Rich Rodriguez fired; Dave Brandon to address state of Michigan football program at 12:30 p.m.
Michigan football coach Rich Rodriguez is out after three seasons leading the Wolverines.
Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon will lead a press conference at 12:30 p.m. today to talk about Rodriguez and the football program.
In a release, Brandon said, "I have completed a systematic and thorough review of our football program and believe that a change in leadership is necessary."
The press conference will be streamed live on MGoBlue.com, according to a release from the Michigan athletic department. The Big Ten Network also will televise the press conference.
Senior cornerback Troy Woolfolk said today at 11:30 a.m. that players on the team have not been told anything regarding a decision on Rodriguez's future.
"I don't know nothing," Woolfolk said. "I'm telling you, I'm not going to lie. This is what it is. They most likely are going to tell ya'll before they tell us."
Woolfolk said he understands why players are among the last to hear news. "Everybody's out there and somebody's going to leak it," he said.
David Brandon will address the media at 12:30 p.m.
Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com
Brandon and Rodriguez met Tuesday, according to sources, and a meeting with players is scheduled for 4 p.m. today.
Rodriguez’s future with the team has been in limbo for nearly six weeks. Since a loss to Ohio State, Brandon repeatedly said he would not deliver a decision on Rodriguez until after the Gator Bowl.


On Saturday, Mississippi State beat Michigan in a 52-14 drubbing and the Wolverines finished the season 7-6. It was Michigan’s first bowl appearance in Rodriguez’s three-year tenure in which the Wolverines are 15-22 and 6-18 in the Big Ten Conference and were put on probation after committing major NCAA violations. Rodriguez was due a $2.5 million buyout if Michigan fired him.
- Pete Bigelow, David Jesse and Jeff Arnold contributed to this article
Comments
joe golder
Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 1:57 p.m.
If um pres would have hired a slew of councilor's to council the boo hoo looserine fans three years ago RR would have had a much easier time getting this program turned around. If anything maybe UM football fans would have appeared a little more sane. A coaching change along with a new offense philosophy wasn't going to put UM on top in three years. This is a very young team and needs a few more seasons to develop. Recruiting players to make this happen was going to take time especially since most of the quality players graduated or transferred when RR landed. It would have taken anyone 4 or 5 years to turn around. Although getting a coach who had a football style similar to coach Carr's... (I personally thought Coach Carr was a great coach and hated what happened to him by fans and media) A transition would have been quicker and gave us the same results and the boo hooing would have continued. The same fans that ran coach Carr out immediately went after RR. I think I understand why coach Carr has been so invisible. What did you folks want??? Les Miles, Jim Harbaugh, Kelly. I wish one of them would have come too but they didn't. RR did and tried very hard to be a michigan man. You carried over the same pathetic BS you gave Carr onto RR. What do you WANT???? Listening to the negative comments coming from a portion of the fan base over the past 6 years has been sickening. Recruiting to um is not easy. The past 8 years are proof. Big newly renovated stadium and practice facilities are attractive but the big ten's luster isn't what it used to be and cold weather doesn't help. Other colleges rise in football has made it harder too. Its going to take anyone sometime to get it done. Having said that I really hope JH, LM, come in but it's not going to be as easy as everyone thinks for them. I'm starting to believe people were more afraid of RR succeeding more than him failing. I believe DB's agenda early on was to undermine RR and had this plan to bring in JH. If luck was hurt or Stanford didn't have even more success than 2009 JH would have considered coming. It appears this blew up in DB's face. He wiffed!!!! Maybe JH might still come. I really hope so. It will take his kind of success to turn it around and recruit nationally. Everyone has the right to their opinion and I don't mean to call out folks like I have... but this has been bad for 6 or 7 years. I just want to hear one voice a positive roar from the whole um fan base.
LSUWolverine
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 4:11 p.m.
Its hilarious how paranoid and pathetic the OSU slappies are because they are taking their time out to post on AA.com even AFTER their team had a nice bowl win.LOL
BlueOtis
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 2:45 p.m.
DB will hold a PC by 4pm 1/7/11 and announce JH as the New MICHIGAN Head Coach!
beanie wells
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 2:02 p.m.
ok, now that we can stop talking about richrod (i know, i feel empty too), anyone have thoughts on viable candidates other than harbaugh, hoke and miles?
ladydi
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 1:56 p.m.
