The Defensive Coordinators are set.

Both Michigan and the Detroit Lions have hired their new Defensive Coordinators. Michigan hired Greg Robinson, while the Lions hired Gunther Cunningham. Right now I have mixed emotions about both coaches. Both have a lot of history on the defensive side of the ball, but recently both coaches struggled. Robinson was formally the head man at Syracuse, before getting canned this off season. Cunningham had the 2nd worse defense this year, only ahead of Joe Berry and the Lions.

The thing that bothers me most about Cunningham, is that he is old, he has 40 years of coaching experience, and I am hoping that he didn't let the game get ahead of him just yet. However before last year he did have the 13 best defense in the league, its not great, but he was making strides every year prior to this year. Cunningham also had to deal with a bunch of nobody's on the defensive side this year. Hopefully with some talent he will be able to turn the Lions defense around. Did I just say talent?!?! Well, we all know the Lions lack talent on the defensive end, well maybe a TON of talent, but hopefully with the draft we can get some stud players. That is a big hope though. I really wanted a young guy that has fire, passion, and creativity, but maybe next time. Only time will tell if this was a good hire.

Now with Robinson. We all realize that he was a horrible head coach, actually he was brutal, he couldn't so squat with Syracuse, and he is not a very good recruiter. However I am hoping he is the 2nd coming of Dick LeBeau. Robinson has success being a defensive coordinator, winning 2 super bowls with the Denver Broncos. He was also the defensive coordinator at Texas, helping them to a rose bowl win in 2004. (I do not need to say who they beat either). I suppose Robinson cannot get any worse than Michigan's last defensive coordinator, but being mediocre will not cut it at Michigan. Michigan has a ton of talent coming in this year in their recruiting class, including the best recruit out of Michigan, Will Campbell. By far the talent at Michigan will be much better than he had at Syracuse, however he will have to produce, and actually stop teams this year. Or his tenure at Michigan will be short lived, they cannot afford another 3-9 season.

SIDE NOTES

The Detroit Tigers have signed Juan Rincon to a minor league deal, inviting him to spring training. I think this is a great sign for the Tigers. Last year Rincon struggled pitching for the Indians, but Rincon will be reunited with Tigers new pitching coach Rick Knapp. Rincon is only 29 and is still in the prime of his career. During his tenure at Minnesota he was one of the better set-up man for the Twins. However Rincon is not a closer, and the Tigers will not use him as one. Hopefully Juan can have a bounce back season and pitch like he used to for Minnesota.

Oakland University Men's basketball has a home game tomorrow against in conference rival IUPUI. The game will be on FSN Detroit. I recommend that people try to make the trip to Rochester, (only $5 for a ticket) or watch the game on TV. I know many people for Southeast Michigan doesn't know much about OU basketball, but they have a good team, and a program on the rise. Oakland is led by Junior point Guard Johnathon Jones and Senior Guard Erik Kangas. JJ is second on the team in scoring, averaging 14.3 PPG while also posting 6.1 APG. While Kangas leads the team in scoring with 17.8 PPG, and sporting a 39.5% from 3 range. Kangas is a deadly shooter, last time out against IPFW he scored 39 points while hitting 8-13 from behind the arc. Hopefully my boys will pull off another victory!