Wrapping up the Michigan Coaching Staff

Now that Michigan has their new staff in place, lets take a look at the coaching search and its results. We'll grade each hire and performance by people inside the Michigan athletic department.


Michigan Athletic Director Bill Martin
Grade: B-

Despite the good hire that Bill Martin made in Rich Rodriguez, I can't excuse him for the process that took place. He dragged Michigan's name through the mud of multiple coaches turning down the school and it also seemed like the search had no direction at times.



Michigan School President Mary Sue Coleman
Grade: C

This coaching search determined the future of the Michigan football program and maybe even the entire athletic department based on how much money it brings in. I would have liked to see Michigan been more aggressive in bringing in a big name with a big dollar hire early in the search-- which would have gone through Coleman.



Michigan Head Football Coach Rich Rodriguez
Grade: A-

In my opinion, Rodriguez has done a fantastic job with hiring his coaching staff. He's done it speedily and swiftly while including members of his old staff and going outside the box to hire new coaches into his system. He earns the "-" because of recruiting. We'll change that to a + if he lands Mr. Pryor.

Grading the Staff

Offensive Coordinator: Calvin Magee
Grade: A

Magee is right next to Rodriguez in terms of knowledge of the spread offense. He is a capable guy at recruiting and as an "x's and o's" coordinator in the spread offense. He has even been considered for NFL jobs. His offenses are unique and play off the strengths of the talent he has.




Defensive Coordinator Scott Shafer
Grade: B

This may be a nice hire for Rich Rodriguez for other reasons then defense. Shafer is familiar with Michigan and the area. He served under Michigan alumni Jim Harbaugh at Stanford and has coached at both Western Michigan and Northern Illinois. Hopefully this is a hire to keep Michigan on recruiting lockdown