"I don't know nothing," Woolfolk said. Seriously?? Looks like some English professors need to be fired too!
joe golder
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 1:25 p.m.
At least DB said he and his bosses realize more money will be put on the table to compete for the best coach. SNAP!!! Urban sombrero You still might getting out your check book. Can I wear a hat, gloves and shoes.. JH coming back will surely bring the success needed to recruit UM back to the top. GO BLUE!!!! RR and staff good luck.
Ddipiazza
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 1:23 p.m.
I'll be waiting to hear who the new coach will be. This will define Dave Brandon's Legacy. Get it wrong and you'll be blamed. Get it right and watch them name buildings after you.
racer
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 1:21 p.m.
Well...Well...Well...So, Theo212, I guess it is safe to say that you really didn't have DB's ear on this matter. All the stories that might have led us to believe that you were in Brandon's inner circle were just that...stories. Why perpetuate this falsehood? Is this how a real "Michigan Man" conducts himself. Theo212, RichRod, Bill Martin...birds of a feather.
mikesox
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 1:13 p.m.
Harbaugh is a 'no-go' - From what I hear, the guy has a 'Charlie Sheen' problem with the ladies and that story got to UofM President - so hello to Brady Hoke - Bo, Mo, Lo... Ho?????
aajeff
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 1:07 p.m.
@Mick52 Funniest thing I've read here in days! But oh so true!!! I can hardly believe the way Brandon has handled this. Start the "national search" on January 4th. Wonderful.....
ellipsec01
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 12:54 p.m.
Desmond Howard: Jim Harbaugh no longer option for Michigan From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20110105/SPORTS0201/101050403/Desmond-Howard--Jim-Harbaugh-no-longer-option-for-Michigan#ixzz1ABVghCN8
Jello Biafra
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 12:54 p.m.
Theo212--you're putting us all on, right?
VectorKyam
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 12:53 p.m.
Can they fire Mary Sue also, she brought him here?
WVU & OSU
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 12:45 p.m.
Down here in New Orleans right now celebrating Buckeyes, it's confirmed 4:00 PM Athletic Director of LSU, Skip Bertman holding press conference
Ben
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 12:45 p.m.
Okay Theo - I am dying to know, Which member of Rich's staff/family are you? Seriously - I am dying to know.
ellipsec01
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 12:45 p.m.
Jim Harbaugh Wants Pete Carroll Money, and Thats Mostly Because of Miami Owner Stephen Ross source: http://thebiglead.com/index.php/2011/01/05/jim-harbaugh-wants-pete-carroll-money-and-thats-mostly-because-of-miami-owner-stephen-ross/
Mick52
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 12:44 p.m.
Ten minutes into the press conference and it becomes clear what the first step in the process of finding a new football coach is...finding an athletic director. Starting a nationwide search? Great, just great. Bill Martin Jr is on the job.
ellipsec01
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 12:40 p.m.
"I have received no contact from Michigan. I'm really here to speak about no other school. I'm here to speak about LSU. Michigan will be fine. There will always be Michigan. Speculation is not factual. The only thing I can say to you is my focus is complete. We're preparing to play a great A&M team. That's my want and desire." source: http://www.nola.com/lsu/index.ssf/2011/01/lsu_football_les_miles_said_no.html
Ben
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 12:33 p.m.
Theo!! It's been revealed RICH IS OUT?!!!! What happened to your king!??
RudeJude
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 12:29 p.m.
Hang in there, Theo.
a2nurse99
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 12:28 p.m.
Full disclosure: I am a (gasp) Buckeye fan who lives in Ann Arbor. Attended tOSU, graduated from Toledo. Siblings who when to either tOSU or UM. I'm happy the Buckeyes won last night, but was completely unimpressed by the second half. With that being said, (and I could be banned from "Buckeye Nation" for saying this), but I am glad this nightmare for you Wolverine fans is over. My son, who is an avid UM fan, can't even remember what it's like to beat tOSU. It's time to find someone to coach your team who respects the tradition. Respects the rivalry. It's time to make the UM-OSU game the epic battle is should be. I haven't missed a UM-OSU game in over 10 years. I remember the #1 vs. #2 battle when it was nail-biting, gut wrenching. I want THE GAME to be that way again. I want UM to get a great coach. Good luck on the search!
