ViSHa

Tue, Dec 28, 2010 : 11:14 a.m.

a real "michigan man" wouldn't say this (per jacksonville newspaper) to this type of audience: Rodriguez himself engages in gallows humor. During a recent appearance in Jacksonville, he told a crowd of Gator Bowl board members about Michigan's historic football tradition, "and I get reminded of that every day, trust me on that."

D21

Tue, Dec 28, 2010 : 9:02 a.m.

MissionBrazil: LOL, only one more week to go. Blu n tpa aka The Michigan Man, good one! Happy New Year.

Blu-n-Tpa

Tue, Dec 28, 2010 : 8:32 a.m.

Jumpnlake I was born in FL then spent many years in Michigan. Being that I now reside back in FL doens't reclude me from stating that I am a "Michigan Man." Wanting to be a member of that group is a mind-set and last I looked Bo, LC and MILLIONS of others choose where their heart lies. If you consider yourself a CA man then what the heck are you doing on this site? I don't think you have the power to tell other people how they feel. I know you haven't written ANYTHING to change how I think.

PortageLkBlu

Mon, Dec 27, 2010 : 8:12 p.m.

"A Michigan Man" look boys and girls, a Michigan man or, Michigan woman is a person that works and resides in Mich. Bo was an Ohio man and LLoyd was from out of state to. I was born in Ann Arbor and was a Mich. man until I moved to California where I now live and I am a California man now get over this Mich. man stuff. RR has dedicated himself to this program win or lose, he pays taxes to the state, his kids go to school there he's as much of a Mich. man as any of you or Bo. Look, he likes to sing Bo liked to yell.

missionbrazil

Mon, Dec 27, 2010 : 1:35 p.m.

Samurai Mike would be an interesting choice for D Coordinator or even as HC. JH is probably the better choice for HC, but it would be very interesting to have Samurai Mike on the sidelines at the Big House one way or another. For sure Samurai >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> RR.

D21

Mon, Dec 27, 2010 : 10:09 a.m.

MissionBrazil: Yes, good posting about "Samurai" Mike Singletary. The Lions could use him as LB coach. Would the Wolverines have at least a spot open for Singletary if there is a new coaching regime next season and what the spot should be? Hail to Samurai Mike and, of course, Singletary >>>>>> RR.

ViSHa

Mon, Dec 27, 2010 : 9:54 a.m.

what a big difference missionbrazil! i get a chuckle every time i read "the NCAA thing". and drama? what is he a teenage girl, lol.

missionbrazil

Mon, Dec 27, 2010 : 7:38 a.m.

Mike Singletary, a class act (on getting fired by SF): "You know what, I'll put it this way: a personal failure. I'm the head coach of this team and obviously wanted us to do better, felt that we could do better. There are some obvious questions that I hoped would be answered as the season went on, and obviously were not answered. When that happens, you end up out of the playoffs. I take full responsibility for every unanswered question." Someone who has no class: "The first year, we didn't have much time," he said. "The second year, there was drama. Then, there was the NCAA thing. Now, there's another obstacle."... can you guess who this is?

I love Michigan Football

Sun, Dec 26, 2010 : 7:09 p.m.

1. Adam Schefter on NFL Countdown: Harbaugh to Michigan. 2. "The NFL Today" reported that Harbaugh has said that he will look at other opportunities after the season.

missionbrazil

Sun, Dec 26, 2010 : 9:40 a.m.

Hawaiian "Using the logic posted in several comments here, Harbaugh should have been shown the boot after his third year too. the same 3 year record and still lost his only bowl game." Going from 1-11 before JH to 8-4 in 3 years is the same as going from 9-4 (6-2 BT) to 7-5 (3-5 BT) in 3 years? How do you figure that? JH has shown TRUE progress in 3 years and then he showed further TRUE progress by adding an 11-1 season, only losing to a team that is in the NC game. Nice try but not buying it. "In his 11-1 season, he still doesn't have the offensive numbers we did in our third year." Stanford has the 8th best O in the nation ( 40.3 Pts/game), RR's was rated 22nd (34.3 Pts/game). Also, RR's O this year was LAST in the BT in turnover margin and 9th in the BT for Red Zone efficiency, and only 3rd or 4th in the BT for scoring. Again, nice try but this has been tried before and is not true. Also, it is probably best to not even try to talk about or defend the 3-9 / 2-6 BT RR season. Any way you look at it, it was an RR failure, especially coming off of a 9-4 / 6-2 BT season. 3 And Out... I didn't know much about Scott Shafer until today. Turns out Shafer was a nominee for the Broyles Award as the top assistant coach in the nation before he came to UM, and seems to be a good coach as you have said. He also has worked with JH at Stanford. I found some interesting quotes from him: About RR: "We had different thoughts on the way we did things." About JH: He became close with Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh during his year as Harbaugh's defensive coordinator. Shafer said, "It was tough leaving Stanford. Working with Coach Harbaugh, we had a blast. I felt like we were doing something special there." JH about Shafer: "he has one of the most creative and innovative defensive minds in the country." Interesting stuff.

D21

Sun, Dec 26, 2010 : 8:41 a.m.

3 and out, LOL, and how true. The RR crowd will also say: Oh, Vince had the late and great Ron Kramer to save his butt. Speaking of Kramer, he must be laughing up there with Bo and others, including Woody, about these RR kool aid drinkers. Our Michigan Christmas is just around the corner :)

3 And Out

Sun, Dec 26, 2010 : 2:57 a.m.

