Coach Garland back to Izzo and Mich State

[carolsmu]

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar ... 50337/1132

http://blog.mlive.com/spartansinsider/2 ... su_ba.html

"We are thrilled to have Mike Garland back at Michigan State," said Izzo. "Certainly my loyalty and friendship played a role. But even more importantly, I'm excited to add someone who was here through our championship and Final Four runs, and helped build this program from the ground up. Mike has a tremendous passion for coaching and developing relationships with players. I expect that he will also help instill the toughness necessary to compete at the championship level. I'm pleased to add someone to our staff that has strong support and ties throughout the state of Michigan and in the Michigan State University community. I'd also like to thank Matt Doherty for allowing Mike to return to MSU. This is the second time I've hired one of his former assistants, after hiring Doug Wojcik from North Carolina, and I have great respect for Matt and his program."
....
"Deciding to leave SMU was a very tough decision," said Garland. "Under the direction of Matt Doherty, the Mustangs are on on the verge of accomplishing great things. Coach Doherty knows how to build a great program, and he is taking the steps to make sure SMU is among the very best teams in the nation, including the construction of a new practice facility. I feel fortunate to have been a part of this program during the first steps on its way to excellence. There is no other job in America for which I would have left SMU. It was a great learning experience, and one where I developed several meaningful friendships. But Michigan State, the Detroit area and the entire state of Michigan are my home. The opportunity to go back home along with my relationships with Tom Izzo and the other people at Michigan State helped me make the tough decision to return to the Spartan program.

"Not only do I bring with me the championship experiences from my first stay at Michigan State, I also have a new set of experiences from being a head coach at Cleveland State and my one season at SMU. My time away has made me a better coach. I'm excited to begin developing player relationships with the new group of young men at MSU. Most importantly, I look forward to working with Coach Izzo, Mark and Dwayne as part of a strong staff where we can all help each other succeed."



http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/sto ... 07aan.html

[carolsmu]

5 Questions with Matt Doherty

http://www.charlotte.com/417/story/110774.html


Two other teams finished under par: South Carolina's Steve Spurrier and Darius Rucker and SMU's Matt Doherty and Eric Dickerson.

http://www.13wmaz.com/sports/sports_sto ... ryid=38351

[The PonyGrad]

So what is the post mortem on Garland's stay here. Did he make a coaching impact on player development. What about recruiting? I know we did not get the guy from Michigan though his dad may have been the reason.

Is this related to contract issues? Are we all happy about the result?

[goponies1]

He did a great job at SMU-very well respected by the players and in coaching circles. He simply took a much better job at Michigan State. Mike is an excellent recruiter, a very good coach, and played a big role in Michigan State's success when they were going to Final Four's and winning campionships. I am sure Coach Doherty has a very good assistant in mind to replace him.

[PonyPride]

....and SMU's Matt Doherty and Eric Dickerson....

Anyone else find that pairing interesting? Could Coach Doherty's national name/profile be instrumental in luring Dickerson back into the camp of alums who come back to help SMU?

[jtstang]

Anyone else find that pairing interesting? Could Coach Doherty's national name/profile be instrumental in luring Dickerson back into the camp of alums who come back to help SMU?

I'll be holding my breath on that one....

[PonyPride]

Didn't say it was likely.
Just interesting.

[Stallion]

Eric Dickerson has repeatedly over the years associated himself with SMU which is more than I can say for Don Meredith or Doak Walker during my youth. He doesn't live in Dallas-get over it. He was right-Copeland was ineffectual and SMU was not being properly led in athletics.

[jtstang]

Didn't say it was likely.
Just interesting.

I know, just being sarcastic.

[ponyboy]

You? Can't be.

[PonyDoh]

Time to bring in a local w/AAU ties. Maybe someone out of Pastners Vision Sports camp.

[jtstang]

How 'bout Jazzy??!!!