Hemingway calling for a Michigan upset in opener

Many oddsmakers have Michigan as a 13 point underdog in the season opener against Alabama. We all know games are won on the field and not on paper or in Vegas. The Crimson Tide should be the favorites since they are the defending national champion. But it will be a new year so it's no guarantee the Tide will roll over Michigan.

Former Michigan receiver Junior Hemingway has the utmost confidence in his ex-teammates. In fact he thinks Michigan will pull an upset in the opener.


"They're going to grind from day one, all the way up to that point," Hemingway told the Birmingham (Ala.) News about the Michigan-Alabama game. "I already went through it and I know how it is."


Bold words for someone not playing in the game. 

I'm sure Nick Saban will have Alabama working hard and grinding despite winning a national championship. If  Michigan can field a decent defense they will compete, but it's hard not to pick Bama in this game.
 

Hoke says there's no "Gentleman's Agreement" in the Big Ten

The Urban Meyer effect is up and running in the Big Ten and a couple of coaches aren’t happy about it.

This past recruiting season the new Ohio State football boss Meyer managed to flip his fair share share of recruits including Mark Dantonio’s top recruit in Se’Von Pittman. The same can be said for Bret Bielema at Wisconsin who lost prized offensive lineman Kyle Dodson on recruiting day to Ohio State.


“(Ohio State has) a new coach, and it’s different,” Dantonio told the Detroit News. “I would say it’s pretty unethical, in the end.”


Bielema echoed those sentiments after losing prized offensive lineman Kyle Dodson to Ohio State on signing day.


“There are a few things that happened early on that I made people aware of that I didn’t want to see in this league, that I had seen take place in other leagues,” Bielema said on Wednesday. “Other recruiting tactics, other recruiting practices that are illegal.


“I was very up front and was very pointed to the fact, actually reached out to Coach Meyer and shared my thoughts and concerns with him. The situation got rectified.”



According to AnnArbor.com, Bielema told Sporting News that Badgers athletic director Barry Alvarez would be talking to Big Ten commissioner Jim Delaney today in Chicago about Meyer’s tactics.

Now you may be wondering why Bielema and Dantonio are so upset in a conference that’s extremely competitive and takes great pride in their rivalries?

It all boils down to a so-called “gentleman’s agreement” amongst the Big Ten coaches.

Bielema further called Meyer’s recruiting tactics “illegal” in light of the “gentleman’s agreement” which says that no coach in the Big Ten will actively go after a recruit that is already verbally committed to another Big Ten school.


Not all Big Ten coaches though agree on this “gentlemen’s agreement” and on those coaches is Michigan’s Brady Hoke…

“As far as I’ve known, it’s always been fair game until they sign,” said Hoke, who’s been in the league one year as a head coach and seven as an assistant. “I don’t have as much a problem with that and, hopefully, we don’t get too many of those that go away from you.

“But, I don’t think there needs to be an agreement, to be honest with you. Kids are going to be kids. They’re 18 years old, 17 years old. As long as everything has been handled in an ethical manner and professional manner, and by the rules, I don’t have a problem with it.”

Now Hoke hasn’t experienced the same draw backs that Dantonio and Bielema have experienced with recruits flipping to Ohio State. In fact Hoke was able to flip five-star offensive lineman Kyle Kalis from Ohio State prior to Meyer being announced as the new head coach.

Again though in a competitive conference with top notch coaches it should be expected that programs are going to do everything they possibly can to make their teams better. This includes trying to flip rival schools recruits to their own.

In the end a verbal commitment means nothing. Hoke isn't about making excuses about anything. He knows the game and isn't going to whine about anything.

Now about those 16 scholarships OSU had open and oversigning at 25 commitments is another story.

Home of Junior Hemingway burglarized

Former Michigan receiver Junior Hemingway having one of the worse moments of his life right now.

The family home in Conway, South Carolina was robbed for the second time in four months. Thieves knocked down the front door and stole nearly $5,000 in goods. That included a large screen television and several of Hemingway's Michigan mementos, which included his jerseys and bowl rings. his Sugar Bowl MVP trophy was left behind.

"The sad thing is, this stuff just can't be replaced," Hemingway father Kenneth Hemingway said.


It's not the dollar value attached to the crime, it's the sentimental value of it. Hopefully the people who did this will be brought to justice and the items can be recovered.    