Neal...i totally get that about Harbaughs comments...I think to really understand why he said them, youd have to be at the interview...I dont think he threw that out there trying to conciously bash Michigan...the way I read it, he was comparing the high standards that Stanford has, which are just about higher than everyone else...to what he went through at Michigan...unfortunately the "Michigan Mafia" got wind of that and somehow twisted it in to more than what it was.... then Mike Hart, the mouth of the south called him a non-Michigan Man, which was not cool IMO..and Jamie Morris (what is it with short RBs and not digging Harbs?) temporarily lost Harbs phone number... but then later said on Columbus radio that he would welcome Harbs back as HC... Either way, it was 3-4 years ago, and no doubt all parties wish it had not been said.... also when I do look at it, it is kind of true... remember the big Academic investigation that Mlive had a couple years ago, in to the football program and how they got some easy steering academically... the Professor Hagan thing? Again it ruffled a few feathers in the Michigan Mafia, but in reality...it was nothing that other big programs dont do.... Harbs, if he comes to AA... will bring the cache of having done it at an academic school like Stanford...no doubt a lot of the regents will like that background... as opposed to the current coach, who had the rep of sneaking in underqualified kids to WVU, a practice which he tried to establish here at Michigan...but it backfired with kids like Dorsey and others who never qualified and were nothing but a huge waste of time and space in a recruiting class that was 1/4 gone at the beginning of this year thanks to Rich Rod taking flyers on kids he never should have... RR never mentioned that "excuse" in the Espn article yesterday....the fact that it is his fault that 1/4 of last years recruiting class could not qualify. I dont have any doubts that will not happen under Harbaugh.

Mick

Sun, Dec 26, 2010 : 2:22 a.m.

Neal, I understand your frustration w/the comments JH made about U-M. I wish he had been more discreet or gone about it differenlty also. I like that you sound like you bleed M blue! however I believe that Harbs has proven many a great things at a dormant program like Stanford. Can you imagine what he could do in AA. I'm willing to forgive him. Besides, I'm really upset also about RR continually recruiting guys that might not pass the test sorta speak. That's just another example of not having enough players in the right positions to make us more competitive.

Mick

Sun, Dec 26, 2010 : 2:11 a.m.

You got it man, let me know how we can correspond w/out having to do it on these forums and upset the fine people at AA.Com. What's the place called that you're referring to? I live in Pacific Beach and that sounds like a place that would be here in my neighborhood. I love hearing about a new coach is coming, I thought Santa might have been done for the day!

Hawaiian Neal

Sun, Dec 26, 2010 : 2:07 a.m.

Aloha nui loa 3 and out! Sorry about the rough comments about Jimmy. I still am a little ticked about the comments he made to the press before he thought that there might be an opportunity for him. He knows the proper channels to express concerns like that better than I. One from Michigan just doesn't take shots like he did in the press. That's why I want to see more at Stanford from him.

3 And Out

Sun, Dec 26, 2010 : 2:03 a.m.

thanks Mick, Im actually in LA area...I hear that there's a pretty little place in Southern California down San Diego way.... a little cafe where they play guitars all night and day you can hear them in the back room strummin'....so hold on dont you know a new coach is coming!

3 And Out

Sun, Dec 26, 2010 : 1:57 a.m.

Aloha Neal. Enjoy your nice weather!

Mick

Sun, Dec 26, 2010 : 1:56 a.m.

Neal, much obliged sir, you sound like a class act, thank you for the best wishes. We are U-M and we will survive this period of frustration, I agree brother!! 3 & Out, thank you for the support. You sir are an awesome commentor on these here threads. I love your opinions and insight. I understand that you live in the Bay Area, while I live in San Diego (America's Finest City). If you're ever in San Diego, let me know and I would love to hang out and trade our U-M stories. Alot of gorgeous ladies here my friend, don't tell the 3 & Out pictured hottie I said, don't want to get in trouble w/her, Lol!

3 And Out

Sun, Dec 26, 2010 : 1:54 a.m.

somehow/someone is at AA editing posts and deleting right now.... :( anyway my earlier post was that I dont believe that Harbaugh will hitch his wagon to Andrew Luck...as his coaching future will not hang in the balance on one guy... so anyone thinking that he is going to go to Carolina strictly because of Luck has another think coming....

Hawaiian Neal

Sun, Dec 26, 2010 : 1:49 a.m.

Well 3 and out...I've made the pro bowl every year (except last year)since 2000! I already have my tickets on call for this one and tailgating stuff ready!:)

3 And Out

Sun, Dec 26, 2010 : 1:46 a.m.

Selig knows. He was Western Kentucky's AD from 1999-2010. Selig saw Jim Harbaugh donate the free shoes and gear he collected in the NFL to the school, and how he placed bins in locker rooms so teammates would do the same. "You talk about a rag-tag outfit," Selig said of the Hilltoppers. Harbaugh devoted his Friday nights to scouting high school prospects in and around Indy. He participated in spring practice, summer camps and January-February recruiting. Harbaugh's biggest recruiting catch was Willie Taggart, a quarterback from Florida. Taggart set 11 school records and became life-long friends with Harbaugh, the best man at Taggart's wedding and godfather to his son. Taggart, too, caught the coaching bug and was Western Kentucky's co-offensive coordinator in the 2002 championship season. He later joined Harbaugh's Stanford staff before Selig hired him as the Hilltoppers' head coach last year. Talk about the circle of life. "Jim and Willie are more like brothers than peers or cohorts," Selig said. "They're like family." When Jack Harbaugh retired as coach following the national title, Selig tried to keep the job in the family. He reached out to Jim, then an Oakland Raiders assistant one year removed from his playing days. "Jim just thought, and perhaps rightfully so, that it would be (difficult) to follow his father," Selig said. "It was probably very insightful on Jim's part."

