December 5, 2007
AD goes sailing, fans want him set adrift
The Michigan faithful are not taking kindly to news that Michigan AD Bill Martin wasn't available when LSU coach Les Miles tried to reach out to UM prior to agreeing to a contract extension at LSU last weekend.
Hoping to know where he stood with UM, Miles directed his agent, George Bass, to contact Martin about the opportunity on Friday - one day before the SEC Championship Game. Bass was unable to reach Martin and left a message on Martin's cell phone.
Bass's call went unreturned on Friday, so -- by the time the ESPN report broke that he had agreed to become the Wolverines coach -- Bass again tried to reach Martin on Saturday, but he was again unavailable.
Why? As it turns out, Martin was out sailing and never returned the calls.
And the rest, as they say, is history. Miles and Bass wrapped negotiations with LSU and the coach went on national television to announce that he had agreed to an extension at LSU.
Martin's failure to take the call has Michigan fans... umm... not so happy.
This is incompetence of staggering proportions. If Martin was a president, he would be William Henry Harrison. If he was a world-changing invention, he would be a Segway. If he was a football coach, he would be Charlie Weis.
The current face-saving explanation is that Martin is playing Ferentz and Miles off each other, hoping one will jump at a lowball offer loaded with incentives. When even the face-saving explanation paints you as a fool willing to let one million dollars per year jeopardize the well-being of an entire athletic department, you screwed up. Michigan's chances at landing Miles are now much weaker than they were a week ago, and it's because Martin blew the most important decision in Michigan athletics since 1969. Because he was on a damn boat too busy to return a phone call.
And so Michigan's best chance at landing a true home run head coaching candidate has disappeared.
There is no way to spin this except as a tremendous screwup by Bill Martin.
In the aftermath, Martin has come forward to confirm the accounts. He was out sailing with a donor and he did not return the calls.
Why? Martin says he agreed not to "directly or indirectly" talk with Miles until after the SECCG.
"I did (call), Sunday morning," Martin said. "Why Sunday morning? I committed not to talk to Les Miles, directly or indirectly before the championship game on Saturday. That's the way this process is done, or at least the way I'm honoring the process."
But what about LSU athletic director Skip Bertman's comments in last Wednesday's Detroit News, in which Bertman specifically said Martin was free to call the agent?
Martin says he never saw them.
Indeed, LSU AD Skip Bertman did say -- days beforehand, on the record -- that Martin could negotiate with Miles's agent.
"I don't think anyone would try to speak to Les before the SEC title game, but that doesn't mean they couldn't speak to his agent (George Bass) before the game or at any time," Bertman said by telephone from his home. "There's no reason Bill or anyone else can't use headhunters to speak to Les' agent, but I would not assume that Bill would speak to Les himself without our permission. That doesn't mean he can't speak to other people."
There are reports that thousands of Michigan fans, alums, boosters, and former players have called the athletic department to... umm... voice their displeasure. Several newspapers and blogs have initiated letter writing campaigns critical of Martin and the way he handled Miles-gate.
Martin knows he's going not winning any friends, but he says bring it on.
And when asked what he'd say to fans who disagree with those principles, who believe he needed to return George Bass' phone call, Martin didn't hesitate to answer. He suggested anyone unhappy with how he's conducting the search get in touch with school president Mary Sue Coleman."What they should do is write Mary Sue and say I didn't conduct the process the way they wanted it done," Martin said.
Comments:
LSUTigerfanngodforsakenTX
posted on December 5, 2007 11:53 PM — 68.94.22.111 — link — abuse?
said:
Like sands through the hour glass....as the Blue world turns!!!
schmed said:
posted on December 6, 2007 6:23 AM — 74.230.217.143 — link — abuse?
Maybe he just needs to post the videos of the babes he had on teh boat with him on the web.
Then he and Mary Sue need to shine the Nick signal up into the sky and call Saban back to the land of 10,000 mosquito hatcheries.
Big Tide said:
posted on December 6, 2007 8:21 AM — 12.208.88.211 — link — abuse?
