Will Heininger swung open the doors of Schembechler Hall with a smile plastered on his face as he gave two big thumbs up. He was the first player to leave the players’ meeting — albeit because he forgot something in his car — but the defensive end couldn’t mask his excitement over Michigan’s hiring of Brady Hoke.

“Well, we know who our next coach is going to be — man, I’m so happy,” Heininger said, still grinning. “This is this Michigan we grew up watching. It’s coming back here, and it was a happy room. It was a real happy room.”

As their 4 p.m. team meeting approached today, the players didn't know what was in store. Junior tight end Kevin Koger said he thought the meeting was called to talk about classes and weight training.

But Michigan Athletic Director Dave Brandon surprised everyone when he told the players that the former Michigan assistant and San Diego State coach would be the Wolverines’ coach next season.

The room immediately erupted in a big cheer and a round of applause.

Brandon told the players how he had talked to Hoke's former players and coaches who knew him, and those who knew Hoke painted the picture of a good guy, a players’ coach.

“Dave Brandon was sold, and we are too,” junior wide receiver Darryl Stonum said.

Former Michigan All-American Steve Hutchinson spoke to Brandon during the coaching search and vouched for Hoke as well. Hutchinson came to Michigan as a defensive lineman initially and Hoke was his position coach for that short time before he switched to offensive guard — Hoke was the defensive line coach at Michigan from 1995-2002 under Lloyd Carr. And Hutchinson still stays in contact with Hoke to this day.

“From everything I’ve heard about (Hoke), you know, I grew up watching Charles Woodson and Steve Hutchinson and Brian Griese play and all of those guys called Dave Brandon on their own behalf and said this is the best coach,” Heininger said. “Steve Hutchinson said this is the best coach he’s ever had — how could I argue with that?”

Even with the high praise, many of the players didn’t know much about the former San Diego State and Ball State coach who has a career record of 47-50.

Koger didn’t know much more about Hoke than where he had previously coached. And Stonum admitted he didn’t know much, either, but was eager to meet Hoke on Tuesday.

“So far we know he’s hard-working, (and) he’s all about Michigan — he’s a ‘Michigan Man,’ ” freshman defensive end Jibreel Black said. “We want somebody to come in, where the atmosphere won’t be so new to him. He’s been in the Big House so we won’t have to introduce that to him. He knows pretty much what Michigan stands for.”

Brandon made it clear during last week's press conference announcing Rich Rodriguez’s termination that the coach’s successor would have to have an understanding of Michigan and the unique challenges the school presents. Hoke also fit the bill as the defensive-oriented coach whom Brandon wanted to bring in — an attribute that drew smiles from the defensive players who emerged after the meeting.

They were also happy that this time around, unlike when they heard about Rodriguez’s fate, the players were among the first to hear about Hoke — instead of the news breaking long before they were told.

“It’s weird watching stuff on TV and not really knowing what’s going on,” said redshirt sophomore running back Mike Cox. “And then all of a sudden being told about your coach not being here. It’s definitely better (knowing first).”

According to a source with knowledge of the situation, the players will meet Hoke sometime before his scheduled introductory press conference at 1 p.m. tomorrow.

The Wolverines already have a feeling that the atmosphere around Schembechler Hall might could revert back to the pre-Rodriguez era — when the coaches were products of the building's namesake.

Many in the Michigan community thought the former West Virginia coach just didn’t understand the school’s tradition. A common theme throughout the Michigan players’ reaction was that Hoke just got it.

“We’re really glad this is all over,” Heininger said. “(It’s) like this is a new start of what Michigan always has been. And this is the kind of coach you want. Dave Brandon really did have a process as he explained in there and he stuck by it no matter what everybody said. He wanted the best person for us, and that’s who we got."

Added Stonum: “You’re bringing in a Michigan guy.