3 And Out

Sun, Dec 26, 2010 : 1:44 a.m.

My Jim Harbaugh Google News alert just went off and delivered this nugget from an article today: "Jack Harbaugh coached Western Kentucky from 1989-2002, but shortly into his tenure the school threatened to drop football. Even when the governing board voted to spare the program, it gutted budgets, forcing Harbaugh to purge much of his staff. Then playing nearby for the Indianapolis Colts, Jim volunteered to be his father's unpaid assistant coach in 1994. He passed NCAA tests to earn recruiting privileges and became an invaluable asset, even while making the Pro Bowl in 1995 and leading the Colts to the AFC championship game. "Jim was very instrumental with his dad in not only keeping football at Western Kentucky but resurrecting it and winning the (Division I-AA) national championship in 2002," Old Dominion athletic director Wood Selig said. "It's really a remarkable story how the program went from its deathbed to winning the national championship."

Hawaiian Neal

Sun, Dec 26, 2010 : 1:43 a.m.

Merry Christmas Mick and family! A lot of people outside of our family (Michigan) have just picked up the FreeP banner and run with it. Sure, the MClub in Hawaii is disappointed at the results. I think those outside the family share a lot of that frustration. It is interesting times and Michigan will survive this. As you know, we will always be Michigan and others, well... are not. :) Merry Christmas and Happy New Year brother! No hard feelings intended or taken!

3 And Out

Sun, Dec 26, 2010 : 1:42 a.m.

Mick brings up a good point regarding Andrew Luck and Harbs' relationship.... IMO< Harbs is not going to hitch his coaching future on Luck and risk being judged as a HC based on what/how/if Luck develops at the next level. Now they may have a great relationship and Luck certainly has a ton of potential....but Harbs has always struck me as the kind of guy who doesnt hitch his wagon to his players in hopes of curtailing on their success (unlike RR and Pat White / D Rob)... In addition to that...Harbs has a youngster at home and a baby on the way... IMO...the NFL with its 80+ hour work weeks and massive travel does not suit a new parents lifestyle at all....and no doubt Harbs wants to be around to raise his children... all of that bode well to staying in College... Ann Arbor style...

3 And Out

Sun, Dec 26, 2010 : 1:36 a.m.

My Jim Harbaugh Google News alert just went off and delivered this nugget from an article today: " Jack Harbaugh coached Western Kentucky from 1989-2002, but shortly into his tenure the school threatened to drop football. Even when the governing board voted to spare the program, it gutted budgets, forcing Harbaugh to purge much of his staff. Then playing nearby for the Indianapolis Colts, Jim volunteered to be his father's unpaid assistant coach in 1994. He passed NCAA tests to earn recruiting privileges and became an invaluable asset, even while making the Pro Bowl in 1995 and leading the Colts to the AFC championship game. "Jim was very instrumental with his dad in not only keeping football at Western Kentucky but resurrecting it and winning the (Division I-AA) national championship in 2002," Old Dominion athletic director Wood Selig said. "It's really a remarkable story how the program went from its deathbed to winning the national championship."

Mick

Sun, Dec 26, 2010 : 1:33 a.m.

Neal, you are my U-M brethren and I apologize if I seemed harsh to you, forgive me. I just can't take this RR guy anymore. I am becoming unproductive and obsessed with this situation, might be unhealthy. However, I feel like I need to voice my displeasure constantly and be heard, that's all. Merry Christmas to you and Go Blue!!!

Mick

Sun, Dec 26, 2010 : 1:26 a.m.

Examining RR's record at U-M further, and this one really bugs me, his average record in AA is 5-7. He's averaging 7 losses a season when our storied history has had only THREE 7 loss seasons before he got there. Hello? Pathetic! I'm reading on other forums that JH is staying at Stanford beacause of his relationship with Andrew Luck or Luck might stay at Stanford and JH will also or JH will coach Carolina (wishful thinking) because he'll get the 1st pick and take Luck w/that pick. I want to know how JH ever accomplished anything in his life before Andrew Luck came into it, comical. If for some reason we don't get JH, well I'll take Hoke any day. I think people are finally coming around to the fact that Hoke can coach and he's got class knows how to motivate. If for some un-godly reason DB keeps RR next year, Hoke will bring SDSU to AA and put a beating on us as alot of his players are returning, I shudder at the thought.

Hawaiian Neal

Sun, Dec 26, 2010 : 1:26 a.m.

Lastly, I'm not an RR supporter per se, I am a Michigan supporter. I wouldn't presume to know more than people at the school about their jobs. I've never been a D1 AD. I support them no matter what the decision is. I owe the university everything that I became and I will continue be a donor until I die. It's a family thing.

Hawaiian Neal

Sun, Dec 26, 2010 : 1:16 a.m.