Ohio State Refuses To List Michigan On Its Schedule

When Brady Hoke took over at Michigan he promised to get back to Michigan roots. Part of those roots are the hatred for Ohio State. Hoke never mentioned the Buckeyes by name always referring to them as Ohio.

After an off year by the Buckeyes which Michigan broke the seemingly decade long losing streak to Ohio State, the Bucks decided to go Woody Hayes on Michigan when they made their schedule.

 It's vintage Michigan vs. Ohio State. Hoke vs. Meyer. The new faces of the best rivalry in the Big Ten.

Denard Robinson Seeks NFL Advice

Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson has asked the NFL Draft advisory board for information on where he would get drafted if he entered the 2012 NFL Draft.

From ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg:

I also asked "Shoelace" whether or not he had submitted paperwork to the NFL draft advisory board.


"I did," Robinson said, "but we'll see what happens."


Asked if he's planning to return to Michigan in 2012, Robinson said, "most likely, yes."

Breathe easy Michigan fans that doesn't mean he plans on leaving. He just submitted paperwork to get a feel on where he would land if he decided to leave school. Robinson is one of the most dynamic playmakers in college football today, but right now his skills do not translate to playing quarterback in the NFL.

Cool down Tebow-breath. Just because Tim Tebow's skills alledgedly did not translate to the league and has done ok doesn't mean Robinson's will. For all his playmaking skills, Robinson has a long way to go before he's thought of as a legitimate NFL quarterback prospect.

Robinson does have a year under his belt in offensive coordinator Al Borges' pro style system so that should help him as he progresses to the 2012-13 season.

"A year under my belt is going to help me a lot," Robinson said. "I think I can do some special things next year."     

Another year will help him, but whether that makes scouts see him more than a slot receiver or return man remains to be seen.

Rodriguez Might Get A Shot At Wolverines

Promises, promises. Alledgedly that's what newly hired Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez got from Arizona. The promise was that they would give him a shot to beat his former school, Michigan, by scheduling them in three years. I guess that's how much time Rodriguez will need to get the Wildcats on track.

This comes from Louisiana high school football coach J.T. Curtis.

”My understanding is, in talking to coach Rich Rodriguez, and I was involved in that just a little bit, is that it was a much closer decision than people realize between Tulane and Arizona,” Curtis said. “I know that might not sound right to you but I think Tulane did all they could do to give him an opportunity to come there and a chance to coach, and I think his expression to me was that he felt like he had a better chance to win the national championship at Arizona if he recruited properly. And they promised him they’d put Michigan on the schedule in three years,” Curtis said. “I’m telling you, it was a big deal.”


I don't know if Rodriguez wants that game by then. Brady Hoke has he Wolverines trending upwards so Rodriguez better get some players in a hurry if he wants a shot at Michigan.







  

What Is He Thinking?

Recently Appalachian State has been in the news about the football team making a move up the food chain. Now here's more Appy State news.

Michigan has scheduled them for their 2014 opener for a rematch. Personally this is something the Wolverines should stay away from. We all know what happened last time these two teams met in 2007. 34-32, ball game, thanks for coming.

U-M will pay ASU $850,000 if it's still an FCS program at the time of the game, or $1 million if it's in the FBS, an Appalachian State spokesman said. It is a one-game contract.

“We look forward to facing Appalachian State again,” U-M athletic director Dave Brandon said in a released statement.


Really? What will happen if the Mountaineers come back to Ann Arbor and stun the Wolverines again? There might be a suicide watch group on campus.

Appalachian State coach Jerry Moore welcomes the challenge of trying to knock off one of the titans in college football.

“To have the University of Michigan invite us back is the ultimate compliment for us as a program and a University,” ASU coach Jerry Moore said in a released statement. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to have a new generation of players experience a game day at the Big House and to test themselves against college football’s all-time winningest program.”


I'm going to be a homer and hope that the Wolverines fare better than the last time they faced this group of Mountaineers.




 


  

Stonum To Be Redshirted For 2011

Michigan wide receiver Darryl Stonum was suspended indefinitely in early May after receiving his second DUI offense. Now Stonum will be redshirted for the 2011 season. This came from head coach Brady Hoke.

Even though Stonum would've been in a key contributor for a revamped offense this year, Hoke thought it would be best for Stonum to get his life in order. Now I know all the Michigan State supporters will come out and denounce the decision, but it is what it is. I hear all the howling from East Lansing right now.