Michigan is getting close to pulling an "Alabama" and trying to make themselves believe that some great coach is going to come to Ann Arbor just because of the great tradition, etc. The coaches run this song and dance now, along with their agents. It ain't about the school, and the all-time win percentage, or the number of bowl games you've won. It is about cash. The kind you put in the bank and reaching out with respect. Major screw up on Michigan's part that will only be magnified in the years to come.
Of course the second scenario is that Carr stills has his hands on the wheel and doesn't want Miles to be his successor.....
Tom Blogical
posted on December 6, 2007 9:33 AM — 24.95.77.153 — link — abuse? said:
Big Tide (#7):
Great comment, although I would say that the program/tradition is more important than you're giving credit for. Case in point, Chris Petersen electing to stay at Boise St. instead of jumping ship to UCLA.
M GO BLUE said:
posted on December 6, 2007 10:33 AM — 216.46.213.124 — link — abuse?
At the start of this season, Michigan held a lofty #5 ranking, some people thought it was too high BUT! I will point out that the senior class was ranked #5 by rivals when it was recruited.......and it had a #6 junior class to help it out.......sorry, but the talent was there to justify the #5 ranking.
We had a fourth year starter at QB, and we had a fourth year starter at RB......there were senior players, veteran players all over the field.....and the ONE! thing that killed Michigan this season was the coaches....they are good at their style of football.....but their style of football is'nt good........we had to endure 12 games of which Michigan somehow mis-managed 8 wins.......it was a season of under-performing and mis-management............there's only one word to describe the Michigan season....and so far the off-season......I.N.C.O.M.P.E.T.E.N.T.
Tom Blogical
posted on December 6, 2007 11:09 AM — 24.95.77.153 — link — abuse? said:
M GO BLUE:
Who do you think is the best choice for head coach at UM?
M GO BLUE said:
posted on December 6, 2007 1:50 PM — 216.46.213.124 — link — abuse?
Tom Blogical, if i were the AD at Michigan, i would have to interview Butch Jones, the HC at Central Michigan.
Jones was born in Saugatuck, Michigan and he is 39.
Jones played his college ball at Ferris state in Big Rapids, Michigan.
Jones has been the Defensive assistant at Rutgers, he was then Offensive coordinator at Wilkes University, he then returned to ferris state as the OC, he then coached TE's and RB's at Central Michigan, he was then promoted to OC at C. Mich for three years, he then left C. Mich to coach WR's at West Virginia, for two years before heading back to C. Mich to head coach this season where he has won the MAC title in his first season.
I know he has only been a HC one year, but I think he could be a great coach for Michigan.
So Mr. Bill Martin, if you should happen to read this while your sailing........HIRE BUTCH JONES BEFORE SOMEONE SMARTER THAN YOURSELF DOES!!!
TE
posted on December 6, 2007 2:12 PM — 204.68.245.11 — link — abuse? said:
Bill Martin needs to go out and hire a "search firm" first...
He & Mary Sue have been thwarted by Carr, torpedoed by his staff, and outmaneuvered by LSU...
They are losing a ton of face during this whole ordeal, and Martin may have already cost himself his job...
Jeff said:
posted on December 6, 2007 7:06 PM — 12.47.224.8 — link — abuse?
Per many reports, including the Detroit Free press & other media outlets, the "notion" has been that Brian Kelly has "rubbed" people associated with the Michigan program "the wrong way."
What way is Kelly supposed to rub them??
Is it the mere thought that maybe he jumps ship too much?? If that's the case (dumb reasoning, I might add), then we are up shit's creek (pardon me). Why wouldn't a coach take a better job when it becomes available?? I don't know about many folks, but I don't work my 9 to 5 with the intention on staying in the same position I started. I'm looking to work hard & move up, given the opportunity to do so. Make a better life for me & my family. So on & so forth. The only person I'm "loyal" to is my fiance & my family unit as a whole. So why is it that Kelly gets a bum wrap because he's taken a step up when it was available for him to do so?? GVSU to CMU. CMU to Cincinnati. Steps up, right?? Logical, I would say.
Bottom line, and I'm selfish in this right, admittedly so...
