In an event yesterday for Michigan Alumni, Athletic Director Dave Brandon and Coaches Brady Hoke, John Beilein, John Paul (men's lacrosse), Jennifer Ulehla (women's lacrosse), and Chaka Daley (men's soccer) came to San Francisco to talk about the future of Michigan athletics. I know, I know I am not an alumnus, but there was no chance I was going to miss out on seeing the gang visit my home town.
While listing to Dave Brandon speak infront of the 300, mostly elderly, alumni I could not help but notice that Dave Brandon was alluding to some interesting changes in the Michigan athletic department. Half way through Dave Brandon's 30 minute question session, an elderly gentleman asked Brandon to speak on behalf of the baseball team and their recent struggles.
To my surprise, Brandon was extremely harsh in his assessment of the baseball team. He 
said the baseball program was not up to his standards and that changes needed to be made to make the team competitive again. Little did we know, several hours later the head coach of the men's baseball team, Rich Maloney would be let go. After 10 seasons with the team, Maloney and Brandon mutually agreed to not renew his contract. This statement was released about 4 hours after Brandon spoke to us, and clearly explains his brusque criticism of the baseball program.
After Brandon spoke to the alumni, I got a chance to talk with him for a few minutes 1 on 1. In our few minutes together we discussed the possibilities of a BCS football "playoff." Brandon was very forward in his belief that a BCS playoff would NOT be a good thing for college football for a few reasons. First of all he noted that a playoff would ruin the traditions of bowl games like the Rose Bowl. Brandon asserted that the Rose Bowl is a deep part of Michigan tradition and that bypassing traditions like this is not good for Michigan and its fans.
Secondly, he noted that a BCS playoff is not economically feasible for the fans. While a 
playoff might bring in more revenue for the NCAA, it just doesn't work for the fans, students and alumni. We both agreed that it is unreasonable to ask Michigan fans to go to a playoff game one weekend in New Orleans, then Miami the next week for the semifinals, and Phoenix for the finals. I understand Michigan has a fan-base that is willing to travel to bowl games, but the majority of BCS schools don't have the same number of fans and alums who are willing to travel 3 to 4 weekends in a row to see their team play.
Lastly, Brandon noted that a playoff just doesn't work for the players. Brandon assured 
me that if there was one more game after the Sugar Bowl that key starters Denard Robinson, Ryan Van Bergen, Craig Roh, David Molk and Troy Woolfolk would all have been questionable to play because of injuries. He said that the game is just too taxing on the players to justify having the playoff.
Despite his opposition to a BCS playoff, he did agree that he felt that college football is heading in that direction and there will most likely be a playoff in the near future. He cautioned that a BCS playoff wont fix the problem, in that teams will still be unhappy at the end of the season for not being included in the tournament. Although, the NCAA will be happy because they will make a hefty sum for hosting the event. But despite his opposition and disapproval of the playoff idea, he did make it clear that he feels Michigan will eventually be aiming for a chance to play in the NCAA tournament and not necessarily the Rose Bowl because there are so many schools pleading for a reform to the BCS.
This alumni event was very fun for me to attend, because of the openness and honesty of AD Dave Brandon. 
While he did not explicitly say that he was going to let go the baseball coach, he was honest in his displeasure with the progress of the team and his expectation that every team on campus should be striving for a championship season. Additionally, he was honest in his projection of the future of college football, even though that is not the direction he thinks is best for the game, the players and the fans. I think Dave Brandon has great intentions for the Michigan program and is seeing over the athletic department with the right attitude: championship or bust. This is the kind of leadership the Michigan athletic program needs and the kind of leadership we should expect.
Go Blue!
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