Sophomore punter Will Hagerup has been suspended the first four games of the season for undisclosed reasons, and junior receiver Terrence Robinson will miss the season opener Sept. 3 for violating team rules.


This is more than a football decision. Louisville's Charlie Strong made the same decision regarding one of his own players. This is the first major decision that Hoke has made since he's set foot in Ann Arbor.

"While it would be great to have Darryl on the field this season, we feel it is in his best interest and the best interest of our program for him to redshirt," Hoke said in a prepared statement. "Darryl will continue to be an important part of our team and family. He has done everything we have asked him to do, but our number one priority is to help Darryl grow as a person."

"In order to build a championship-caliber culture, you have to be accountable to each other on and off the field," Hoke said. "There are expectations at the University of Michigan you must live up to."



Now we'll see if the other Wolverines will fall in line after Hoke has finally laid down the law.

Poking Fun At Tressel's Expense

Since the black cloud appeared at Ohio State and isn't leaving anytime soon, it's been real easy for rival fans to poke fun at Jim Tressel.

First there was the billboard along I-94 up here in Michigan, the minor league promotion, and now from Sportscrack.com is the latest t-shirt for Michigan fans to wear.

I'm a Michigan fan, but let's get some respect back and some wins over OSU under our belt before we start crowing about anything.  

Lloyd Carr Told Ryan Mallett To Leave Michigan

Up here in Michigan country, Wolverine fans figured Ryan Mallett to be kind of jerky. But as long as he was going to lead Big Blue to a bunch of wins fans would've looked past whatever misgivings he may have had in Ann Arbor. 

Mallett's stay in Ann Arbor didn't last long, and what it seemed everyone knew was true. New coach Rich Rodriguez didn't want Mallett. What no one knew was that outgoing coach Lloyd Carr told Jim Mallett, Ryan's father, that Mallett should leave.

Jim went into detail about Mallett's Michigan exit and choice of going to play for Bobby Petrino at Arkansas in a story in the Boston Herald.

“At the Capital One Bowl, we were trying to smooth things out, and we talked to Coach Carr,” Jim Mallett, Ryan’s dad, said. “I asked him, ‘Coach, next to my dad, you’re the classiest person I’ve ever been around. What would you do if Ryan was your son? He said, ‘If I was in that situation, with a different offense, he needs to leave.’ ”



“Ryan’s the one who called (Rich Rod),” Jim Mallett continued. “He said, “Can I talk about the offense?’ And then he told me, ‘Daddy, (Rodriguez) never looked me in the eye.’ He never visited with the family, he didn’t talk to us. I never met the man. But hey, it wasn’t a fit. Let’s move on.”

“Bobby Petrino was the polar opposite of Lloyd Carr, who is the warmest, sweetest man,” Debbie Mallett said. “Petrino was all business. That was a turn-off for me. I was used to Coach Carr. I knew Ryan wanted to be there, but I was opposed to Coach Petrino. So, I said, “Get me Brian Brohm’s parents’ phone number (because he played for Petrino at Louisville). So, I explained who I was and said, ‘If you had to do it over again, would you want your son to play for Bobby Petrino?’ (Brohn’s parent) said, ‘Hell, yeah. If you got soft ears, you’ll hear some ugly words. But we were actually pissed he wasn’t staying Atlanta (so Brohn could play for him).’ I said, ‘What else can I say?’ After the season, I wrote (Petrino) a note and said, ‘If any parent wants my phone number, feel free to give it to them.’

We all know how everything turned out. Rodriguez had three uneventful seasons at Michigan, Mallett is going to the NFL, and Carr and Petrino look pretty good in this whole mess. 

Rodriguez: "Going To Michigan Was A Mistake"

After having time to sit back and digest his firing after a humiliating three years at Michigan and an embarrassing Gator Bowl loss to Mississippi State, Rich Rodriguez says going to Michigan was a mistake. RichRod, how do you think the Michigan fans feel?

Drastic changes and a lack of defense made Michigan a laughingstock in college football. And that 3-3-5 defensive formation made two defensive coordiantors look horrible. Trust me fans, Greg Robinson was not the problem. He just had a lousy scheme shoved down his throat.


"I think it's easy to go back now and say, 'Gee, made a mistake.' And you can say that now because of hindsight," Rodriguez said in the interview. "But at the time, some of the things I was looking to do and the opportunity that was there, you kind of make the move.


