Greg Robinson done deal for DC

[bigboyBlue]

According to msg boards. Hmm...

[Silver Bullet]

I hope for your sake the guy is a better coordinator than he is head coach. I'm really surprised that Um went in this direction....

[bigboyBlue]

I hope for your sake the guy is a better coordinator than he is head coach. I'm really surprised that Um went in this direction....

Hence the hmm. He is a bigger gamble than I was hoping they would take. Certainly not lacking for experience. We'll see how the year turns out. I really hope this doesn't mean that Hopson will get all pissy and jump ship.

[StevieBrownforHeisman]

Kind of a gamble but an easy hire, that I am 60% confident in. This is not robinsons first rodeo, and hopefully he meshes well with the staff.

[1OSUNUT]

How dedicated will he be ? He is going from a head coach to a DC. Will he be happy or will he have one eye toward a better job ?

[Silver Bullet]

How dedicated will he be ? He is going from a head coach to a DC. Will he be happy or will he have one eye toward a better job ?

I think he's going to have one eye towards a condo in Florida.

[The Michigan Man]

How dedicated will he be ? He is going from a head coach to a DC. Will he be happy or will he have one eye toward a better job ?

That is good news - generally, the best way to get a better job is to perform well at your current job. Good assistants should be rotating to HC jobs after a couple of years.

[Sten Carlson]

How dedicated will he be ? He is going from a head coach to a DC. Will he be happy or will he have one eye toward a better job ?

I think that he'll be professional about his job, and I think that everyone in on the negotiations will make their vision of the future known, i.e., how long do you think you'll be a DC, are you looking for HC jobs, etc.

I think this hire (if it is true) goes a long way to showing what kind of shape the defense is in. There is no doubt that RR has the connections and the pull to bring up a young hot shot looking for a break to be DC -- someone even from within. But, I think that the fact that he's going after a former HC says that he wants someone more mature, and someone that knows how to build a solid defense, and to be a leader. I am not saying that the younger guys don't possess these skills, but I'd be willing to bet that Robinson (if he is in fact coming) is here for two to three seasons, maybe four, and then someone from inside comes up, someone younger. Right now though, I think RR knows that he needs some serious foundational and fundamental work to be done, and he feels more comfortable to trusting that job to someone that knows the coaching business from soup to nuts. Build a mature culture on the defense, bring back hard-nosed form and technique, and then after a few seasons when the leaders of the defense emerge, perhaps hand the defense over to someone more young, energetic, and perhaps innovative (not that I am saying that Robinson wouldn't be energetic and innovative). But, at least as far as I see it, to do so now takes a big risk that is not yet necessary.

Who knows though, perhaps Robinson wants to be a just a DC and settle down for 5 or 6 more seasons with a winning program, then go fishing!

Just my two cents...

[Blue In Ohio]

He's had plenty of sucess at the DC spot. Heck he shut down Notre Dame with Syracuse talent. I think we will see some good things with the players we have. He has won a super bowl and beat southern cal for the national championship in college ball. I like this guy alot more than who we just got rid of.

[bigboyBlue]

I wonder if he will be as potty-mouthed and family-loathing as the current staff..

[Bo Rather]

I think he'll have one eye toward retirement.

[tpilews]

Hmmm.... not sure how I feel about this hire, if in fact the rumors are true. I really like his NFL experience and that could be a nice draw for recruits. His recent "success" aka losing, at Syracuse is a bit of a red flag. Perhaps he's just a better DC than a head coach. I'm willing to give him a pass on that.

It would have been nice to get a huge name, but the university isn't ready to shed out the dough to get that big name. I think UM's landed the best of both worlds. A guy with a ton of nfl experience, that can be brought in without a huge pay increase.

I really want a guy that is going to teach the basics. Too many missed tackles last year. You look at any of the teams in the BCS this past year, and all of their defenses could tackle.

[rickyleach]

who is this guy and he probably couldnt do any worse then shafer

[rickyleach]

i was reading where vance bedford has a shot at the job, he is coaching down at fla right now and some people speculate because of michigan ties he might be a possibility, maybe thats just roooooomerssss, but another name in the hat.

[nc wolverine]

all i ask for is a more intensity than last year. i would like to see some more blitz packages ie line backers , safeties, hell even a cornerback could be entertaining

[GoDeepHammer]

It's official, Greg Robinson is the new DC.

http://michigan.rivals.com/

[blueisbetterthanred]

heres a direct link to an article

New DC (http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/football/index.ssf/2009/01/former_syracuse_coach_greg_rob.html)

[Buzz]

Interesting hire, we'll see what he can do

[1OSUNUT]

As a Buckeye fan I hope he brings that winning attitude and defense from Syracuse with him.

[GoDeepHammer]

As a Buckeye fan I hope he brings that winning attitude and defense from Syracuse with him.

