Brady Hoke leaving SDSU for Michigan

SDSU's Brady Hoke was picked by Michigan to be its new football coach, hours after LSU said Les Miles would be staying in the Bayou.

"He is a terrific coach and will be a great ambassador and leader for our football program," athletic director Dave Brandon said. "We look forward to having him build a championship program on the field and in the classroom."

Hoke brings a rebuilder's reputation with him after stints at Ball State (2003-08) and San Diego State (2009-10), something that Michigan need.

A defensive line coach at Michigan, Hoke helped the defense lead the nation in rushing defense and was on the staff during the 1997 national championship run. During his tenure, Michigan went 5-3 against rivals Michigan State and Ohio State and in bowl games.

"I'm excited for Brady Hoke and even for Michigan," Green Bay Packers and former Michigan star Charles Woodson wrote in a text message to The Associated Press. "I'm glad this process is over and we can begin to restore the tradition and respect that was once Michigan."

Hoke has 28 years of college experience overall, with assistant coaching stints at Grand Valley State (1983), Western Michigan (1984-86), Toledo (1987-88), Oregon State (1989-94) and Michigan (1995-2002). He graduated from Ball State in 1982 and as a coach helped the program to a school-record 12 wins three years ago.

San Diego State gave Hoke a five-year contract worth $3,525,000 in December 2008 to replace the fired Chuck Long. He went 4-8 his first year but last season led the Aztecs to their first winning season (9-4) and bowl berth since 1998.

Hoke had been courted recently by Minnesota, which ultimately hired Northern Illinois coach Jerry Kill. Last month, Hoke signed a two-year extension through 2015 that came with a raise — and a $1.5 million buyout.

"We like what we're doing here," Hoke said at the time. "We have a lot of work to do and a lot of work that we're looking forward to doing here in San Diego."

He'll get a fresh start in the Big Ten, a huge upgrade from the MAC and Mountain West, where he was coach of the year. And he'll be picking up the reins of a once-proud program eager to get back among the nation's elite, not to mention challenging Ohio State, Wisconsin and Iowa in the Big Ten.