"The frustrating part for us was that we thought we battled through the tougher times to get it to this point where we had a lot of the team coming back and we thought we were getting ready to take off. But you know hindsight is always easier to look back and say, 'It was a mistake.' Because we did have a good thing going at West Virginia, and we really enjoyed it. As you look back at it, wasn't the best move. Easy to say now."

Rodriguez did have a good thing going at West Virginia and decided that he could take his show to a higher level and failed. He should've realized what a good thing he had in Morgantown after his flirtation with Alabama, but I guess the lure of Michigan was too much. I for one wish he would've stayed at West Virginia, therefore the Wolverines wouldn't be going through another upheaval process. He still thinks he could've got the train rolling despite all the turmoil and bad losses.

Rodriguez is not a bad coach, just a bad fit who was in over his head. He says he still wants to coach and I'll be surprised if he doesn't land another job.

"We played the Gator Bowl, then when we were let go in January there wasn't a lot of coaching jobs that were available," Rodriguez said. "I still love coaching, I'm open to another opportunity, but we'll see. If something comes open after this season, and it seems like it may be a good opportunity for me and someone is interested, I'm sure I'll look into it."

They had to let Rodriguez go after the Gator Bowl. They were at the point of no return with the guy. It was a move that had to be made. Also, this is the most honest thing Rodriguez has said regarding Michigan.







 

Rodriguez Thought Michigan Turned The Corner

Rich Rodriguez felt Michigan had turned the corner and is disappointed he and his staff weren't able to finish the job in an interview with the Associated Press. If the Wolverines turned the corner they promptly were jacked in the eye after they turned it.

Watching Michigan the past two years has been disappointing. You watch them get off to fast starts, get someone in the Heisman conversation and watch everything fall like a house of cards. The defense mad no improvements and the 3-3-5 was a paper scheme. I might go to my grave defending Greg Robinson because I know it's not his fault. He's just the bagman for the defensive shortcomings. He couldn't help it if he couldn't take pork chops and make filet mignon out of it. 

"We saw the light at the end of the tunnel," he said Tuesday in a 30-minute interview with the Associated Press.


"Heck, we had 24 starters coming back, and the player of the year in the league -- he's a sophomore and still learning. Recruiting, we thought it was going really well even with all the drama.


"That's the frustrating part about it is we didn't get a chance to finish the job."

It's true Rodriguez was doomed from the start, but some situations he handled badly, such as the Demar Dorsey situation. He never was going to be afforded a chance to finish the job unless he went undefeated. He wasn't an old blue and the alums never warmed up to him.

He felt it wasn't fair that Athletic Director David Brandon left him twisting in the wind. This I do agree with. I feel Brandon knew he was going to fire Rodriguez after the Ohio State game and should've done it then instead of waiting until after th Gator Bowl debacle. By the way, Mississippi State just scored again.

"Whatever I say in that regard is probably going to sound self-serving," Rodriguez said. "Would it have been better for the staff to know a month a head? No question about it. When jobs come open in the college level they come open in December.



"And had I been able to get on somewhere, that could have happened, too. I may have been able to get another head coaching job then. But I still had the belief we had things going to the point where we were going to be pretty good. Like I said, the worst was behind us."


If Rodriguez had been allowed to stay there might've been National Guardsmen headed to Ann Arbor. Michigan simply couldn't wait for things to get better and had to go in a different direction.   
 

Brady Hoke Takes The High Road

Newly minted Michigan head coach Brady Hoke refuses to engage in a war of words with former NFL lineman and San Diego State alum Kyle Turley. A good thing since Turley has went on to talking about other thins such as Dan Marino going Cheech and Chong before games.

Anyway it's a good thing Hoke refuses to be baited into something juvenile. He knows what the task at hand is an that's to rejuvenate and rebuild the Michigan football program. Hoke says he has bigger fish to fry.

Y'know what, Kyle and I really started to build a pretty good relationship," he said, "and I understand his reactions and his sentiments, but I'll reach out to him. I have bigger fish to fry with what we're trying to get set up here, but I'll reach out to Kyle. He's a proud San Diego State alum, who's a tremendous football player, and all-around, he's a good person."


Turley is also a whack job that should keep his mouth shut.


