lost track of games. Or he’s thinking of Michigan’s schedule. Regardless, he is not correct - not unless his team’s goal was to play in something other than the national championship game. That goal was washed away under Friday’s blue sky and in a sea of Arkansas red runners..."
Michigan takes step to make Miles next Wolverines coach November 28, 2007 Source: ESPN.com - "LSU athletic director Skip Bertman confirmed Wednesday night through spokesman Herb Vincent that his Michigan counterpart, Bill Martin, has officially requested permission to speak with Les Miles about becoming the next coach of the Wolverines..."
Is Miles Michigan's man? November 18, 2007 Source: Detroit News - "LSU coach, a former U-M player, leads list of candidates..."
Les Miles is obviously Michigan's perfect candidate
November 18, 2007 Source: mlive.com - "...If you were to try and build a perfect candidate for Michigan, it would be hard to come up with a resume better than the former Wolverine guard from Elyria, Ohio..."
Burning questions after Lloyd Carr announced his retirement November 20, 2007 Source: Detroit News - "...There are some that ask: If Miles is such a great "Michigan Man," then why on earth did he vote U-M third in last year's coaches' poll? Ohio State and Florida finished No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, and Michigan was third, missing out on a rematch against the Buckeyes in the national title game..."
Babb: Who's Next At Michigan? November 19, 2007 Source: Bucknuts.com - "Lloyd Carr's retirement marks the end of an era for both Michigan and Ohio State football. The big question is, who will be next on the sidelines for the Wolverines? Charles Babb gives his thoughts on the candidates and who is the odds-on favorite..."
Coaching history: Cincinnati (2007-present), Central Michigan (2004-2006) and Grand Valley State (1987-2003).
More info: Kelly has proven to be a winner. At Grand Valley State he averaged over nine wins per year and won two Division II national titles in thriteen seasons. He guided Central Michigan to the 2006 MAC conference title. The University of Cincinnati is having their best season in over 40 years.
Why he does/doesn't get the job: Kelly is another hot name in coaching. He has ties in the state. He's been a consistent winner and is considered an offensive innovator. He was considered a top choice at Michigan State before they hired Mark Dantonio. However, not enough big-time experience and Kelly is considered a ladder climber looking to land a head coaching job in the NFL. Also, he had to apologize for racially insensitive comments related to a murder committed by Central Michigan football players. Kelly dismisses Michigan talk - UC coach, who could be a candidate, says his focus is on Saturday's game. (Source: Cincinnati Enquirer)
Grand Valley State AD: No contact from Michigan November 26, 2007 Source: Ann Arbor News - "...Kelly, who's currently the Cincinnati coach, started his head coaching career at Division II Grand Valley State, where he won two national titles."
Coaching history: Head coach at Iowa (1999-present); Head coach at Maine (1990-92); OL coach at Iowa (1981-89). NFL coaching experience: offensive line coach with Ravens and Browns (1993-98).
More info: Ferentz turned the Iowa program around and is respected for making the most of his talent. His teams are always tough in the trenches and physical. He led the Hawkeyes to their best four-year stretch ever (38-12 from 2002-05).
Why he does/doesn't get the job: He's respected for his coaching ability and for running a clean program. Word is he he was one of Bo Schembechler's top choices. Mary Sue Coleman, the UM President, hired Ferentz when she was the President at Iowa. However, Ferentz's contract pays him more than any other coach in the Big Ten, which is something UM may be unwilling to equal. His teams have lost at least five games in each of the last three seasons, Iowa is 19-18 over the past three seasons, and he's faced a number of off-field problems with his players. Makes nearly $3 million a year, almost double what Carr makes...but UM has indicated they are willing to pay that for a new coach.
Martin has not contacted Iowa AD about Ferentz November 26, 2007 Source: Detroit News - "If Iowa football coach Kirk Ferentz has been contacted by Michigan for the vacant head coaching job, that's news to athletic director Gary Barta..."
Is Ferentz really a character fit for Michigan? November 26, 2007 Source: Ann Arbor News - "...And, no, that's not because he's only one game over .500 in the past three years and couldn't beat Western Michigan..."
It Wouldn't Be A Coaching Search......without obsessive flight tracking! November 26, 2007 Source: MGoBlog.com - "A Dassault Falcon 20 left Willow Run (Ann Arbor) at 6 EST and arrived in Cedar Rapids a little more than an hour later. After about 15 minutes it left, returning to Willow Run. The return leg is scheduled to touch down in approximately 30 minutes. While this isn't conclusive, that is the mother of all coincidences if that's not Ferentz."
Ferentz Possibly Offered Michigan Job? Say Hello To My Little Ferentz November 18, 2007 Source: MGoBlog.com - "I've sat on this a couple days waiting for some third-party corroboration and now I have it: Kirk Ferentz has been offered the Michigan job..." Martin has not contacted Iowa AD about Ferentz November 26, 2007 Source: Detroit News - "If Iowa football coach Kirk Ferentz has been contacted by Michigan for the vacant head coaching job, that's news to athletic director Gary Barta..."
