M cubed

As I hinted at in a previous post, this week's blog will focus on The Michigan Man Mantra (M3). In preparation for this blog I Googled "Michigan Man." Much to my surprise there were several hits that offered several different explanations for the meaning of "Michigan Man."  I learned that Fielding Yost used the term in several of his speeches. However, I first remember the words being muttered by Bo Schembechler when he was Athletic Director at Michigan. He found out that Bill Frieder, the basketball coach at the time, had signed a contract to coach at Arizona the following season. Bo fired him the day before the NCAA basketball tournament was to begin. He said, "A Michigan Man will coach Michigan."

In light of the press conference yesterday to announce, to no one's surprise, that head football coach Brady Hoke was dismissed from his duties, this question was asked by a reporter. "Will the new coach be a Michigan Man, something we've all heard so much about?" Interim Athletic Director answered this question directly and with great poise and confidence. I couldn't have been more proud of they way he handled it. In fact, I had to hold back," Can I get an Amen!?!?!" when he gave his answer.

I have long held the belief that Bo's words have been misinterpreted by people with personal agendas, misinformation, and people who think they know about Michigan, but really have no clue.  So, here's my personal interpretation of what a Michigan Man is....

A Michigan Man is someone who leads their life with integrity, first and foremost.  And by this I mean, just as Merriam-Webster defines it, a person who has the quality of being honest and having strong moral principals. That quality is the most important one to me.  I don't want a coach that isn't going to play the game, and everything that goes with it, honestly and with strong moral principals.

Secondly, a Michigan Man is someone that has an undying loyalty to Michigan. Someone that will do whatever is humanly possible to represent the university the best way possible, as long as it is done with the first quality I mentioned at the forefront.  And yes, this means winning games. That's part of the job of a coach.

Next, a Michigan Man must have compassion. There are so many situations in this world, some of them right at Mott's Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor, that need a hero.  This has been a long standing tradition at Michigan. Players and coaches go visit, bond, connect, and establish relationships with the patients and families at Mott's. I hope the next coach follows in this tradition. It builds character and brings the student-athletes to an understanding that life does not begin and end with football.

Additionally, a Michigan Man is one who has a bit of an edge to their personality. Someone who is firey; yet calm during adversity, honest; yet compassionate when necessary, and driven; yet focused with eyes wide open.

And lastly, a Michigan Man is one who understands, or is willing to learn, what Michigan is all about. The traditions. The beliefs. The former legendary coaches and players. The history. The winged helmet. The Leaders. The Best. The Song. The Victors.

So you see, a Michigan Man doesn't have to be a male or someone with direct ties to the university (student, player, coach, or otherwise). It just has to be someone that "get's it."

“But do let me reiterate the spirit of Michigan. It is based upon a deathless loyalty to Michigan and all her ways; an enthusiasm that makes it second nature for Michigan men to spread the gospel of their university to the world’s distant outposts; a conviction that nowhere is there a better university, in any way, than this Michigan of ours.”  

Fielding Yost, 1942

My Pick 6 interview questions if I were on the search committee:
1. What is your equation for success?
2. How will you unite the factions that exist at Michigan?
3. Why do you think our previous coach wasn't able to win?
4. How will you establish leadership on the team?
5. What will be your selling point(s) to potential recruits?
6. Do you value seniority or hard work more?

~Bekki
Go Blue!