Rich Rodriguez doesn't plan any changes in Michigan's coaching staff
Michigan football coach Rich Rodriguez is happy with his coaching staff and indicated he doesn’t plan on making any changes this off-season.
“I feel very good about our staff,” Rodriguez said at his Monday press conference. “Got great people on our staff. Great family men, good recruiters. They love working here.
“I think what I have to do is evaluate what we're doing scheme-wise. Does it fit? Again, I'm more knowledgeable with what we're doing offensively, where the adjustments need to be made, because I've been doing that for 20 years. Defensively, we're evolving.”
Greg Robinson
Robinson has an impressive pedigree, including 2 Super Bowl rings with the Denver Broncos, but Michigan’s new 3-4 defense has shown little improvement from last year.
The Wolverines gave up 347 points a season ago, most in school history. They’ve allowed 309 this year and opponents have averaged 39 points the last four games - exactly what Ohio State needs to score Saturday (noon, ABC-TV) to send Michigan to a new low.
“If you look at defensively what we struggled at this year, you also got to look at where we were at personnel-wise,” Rodriguez said. “It's a tough deal when you look at what we're doing personnel-wise defensively, no matter what scheme you're running.”
Michigan starts just two seniors on defense - end Brandon Graham and linebacker Stevie Brown - and has started two walk-ons (linebacker Kevin Leach and safety Jordan Kovacs) part of the year.
Despite the numbers, defensive tackle Ryan Van Bergen said Michigan has improved defensively under Robinson.
“I just think the mistakes that we’re making aren’t similar because they’re not sustained drives that we’re giving up, we’re giving up big plays,” Van Bergen said. “I know that’s not better. I think if we can stop doing that, can stop giving up the 4 or 5 plays that give them 60 yards or a touchdown, then we can really turn the games around in our favor.”
Dave Birkett covers University of Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at 734-623-2552 or by e-mail at davidbirkett@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.
Comments
Paul
Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 4:59 a.m.
Jimid34 hit the nail right on the head. I have been a UofM fan my entire life and what we need is a coach who will stand up for his program, school and the traditions at Michigan. He needs to instill emotion and fire into his players by living that way daily. Demonstrate how to win and the players will follow. Make excuses and the players won't work as hard. It all starts with heart! We need our heart back, quickly.
donharmon
Sun, Dec 6, 2009 : 11:06 p.m.
Rich Rodriguez showed that he had two terrific backs at WVU. Great. He hasn't shown anything at Michigan, though. Ugh. I dread next September if he does no better than this year.
jimid34
Wed, Nov 18, 2009 : 1:09 p.m.
I think Coach Rich needs to make a subtle (but significant) change on how he provides leadership and direction to the program, or he will always be viewed in a negative light by the large and passionate alumni/fanbase we have. He needs to get off the fence and stop hedging his bets on the team and players he has NOW (or any time in the future). "This is Michigan." (this statement is much more then words.) The winning streaks matter. Losing last year and this year, matters. The tradition matters. The rivalries matter. The ATTITUDE he projects, matters. We want a coach who hates losing and uses this (the winning streaks, the rivalries, etc.) for motivation for the players and fans for the next game, next year and against ND, MSU, and OSU forever!!! We want a coach who will call out that weasel Purdue coach for acting like a jerk after the game and use that motivation to beat them by 50 points next year. Saying "whatever" about that situation, doesn't cut it. Telling him to go F@#$ himself, is a good start for the kind of leadership / attitude we NEED and DEMAND for the head football coach at the UofM. Coaches new slogan this year is "All in for Michigan". Do you coach have the courage to look deep inside and recognize that "All in for Michigan" applies to how you project yourself and your attitude to the fans? Losing is one thing, but sitting on the fence talking about missed assignments, poor execution, young players, etc. to the media is not going to endear you in the eyes of the Michigan faithful. Saying "The way we played today was unacceptable and these mistakes will not happen next week, period!!!!" is what we NEED and WANT to hear. Even if you fail to obtain that the next game, the ATTITUDE of the players and coaches projected to us is 75% of what we are looking for...... Also, If the media asks you a B.S. question that can only paint you in a negative light, tell them "Next question...." If they don't like it, walk out of the press conference, take their press passes away....Hell, tell them to go F@#$ themselves!!!! Just saying your a Michigan man, will not make you one in the eyes of the Michigan faithful. Only, acting like a Michigan man will. You either get it, or you don't. Hopefully, going forward, he finally will....
uminks
Wed, Nov 18, 2009 : 12:10 p.m.