It Wouldn't Be A Coaching Search......without obsessive flight tracking! November 26, 2007 Source: MGoBlog.com - "A Dassault Falcon 20 left Willow Run (Ann Arbor) at 6 EST and arrived in Cedar Rapids a little more than an hour later. After about 15 minutes it left, returning to Willow Run. The return leg is scheduled to touch down in approximately 30 minutes. While this isn't conclusive, that is the mother of all coincidences if that's not Ferentz."
Record: (48-41) in his four-plus years as Carolina Panthers' defensive coordinator.
Coaching history: College coach: Michigan 1984-85, Ball State 1986-88, Navy 1989, Colorado State 1990-91, Notre Dame 1992-94. NFL coaching experience: Philadelphia Eagles 1995-98, Green Bay Packers 1999, Washington Redskins 2000-01, joined Panthers in 2002.
More info: Joined the Panthers in 2002. As a player under Bo Schembechler at Michigan from 1977-80, Trgovac started three years at middle guard and was second-team All-America as a senior. He earned All-Big Ten honors twice and played in three Rose Bowls. A native of Youngstown, OH, he was all-state football player at Fitch HS in Austintown, OH; he was named defensive lineman of the year in 1976 and won the state heavyweight championship in wrestling.
Why he does/doesn't get the job: Trgovac played for Bo Schembechler (1977-80), starting for three years...because he played for Bo Schembechler and Michigan has had an obsession with Michigan ties. He's had success at both the collegiate and professional levels, but especially with the Panthers. He's a very solid NFL coordinator. However, he's had no head coaching experience which is problematic. Plus, playing for Bo might be the only reason he gets an interview.
Record: (49-21) in six seasons as California's head coach.
Coaching history: California head coach(2002-present); Oregon offensive coordinator (1998-2001); Fresno State quarterbacks coach (1992-97). CFL coaching experience: Calgary Stampeders assistant (1988-91).
More info: Tedford turned a lowly Golden Bears program into a consistent winner. Need more be said?
Why he does/doesn't get the job: Tedford has proven himself. His teams are well coached. He's well liked by players and alums alike. However, Tedford has been on the West coast his entire career and has no ties to UM. And after the loss to Washington on Saturday the Bears, if they lose to Stanford will finish 6-6 after they started 5-0. Anyone want a guy who finished the year on a 1-6 slide?
Record: (20-5) as Michigan's defensive coordinator in two seasons.
Coaching history: Assistant at Northern Arizona (1996); San Diego St. (1996-97); Arizona St. (1998-2001); Michigan (2002-present).
More info: English is highly touted as a defensive guru. Almost went to the Bears, but changed his mind and rerturned to UM.
Why he does/doesn't get the job: If the UM AD wants to make a in-house transition, this is a way to go. Defense has played strong for long stretches during his two seasons as coordinator. Is an excellent recruiter and is dynamic, especially on the West Coast. Loved by his players. However, his lack of head coaching experience works against him as does the poor defensive performances turned in by the Wolverines...his star does not shine as brightly as it once did. If this had been a great season, English, or offensive coordinator Mike DeBord, might have had a shot at succeeding Carr, but as this team struggled they probably have no shot.
Record: (41-9) in his first season as Stanford head coach.
Coaching history: Head coach: Stanford (2007); University of San Diego (2004-06); NFL coaching experience: QB coach, Oakland Raiders (2002-03).
More info: Stanford pulled one of the big upsets in college football history beating USC, as a forty point underdog. The last three seasons he was the head coach at the University of San Diego, leading the Toreros to Division I-AA Mid-Major national titles each of the past two campaigns. He posted an impressive three-year overall record of 29-6.
Why he does/doesn't get the job: Harbaugh's dad coached at UM. He is one of the school's most revered players and has the Midwest ties. Harbaugh has the bloodlines. However, publicly criticized UM football program for its academic standards this summer, which did not site well with the AD and influential UM voices and fans. Also, he has only one season of Division I coaching experience. Additionally, Harbaugh was recently quotred as saying, "As far as the opening they have, the Michigan people will do a great job in selecting someone to carry on that tradition...It’s not going to be me. I am happy where I am."
Record: (21-36) in five seasons at Ball State as a head coach.
Coaching history: Head Coach: Ball State (2003-present) ... Assistant Coach: Michigan (1995-2002), Oregon State (1989-1994), Toledo (1987-88), Western Michigan (1984-96), Grand Valley State (1983).
More info: Hoke is another coach known for his defensive abilities. During his eight years at Michigan, he was in charge of the defensive line. He left UM to take over the Ball State program in 2003.
Why he does/doesn't get the job: Hoke is a strong recruiter and was so while at Michigan. He has the connections to UM and would probably retain some of the current coaching staff. However, Hoke has not enjoyed the type of success at Ball State to make him attractive. In fact, none if his teams have finished above .500.
