In a coaching coup, Michigan Athletic Director Dave Brandon was able to get the coach that fit what he wanted: a big-time coach that has had a tremendous amount of success from a BCS conference.
Brandon scored big as he was able to lure away former St. John's coach and reigning Big East Coach of the Year, Kim Barnes Arico. Barnes Arico who also happens to be the school's all time winningest coach (176) has had a plethora of success: Four consecutive 20-win seasons, three NCAA tournament appearances culminated with a Sweet Sixteen berth this year and two-time Big East Coach of the Year (2006, '12).
From Barnes Arico via MGoBlue.com:
"I am excited and honored to represent the University of Michigan as its new head women's basketball coach," said Barnes Arico. "The University of Michigan is world renowned for its academic and athletic excellence and our program will continue to stress the Universities foundational values of being a true student-athlete - excellence in the classroom, excellence on the court and involvement in the community. I want to thank everyone associated with St. John's University for all that they have done for me, my family and the women's basketball program over the past 10 years."
More on this story later.