Now that TCU has a golden ticket with their entry into the Big East, I don't think Patterson leaves there anytime soon.

I think Michigan would be a step down for Les Miles. The conference might be "easier," but he won't have as much access to talent as he has now with LSU. The Michigan name isn't enough to get you inside the door anymore. They're quickly approaching Notre Dame territory, where the kids being recruited today aren't old enough to remember the last time Michigan was a national title contender. Their last national championship was following the 1997 season -- today's recruits were 4 or 5 years old. They haven't been to a BCS bowl in 5 years.

Michigan would be better off targeting Hoke, who not only led San Diego State to a quick turnaround in his two years there, but was 12-1 in his last season at Ball State in 2008. He'd come at a much lower price than Miles, and I don't think it's crazy to say that Hoke is the better pure coach.