Definitely didn't mean to discredit Hoke right off the back. But when names like Harbaugh and Les were popping up, I think it's safe to say that Hoke is a very unexpected and underwhelming pick. With that said, you're absolutely right in that big names all started somewhere and Chip Kelly (as well as a lot of others) is a perfect example of that. But it also helped that Kelly was OC at Oregon before taking over. One thing to be weary of is HC of smaller schools taking over big programs. Rodriguez, Kelly (early), Hawkins, Dooley (early), Gill (early) all had a lot of trouble adjusting to their new jobs.
I don't actually know anything about Hoke, so I'm not meaning to defend him. But rumors are that after Harbaugh was off the table, he's the guy the AD wanted. Les Miles has a lot of fans in powerful Michigan circles, and they weren't happy that Miles wasn't given the job last time around. Apparently, it's part of the reason that RichRod didn't have much leeway with the fan base. So rumors are that the AD made a big show of courting Miles so they could say he was seriously considered and didn't want the job, so they moved onto their next option. I have ZERO idea as to the validity of that - it may all be damage control, for all I know. But that's what I've read.
Michigan avoided a big mistake by not hiring Les Miles. Time will tell if Brady Hoke was the right guy.
Michigan is absolutely a 1st tier gig. Muschamp would be there right now had they pursued him before Florida. I could even see someone like Stoops going to Michigan. They can recruit, they draw fans, plenty of money, great facilities, great conference, tradition - its all there. Current success has little to do with the attractiveness of a job, nobody decent will want to touch Boise State once Peterson leaves. Michigan man, that's a job.
If Charles Woodson and Tom Brady, both played under Hoke, say he is good, then he is fine with me. Time will tell, but Hoke won't have trouble in adjusting.