UtrespassM
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 12:23 p.m.
Who will be the next coach? Will he make our fans happier? Does anyone know why Ken Maggee, the director of U-M police has been on sick leave since early Novemver 2010?
Joe
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 12:17 p.m.
VERY INTERESTING to say the least WVU, but like a lot of people are saying on here....nothing is the truth until DB SAYS THE WORDS!!
johnnya2
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 12:17 p.m.
@ArmChairQB I will react that he is STILL better than RR, if he did not land us on probation, and was competitive in every game. It will also depend on who the losses are to. If a coach goes 7-1 in the Big Ten, I am ok with losing 4 non-conference games.
BlueGator
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 12:16 p.m.
Thank God. Justice is served. Happy days are here again!
missionbrazil
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 12:16 p.m.
So this time it looks like the RR Kool-Aid epidemic is finally over. Sanity (for most) will return after a short detox period. What is going to happen to Theo, Tater, LS, Mo, Portage, and the gang?
lugemachine
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 12:12 p.m.
I hereby declare the phrase "Michigan Man" dead. Bring in a solid coach who can recruit the whole nation, will assemble a qualified defensive staff and will understand the value of quality special teams AND respects the traditions of Michigan football. I don't care where he's from. Last time we did that, it worked out pretty well.
WVU & OSU
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 12:12 p.m.
I am down here in Louisiana, celebrating the OSU victory --- For those of you to young to remember, being UM fans, it is a sweet sweet feeling.... But hopeful to you UM fans, I just heard on the stereo, Skip Bertman, athletic director of LSU has announced a press conference today at 4:00 pm ( why would he do that 2 days before LSU's Cotton Bowl Game? ) Toughts?
hortonGOBLUE
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 12:08 p.m.
All I know is if DB doesnt land Harbaugh then this is a complete disaster. Well at least the media should have something to look forward to when this all happens again in 3 years. DB must be following the Notre Dame business model on this one.
ChelseaBob
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 12:04 p.m.
Brandon is a smart man. RR's contract has a cancellation clause for NCAA violations. I'm willing to bet Brandon sat down with RR and said, you are gone, we don't need to give you anything, but out of the goodness of our hearts we will pay 500,000 severance. RR needed to run back to his attorneys to see if that's the best he can get. That's why it took two days, but it saved us millions. Three Cheers for Brandon.
lorayn
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 12:03 p.m.
what does this mean - "Michigan Tradition and Standards"? i'd rather get my news when it is... news
GoblueinNE_PA
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : noon
Corey, stop it. The comparison of RichRod's tenure at Michigan with Harbaugh's time at Stanford doesn't hold water. Stanford was a doormat, they'd went 1-11 the season before he showed up. They had nothing. Michigan was on season 40 of it's streak of non losing seasons and had just come off a 9-4 season and bowl win over the defending national champion and the current Heisman winner. The starting positions for each of the coaches couldn't have been further apart. If anything, saying that Harbaugh was "only 2 games better than RichRod" is pretty damning. It further illustrates how much Harbaugh outcoached RichRod. I will agree that it is likely that RichRod will go to another University with less stringent demands, in a weaker conference, and probably be successful. I wish well. That doesn't however take away from the fact that he was an abject failure at Michigan.
Joseph
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : noon
Getting fired from the same job twice in two days can only be described as pure Karma. lol
missionbrazil
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:57 a.m.
Yo Yo, thanks for the link. I haven't seen any definitive statements or reports about JH, do why are so many people giving up on the idea of him coming? So far I've only heard speculation. It does sound like Les Miles might be interested. Hopefully this won't drag on much further.
WVU & OSU
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:56 a.m.