I want Brian Kelly. He's innovative (I might have given Lloyd a heart attack with that word) and would bring a spark to this program that's been needed for a decade now. He's won everywhere he's been & with the talent this program brings in by default, not to mention what he could bring in with just the thought that this program is actually being upgraded to a thought process of this century---he'd win big here too, and it wouldn't take long to boot...
1st_and_NOLE
posted on December 7, 2007 8:28 AM — 71.14.108.232 — link — abuse? said:
Latest reports are that Michigan and Greg Schiano have interest in each other...
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3145019
After the screw up by Michigan with Les Miles, if they can land Schiano that would be a pretty good recovery IMO.
CFB Fan said:
posted on December 7, 2007 8:54 AM — 192.131.99.130 — link — abuse?
I heard last night on a sports talk show, although Les Miles just signed the contract extention, he still may be in Michigan's picture.
Bill Martin has got a list of 20 some coaches...
It appears that Michigan may drag this interview process out another month and wait until after, January 7 to select a new head football coach.
Any thoughts on this?
Big Tide said:
posted on December 7, 2007 9:16 AM — 69.34.227.69 — link — abuse?
Tom Blo #8, yeah, there's a ton of tradition with that blue turf. I have a good friend that lives in Idaho and we typically visit after Christmas. They have "discovered" football out there. Peterson is "the man." Every time I'm out there my accent gives me away immediately and people want to talk football. I'm like, guys, we've been doing this forever. I'm got baby pictures with my Roll Tide garb on. Anyway, they are having a blast while tradional powers (i.e. Alabama, Michigan, Nebraska) are all bitching about what went wrong, etc. Who wants to take on that challenge unless you are getting paid "Saban" type money? Obviously nobody!
Michigan fans - get off the wallet. Hire a proven coach and sit down and shut up and let the guy do his thing. That's what we are doing. I'm just along for the ride.....
Zac said:
posted on December 7, 2007 3:27 PM — 205.188.116.136 — link — abuse?
Hmm, looks like this Billy Martin kicked dirt on to the home plate of all MI fans.
Tell ya what, since Gatorstud is heading for Arkansas, I'll take the HC job at MI. Shouldn't be any harder making 10 or more mil there than at AR.
But, seriously, folks, I guess AD's are not allowed to take vacations. Especially when you consider all the time there is between the SEC Title Game and the NC Bowl. You would think, that would be the perfect time to put something together to draw Miles from LSU. So, in effect, if anyone jumped the gun, maybe it was Miles by signing that contract. Then again, had he not signed it, when presented, he certainly would have been tipping his hand. The point is this: Something tells me we haven't heard the last of what appears to be a continuing saga. Film at 11:00.
TampaGator said:
posted on December 7, 2007 5:59 PM — 71.101.63.118 — link — abuse?
How does this reflect badly on Michigan's AD?
Seems to me, it is a much worse statement about Les Miles.
What the hell was he doing sending signals to Michigan the day before the SEC championship?
Where's his commitment?We're not talking about some low level employee messing around on Monster.com in dead time; we're talking about a well compensated PROFESSINAL--the HEAD FOOTBALL COACH of a major college football program--making moves for his next gig--THE NIGHT BEFORE his conference CHAMPIONSHIP--which he didn't exactly win by a comfortable margin.
Sorry fella's, but the AD played it fine. He represents MICHIGAN--the winningest program in CFB! No need to show desperation...
...especially not for some guy whose claim to fame thus far, is free-load'n off of Nick Saban's coat-tails.
Said it before, here it is again--from a dyed in the wool, die hard SEC guy--Ohio State will win the NC game...
...the pieces for the upset (especially this season) just keep falling into place.
...if I'm right, where will that leave Miles? (exposed?)
...Michagan's AD? (genius?)
My $.02.
GO GATORS!!Jeff said:
posted on December 7, 2007 6:15 PM — 12.47.224.8 — link — abuse?
I was never sold on Les Miles coming to Michigan anyhow... Just the thought of a lateral move, and IMO...best case scenario, it would have been a lateral move, is unsettling enough. Anytime a lateral move is in the works, I immediately think "hose job". He was in it for a raise. He knew that the Michigan job was his meal ticket, whether he took the job, or pulled both AD's strings long enough to get a big payday. How could he lose?? If Martin called him back & made him an offer of some sort, he would have been good there. If he listens to the LSU AD's cries to stay where he is, with a blank check to boot, he wins again...