Hopson should be gone for sure! The LB have shown no progress and even our younger LB have not developed. If Gibson wasn't such a good recruiter I would kick him out as well...but he had much less talent to work with, so I really cannot judge his coaching skill. But Hopson has to go.
sportyridr
Wed, Nov 18, 2009 : 8:34 a.m.
"I think if we can stop doing that, can stop giving up the 4 or 5 plays that give them 60 yards or a touchdown, then we can really turn the games around in our favor. OMG...sheer idiocy speaking right there...another Sat coming up that will be hell to watch...at least its the last one until next Sept.
oneandseven
Tue, Nov 17, 2009 : 11:59 p.m.
So, Van Bergen said : "I think if we can stop doing that, can stop giving up the 4 or 5 plays that give them 60 yards or a touchdown, then we can really turn the games around in our favor. Sheer genius. Stop 5 60 yard plays a game and we might turn the game around. Somebody should relay that to RR.
gman
Tue, Nov 17, 2009 : 11:23 p.m.
With the exception of 3 games this year, the below average performance of the d has been a major factor to their 6 losses. When a defense plays so inconsistantly 3-4 consecutive weeks there is a internal problem. You cant blame the players every week. Any major college program with an adeguate game plan can be coached to perform at a C+ level in at least a few games. The RR offense has score enough point in at least 7 of the games to win however the d has had a total meltdown in 4 of their losses. Mich record 5-6
Hogan
Tue, Nov 17, 2009 : 5:26 p.m.
It appears to me that RR knows his days are numbered and trying to a: save his buddies paychecks as long as he can b: knows that noone will walk into this menagerie knowing it will be so short lived. So enjoy the ride folks, you got what you wanted.
briskin14
Tue, Nov 17, 2009 : 3:23 p.m.
I know that Rodriguez wnats us to have patience, and I think that the system will work. BUT, he needs to get rid of Robinson. Rod is saying that they don't have the personel, but if you look at the touchdowns they're giving up, the recievers are wide open. Robinson does a lot of zone, and the Quarterback has easy windows to throw through. Here are the D-Cooordnators that I would try to get 1. Phil Bennet (Pitt) 2.Craig Bray (ASU) 3. Jimmy Burrow (Ohio University)
tomhagan
Tue, Nov 17, 2009 : 3:17 p.m.
It probably will not matter, since they most likely will all not be back next season....but if by chance they are given another chance....it is a huge mistake for RR to keep some of those guys. Other than Greg Frey, Coach Jackson and Coach Tall....every one of those other coaches have sucked it up over 2 seasons and stink.
LakeErieMaize/Blue
Tue, Nov 17, 2009 : 3:03 p.m.
I don't think talking to GR everyday will help to stop this guy from looking like an IDIOT!! I mean, some of the things he says amazes me.And he is our Head Coach? It still feels like a dream! Or a nightmare-take your pick!
BornInA2
Tue, Nov 17, 2009 : 3:03 p.m.
Just another "It's not me, it's something else" statement from a person who's supposed to be leading but has instead shown almost zero accountability since he showed up almost two years ago. Even untalented players should show improvement through the course of the season if they are well-coached. I don't doubt that the kids on this team have worked hard, but without proper instruction that have failed to improve, and perhaps gotten worse through the course of the season...for the second year in a row. RR, step up and show some real leadership by taking full accountability for the results on the field. You sound like my 12 year old blaming everyone and everything around you.
ecmichman
Tue, Nov 17, 2009 : 3:01 p.m.
Don't make changes, just make more excuses. Watching our d-line get blown off the ball week after week is disgusting. Illinois and Purdue too strong and physical for U-M? That ain't scheme coach.
michboy40
Tue, Nov 17, 2009 : 2:25 p.m.
While I have been hard on Coach Rob recently, I have to say that we need to leave the coachs in place. Three D Coordinators in 4 years is already causing havoc! Leave it alone and let a former Super Bowl winning coordinator get his players. It does seem odd that RR defers his knowledge regarding the defense though. He needs to have a morning briefing with GR every day, so that he does not look like an idiot in front of the media.
