Just based on reading various Michigan message boards and blogs since it was announced that Brady Hoke is the school's new football coach, it's pretty clear that many fans are not thrilled with how the coaching search played out. A good deal of fans would have rather had another coach but are at least happy that Hoke got the job. Others, however, are much more pessimistic about the future of the program under Hoke. Just like the Rich Rodriguez years, it seems like the fan base is split on Michigan's new football coach.
Perhaps unlike when Rodriguez was the coach, it seems that Hoke has the full support of former Michigan players and coaches. After Rodriguez was hired and especially after the losses piled up many former players spoke out against him. For Hoke so far, though, all former players seem on board with him taking over the program. Just look at the quotes below.
"I'm excited for Brady Hoke and even more excited for Michigan. I'm glad this process is over and we can begin to restore the tradition and respect that was once Michigan." — Green Bay Packers star Charles Woodson, who won the 1997 Heisman Trophy and national champion at Michigan.
"Brady Hoke is a great choice. Michigan just got a whole lot better." — Former Michigan player and assistant coach Andy Moeller, son of ex-coach Gary Moeller.
"I hope the guys are happy to have a coach that really understands Big Ten football, no disrespect to Rich Rod." — Former Michigan player Pierre Woods.
There are many more quotes just like that from former Michigan players, and former Michigan coaches are also in favor of the hire.
"Brady Hoke is a great choice for Michigan." — Former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr.
"[...] he's a defensive coach, and players understand what is important to the head coach and they're going to know defense is important, Really, the foundation for Michigan football for many years was to play great defense and to run the ball, and so I'm positive Brady will get back to those things." — Former Michigan defensive coordinator Ron English.
Even Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel had positive things to say about the hire.
"He's a good man. He's a Michigan man. He's a Midwestern man. He's a good coach."
Perhaps most importantly, the players currently on the team seem to be very happy with the hire. When Rodriguez was first hired there was some dissension within the team that took a toll on the chemistry amongst players. For Hoke, that doesn't seem to be the case. Obviously things can change considering Hoke's first meeting with the players isn't until today at 11:30 a.m., but Michigan players were excited when Dave Brandon delivered the news on Tuesday.
"Everybody started smiling," Koger said. "We didn't know what to do. But somebody started the slow clap and we all just followed in."
And then . . .
"Everybody got up, round of applause," said Jibreel Black, a freshman defensive end.
"Big cheer. We've been waiting for a new coach, and we've finally got one. We've got our leader back."
For more reaction on Hoke from current players, go here and here. For the national reaction on the Hoke hire, go here.