Michigan football players saddened, plan to stick together after Rich Rodriguez's firing
Michigan football players Troy Woolfolk, left, and Darryl Stonum, right, talk to members of the media outside of Schembechler Hall following a meeting Wednesday with former football coach Rich Rodriguez and athletic director Dave Brandon.
Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com
By the time Michigan football players began filing out of Schembechler Hall on Wednesday afternoon, the news of their coach's firing was nearly five hours old.
Still, the full effect of the day's reality hadn't completely sunk in. Some expressed disappointment. Others were visibly upset, comparing Rich Rodriguez's dismissal after three years at the helm of the winningest program in college history like losing a member of their family.
"It's just something we have to deal with as a team," junior defensive tackle Mike Martin said on his way into a team meeting with Rodriguez and athletic director Dave Brandon. "It's really hard on all of us."
Added receiver Roy Roundtree after the meeting concluded: "It's sad, but we've got to move on, and that's what we're going to do."
Michigan junior defensive tackle on the firing of football coach Rich Rodriguez: "It's just something we have to deal with as a team. It's really hard on all of us."
Players met with Rodriguez and Brandon for nearly 45 minutes in at atmosphere that was characterized as somber. According to players who spoke to reporters in the parking lot afterward, Rodriguez told them he would continue to be their biggest fan.
Brandon explained his reasoning behind firing Rodriguez and asked players to continue to work hard - both in football-related workouts and in the classroom.
Brandon told players to remain unified, much in the same way he asked Michigan's fan base to rally behind Rodriguez's successor. Players said candidates for the head coaching vacancy were not discussed at the meeting.
"We're all going to stick together," wide receiver Darryl Stonum said. "We're all Michigan men, we were all recruited as Michigan men, and we're all going to stick together and continue doing what we've been doing."
Players did not hear from anyone from the university until the players meeting. They were scheduled to assemble Tuesday night, but that meeting was postponed after Brandon did not meet again with Rodriguez until Wednesday morning.
Senior defensive back Troy Woolfolk said before Wednesday's press conference that he understood why players were not told.
"Everybody's out there, and someone's going to leak it," he said.
As he left the meeting, defensive tackle Ryan Van Bergen said the delay was probably tougher on media members, who were eager to see the story reach a definite conclusion. Players left both the front and back entrances of Schembechler Hall, some more willing to talk than others.
Tight end Kevin Koger walked past the wall of reporters without saying a word. Minutes later, he offered the following tweet on his Twitter account, @kevkog86: "I understand the media has a job to do, but damn."
As players left, slot receiver Kelvin Grady snapped photos with his camera phone, asking reporters and television cameramen to pose for a TwitPic.
"Say media," Grady said as he snapped a photo.
But like many of his teammates, Van Bergen expressed sadness with the decision to not bring Rodriguez back for a fourth year.
Yet, players understood the business side of the decision, which Brandon said Wednesday was made based on several factors. It didn't make saying goodbye to Rodriguez any easier.
"Today was about parting ways with some of our coaches because we have intimate relationships with our coaches," Van Bergen said. "We care a lot about them and they care a lot about us."
Jeff Arnold covers sports for AnnArbor.com and can be reached at (734) 623-2554 or by e-mail at jeffarnold@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @jeffreyparnold.
Comments
A2lover
Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 12:39 p.m.
What are the players going to say? - "Rich Rod was a nightmare from the beginning, it was an unholy mess!" No, of course not, they're programed to say something ambiguous and positive. In this kind of circumstance the press should be kept away from the players, it's not their place to defend or criticize the coach, the AD, the program or the team. Although I'm sure they could easily, and justifiably, criticize every aspect of the past three years. I feel extremely sorry for the players, being subjected to the mediocrity of the coach, Mr. Brandon and the downtown administration, who have handled this debacle in the most amateurish way.
RobbiesBoyfriend
Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 4:55 a.m.
so is the whole coaching staff been fired? Theres no way Robinson can be here any longer, and Rodriguez brought in all the rest of the coaches with him from WVU. Did they just level the whole staff?
RobbiesBoyfriend
Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 4:53 a.m.
I would like to know if brandon was staring directly at tate when he was telling the group to "work hard - both in football-related workouts and in the classroom".
rockettrg
Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 3:13 a.m.
Please let's all form a circle. Quickly now. Now cross your arms and grab hands of the person next to you. We are going to sing it in the key of C. Josh, can you give us a C? A bouncy C. One, two, ready, sing......Kumbaya my Coach Kumbaya; Kumbaya my Coach Kumbaya; Kumbaya RichRod you're out of here. Out of here, Kumbaya. Not bad for a first time but next time sing it with gusto! One, two, ready, sing........Kumbaya not my Coach Kumbaya; Kumbaya not my Coach Kumbaya.........................................Refrain.
MjC
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 9:50 p.m.
As always, I'll be in the stands next fall respectfully cheering for our Wolverines, no matter who our head coach is. "There's nothing that cleanses the soul like getting the hell kicked out of you." Woody Hayes "...When your team is losing, stick by them. Keep believing." Bo Schembechler
heartbreakM
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 9:16 p.m.
Though it hurts in the short term, I hope that the players understand that this change is in their long term interests. It's not just about wins and losses (though obviously that's a big measure). It's about responsible leadership which they will learn from. From a football perspective, this change should enhance their professional training and give them a better shot at the next level. They certainly should understand that. How many NFL players has RR produced here or at WVU? But I understand why they would be upset and I hope that they can concentrate on schoolwork and not get too down. Change is a part of life and they will be stronger for it.
GoblueinNE_PA
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 8:59 p.m.
A lot of positives to take out of this article. The boys seem like they are handling this well, or at least as well as can be expected. Hopefully all of these young men feel similar to Stonum. I really respect how he responded.
TokyoJoe
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 8:53 p.m.
We want TONY DUNGY! TONY DUNGY is a classy individual with an awesome coaching resume and is from Jackson, MI.
Somewhat Concerned
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 8:36 p.m.
The players are acting more like grownups than a lot of other people who are involved with or concerned about the situation. Let's support the students who are Michigan men in their hearts.
Reed
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 8:26 p.m.
No matter who the next coach is, I definitely support the players. They are out there putting forth an effort, but their leaders let them down, and it was time to move on. Rich Rodriguez will succeed elsewhere, but obviously he just wasn't a good fit an UM or in the Big Ten. Brandon has to make the right hire, but this is probably the right decision in the long haul. I hope the players really stick together and buy into the new coaching staff quickly. And most of all, I hope Michigan starts playing defense again some day...
3 And Out
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 7:48 p.m.
More Bad News for Rich Rod. This guy attracts lawsuits like flies on cotton candy in a carnival parking lot. Attorney sues Rodriguez over sale of home 1/5/2011 2:00 PM By Chris Dickerson -Monongalia Bureau Rodriguez MORGANTOWN - A Weirton attorney is suing former West Virginia University and newly fired Michigan football coach Rich Rodriguez over problems with the purchase of the coach's Morgantown home. http://wvrecord.com/news/contentview.asp?c=232356 Brandon made the proper choice.
azwolverine
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 7:43 p.m.
It's time to put this chapter of UM football behind and put away the animosity from both sides of the debate. RR is gone, and it doesn't do the players or the incoming coaches (whoever they may be) any good to harp on what some feel RR did wrong or others feel he did right. It's about Michigan football, these players who have committed themselves to Michigan football, and moving on in a positive direction from here. Michigan football will prevail. Good luck to RR in the future, and good luck to the players in maize and blue who pour their guts out for this program on a daily basis. Go Blue!