   

Kyle Turley Is A Bitter Man

Turley's finest moment

Former NFL and San Diego State offensive lineman Kyle Turley is pretty bitter about Brady Hoke leaving sunny California to take the Michigan job. Turley told radio station 1090 AM in San Diego that he sent Hoke a scathing text message.

Come on Kyle, be happy for the man. I understand this was the first time the Aztecs had been decent in years, but this was Hoke's dream job. I'm sure if someone offered you your dream job you'd go in a heartbeat. I know I would and I've been at mine for 12 years.

"I was very upset and very disappointed," Turley said. "All season long it was 'Aztec this, Aztec that.' He's trying to convince me (during the season) to come down there to San Diego State. I'm texting him all the time, 'Great job and great win.' For this to happen, it's just very disappointing.


"I texted the guy, this is exactly what I said: 'I understand what you've got to do for you and yours but just the same … I hope you lose every damn game. That was a b.s. move, brother, and you know it.'"

A b.s. move? I don't think so. It happens all the time in sports so you should understand, especially being a former player and all. As far as losing every game, it's not like he's taking over Duke or UTEP. Eventually he'll win some games. He shouldn't be all irate about the situation. Hoke is only looking out for number one. I'm sure if someone asked him to leave his current job to coach lineman for the Dallas Cowboys he would leave in a hot second.

Turley being a hothead, I would expect something like this out of him.

Rodriguez Cleans Out His Closet

You also can dress like Rich Rod 

By know everyone knows Rich Rodriguez was 86'ed by Michigan a few weeks ago. Rodriguez apparently doesn't want anything from Michigan lingering around in his closet.

Rodriguez donated 432 Michigan related items to the Salvation Army in Metro Detroit. I guess everything that was maize and blue had to go. The clothes couldn't fit in the shredder so it was put in trash bags, like that garbage defense he had for the past three years. I wonder if the defensive playbook would be among the items.  Or maybe thje list of special teams standouts. Or maybe the instructions on how to force your system down your team's throat. How about the handbook on trying to recruit a quarterback and run off a big time quarterback in the process. The shirt from the Gator Bowl or one of those ridiculous wristbands.

I know he did a somewhat noble deed by giving stuff he'll never need to the Salvation Army. He probably never wore a lot of that stuff anyway. Good riddance.

Brandon Says Forcier No Longer With The Program

Since the end of the Ohio State game there was a lot of news about the Michigan football team. Will Rich Rodriguez be able to survive? Is Jim Harbaugh coming home? Tate Forcier not being smart enough in the classroom. Mike Martin maybe going pro.

All the questions have been answered. And the Forcier issue, Athletic Director David Brandon gave a clear statement of Tate's status within the Michigan program. Forcier is no longer with the program. This was after Brady Hoke was named as Michigan's new head coach.

In a way I knew Forcier wouldn't last at Michigan. If you can recall, late in his freshman season he appeared to be crying after being pulled for Denard Robinson. After a fine start to his career, he regressed and his attitude screamed of a sense entitlement. Then there was the quarterback derby at the beginning of the year and the everlasting question whether Forcier would transfer or not. I'll give him credit, he did stick around and was pretty valuble as a backup. Then came the Gator Bowl. Forcier was academically ineligible and admitted that he wasn't the greatest student in the classroom boasting he had more street smarts than classroom smarts. That was dumb Tate. Now he has to look for a school that'll take him in. His dismissal, transfer, or mutual parting of the ways looked to be in the cards when Rodriguez went with Robinson as his starter.

As of now the Wolverines will go into next season with Robinson and Devin Gardner as the quarterbacks of the Hoke era.   

Odds Are Miles Stays At LSU

As I sat and watched the Cotton Bowl last night, I thought to myself Les Miles could've been at Michigan. I still believe ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit sabotaged that whole deal by announcing it before anything was a bonafide fact. With Michigan searching for another coach, I believe Miles will once again stay at LSU. I don't know why I feel that way I just think he will.

I would like to see him come here, although he does have the age factor working against him. Also you know there's some slimy business going on in the SEC. They're just like the old Southwest Conference. I have a strong feeling that Miles may have done some dirty dealing himself. Call me crazy, but I'd still welcome him here in Ann Arbor. Anyone that can make Jordan Jefferson look like a halfway viable quarterback, could make Denard Robinson look all world.

