New University of Michigan football coach Brady Hoke had to  hit the ground running when he was named this week to replace Rich Rodriguez.

In an interview with WWJ's Greg Bowman,  Hoke said "We've been making a lot of progress, getting a chance to sit with the players, getting a chance to meet with some potential guys, and guys who are committed to the University of Michigan. "  

Hoke said he's also beginning to do some recruiting and putting the staff together for next season.

As for Denard Robinson's future,  Hoak said   he will be back at quarterback next season.  "We've had some great conversations.  I can tell you, he's a tremendous young man, a humble young man, and he wants to be a Michigan graduate.  And we want him to run our football team on the offensive side of the ball."

Hoke also said he "didn't pay any attention" to all the public speculation that he was not the first choice for the coaching job, and that the U-M hired him only after Jim Harbaugh and Les Miles turned it down.

The new Michigan coach said he's determined to unite fans, alumni and other boosters who have been unhappy with Wolverine footbal over the past three seasons.   Said Hoke, "We have a great university that we all have passion for, and is the winningest program in college football."

How many games will the team win next season?  Hoke isn't predicting, but promises the team will play with "a great deal of toughness and effort."