Record: (41-10) in his five seasons as U-M's offensive coordinator.
Coaching history: Assistant at Franklin College (1982-83); Fort Hayes (1984-86); Eastern Illinois (1987-88); Ball State (1989); Colorado State (1990-91); Northwestern (1992); Michigan (1993-99, 2004-07); head coach at Central Michigan (2000-03).
More info: DeBord has been at UM for 11 years as an assistant. He is currently the offensive coordinator. He left for three years to become head coach at Central Michigan.
Why he does/doesn't get the job: Another possibility for an in-house transition for AD Bill Martin. DeBord would probably keep the current staff would be a safe pick. He's involved with the current recruiting class, However, DeBord struggled in his only head coaching job at Central Michigan before returning to Michigan. Also, if this had been a great season, DeBord, or defensive coordinator Ron English, might have had a shot at succeeding Carr, but as this team struggled they probably have no shot.
Coaching history: Rutgers (2000-present); Miami-FL (1999-2000); Penn State (1991-1995). NFL coaching experience: Chicago Bears (1996-1998).
More info: Schiano has turned Rutgersa into a formidable winner. The Scarlet Knights will go to their third bowl game in a row this season. Last year they won 11 games.
Why he does/doesn't get the job: Schiano has coaching experience at two major programs, Miami and Penn State, and is another one of the hot names in coaching. He is a excellent recruiter and is a capable head coach. However, speculated to be waiting for the Penn State job to open when Joe Paterno retires, which is why many believe he passed on Miami job last year.
Rutgers' Schiano says 'no' to Wolverines December 7, 2007 Source: Associated Press - "Greg Schiano rejected overtures from Michigan and will remain the football coach at Rutgers. Schiano met with the team Friday morning and told the Scarlet Knights of his decision, Rutgers spokesman Jason Baum said. It marked the second time in less than a week that Michigan has been rebuffed in its efforts to find a successor to Lloyd Carr. Les Miles decided to remain at LSU last Saturday..."
Michigan interviews Schiano
December 6, 2007 Source: mlive.com - "The Newark (N.J.) Star-Ledger, sister paper of The Ann Arbor News, reports that Rutgers coach Greg Schiano interviewed today for the Michigan coaching job. The Star-Ledger said that Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano met with Michigan athletic director Bill Martin for at least two hours Wednesday in New York City to discuss the Wolverines' coaching vacancy, according to a person with knowledge of the discussion. No offer was made at the time, but one could be forthcoming, according to a person who speaks regularly with Schiano..."
Right now, Greg Schiano seems to be best option for Michigan football December 7, 2007 Source: mlive.com - "The light was on, even past 11 p.m. But that was why I'd swung past the stadium in the first place, because anyone who knew Greg Schiano even a little bit back then knew he worked 18-, 19-, 20-hour days. Even the night before Thanksgiving. If Schiano becomes the next football coach at the University of Michigan - and he appears to now be the leading candidate, with Rutgers confirming he has interviewed for the job - no one will outwork him. That's the first thing you need to know..."
Record: (60-26) in seven seasons at West Virginia (2001-07).
Coaching history: 1985: Student assistant, West Virginia; 1986: Special teams/secondary assistant coach, Salem (W.Va.); 1987: Defensive coordinator, Salem; 1988: Head coach, Salem (2-8). Hired at age 24; school then dropped football; 1989: Volunteer assistant, West Virginia; 1990-96: Head coach, Glenville State (W.Va.) (43-28-2); 1997-98: Offensive coordinator, Tulane; 1999-2000: Offensive coordinator, Clemson; 2001-07: Head coach, West Virginia
Report: Michigan meets with West Virginia's Rodriguez December 15, 2007 Source: Detroit Free Press - "Michigan has a new leading candidate to be its next football coach: West Virginia's Rich Rodriguez. Rodriguez, a leading proponent of the spread offense, met with Michigan president Mary Sue Coleman and athletic director Bill Martin in Toledo on Friday to discuss the open position, two people at U-M confirmed to the Detroit Free Press..."
Coaching history: Assistant Coach: 1978 Emory & Henry, 1979-83 Marshall, 1984-94 Air Force. Head Coach: 1995-2000 Ohio University, 2001-Present Wake Forest
More info: In December 2000, Jim Grobe was hired to take over a Wake Forest football program long regarded as an afterthought in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Now after seven seasons, Jim Grobe is already in the company of Wake Forest's most successful football coaches, including Bill Dooley, Al Groh and John Mackovic.
Wake Forest coach responds to Michigan coaching rumors December 14, 2007 Source: Detroit Free Press - "Wake Forest coach Jim Grobe is trying to ignore the rumors about him being a candidate for the Michigan job. Grobe told the Charlotte Observer that he's trying to keep the focus on his team's preparations for its Meineke Car Care Bowl appearance here Dec. 29, but it hasn't been easy..."