CapitalX
Tue, Nov 17, 2009 : 1:57 p.m.
HELLOOOOO RR,D.Robinson IF THE 3-4 ISNT WORKING CHANGE YOUR SCHEME. any thing could be better than this. the head coach should pay alittle more attention to the defense. Its RR ship to sail or sink! What players are we waiting on, more freshman?
RC, Class of '72
Tue, Nov 17, 2009 : 1:45 p.m.
Coach RR said: I think what I have to do is evaluate what we're doing scheme-wise. Does it fit? Again, I'm more knowledgeable with what we're doing offensively, where the adjustments need to be made, because I've been doing that for 20 years. Defensively, we're evolving. Coach, that's not acceptable! YOUR ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR AND NEED TO BE KNOWLEDGEABLE OF DEFENSE AND WHAT IS GOING ON ON THAT SIDE OF THE BALL!! It is very sad when a Michigan head coach, who has had the kind of defensive collapse that this Michigan team has had, offers up to the Michigan faithful - more of the same by saying I do not anticipate any coaching changes, we're all GREAT! This type of response implies that most or all problems lay with talent on the field - i.e., athleticism, fundamentals, ability, conditioning. But, what part does this coaching staff take responsibility for. I have watched Michigan football since 1966, I have never been so disappointed and disheartened regarding the performance of a Michigan team. It is not just the losses, but the demeanor of the coach and his staff on the side lines. He does not seem to be in control. His second half adjustments are non existent and/or downright comical. I am no Coach RR hater, but I am a change management consultant. Choosing to change Michigan football program "whole hog" this way means that Coach RR has to take total responsibility for the results. It is difficulty to believe that we had to fall this far and endure this type of under-performance to become the BETTER program that he envisions and assures we will become. BRING ON BASKETBALL! I have lost faith in the ability of this coach.
guns4me
Tue, Nov 17, 2009 : 12:55 p.m.
Rich Rods arrogance, u of m arrogance. The rest of the country thinks it is a perfect fit. All in for michigan, what a joke.
opie
Tue, Nov 17, 2009 : 12:28 p.m.
Great idea. Rich Rod is the best thing to ever happen to Michigan football. Hope he stays for years and years! He is making the rest of the Big Ten teams a success. He is great for the conference. Michigan, thank you for this hire. Sincerely, All other Big Ten Teams.
Lorain Steelmen
Tue, Nov 17, 2009 : 12:07 p.m.
While none of us is close enough, to assess if Coach R's assitants are competent, I think it's fair to say that this question should NOT be asked during the season. Those discussions can wait. But in all fairness, Lloyd had poor assisitants, pretty much all the way around, and it hurt him. So I would encourage Coach Rod, to take a long hard look, at some of them. I think Coach Robinson is excellent, and I would keep him. Ditto, Coach Barwis.
michalllday
Tue, Nov 17, 2009 : 12:01 p.m.
Ron English!!! He brings that tenacity Michigan defenders need!!!! Look at the guys in the NFL who he coached...Leon Hall, Shawn Crable, Lamarr Woodley, Morgan Trent, Terrance Taylor, Jamison, David Harris, Jamar Adams, Prescott Burgess, Alan Branch. Come OOOOOON
AC
Tue, Nov 17, 2009 : 11:55 a.m.
I think what I have to do is evaluate what we're doing scheme-wise. Does it fit? Again, I'm more knowledgeable with what we're doing offensively, where the adjustments need to be made, because I've been doing that for 20 years. Defensively, we're evolving. Too bad RR didn't use this approach when he first arrived at UM and instead of 2 years later and 8-16 record. His arrogance and stubbornness will continue to doom this football team.
chosen1
Tue, Nov 17, 2009 : 11:38 a.m.
Sorry Rich, but your buddies coaching the LBs and DEs aren't doing a good job of getting results in the players at their positions. I also recommend removing Frey from the Oline position. But Rich isn't going to put our program above his buddies. Sorry but not even theo and tater can give one logical reason why in 2 years our lbs can't tackle, why our dline (outside of BG's natural ability) hasn't been able to cause much of a pass rush, or why our O-line gets beat like a drum week in and week out.