Go away you total douche bag. Don't you have a car to sell or something like that?

[bigboyBlue]

As a Buckeye fan I hope he brings that winning attitude and defense from Syracuse with him.

Or maybe he'll bring his 4 Rose Bowl wins and his 8-0 bowl record with him. How many has Tressy won again?

[rickyleach]

i was just listening to 1460 the fan which is in c/bus and is a primary ohio state station, and they are already doggin michigans hire of robinson, they are a bunch of sorry freekin morons ,

[bigboyBlue]

i was just listening to 1460 the fan which is in c/bus and is a primary ohio state station, and they are already doggin michigans hire of robinson, they are a bunch of sorry freekin morons ,

Any of the UM fans here know who tUO$'s coordinators are? Not me. Don't care.

[Cincy Wolverine]

Anyone else feel like Michigan settled with Greg Robinson instead of pursuing another hot name?

[Buzz]

Anyone else feel like Michigan settled with Greg Robinson instead of pursuing another hot name?

I actually feel like Michigan hired a guy with a lot of coaching experience and probably is a good fit for the program right now.

The only thing that I'll say right now is that he's a bit long in the tooth.

[tpilews]

Anyone else feel like Michigan settled with Greg Robinson instead of pursuing another hot name?

Michigan has a very limited budget when it comes to assistant coaches. Sure there are some young names out there, but they aren't proven.

GR obviously doesn't have what it takes to be a head coach. Overall, he is a good DC though. Taken from mgoblog:
"During the 2004 regular season, Texas outscored its opponents 105-3 in the third quarter, reflective of good halftime adjustments."

Nice stat there. Also, a couple super bowl rings shouldn't hurt bring in some recruits. The consensus on GR is that he is not a very good recruiter, but is a very good defensive coach. However, coordinators don't normally do a lot of recruiting anyway.

[tpilews]

Here's a nice article for those of you who are skeptical.

Robinson an excellent choice for Wolverines (http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigten/0-2-1137/Robinson-an-excellent-choice-for-Wolverines.html)


He helped coach teams that won four Rose Bowls and two Super Bowls, and compiled an 8-0 mark in bowl games. He also served as defensive coordinator with three NFL teams (Broncos, Chiefs and Jets).

[pryorthrowslikeagirl]

Here's a nice article for those of you who are skeptical.

Robinson an excellent choice for Wolverines (http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigten/0-2-1137/Robinson-an-excellent-choice-for-Wolverines.html)

Yea i just read it. I dont really know much about the guy but there are plenty of really good DCs or OC's that went on to be bad head coaches, so his HC record should not be how you judge the hire. Does anyone know his style of defense and i dont mean 4-3, like are his defenses aggressive, force turn overs, etc?

[Bossgobbler23]

He has the experience no doubt. I think as DC he can focus better in one area where perhaps he is better. Time will tell.

[blueisbetterthanred]

He was HC at syracuse and he failed at that job. Not every DC can be a HC and vice versa. I hope he brings the defensive system he had in place with the broncos when they won back-to-back super bowls.

Spin it any way you want, he was a DC at the PROFESSIONAL level with three different teams and has 2 SUPER BOWL rings.

I'll take that any day. Getting a HC who was also a DC in the NFL to come be the DC at michigan shows some great recruiting by rod in my book.

[StevieBrownforHeisman]

Any of the UM fans here know who tUO$'s coordinators are? Not me. Don't care.

that's a good point; and brings us to why the trolls are here in the first place...

[1OSUNUT]

Anyone else feel like Michigan settled with Greg Robinson instead of pursuing another hot name?

Seems like a great fit. He is used to coaching losing teams. He was 10-37 at Syracuse and RR was 3-9 at Michigan this year. Hell he could not do any worse then the guy did last year - could he ?

[tpilews]

Seems like a great fit. He is used to coaching losing teams. He was 10-37 at Syracuse and RR was 3-9 at Michigan this year. Hell he could not do any worse then the guy did last year - could he ?

203 posts, and not one of them is informative in the least. You're a fucking waste of space.

[Buzz]

Yea i just read it. I dont really know much about the guy but there are plenty of really good DCs or OC's that went on to be bad head coaches, so his HC record should not be how you judge the hire. Does anyone know his style of defense and i dont mean 4-3, like are his defenses aggressive, force turn overs, etc?

I think that the program looks at the fact that he has HC experience as a plus. Meaning that his record don't mean as much as his ability to organize and get that defense ready to play.

[tpilews]

I think that the program looks at the fact that he has HC experience as a plus. Meaning that his record don't mean as much as his ability to organize and get that defense ready to play.

I agree Buzz. Just as PTLAG said, GR could be a great DC, but just isn't a very good HC. I'm more than willing to give him a chance. The best thing I've heard about him is that his defenses make adjustments at halftime. This is more critical than most any other aspect of coaching.

