David Cutcliffe reportedly turned down Michigan job

We have heard a lot of speculation about potential candidates for the Michigan coaching job, but to this point there has been little to suggest that the Wolverines have honed in on anyone in particular. Was Duke head coach David Cutcliffe on of their top choices?

NFL.com’s Gil Brandt reports that Cutcliffe was offered the Michigan job and turned it down.

Was told tonight #Michigan officials offered David Cutcliffe their job but the #Duke coach turned it down. Times sure have changed.

— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) December 10, 2014

While it may seem crazy that someone who coaches Duke would turn down a prestigious job like the one in Ann Arbor, it makes sense for Cutcliffe.

Cutcliffe is 60 and has a gig at Duke with no expectations. When he took over in 2008, the Blue Devils were coming off a four-year stretch in which they won just four games. Cutcliffe has put Duke football on the map with back-to-back winning seasons. The Blue Devils finished the 2013 season in the top 25 of the nation and could sneak in this season if they win their bowl game.

Why would Cutcliffe go to Michigan (at his age) to face such long odds? He has a very comfortable job in the twilight years of his career.

We know who former Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson would pick to coach the Wolverines. But can they get him? It seems unlikely.