Michigan fires head coach Brady Hoke (Updated)
The Brady Hoke era at Michigan is over.
Michigan interim athletic director Jim Hackett informed Brady Hoke of his dismissal in a meeting Tuesday afternoon. Hackett then confirmed the news in a press conference later on Tuesday afternoon and in a press release.
"I met with Coach Hoke today and informed him of my decision to make a change in the leadership of our football program," Hackett said in a statement. "This was not an easy decision given the level of respect that I have for Brady. He has done a great job of molding these young men, making them accountable to their teammates, focusing them on success in the classroom and in the community.
"I wanted to make sure that Brady received adequate time to exhibit the results that would come from his effort and I believe that Brady and our coaching staff had enough time to produce those results and unfortunately they are not there. In the end, I feel that moving in a different direction is the right decision. I wish Brady and his family all the best in the future."
Hoke’s fourth season at the helm ended Saturday with a loss to rival Ohio State, dropping the Wolverines to 5-7 – the first time the program has missed out on a bowl game since 2009.
Overall in four seasons, Hoke’s record at Michigan was 31-20 (18-14 Big Ten).
"I feel very fortunate to have been an assistant and head coach at the University of Michigan," said Hoke. "I will always support the University and this football program. This is a special place and one that Laura, Kelly and I have enjoyed representing during our time in Ann Arbor. I want to thank all of the sons that played for our teams and appreciate the commitment that our coaches and support staff made to the program every day.
"I will miss the relationships that I've been fortunate enough to make within this university and community. I additionally appreciate all of the support that our fans, alumni, students, administration and former players have provided our program. I leave with fond memories of my experience at Michigan. Thanks and Go Blue!"
After six seasons at Ball State and two at San Diego State, Hoke was hired by former school athletic director Dave Brandon in January 2011, replacing Rich Rodriguez. His first season with the program was a big success. The Wolverines went 11-2, beat Ohio State and knocked off Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl as Hoke earned Big Ten Coach of the Year.
Since then, the team's record has gotten worse each season. The Wolverines went 8-5 in 2012 and 7-6 in 2013 before this year's disastrous 5-7 campaign that was marred by the Shane Morris concussion incident. Hoke and Brandon – who resigned in late October – were criticized for allowing the sophomore quarterback to stay in the game against Minnesota after appearing woozy following a hard hit to the helmet. Morris, who was later diagnosed with a concussion, was taken out a play later, but then was put back into the game for another play later on in the game.
Before taking over as head coach at Ball State in 2003, Hoke served as an assistant on Lloyd Carr's staff at Michigan from 1995-2002. Hoke also had stints as an assistant at Grand Valley State, Western Michigan, Toledo and Oregon State following his playing career as a linebacker at Ball State from 1977 to 1980.
The school announced that current Olympic sport administrator and former football assistant Mike DeBord will "oversee the day-to-day aspects of the football program" until a new coach is hired.
For more Michigan news, visit TheWolverine.com.
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