[Cincy Wolverine]

Ok, so i feel a bit more confident about Robinson after reading up on him. I'm satisfied with him. Hopefully he does a good job and doesn't retire in a couple years.

[RichRodriguez]

might as just bring lloyd carr back if we are hiring on past accomplishments done over 10 years. the guy is a timex watch in a digital age. he is going to fail.

[ronleflore]

I think that he'll be professional about his job, and I think that everyone in on the negotiations will make their vision of the future known, i.e., how long do you think you'll be a DC, are you looking for HC jobs, etc.

I think this hire (if it is true) goes a long way to showing what kind of shape the defense is in. There is no doubt that RR has the connections and the pull to bring up a young hot shot looking for a break to be DC -- someone even from within. But, I think that the fact that he's going after a former HC says that he wants someone more mature, and someone that knows how to build a solid defense, and to be a leader. I am not saying that the younger guys don't possess these skills, but I'd be willing to bet that Robinson (if he is in fact coming) is here for two to three seasons, maybe four, and then someone from inside comes up, someone younger. Right now though, I think RR knows that he needs some serious foundational and fundamental work to be done, and he feels more comfortable to trusting that job to someone that knows the coaching business from soup to nuts. Build a mature culture on the defense, bring back hard-nosed form and technique, and then after a few seasons when the leaders of the defense emerge, perhaps hand the defense over to someone more young, energetic, and perhaps innovative (not that I am saying that Robinson wouldn't be energetic and innovative). But, at least as far as I see it, to do so now takes a big risk that is not yet necessary.

Who knows though, perhaps Robinson wants to be a just a DC and settle down for 5 or 6 more seasons with a winning program, then go fishing!

Just my two cents...

Eloquent. The word on Robinson is that he can adapt his D to the talent on hand, and maybe he can share that concept with RR.:rolleyes:

[bluestimestwo]

might as just bring lloyd carr back if we are hiring on past accomplishments done over 10 years. the guy is a timex watch in a digital age. he is going to fail.

Yeah. Dick LeBeau is old and he sucked as a head coach. I think that the Steelers should fire him as their defensive coordinator.

What? Number 1 defense? Never mind . . .

[goblue]

Just from the sound of it I think Robinson's a good hire. Anyone who was part of two Super Bowls and part of a Texas program can't be too bad. With that type of experience he should bring some good teaching methods to the program. Even if he's here long enough to get Michigan back on their feet will be good.

[GoDeepHammer]

might as just bring lloyd carr back if we are hiring on past accomplishments done over 10 years. the guy is a timex watch in a digital age. he is going to fail.

For what it's worth, Timex does make digital watches.

I will wait and see how GR does.

[tpilews]

Does anyone know his style of defense and i dont mean 4-3, like are his defenses aggressive, force turn overs, etc?

Read this in an article. It's not a lot of information, but it's at least something positive:


It’s not clear what style of defense Robinson will run at U-M. Syracuse used multiple defenses during his tenure.

So, Robinson likes to use different looks throughout the game, which is what RR was looking for. Sounds like it may take a couple years to implement the entire defense though. There's a lot to learn for those boys.

More


He’s a guy who has a lot of experience and has won Super Bowls, so you know he knows what he’s doing. Then, when you get working in his defense, you really see it because he puts you in a position to make plays.”

[tpilews]

Taken from detnews article by Chengelis


"They're (U-M) getting one of the best defensive coordinators in the country," Texas coach Mack Brown said. "Greg's a high-energy, creative, hard-working guy who has had success at both the NFL and collegiate levels. He's a veteran coach with a wealth of knowledge who the players really respond to."

[GoBlue21]

heres a direct link to an article

New DC (http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/football/index.ssf/2009/01/former_syracuse_coach_greg_rob.html)

After reading Mack Brown and Derrick Johnson's quotes, I'm pretty solid with the hire.

Like many have said, some of the great coordinators are just that 'great coordinators' and don't have the same success as a head coach. You have to remember, how good was Syracuse anyway before he got there? They had McNabb and Harrison way back but can't remember anyone since then. The Big East wasn't a bad conference either.

Anyway, I will definitely give Greg my full support just like the rest of the staff and players until they give me any reasons not too!

Go Blue!

[Don Unverferth]

A coach who couldn't win at a traditionally good football school gets hired as their DC? Strange move if you ask me. I didn't think UM's problem was so much their defense last season, but their offense. Their defense was ok, and would have been better had they not been put in such a horrible position by their anemic offense.