And we all know what happened from there...
This job search has been & has ALWAYS been about who ELSE is on Martin's list...
The saga continues...
coondawg1 said:
posted on December 7, 2007 7:28 PM — 68.114.136.135 — link — abuse?
Who the hell would wanna coach Michigan?
THey cant beat 1AA opponents, they get killed at home, they cant even score vs. Ohio State Suckeyes. Ohio St. #1 is a joke and Lsu #2 is a crime. Hawaii is #1 vs. #2 Georgia. Same as last year, they get the two best teams to the same city, but they play in the wrong games.
Boise State 43 vs. Ohio State 42
WAC National ChampionshipHawaii vs, Geogia
POSSIBLE WAC BACK TO BACK NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS!
coondawg1 said:
posted on December 7, 2007 7:39 PM — 68.114.136.135 — link — abuse?
ALL MICHIGAN FANS:
TUNE IN TONITE FOR SOME REAL COLLEGE FOOTBALL. THE MIGHTY RICMOND SPIDERS TRY TO TAKE DOWN GOLIATH OR AS YOU KNOW EM, APPALACHIAN STATE MOUNTAINEERS. THEY RUN A SPREAD OFFENSE. THEY MIGHT LOOK SMALL BUT THEIR QUICK. SPEED KILLS LITTLE 11 TEAMS. OH IM SORRY YOU LEARNED FIRST HAND AS THEY RAN INTO THE LITTLE HOUSE AND SMASHED IN YOUR TRADITION AND 100,000 PLUS FANS SKULLS WITH A DAMN SLEDGEHAMMER. PARTY IN ANN ARBOR TONITE IF DAVID SLAYS THE MIGHTY GOLIATH.
Zac said:
posted on December 7, 2007 7:55 PM — 205.188.116.136 — link — abuse?
Coondawg1, lets see. Appy St did beat MI, and later Appy St was beaten by Wofford, a team WVU beat a couple years back. WVU even beat JMU the year JMU won the Div-2 NC. AND, this was before WVU was winning 10/11 games a year, but it wasn't that long ago. Given MI has a far richer tradition, than WVU, and is the team with the most all time wins, howzabout giving it a rest. You've made your point in spades. Even Tomcat has declared you the "winner". You can relax now. Enjoy your game.
coondawg1 said:
posted on December 7, 2007 8:14 PM — 68.114.136.135 — link — abuse?
Zac your team sux, go back to your porn sites before mommy gets home from work to cook your dinner. Wofford and Georgia Southern would humiliate your whole conference. Appalachian State would kick the Buckeye butt. Go kiss tomcat ssa while i watch a real bcs team. Yeah thats right, your system a joke, put App. St. in the orange bowl. They deserve a bowl game way over Michigan. Florida if you lose to Michigan take Your Sorriest Ever Conference, and move in with Zac and Ou ron and M go blue.
P.S. TOUCHDOWN APPALACHIAN STATE!!!!!!!!!!
MUCK MICHIGANBevo Boy said:
posted on December 7, 2007 10:12 PM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse?
coondawg, what do the Buckeyes have to do with the Big East? They are in a conference called the Big 10. See, they have the same first word, but instead of the word East, there is a 10. Similar, but completely different conferences.
coondawg1 said:
posted on December 7, 2007 10:25 PM — 68.114.136.135 — link — abuse?
BUCKEYES ARE CHICKEN CRAP, THEIR SCURRED OF THEM TOO. WEST VIRGINIA HAS BEEN TRYIN TO GET A HOME AND AWAY WITH OSU FOR YEARS. 2014 IT HAPPENS. THANKS SWEATERVEST. BEVO ILL PIMP SLAP YOU FOR RUNNIN YOUR BIG MOUTH, PUNK. S. FLORIDA WOULD DESTROY YOUR BIG 10 PATTSIES. PEACE IM OUT
Tomcat said:
posted on December 8, 2007 2:20 AM — 68.93.140.127 — link — abuse?
