Some context from Wikipedia:
Most Chief Justices are nominated to the highest position on the Court without any previous experience on the Court; indeed many, like John Marshall and Earl Warren, without any experience in the entire United States Judiciary.
It remains true, however, according to WaPo,
sitting justices have been elevated to the top job on several occasions but it is was the first time an unconfirmed nominee, who formerly clerked for the outgoing chief justice no less, was named chief justice.
New and not-so-new. And doubtless a smart, time-buying move from the president/
CONFUCIUS HE SAY: Fire Michael Brown.
FIRE MICHAEL BROWN II: “If Mike Brown is left in place, it is more than saying he did a “heck of a job”, it means that by the standards of our times, a “heck of a job” means abject failure. We can do better, and we should force our leaders, no matter what their position is or party they belong to, to do better.” – restlessmania.
The Dish 