Michigan fires Brady Hoke

As expected, Michigan fired football coach Brady Hoke on Tuesday.

The 56-year-old Hoke finished with records of 31-20 overall and 18-14 in Big Ten play at the school. The Wolverines won 11 games, including the Sugar Bowl, in 2011, Hook’s first season after being hired from San Diego State. From there, the records went downhill: to 8-5, 7-6 and — finally, it a three-month-long gut punch that was the 2014 campaign — 5-7.

Michigan interim athletic director Jim Hackett delivered the news to Hoke and then to the media.

“Today I informed Brady Hoke that he will not be returning as our football coach next year,” Hackett began, reading from a prepared statement.

“This was not an easy decision. … Everywhere I go, there is zero questions about Brady’s values. Brady’s peers, both active and retired coaches, really respect him, and his players love playing for them. He has done a great job of molding these young men.”

Hackett emphasized, though, that Hoke had enough time to prove himself.

“I believe that Brady had enough time to produce results,” Hackett said, “and they’re just not there today.”

Hackett added that the search for Hoke’s successor will begin immediately and indicated that the school’s next coach won’t necessarily come from within the Michigan family.

Hoke released a statement on his dismissal:

“I feel very fortunate to have been an assistant and head coach at the University of Michigan. I will always support the university and this football program. This is a special place.”

For a list of some of the potential candidates Michigan might pursue, go here.

Email: sgreenberg@suntimes.com

Twitter: @slgreenberg