Update:  it’s down to the finals: [poll id=58] It’s time for the Final Four of Death March Madness.  Thousands upon hundreds of votes cast have brought this quad of competitors together.   Upsets?  A few, including the man you love – Jon Gruden, the man who won this same event in 2007 – took down #1 seed Brady Hoke in the Crisler division. You can view the results of the first 3 rounds and have a look at the 2011 bracket here. More on Death March Madness II here. Thanks again to Christian Sack, (icefins26 on mgoblog, or guy who rocks the Zack Morris/AC Slater avatar) who drew up the seedings and prepared a quick summary of each candidate.

Coaching search?  That means the return of Death March Madness, which won’t help matters (it might actually hurt) but it’ll keep you busy while you watch your Twitter feed like a freak.   The first round is over, here’s a look at the 2011 bracket and the results. Crisler Region Round 2:  1.  Brady Hoke  (San Diego St.) – Hotly discussed candidate that was rumored to have interviewed for the job back in 2007.  He coached under Lloyd Carr and has tremendous support from former players and coaches.  He has had some success in turning programs around at Ball State and now San Diego State.  Players seem to really like him and he seems to recruit very well.  The big knock on Hoke is that is not a big name coach and does not coach in a major BCS conference.  Solid work on his Letterman Top 10. vs. 6.  Tim Beckman (Toledo) — Could be a potential hot-named coach in the next few years.  Ohio roots along with roots in the south — he has connections with many successful college coaches including Jim Tressel and Urban Meyer. [poll id=48] Crisler Region Round 2:  2.  Chris Petersen  (Boise St.) — Proven winner and has won some big games — runs the spread and is able to put up points.  He however, inherited…

Coaching search?  That means the return of Death March Madness, which won’t help matters (it might actually hurt) but it’ll keep you busy while you watch your Twitter feed like a freak. Update:  It’s time for the finals: [poll id=58] More on Death March Madness II here. Thanks again to Christian Sack, (icefins26 on mgoblog, or guy who rocks the Zack Morris/AC Slater avatar) who drew up the seedings and prepared a quick summary of each candidate.

Coaching search?  That means the return of Death March Madness, which won’t help matters (it might actually hurt) but it’ll keep you busy while you watch your Twitter feed like a freak.   The first round is over, here’s a look at the 2011 bracket and the results. Yost Region Round 2: 1.  Les Miles  (LSU) — The most obvious and talked about candidate in this search aside from Jim Harbaugh.  He has Michigan ties, big conference experience, a National Championship and can recruit very well.  He does have some possible enemies in Ann Arbor however, there are many close to the program who feel he would flourish.  Miles would be able to step in immediately and his offense with Crowton could be able to utilize Denard.  He runs a mix of some pro sets and spread looks.  Miles is, however, going on 60 years-old and it may be tough to pry him away from his success at LSU.  He was rumored to have been extremely interested in 2007 but reportedly never got an offer from Bill Martin.  Much more analysis on ‘The Hat’ here. vs. 6.  Gus Malzahn  (Auburn OC) — Offensive mastermind but does not have any head coaching experience.  He would be a gamble but could be a very good head coach down the road.  Won first round…

Coaching search?  That means the return of Death March Madness, which won’t help matters (it might actually hurt) but it’ll keep you busy while you watch your Twitter feed like a freak.   The first round is over, here’s a look at the 2011 bracket and the results. Bo Region Round 2: 1.  John Harbaugh  (Baltimore Ravens)  — Sources close to John say that he may be interested in the Michigan job, should it ever open.  He has ties to Ann Arbor, obviously and has a very Michigan heavy staff in Cam Cameron and Greg Mattison and his salary is definitely something Michigan can compete with.  It sounds like he would be a very good college coach based on his personality. vs. 6.  K.C. Keeler (Delaware) — Tons of success at the FCS level.  Great helmets.  Won first in a romp (67%). [poll id=44] Bo Region Round 2: 2.  Bob Stoops (Oklahoma) — His name consistently seems to come up with any major coaching search and well it should.  Obviously he has had tremendous success at Oklahoma, can recruit and has Ohio roots.  Not sure if he would ever entertain opportunities outside of Oklahoma but he was rumored to be interested in the Notre Dame opening. vs. 3.  Kyle Whittingham  (Utah) — Urban Meyer disciple yet again — knock on Whittingham…

Coaching search?  That means the return of Death March Madness, which won’t help matters (it might actually hurt) but it’ll keep you busy while you watch your Twitter feed like a freak.   Here’s a look at the 2011 bracket. Oosterbaan Region Round 1: 5.  Josh McDaniels (Former NFL Coach) — Huge connections in Ohio and grad-assistant to Nick Saban at Michigan State.  He may have some support from Tom Brady during his time with the Patriots however, recently he has had some issues with management and the NFL. vs. 6.  Mike Stoops (Arizona) — Might be a longshot candidate as he has been on some thin ice lately at Arizona — has resurrected Arizona’s program but has yet to get over the hump. [poll id=42] Oosterbaan Region Round 1: 3.  Pat Fitzgerald (Northwestern) — Rumored to be a candidate however, he has decided to decline the opportunity with Michigan.  He is young, fast-paced and successful however, he might be a "lifer" at his alma mater.  Perhaps Brandon can still make him an offer he can’t refuse. vs. 4.  Mike Gundy (Oklahoma State) — Could be a dark horse candidate as he has been quietly successful at OSU.  He would have a hard time leaving his alma mater as well — successor of Les Miles.  Plus he’s just past 40, and…