It's late....sorry 2 of 9 vs 3 of 12.

Hawaiian Neal

Sun, Dec 26, 2010 : 1:14 a.m.

....also, it's a lot harder to lose 8 games when you only play 9 (I'm guessing). :)

Hawaiian Neal

Sun, Dec 26, 2010 : 1:11 a.m.

....also, it's a lot harder to lose 8 games when you only play 9 (I'm guessing). :)

Hawaiian Neal

Sun, Dec 26, 2010 : 1:09 a.m.

Hey Mick! Good catch. You are right, it was 2 wins out of 9 games, not 10. I'm sure you did the math, that's still a winning percentage lower than the 3 and 12 season (22% 2/7 vs 25% 3/12). Why would that make you mad? It's just math. Bump Elliot was around.500 for his 10 years.

BigWolverine13

Sun, Dec 26, 2010 : 12:41 a.m.

If DB does give him one more year (I have come to doubt he will), I will support that decision in the hope that RR can turn the defense and special teams around and can return Michigan to greatness. If he fails to do so, he must be absolutely certainly gone at the end of next year.

BigWolverine13

Sun, Dec 26, 2010 : 12:37 a.m.

After reading all these comments (for and against), and really trying to be fair, I have become convinced that RR should go. He has managed to take a winning program and turned it into a national joke: One of the worst defenses in the country; Predictable losses against good teams; NCAA violations; Teams that fade in the fourth quarter; A losing record against the Big Ten; Weak special teams. All that so we can have an exciting offense? -- Exclusively against weak teams? How could that happen to a school that had a winning record for decades and has the drawing power among recruits of the largest stadium in the country, a respectable college degree and a path to the NFL for the best athletes? If DB does give him one more year (I have come to doubt he will), I will support that decision in the hope that RR can turn the defense and special teams around and can return Michigan to greatness. If he fails to do so, he must be absolutely certainly gone at the end of next year.

Mick

Sun, Dec 26, 2010 : 12:10 a.m.

Hey Hawaiian Neal, uh U-M never lost 8 games till RR got to AA. 7 losses were the most in a storied history that has had very few losing seasons, period! 14 losing seasons from 1879 to 2007. Let's review shall we: 1881 0-3 1883 2-3 1889 1-2 1934 1-7 1936 1-7 1958 2-6-1 1962 2-7 These are the worse seasons in U-M history. Before RR got to AA and right away added 2 losing seasons for us, we had never lost 8 games till RR got there, ok? I was so ticked off at your comment that I simply went and did some homework to refute your claim. Unbelievable how some people defend RR.

3 And Out

Sat, Dec 25, 2010 : 10:51 p.m.

D21...If Vince Lombardi came back from the dead, Walking Dead style minus the stink and flesh eating... and Dave Brandon were to hire him to replace RR, I can just imagine the comments from the Koolaid Crowd: "He hasnt coached in 40 years, what does he know about modern offense?" "The Packers never scored as many points as our King's offenses!" "Run the Sweep, in the Alley? What the heck is that... QBs dont run sweeps?" "He never won a National Championship.... and only has 5 NFL Championships...our King went 11-1 in the Big Least"! "Lombardi had a full cupboard when he took over the 1-11 Packers in 58'...RR never had that type of talent!" etc etc etc...Happy Holidays! Cant wait for the Bowl Game!

D21

Sat, Dec 25, 2010 : 10:29 p.m.

What I'd pay to see: Brandon not only announcing the dismissal of RR after the bowl game but as well as some of the hopeless RR forumites in here from ever attending UM football games, home and away, so we all won't have to listen to their baseless drivel.

D21

Sat, Dec 25, 2010 : 10:25 p.m.

Reason # 1,000,000,000,000,000,001 (Only RR can beat the USA debt with his untold reasons). Rem a few months ago, when RR alluded that not even Vince Lombardi can do anything about UM defense. RR, wow, what a way to denigrate Vince. You have no class!

3 And Out

Sat, Dec 25, 2010 : 8:28 p.m.

"In his 11-1 season, he still doesn't have the offensive numbers we did in our third year." Really? REALLY??? Harbs Stanford Team averaged 41+ points per game, and your King's offense only averaged 34. Keep spinning though...the educated here know that it is just that: Spin. Sooner or later though, you cant spin away 6-18 in the Big Ten, 0-12 vs. teams in BT that finish with winning records in conference play... 13-21+1 overall... what a joke... BTW... keep bashing Harbs or Hoke or any other coach who will replace the fool. That really accomplishes nothing in the eyes of anyone who is educated. The fact that you spin the fallacy of "RR's 3 year record same as Harbs" LOL LOL LOL without taking in account the starting point of the 2 programs....is completely laughable....but keep spinning!!!! Merry Christmas. 3 And Out.

3 And Out

Sat, Dec 25, 2010 : 8:23 p.m.

Reason number 1000 not to like Rich Rod as our Coach. Here are his comments regarding recruiting per an article on ESPN yesterday: "The first year, we didn't have much time," he said. "The second year, there was drama. Then, there was the NCAA thing. Now, there's another obstacle." In other words: More Excuses from the King Narcissist. This guy never takes responsibility or personal accountability for anything.... and it shows on the field with the sloppy play that his team has every game. The sooner this guy is gone, the better. Lloyd, Mo, Bo, Crisler etc. NEVER made these kind of excuses that Rich Rod constantly makes. It is ALWAYS someone else's fault in Rich Rod's view...and it is getting tiresome.... to keep...hearing...the narcissistic...excuses.... I cant wait to read his comments after he is canned in a couple of weeks.