Full Disclosure: I grew up in Sandusky, OH - Loved OSU Football, hate Michigan - got engineering degree in Morgantown at WVU The win last night was great, the crushing of WVU by NC State not so good -- the crush of UM by another MSU on 1/1 awesome and predictable... That said -- As an outsider, I would love nothing more than UM to 'rise back' to their glory, for the sake of the climax of OSU UM rivalry of rivalries that has declined -- As another outsider looking in, proud UM alum and fans to look to their institution and what it stands for on its own, it is bigger than any one man.. I think UM and Brandon need to handle things. To look for a coach, while RR is a coach as a cushion of insurance, relief and security appears to be a lack of faith in your institution to stand on its own and to attract the best, as the opportunity presents itself....UM is bigger than Jim Harbaugh, it's bigger than Dave Brandon, Sue Coleman, Rich Rodriguez, and yes bigger than Bo Schembechler............................not Woody Hayes, though;) Start acting like it, and as a UM alum, fan or citizen, start demanding it from UM!
Cash
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:51 a.m.
I hope Fred Jackson wasn't fired. He is one of the best in the league and has been a loyal Michigan Man for Carr and RR.
Corey
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:49 a.m.
I find this pathetic. Firstly, we were duped yesterday into thinking he was fired which was not true as of yesterday. How can we possibly believe anything from a news source about this? Secondly, anyone who wants Jim Harbaugh for a coach you should see his record for his first 3 years at Stanford. He only had 2 more wins than Rich Rod did for his first 3 years. Oh and Ron English, he has a great record at EMU 2009 he was 0-12 and 2010 he was 2-10. Do you really want someone with that record? Be realistic people. Rich Rod is going to go onto to another program and do what he did at West Virginia while whomever takes the reigns reaps the benefits of what Rich Rod has done the past 3 years with one of the youngest teams in the NCAA.
J. Dean
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:49 a.m.
So... did we trade the devil for Mephistophiles?
Killroy
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:48 a.m.
Thank you, oh lord.
Ddipiazza
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:47 a.m.
Sure hope Dave Brandon knows what he's doing. If his hire has a 7-5 record three years from now I wonder what the reaction is going to be then.
Marilyn
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:46 a.m.
If Michigan would have recruited for a coach in the Michigan Tradition and Standards in the beginning and not have paniced after Miles & Harbaugh turned them down we wouldn't be in this mess today.
GoBlue13
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:45 a.m.
I live in Chicago. Kirk Herbstreit came on espn radio and said not only would he be surprised, He would be shocked if JH doesn't go to Michigan.
Go Blue
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:44 a.m.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE say this nightmare is finally over. There is no where to go but up after this 3 year fiasco/hiatus from honor.
GoblueinNE_PA
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:42 a.m.
Interesting tweet from Les Miles, "I haven't heard a word from Michigan". I think that's a strange statement. You'd expect a coach to say, "I'm focusing on my team" or "I'm not interested" or "I've got a job", etc. Sounds to me like Les would definitely be interested if the offer came his way. Also, some one keeps banging on Les because, "he's 60, we don't want a coach that old". He's 57, thats only 5 years older than Hoke and he's got way more than 5 years of better experience under his belt. My preference is for Harbaugh, but as I've said for weeks, I think he's heading to the NFL. (It's a mistake since he's got a young family, but that's his decision.) Les would be a preferred alternate if we want to stay in the "family", though.
bluenella
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:41 a.m.
When it happens, and how it happens, then report it. What passes for journalism these days is a sorry sight...do you even send reporters to investigate, or do you just pick up unsubstantiated stories from other blogs? Constantly relying on "sources say" without witnessing it firsthand leads to National Enquirer/Fox News-worthy style "reporting." All in the name of delivering a scoop, without pesky details like the truth. And if you must retract a story, do us the favor of stating so, vs. "updating" the piece. I don't doubt that dramatic events will unfold today, but it's your business to report them, not create them via speculation. Yesterday's media frenzy need not have been so ridiculous if adhering to some basic standards.
YoYo-Pete
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:40 a.m.
Here's a link to the site where the announcement will be broadcast: http://www.mgoblue.com/allaccess/?media=220008 Athletics site: http://www.mgoblue.com/
A2comments
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:37 a.m.
It's about time a decision was made. It will be very interesting to hear the extent of the housecleaning, and whether a replacement is named.
GoblueinNE_PA
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:34 a.m.
Until the presser at 12:30, I'm not buying into anything. Too much stink bait.