Michigan fans need to stop falling all over themselves for a "Michigan Man". I'm tired of hearing about having to hire someone that can "unite the fan base". Listen, all it takes are more wins. Damn everything else. You guys (Michigan Elitists), should get behind whoever is named coach and hope for the best. Whether it's Brady Hoke or someone else. I know there a loots that aren't thrilled with the prospect of Hoke being named coach. That may be the best you can do. I have a suggestion for Athletic Director David Brandon. Take $5 millon, throw it around, shoot for the moon and work your way down. He's a businessman and he should understand that money talks. Otherwise, bring on the Hoke! Because Les Miles ain't coming and I'd be surprised if he does. 

Michigan & Michigan St. Get Drilled

What was the license plate number of the semi that rolled over Michigan and Michigan State today. Wow, I didn't expect wins out of either of them but these games were flat out embarrasments. The Wolverines were decimated by Mississippi State in the Gator Bowl, 52-14. Michigan State didn't show up at all in losing to Alabama, 49-7. Being old school like I am, it reminded me of the episode of What's Happening when Oakland steamrolled Tampa Bay. That's 4 and a half hours that I'll never get back.

With Michigan's loss that should spell the end of the Rich Rod error, I mean era in Ann Arbor. This game was a summary of what went wrong in his three years at Michigan. Athletic Director David Brandon says that he will evaluate Rodriguez after the season. Well Dave evaluation time is now. I think Brandon said that to buy time to see which back door deal he could make for a new coach. Of course that's just my personal opinion. Anywhere else that guy might've been fired. The offense couldn't get anything going, the defense can't tackle anyone, and the special teams were anything but special. Everyone blames Greg Robinson for the defense, but he had a scheme that was forced down his throat that wasn't his forte. Also Rodriguez made the same mistake Bill Callahan made at Nebraska. He abandoned the tradition of what put the school on the map. It's pretty clear Michigan won't go outside the Michigan family for this hire. Stay tuned for the moving and shaking that'll go on this week in Ann Arbor.

What the hell happened to Michigan State? After all they accomplished this year they went out like chumps against Alabama. That tree that fell in the forest, that was the resounding thud ending the Spartans' season. I'll give them credit though. They had a helluva season. It just shouldn't have ended this way. After it was 21-0 I didn't have the stomach to watch it. I really don't have much to say, except it looked a lot like the Iowa game. I hate to say it, it looked like they didn't show up to play. They do have some building blocks for the future and I'm not a hardcore Spartans fan, but I want to see how they progress next year. That'll be a year to see if they've really arrived or if they're a one year wonder.

Michigan's Forcier Ineligible For Gator Bowl

I don't advocate cheating in sports. But if your a "student-athlete" how the hell do you become ineligible. That's always been a question I've asked myself. You know there's always at least one person out there who just wants to be your "friend" and will do anything to help you get by.

The reason I bring this up is because Michigan's Tate Forcier is academically ineligible for Michigan's Gator Bowl date with Mississippi State on New Year's Day. Forcier is the backup quarterback to Denard Robinson. If Devin Gardner got the redshirt that Rich Rodriguez requested, the Wolverines are screwed if Robinson gets hurt. I don't know if he got the redshirt or that he can pull it. 

Back to Tate's ineligibility. How does he screw up in the classroom. Granted, I've never been on a college campus, so I'll never know how hard the classes actually are. But for an athlete they give them classes that aren't too hard. Forcier explained that he has never been the greatest student. Well we know that now don't we. He also said that he was street smart, but not smart clasroom-wise. Didn't know you were from the mean streets Tate.

Like I said, I don't know how hard being a "student-athlete" in college can be. But they do give you resources to succeed. And if you have a hard time acheiving in the classroom, there's always someone there to "help".   

Quote Of The Week:Jim Harbaugh

In the neverending saga of the will he or won't he regarding Jim Harbaugh staying put at Stanford or running back to Michigan, we endure another twist. About a month and a half ago Stanford athletic director Bob Bowlsby put a contract extension worth $3 million a year on the table. Bowlsby was very confident that Harbaugh would sign the extension. Bowlsby went as far to say "Jim has indicated he plans to accept an extension worth $3 million a year."

Harbaugh hasn't signed it and he told the San Jose Mercury News "I haven't even discussed it." When asked about Bowlsby's comment, Harbaugh said "maybe he misspoke."

Jim's clearly keeping all doors open.