Hawaiian Neal

Sat, Dec 25, 2010 : 8:03 p.m.

I still go back to Harbaugh's first 3 years at Stanford. Sure, he beat a down USC but lost to Charlie Weiss twice in that period. Personally, I'd rather beat Notre Dame then beat USC, if that was the choice. Using the logic posted in several comments here, Harbaugh should have been shown the boot after his third year too. the same 3 year record and still lost his only bowl game. In his 11-1 season, he still doesn't have the offensive numbers we did in our third year. I'll support whatever Brandon does, even if it means we go back to 3-9 for a couple of years under a new coach. As for Michigan's worst season being 3-9, that's what the morons in the press are feeding you. Look back at the articles, they are carefully worded. "Most losses" never "Fewest wins". Why, you ask? Michigan had a 2-8 season under Bump Elliot (coach before Bo). 2-8 is a worse season than 3-9. ( 20% 2/10 wins vs 25% 3/12). You been bamboozled into thinking 3-9 was the worst season and so many other things. Let the players and Brandon decide without us.

3 And Out

Sat, Dec 25, 2010 : 6:18 p.m.

Its funny that after Shafer was forced to run RRs scheme with some very experienced and talented defensive players that Carr left in the Cupboard, 8 starters... the defense dropped from 27th in the nation to 84th or so....and SOME of that had to do with the pathetic offense that put the defense in bad spots all year... RR chased off so many offensive guys that it put the onus on the defense to carry the team...and then he made Shafer run his scheme... and then Shafer got canned as the Fall Guy after the 08 season... paid off to keep quiet.... and then he goes to Syracuse and has very good success. The fact is that Scott Shafer is a very good DC and is well respected. He has been successful at WMU, Stanford and Syracuse...while being the Fall Guy for Rich Rodriguez at Michigan... what is the only factor for Shafer not "succeeding" at Michigan: Rich Rodriguez. Man Shafer must hate him.... but he has bounced back as the good coach that he is... Meanwhile...our last two RR defenses have been much worse than the 08 defense that RR scapegoated Shafer on! Anyone see a pattern here as to who is to blame????

missionbrazil

Sat, Dec 25, 2010 : 4:35 p.m.

mgoblue "the defense wasn't as depleted as the offense..." Then that's even worse because the D dropped off from being rated 27th in the nation in 2007 to 81st in 2008 (Pts/game)... terrible, and you admit there were more players that returned from 2007 on the D... then that is pure (bad) coaching right there. Truth is that RR had much more to start with than Kool-Aid drinkers want to admit. I can't even believe you are trying to defend a 3-9 worst season ever in our history... is not the HC of the team responsible and accountable? "... but the SR's were playing for a coach the school hired they didnt care if he won or not." Be careful because you are approaching Lorraine's legendary status with these types of comments.

D21

Sat, Dec 25, 2010 : 12:57 p.m.

RR and his family, No matter what I said about you and I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas.

mgoblue48348

Sat, Dec 25, 2010 : 12:02 p.m.

I know the Butteyes would do anything to beat Michigan so I can't say that's impossible (see Bruce whats his name) fired just prior to Michigan OSU game but on that note thank you and Merry Christmas to you and yours also and a happy new tear I do however want U of M to beat MSU New Years day and that would be a good start, for me albiet, to the new year and by all means......... GO BLUE something we can see eye to eye on whoever the coach

azwolverine

Sat, Dec 25, 2010 : 11:18 a.m.

Hey mgoblue, Guess what I heard? I heard that RR was actually sent as a secret agent from OSU to destroy the Michigan program and he's being paid MORE by OSU than he is by Michigan. The red writstband he used to wear was his symbol of solidarity with the OSU program, and he purposely turns the offense off against the Bucks. He then ordered Boren to leave for OSU and told Pryor that the Bucks were better suited to his style. That's what I heard! From a guy! I know it was facts because his shirt was blue...like Michigan! At any rate, I do wish you a Merry Christmas! Enjoy!

mgoblue48348

Sat, Dec 25, 2010 : 11:14 a.m.

They shold not have beat wisconsin either

azwolverine

Sat, Dec 25, 2010 : 11:01 a.m.

mgoblue, No matter how you slice it, UM should not have lost to Toledo. They went 3-9 (would have been 2-10, but they beat UM at the Big House), finished last in the MAC, and they're coach was fired at the end of the year. Whatever excuses you want to make, there's none for that loss. That's on RR. And as for SRs not caring about winning...they're college kids, playing in their final year at Michigan, maybe their final year ever playing football, and you think they suddenly don't care? Where do you guys come up with this absolute, nonsensical, unsubstantiated CRAP? It's unfathomable the stuff the RR crowd simply makes up.

mgoblue48348

Sat, Dec 25, 2010 : 10:34 a.m.

Simple math yeah you got that right SIMPLE Uh 11 left so 11 come back uh right no wrong the defense wasn't as depleted as the offense but the SR's were playing for a coach the school hired they didnt care if he won or not. Buying into the system is important I don't know who's to blame about the hiring process I have heard LC I have heard the previous AD I won't peretend to know but it wasn't RR fault like some in here I am sure believe. there is a site that goes over the recruiting classes who left them and why but the attrition in 07 08 was remarkable. So stop blaming RR for the 9-3 record it wasn't totally his fault.

azwolverine

Sat, Dec 25, 2010 : 10:05 a.m.