Ignatz
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:34 a.m.
I won't beieve anything until I hear it from the guy who makes the decision. That's Dave Brandon. Why pay attention to any other "sources"?
Ben
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:29 a.m.
Will AA.com be providing a mirror to the video? Where on the site can said video be observed?
Mick
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:29 a.m.
Rejoice people, thank goodness. Bye Bye RR, don't let the door hit you on the way out!!!! I hope you never get a chance to ruin another program like you tried w/UM, but we will survive this. Thank you DB, finally!!!! Go get a great coach,pleeeeeaaaase!!!!!
Rizzle
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:27 a.m.
let's hire Matt Millen
Jonny Spirit
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:25 a.m.
There reporting that Jim Harbaugh turned down 5.2 million from Michigan. He would of been the highest paid college football coach. Wow that's a lot of money.
Jonny Spirit
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:20 a.m.
@ ShadowManager that is so cool, I also heard that David Brandon wants to be the coach and then ask John L Smith to be the Special Teams coach :) Your new Michigan Football coach is..........Brady Hoke. Good Choice?
Marshall Applewhite
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:20 a.m.
Welcome back, Coach Ron English!
mrd
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:18 a.m.
Rich Rod Off. coord. Ron English Def. Coord. Dave Brandon Head Coach.
Travis Wylie
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:18 a.m.
Is ESPN coming to end this media fiasco with "The Decision II"? This whole mess yesterday could, and should, have been done more quietly. All the reporters going wild was embarrassing.
MjC
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:17 a.m.
Here we go fans...
Enforcer
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:17 a.m.
All of a sudden Jon Gruden's name is being mentioned a lot
Urban Sombrero
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:16 a.m.
If Harbaugh is in, I fully expect Joe Golder to don a speedo and dance around the intersection of Stadium and Main on Valentine's day. My offer still stands----$100 to the charity of his choice, if he does that!
glimmertwin
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:16 a.m.
>> Ron English is going to be asked to come back and coach the Def. They tried that last year and didn't get him.
Urban Sombrero
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:13 a.m.
ESPN's twitter feed said sources are saying Rodriguez is out. I'm sure their actual website is saying the same thing. So, if he's out, who's in?
ShadowManager
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:12 a.m.
I heard David Brandon will come in riding an elephant, with a ring of fire to jump through, as well as some clowns, a few people on the trapeze, peanuts, the whole bit.
WVU & OSU
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:12 a.m.
Full Disclosure: I grew up in Sandusky, OH - Loved OSU Football, hate Michigan - got engineering degree in Morgantown at WVU The win last night was great, the crushing of WVU by NC State not so good -- the crush of UM by another MSU on 1/1 awesome and predictable... That said -- As an outsider, I would love nothing more than UM to 'rise back' to their glory, for the sake of the climax of OSU UM rivalry of rivalries that has declined -- As another outsider looking in, proud UM alum and fans to look to their institution and what it stands for on its own, it is bigger than any one man.. I think UM and Brandon need to handle things. To look for a coach, while RR is a coach as a cushion of insurance, relief and security appears to be a lack of faith in your institution to stand on its own and to attract the best, as the opportunity presents itself....UM is bigger than Jim Harbaugh, it's bigger than Dave Brandon, Sue Coleman, Rich Rodriguez, and yes bigger than Bo Schembechler............................not Woody Hayes, though;) Start acting like it, and as a UM alum, fan or citizen, start demanding it from UM!
Jonny Spirit
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:12 a.m.
I heard that all Def Coaches are fired. Rich Rod is staying and Ron English is going to be asked to come back and coach the Def.
Enforcer
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:12 a.m.
Brandon is holding a news conference at 12:30. It will be streamed on the athletic website
ummsw
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:10 a.m.
WXYZ confirmed fired,as well as the entire staff
Bluefire
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:09 a.m.
Link to Det News article: http://detnews.com/article/20110105/SPORTS0201/101050383/Michigan-coach-Rich-Rodriguez-has-been-fired
Enforcer
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:06 a.m.
Ok. ESPN is reporting AGAIN that Rich Rod is fired
Craig Lounsbury
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:03 a.m.
The Detroit News is reporting he has been fired