Hoke takes reins at Michigan
ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Michigan picked San Diego State's Brady Hoke as its new football coach Tuesday, hours after LSU said Les Miles would be staying in the Bayou.
Hoke, 52, is not a Michigan man - he's an Ohio native and Ball State alumnus - but he is a former Wolverines assistant from better days and athletic director Dave Brandon praised him highly in announcing his decision.
"He is a terrific coach and will be a great ambassador and leader for our football program," Brandon said. "We look forward to having him build a championship program on the field and in the classroom."
Hoke brings something of a rebuilder's reputation with him after stints at Ball State (2003-08) and San Diego State (2009-10).
A defensive line coach at Michigan, Hoke helped the defense lead the nation in rushing defense and was on the staff during the 1997 national championship run. During his tenure, Michigan went 5-3 against rivals Michigan State and Ohio State and in bowl games.
"I'm excited for Brady Hoke and even for Michigan," Green Bay Packers and former Michigan star Charles Woodson wrote in a text message to The Associated Press.
Hoke has 28 years of college experience overall, with assistant coaching stints at Grand Valley State (1983), Western Michigan (1984-86), Toledo (1987-88), Oregon State (1989-94) and Michigan (1995-2002).
UConn closing in on Whipple
A UConn athletic department official said the school and Mark Whipple, 53, are in the final stages of negotiations for the former University of Miami offensive coordinator to lead the Huskies football program. Whipple also is a former head coach at New Haven and UMass.