Sorry visha, I was trying to be sarcastic because for some reason your statement didn't show up at all on my computer. I saw your screen name and nothing else. Oh, well, now that I actually see what you wrote, I still like it nonetheless. Merry Christmas!

azwolverine

Sat, Dec 25, 2010 : 10:02 a.m.

visha, Your eloquent statement sums up the RR debate perfectly, and we are all more enlightened for having read it. Well said.

ViSHa

Sat, Dec 25, 2010 : 9:34 a.m.

My three favorite words spoken in the English language: "maybe he misspoke"

missionbrazil

Sat, Dec 25, 2010 : 7:46 a.m.

chapmaja "Part of the problem is the quality of players backing up those players wasn't as good as expected. That falls on the recruiting of Lloyd Carr. RR isn't blameless for the problems, but the cupboard wasn't stocked to it's normal capacity when he took over." You mentioned 11 guys leaving after the 2007 season. Simple math tells you that means that 11 starters were still around. And what about the 2nd team players, and the 3rd team players of 2007? And the players that had been redshirted for the 2007 season? Why weren't they groomed and coached up to be ready to start and play for the 2008 season? or the 2009 season? or at the very latest the 2010 season? Plus check the recruiting class ratings for LC's last 3 years... these classes rated fairly well... what happened to all of these players after LC left? If 11 left after 2007, that leaves many starters and many others from a team that went 9-4. There is NO way you can explain away the 3-9 1st RR season, except that RR took it upon himself to blow up EVERYTHING he had to start with and do it HIS WAY... because he is an arrogant narcissist. The funny thing is that he ended up blowing himself up in the process. One more thing about the players "being behind RR"... these guys are athletes and competitors... it has to being eating them up inside to be losing and getting beat up every year by OSU, MSU, PSU, Iowa, and Wiscy. It has to be killing them inside to have a best finish of 7th in the BT in the last 3 years. They'll get over RR very quickly if we finally get a HC that will turn it around.

missionbrazil

Sat, Dec 25, 2010 : 7:13 a.m.

mgoblue "So you want RR fired before the kids he has brought to U of M are JR's" Simply put - YES. That kind of statement (firing before the kids he brought are JR's) is kind of like pretending that RR started the UM football program from nothing, and that he had nothing when he got here. That is completely untrue. He took over a 9-4 team with experienced players coming back on O and D, and the recruiting classes for a couple of years before he arrived were all rated fairly high. The "one more year" argument is a last ditch effort by Kool-Aid drinkers to try to show that they have not been wrong in backing a losing HC with NCAA violations. You cannot argue based on the fact of his record, and you can't argue for RR based on his record against OSU/MSU/PSU/Iowa/Wiscy, and you can't argue that he has run a clean program, and you can't argue based on the D or special teams play,... Kool-Aid drinkers argue by trying to inflate the stats & ratings of the O, or by ripping other people like LC, Bo, JH,... or by using your last ditch effort of "give him 1 more year" so "his" players can show what they can do. That is a farse. HIS players and HIS team have been playing since 2008... HE is responsible for everything since right after our bowl win in early 2008 against FLA. Merry Christmas to all Kool-Aid drinkers and non Kool-Aid drinkers alike. By the way, do you guys have a special RR eggnog version of the Kool-Aid for the holidays?

Wake Up A2

Sat, Dec 25, 2010 : 6:43 a.m.

I hope RR last press conference is in the Big House. That way 113,000+ can be there when they can him. NA, NA, NA, NA, hay, hay, Goodbye!!!

I love Michigan Football

Sat, Dec 25, 2010 : 12:02 a.m.

I love it.... http://www.detnews.com/article/20101224/SPORTS0201/12240438/Stanford-coach-Jim-Harbaugh-hasn-t-signed-extension--can-still-leave

umgoblue47

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 10:32 p.m.

maybe you and harbs can get with babbs and check out that rumor... GO BLUE...happy holidays to the negative nancy's...

azwolverine

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 10:12 p.m.

chapmaja, I think even you would admit that Glenville St fell off the last two seasons, and that none of the teams they lost to had the quality of coaches that RR sees when he plays teams in the B10. It's not even comparable. The fact that you at least did your homework is admirable, unlike the other RR backers who spew 'facts' about RR's greatness when all they know about is his last three years at WVU, not the 12 years preceding those three years. Suffice it to say, you can read those preceding 12 years of his career any way you'd like, just like people read his three years at Michigan in different ways. My point is, what RR has done in his career doesn't suggest to me that he is in any way capable of elevating UM beyond anything that it was before and, with his lack of attention to defense, specail teams, and ball control on offense, I actually see them falling short of their previous levels...by a long shot. And while it can be argued, as you have done, that UM's talent was not at the level it had been in previous years, I think it's very hard to argue that our talent had, in one offseason, fallen below that of 3-9 Toledo (or even 3-9 Purdue for that matter). Again, I'm glad to see that you actually took your time to check into his past, as have I, but apparently we agree to disagree on how that translates to Michigan's future success under his guidance. Looking at RR's past, I think it's pretty safe to say that he's nowhere near the level of a Jim Tressel who, unfortunately, coaches the team we are trying to beat.

