Michigan picks Hoke as new football coach

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Brady Hoke has at least a few things in common with the late, great Bo Schembechler.

They both hail from the Buckeye state, didn't attend Michigan and climbed the coaching ladder before getting a shot to lead the Wolverines. Schembechler restored Michigan as a national power after being welcomed with “Bo Who?” headlines.

Hoke? Despite successful head coaching stints at San Diego State and Ball State, the former Michigan assistant might get a lukewarm reception, too, after fans clamored to bring Jim Harbaugh or Les Miles back to their alma mater.

Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon picked Hoke as his new football coach Tuesday, insisting he was Plan A and not a backup option after Harbaugh left Stanford for the San Francisco 49ers and Miles stayed at LSU.

“The job was never offered to them,” Brandon said in an interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday after informing the team of his decision. “We did have different discussions with them that were helpful and positive.”

Harbaugh was the popular pick when Brandon bought out the last three seasons of Rich Rodriguez's three-year contract last week. When Harbaugh went to the NFL, Miles appeared to be a logical choice.

Instead, it will be Hoke.

“Brady Hoke understands Michigan and he wanted this job because it has been dream job,” Brandon said. “We won't have to teach him the words to “The Victors.”