#30 Hey Man leave me outa this one, man this takes talkin sh-t to another level. Kev and the fanblog police will probably have to step in.
I didnt get a chance to hear Coach Rod's press conference. good luck in yalls bowl
Colorado showed us that OU can be beat, even with a healthy Bradford. I have to admit I didnt see the WV vs Pitt game.
Hookem-Horns
Zac said:
posted on December 8, 2007 11:57 PM — 205.188.116.136 — link — abuse?
Papa Smurf (AKA coondawg), hast thow no imagination? "Your team sux, go back to your porn sites before mommy gets home from work to cook your dinner?" Can't you do any better than that? (Actually, I used to cook for my mom; had supper on the table for her when she got home from work. I think I was the better cook. She'd likely back me up, but she's been dead for 16 years, so, I have no proof.)
As for Wofford, good team. WVU beat them in 2005; there was no honor in it.
Anyway, Kev says, "Don't feed the trolls." I never did know when to follow directions, so I thought I'd try something new.
What is your name? OU-Ron
What is your quest? Boomer Sooner!!!
What is your favorite color? Red
Right, off you go.What is your name? IrisJT
What is your quest? Bring respect back to ND.
What is your favorite color? Black…NO GREE…AHHHHHH!!!
(Coondawg, you'd have gotten a kick out of IrisJT.)What is your name? Papa Smurf (AKA Coondawg)
What is your quest? Bring Boise St to prominence!!!
What is your favorite color? Smurf Blue
Right, off you go.What is your name? GatorHippy
What is your quest? Bring another NC to FL
What is the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow? African or European variety???
Well, I don't know…AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!So, wata think? We start are own movie or wat?!?
Tomcat said:
posted on December 9, 2007 12:25 AM — 68.93.140.127 — link — abuse?
Zac Thats purty good stuff, but can a 5 ounce swallow carry a 2 lb cocanut? Hence I jest
Coondog- Bring us a Shrubrey
Shes a witch burn her burn her
and of course the holy handgrenade and
I shall fart in your generally direction
run away run away
Thanks Zac we needed some comic reliefZac said:
posted on December 9, 2007 9:57 AM — 205.188.116.136 — link — abuse?
Up there in GatorHippy's lines, I should have said bring the Heisman to Tebow. It would have worked. Congrats, Tim, on a great season. Looks like we'll be putting up with you for at least 1 more year. (Ya never know; he might go pro his Sr year.)
Tomcat said:
posted on December 9, 2007 7:47 PM — 69.148.199.64 — link — abuse?
Thanks Zac Ya its kinda funny us being bootie buddies and all having never met, I guess we werent jumping on the WAC bandwagon so our manhood was questioned, makes alot of sense coming from the wize and all knowing authority on the matter "One Flew over the CooCoo's nest" formally known as coondog. At least I know what sex I am, couldnt quite figure what the hell that idiot was. Perhaps they will change the Meds for this unfortunate lunitic.
Hookem-Horns
Adios Tomcat
posted on December 10, 2007 12:57 PM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse?War Eagle Atlanta
said:
Sail on down the line, Bill...
'Bout a half or mile or so...
And we, didn't want Lloyd to go,
But he, couldn't beat OhioIt was plain to see thatta,
Hat-wearing guy like Les,
would a, surely passed our test,
he was maize and blueAnd I don't know, about the things you're gonna say, Bill..
You wasted all our money and our time...
And now it ain't so hard to say...
Would you please just go away...a....a...And we'll just go again
Playing the Big 10
We'll just be moving on....
We're looking for a new AD.....
Apologies to Lionel Richie and the Commodores...
posted on December 11, 2007 12:17 PM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse? said:
I'm glad you guys like my lyrical abilities. Believe it or not, that song was playing on the radio yesterday when I glanced on that thread, so I just decided to change it up a bit.
Now if I could just sing worth a damn...
TE
said:
posted on December 5, 2007 9:08 PM — 70.180.43.182 — link — abuse?Lloyd Carr...The gift that keeps on giving...