D21

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 10:09 p.m.

Ho, ho, ho...Santa is coming to A2 late tonight to present RR with a nice gift (that said not to open until Jan 2nd) with a pink slip inside it. Santy said no presents this year for those naughty RR supporters. Merry Christmas!

3 And Out

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 10:04 p.m.

Jim Harbaugh today, quoted on how his AD Bowlsby indicated that Harbs was about to sign an extension a few weeks ago: "Maybe he misspoke" Merry Christmas Koolaiders!

chapmaja

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 10 p.m.

ecmichman, Michigan was LOADED??? With returning talent on both sides of the ball? Really would that loaded talent have incuded Mallet who was likely going to transfer due in part to his attitude and the fact he didn't like the system RR brought in. This was going to be a sophomore with what 2 starts in his career? That loaded talent. Let's see the following staring players left the program after the 2007 season. Due to graduation: Chad Henne, Jake Long, Mike Hart, Adam Kraus (both left side starting offensive lineman), Jamar Adams (SS), Chris Graham (OLB), Shawn Crable (OLB). NFL draft: Mario Manningham, Adrian Arrington, Transfered / Left Team / Unknown reason: Justin Boren (Center), Alex Mitchell (RG), The offensive side of the ball only returned 1 player, TE Mike Massey from the staring 11 in 2008. Tim North (FB) in 2007 was a DE in 2008. The defensive side of the ball should have been better with the majority of the defense returning. Part of the problem is the quality of players backing up those players wasn't as good as expected. That falls on the recruiting of Lloyd Carr. RR isn't blameless forthe problems, but the cupboard wasn't stocked to it's normal capacity when he took over.

GoblueinNE_PA

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 9:20 p.m.

As I've said here before when the canard of "oh, the players love him" has been brought up, what do you expect them to say? Really? Seriously? What is a 19 or 20 year old kid supposed to say about the guy that: 1. Convinced him to come probably half way across the country to come to Ann Arbor; and 2. Holds his entire fate in his hands. No one, and I mean NO ONE, will bad mouth their coach at the college level. It just doesn't happen. Way too much risk for them. Plus their kids. They'll go to mat for the guy. But in the big picture, it means absolutely nothing. Nada, zip, zero. As soon as the new coach comes in and the guys get to know him, they'll be 100% behind him as well. It's the way of the world. RichRod is gone folks, might as well start getting your head around it.

chapmaja

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 9:17 p.m.

For those of you who are so keen on bringing up the number of seasons with X number of wins RR ha had in his career lets look a bit deeper into those numbers shall we. His first head coaching job was at Salem, an NAIA school in West Virginia. He was the coach for 1 season at Salem, earning a 2-8 record. It was pretty clear even before he was named HC at Salem, that the school was considering dropping football. After RR's only season as head coach the school dropped the sport of football. Salem's football program had been in bad shape for several seasons and was never a WVIAC power. He then took over a Glenville State program in 1990. Glenville St had not had a winning season the 5 seasons before RichRod arrived in Glenville to take over the program. In 1989 prior to his arrival they had finishd 1-8 with a win over a non-DII/NAIA school (Newport News Apprentice). While building that program he went 1-7-1 his first season, 4-5-1 his second season, 6-4 his third season and 10-3 his 4th season. The 10-3 season saw Glenville lose in the NAIA National Championship game. One of the losses that season was to a team that had played in the IAA playoffs the previous year by 6 points. In 1994 they went 8-3 with a 1 point loss in conference, a first round NAIA playoff loss and a loss to a IAA playoff regular. The following 2 seasons they were 8-2 and 6-4 but shared the conference title each season. RR left at those seasons to take over as an assistance coach. He got his next head coaching job at WVU taking over a program that had been inconstistant. His first year they sucked finishing 7th in the Big East. They improved to 9-4 his second season and lost their Bowl Game. They then shared the next two Big East Titles in 2003 and 2004 going 8-4 and 8-5 those seasons. They then had 3 consective 11 win seasons (he wasn't around for the 11th win of the 2007 season). At every single stop he made the biggest success came either in the 4th or the 5th season as the head coach. I don't count Salem because they pulled the program from under him after one season. Also, for those who say the cupboard wasn't bare in Ann Arbor I ask you this question. Was it stocked with the talent a typcial Michigan team has? Would Mallet have stayed at Michigan? The reports I've heard were no he was going to transfer no matter who was named the HC, plus he had an attitude problem toward coaches and team mates which didn't help him at atll. They were going to have to break in a new QB no matter what since Mallett would likely have been gone and even if Mallet stayed he wassn't exacly a force as a freshman (how many fumbled snaps). The team was likely going to lose several people to the NFL draft no matter who the coach was and when that was combined with the graduation losses Michigan wasn't going to have typical Michigan depth anywhere on the field. I'm not saying I think RR has done a good job, but the history of him and his programs, combined with the fact he has a solid young team capable of substantial improvement should dictate that Rich Rod will be the head cach next year. The one issue that worries me is the defense. The defens normally improved over the years and Michigan's has gotten worse. I do think changes need to be made on that side of the ball and I don't mean coaching I mean scheme. I think GRob can be a good DC if allowed to run his system. Unfortunately he needs to run RR 3-3-5 which gets blown up and has no qualiy pass rush.

mgoblue48348

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 8:43 p.m.

