Rich Rodriguez focused on beating Penn State, not finding Bill Martin's replacement
Bill Martin's most important hire as Michigan athletic director came two years ago when he lured football coach Rich Rodriguez from West Virginia.
With Martin retiring next fall, Rodriguez said he’s not worried about losing his biggest supporter in the athletic department.
"I think as a coach, all you can do is worry about what you can control,” Rodriguez said Wednesday. “I think sometimes it’s natural for people and even coaches to worry about external things. Not that this would be external, it’s internal, but I think as a coach all you can worry about is what you can control. And for me it’s trying to build the best football program in America.
“That was the task that we had put in front of us and that’s the task that we work on daily. And if you do that and you have some success and you’re fortunate to show the progress then you’ll be fine, as any coach will tell you.”
Rodriguez is 8-11 midway through his second season as Michigan football coach. He stripped down the program to institute his spread offense, and after a school-worst 3-9 record last year has the Wolverines one win from bowl eligibility this fall.
Rodriguez didn’t answer directly when asked if he wants input on who Michigan hires as its next athletic director. But he said he trusts university president Mary Sue Coleman will find a suitable replacement for Martin, who announced Wednesday he’ll step down effective Sept. 4, 2010 - the day Michigan opens renovated Michigan Stadium against UConn.
Martin declined comment when stopped outside the athletic building Wednesday.
“I’m sure they’ll get a lot of input from a lot of areas,” Rodriguez said. “Right now I’m just trying to get a first down against Penn State. That’s enough of a task.”
Michigan (5-2) hosts Penn State at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.
Rodriguez said he wasn’t surprised to hear of Martin’s announcement Wednesday.
“Bill’s always told me that when he took the job nine or so years ago that he was only going to do it on an interim basis and the plan was for a short period of time,” Rodriguez said. “Here it is nine years later and I think he’s really enjoyed it. He’s obviously been a big supporter of the football program and what he’s done facility wise and fiscally for the department has been amazing.
“It’s going to be sad to see him go because he’s been very close with us. I certainly appreciate everything he’s done for us since I’ve been here a little less than two years.”
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
NC Wolverine 20
Wed, Oct 21, 2009 : 10:05 p.m.
Its going to be sad to see him go because hes been very close with us. I certainly appreciate everything hes done for us." Us? Why does RR speak using the royal "we"?
azwolverine
Wed, Oct 21, 2009 : 10:02 p.m.
Tater, If you're going to bash Carr, who "Oh by the way" also led us to a National Title, several Big Ten championships and NEVER lost to MSU twice in row, don't forget to mention RR's unacceptable loss to a 3-9 MAC team. I'm pulling for RR because I love Michigan, but your excuses for RR and bashing of Carr are beyond old. Try some new material. Carr has proven himself at Michigan and earned respect. Despite your love of RR, all he has objectively proven so far is that he is 8-11.
LakeErieMaize/Blue
Wed, Oct 21, 2009 : 8:30 p.m.
Hey,what's this "cupboard is bare" crap?Do we need groceries!?I'm so sick of that regurgitated line.If you want change at Michigan than say you want change!Why low rate our program b/c when you talk about ANY of our coaches(especially past coaches)that's what you're doing!it seems like you're the one trying to "divide" Michigan!Listen,people are not robots.No coach will win EVERY game and it's easy nit-pick the past(we can't change it,so LET IT GO).I guess you forgot about last season(we should have NEVER lost to Toledo!No excuse!!)but it's a new year,a new chance to prove ourselves and show that we are better than last season.And that's all that most would ever want in life......A Chance!!Carr is the past(for both his GOOD and BAD),RR is our future!!Respect our past(b/c Coach Carr WILL FOREVER be Michigan)and get ready for our FUTURE(time will reveal what type of FUTURE it will be).Good luck Saturday.GO BLUE!!!
amaizenman
Wed, Oct 21, 2009 : 7:36 p.m.
Everyone knows LC didn't want Les Miles to be the head coach and he succeeded in interfering enough to make sure Les didn't come here. I believe Bill Martin recovered nicely in getting RR to come to Mich. Alabama tried to get him before they settled for Nick "when my lips move, I'm lying" Saban.
amaizenman
Wed, Oct 21, 2009 : 7:34 p.m.
Well "top 10 classes" according to National Magizines are simply ratings on a piece of paper. Whether the recruits are actually that good comes to light after they start competing at the D1 level. What the coach does with the supposedly "top 10 class" is also interesting. In the case of LC, he apparently took top 10 classes and either didn't develop them into a top 10 team or the classes were over rated. Check the final poll rankings of where UM finished under LC from 2000 on.
michigan7011
Wed, Oct 21, 2009 : 5:49 p.m.
I am sooooooo tired of hearing how Martin dropped the ball on hiring Miles. If Les Miles truly wanted to be the coach at Michigan he would and could have been. Nobody knows what transpired so stop with the speculation. Plus, who is to say Les Miles is all that great.
Macabre Sunset
Wed, Oct 21, 2009 : 5:39 p.m.
How exactly was the cupboard bare? Carr had top-ten recruiting classes every single year from 2000 on, according to the national magazines.
Satch
Wed, Oct 21, 2009 : 4:44 p.m.
Martin didn't "lure" Rodriguez from WV. Rodriguez approached Martin, essentally saving his butt after he dropped the ball on Les Miles. Good riddance.