Well, I'll say this much: The guy's got his work cut out for him. Michigan is losing 7 starters on defense. And while they have scrapped the 3-5-3 or whatever they had experimented with, they still have not declared what base style they will be using (4-3? 3-4?). The guy has 8 weeks before spring practice begins? He's going to have to analyze all the strengths and weaknesses of his current roster, pick a set of defensive schemes accordingly, set a practice syllabus / schedule, and coordinate with the other coaches / assistants with their schedules and practice time slots. It would not surprise me in the least if we hear reports out of the defensive spring practices similar to what we were hearing about the offense last year (confusion, sloppy, lack of cohesion, etc.). I see a lot more potential for disaster than I do for progress.

[BBA1994]

A coach who couldn't win at a traditionally good football school gets hired as their DC? Strange move if you ask me. I didn't think UM's problem was so much their defense last season, but their offense. Their defense was ok, and would have been better had they not been put in such a horrible position by their anemic offense.


Well, I'll say this much: The guy's got his work cut out for him. Michigan is losing 7 starters on defense. And while they have scrapped the 3-5-3 or whatever they had experimented with, they still have not declared what base style they will be using (4-3? 3-4?). The guy has 8 weeks before spring practice begins? He's going to have to analyze all the strengths and weaknesses of his current roster, pick a set of defensive schemes accordingly, set a practice syllabus / schedule, and coordinate with the other coaches / assistants with their schedules and practice time slots. It would not surprise me in the least if we hear reports out of the defensive spring practices similar to what we were hearing about the offense last year (confusion, sloppy, lack of cohesion, etc.). I see a lot more potential for disaster than I do for progress.

I'd be surprised if you can see anything, what with the chode chuggin' cup always in front of your face.

[Buzz]

A coach who couldn't win at a traditionally good football school gets hired as their DC? Strange move if you ask me. I didn't think UM's problem was so much their defense last season, but their offense. Their defense was ok, and would have been better had they not been put in such a horrible position by their anemic offense.


Well, I'll say this much: The guy's got his work cut out for him. Michigan is losing 7 starters on defense. And while they have scrapped the 3-5-3 or whatever they had experimented with, they still have not declared what base style they will be using (4-3? 3-4?). The guy has 8 weeks before spring practice begins? He's going to have to analyze all the strengths and weaknesses of his current roster, pick a set of defensive schemes accordingly, set a practice syllabus / schedule, and coordinate with the other coaches / assistants with their schedules and practice time slots. It would not surprise me in the least if we hear reports out of the defensive spring practices similar to what we were hearing about the offense last year (confusion, sloppy, lack of cohesion, etc.). I see a lot more potential for disaster than I do for progress.

You gotta know that the program will be running a combination of even and odd man fronts with this new DC, complete with the RichRod Nickel.

You also gotta know if you actually watch football that it's not so much schemes as it is execution. Greg Robinson has been brought in to help with getting this defense organized and executing on a per down basis.

[tpilews]

A coach who couldn't win at a traditionally good football school gets hired as their DC? Strange move if you ask me. I didn't think UM's problem was so much their defense last season, but their offense. Their defense was ok, and would have been better had they not been put in such a horrible position by their anemic offense.


Well, I'll say this much: The guy's got his work cut out for him. Michigan is losing 7 starters on defense. And while they have scrapped the 3-5-3 or whatever they had experimented with, they still have not declared what base style they will be using (4-3? 3-4?). The guy has 8 weeks before spring practice begins? He's going to have to analyze all the strengths and weaknesses of his current roster, pick a set of defensive schemes accordingly, set a practice syllabus / schedule, and coordinate with the other coaches / assistants with their schedules and practice time slots. It would not surprise me in the least if we hear reports out of the defensive spring practices similar to what we were hearing about the offense last year (confusion, sloppy, lack of cohesion, etc.). I see a lot more potential for disaster than I do for progress.

Don, I'll agree with you that the offense did hurt the defense this past year. No doubt if the offense/special teams take care of the ball, the defense isn't on the field as much. They get a longer break, they make tackles. Therefore they play better. Sure.

As Buzz already said, there will be a combination of fronts for the defense. Robinson ran multiple defenses at Syracuse. RR wanted a DC that would do this. No doubt there is a lot of work to do. As I said before, it may take a couple years until the defense is entirely in operation. They may have to implement it in stages. The one thing I will say about the defense being young, is that they will be able to be molded into whatever GR wants. And, he won't have to deal with undoing 2, 3, or 4 years of mediocre coaching. I think the biggest thing GR needs to do is stress the fundamentals of defense. Tackling, tackling, tackling.

[Blue In Ohio]

Syracuse has not been good for some time and as I recall their last coach Paul Pascoloni was one heck of a good coach who came and torched Michigan when he had talent. The trouble with Syracuse and winning is that there is no talent there. I see many are downing Robinson for the failure at Syracuse but why not look at what he was able to get right. 15 years in the NFL and two superbowls. The guy knows something. I think this was a solid hire. This guys very experienced. I think our defense will improve dramatically next year. I've got no gripes. I doubt anybody available out there has a perfect resume. Send Tressel to the NFL and he gets clobbered.