C'mon D I quoted Depeche Mode... you qoute Josh Grobin I couldn't tell you one song he wrote, but I am an emotional guy still I won't get fired for it. I stand corrected though about Mike Martin lovin the coach I have no idea and I suppose it doesn't count for much even if he did but I did read that some of the players yes thats plural weren't bothered at all about Grobingate. I believe it was Angelique from the Det. news who went around asking them about it. Off the top of my head Van Bergen comes to mind they seemed to shrug it off fairly well like it was no big deal.

Rich Call

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 8:35 p.m.

You guys don't have to worry anymore. Rich Rod just stopped by my house and gave my son Josh Groban's song "You raise me up" for a Xmas gift and guaranteed that next year will bring a Big 10 Championship. Merry Christmas to all

azwolverine

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 6:57 p.m.

I'd like quotes of the "whole team" defending this guy. I recall reading Jordan Kovacs statement after the bust that the players don't think about the whole coaching thing, they just go out and play for 'each other.' Not saying he doesn't like RR, but I'm certainly not hearing the 'we love our coach' in that statement. By the way, the players at Indiana also loved Bill Lynch, as did Brady Quinn and others love Charlie Weiss at ND. In neither case (although I like Lynch) did it mean the coach was successful and should be kept on. And it doesn't in the case of RR, either. On that note, Merry Christmas to RR supporters and non-supporters alike, as well as any MSU and OSU fans who may stop by our site.

D21

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 6:51 p.m.

Ever heard of the "Stockholm Syndrome". Stockholm syndrome is a term used to describe a paradoxical psychological phenomenon wherein hostages express adulation and have positive feelings towards their captors that appear irrational in light of the danger or risk endured by the victims, essentially mistaking a lack of abuse from their captors as an act of kindness. For the RR crowd, it's the "RR Syndrome". RR, sorry about that.

magnumpi

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 6:45 p.m.

how do people know his team loves him and is defending him? aside from the one player interviewed a few weeks ago after "Grobangate"? seems like it's just hearsay and is about as reliable as what i hear in the campus bars, which is quite the opposite.

D21

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 6:44 p.m.

mgoblue48328, Thank you for responding and I am adding something extra to your Christmas gift that is sure to inspire you to sing it every day: "RR, Raise Me Up" When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary; When troubles come and my heart burdened be; Then, I am still and wait here in the silence, Until RR come and sit awhile with me. RR, raise me up, so I can stand on mountains; RR, raise me up, to walk on stormy seas; I am strong, when I am on RR's shoulders; RR, raise me up: To more than I can be. RR, raise me up, so I can stand on mountains; RR, raise me up, to walk on stormy seas; I am strong, when I am on RR's shoulders; RR, raise me up: To more than I can be. There is no life - no life without its hunger; Each restless heart beats so imperfectly; But when RR come and I am filled with wonder, Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity. RR, raise me up, so I can stand on mountains; RR, raise me up, to walk on stormy seas; I am strong, when I am on RR's shoulders; RR, raise me up: To more than I can be. RR, raise me up, so I can stand on mountains; RR, raise me up, to walk on stormy seas; I am strong, when I am on RR's shoulders; RR, raise me up: To more than I can be. Doesn't it makes you want to cry?

mgoblue48348

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 6:23 p.m.

D 21 attack his record not what records he likes to play oops showing my age, also that whole thing about his crying and him taking some love away from the 85' team at the Bust (I wasn't there) so I can't say like some have but I heard his little montage was about 5 min.in length and it again did not bother Van Bergen and other players asked to comment so get over it. Go Blue stomp Mississippi State and remember kids less cowbell.

D21

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 6:07 p.m.

Hey RR fans, Look under your Christmas tree for special gifts from the Grinch (me). Hint: A doll that looks like RR and sings, "You Raise Me Up" on cue. Merry Christmas.

mgoblue48348

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 5:55 p.m.

So you want RR fired before the kids he has brought to U of M are JR's Who I might add are defending him like their own father and dont give me the well what do you expect them to say arguement cause they could say well thats between RR and DB and keep their starting spot easily. I just think if Mike Martin loves the guy that should be good enough for another year. Oh yeah Happy Holidays everyone

azwolverine

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 5:37 p.m.

mgoblue, The problem that I believe most of us have with the "one more year" argument is that RR has shown no progress whatsoever in terms of closing the gap on the B10 elite, especially as it relates to our rivals. We lost by more to MSU, OSU, and Iowa this season, with two of those games at home. Our defense has gotten progressively worse each year of the RR regime. We average a grandspanking 8 points per game against OSU over a three year period. Couple all of that with RR's 18 year track record of a paltry five 9+ win seasons (six losing), and the question becomes: What the heck are we waiting for, exactly? The guy has already proven over 18 years he's not good enough to lead Michigan or anyone else to 10 win seasons on any type of consistent basis. Keeping him around for another year is simply setting the program one year further back. If he had shown any hope against the heavyweights, there might be an argument. He didn't show that...there really should be no argument.

mgoblue48348

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 5:26 p.m.

Mission Fire RR....I did not ask why??? I said why so soon? yes the first year was an unmitigated disaster so was the play of the the quarterback, any one of us in here could throw the ball better than Threet..Bring on Forcier and we are talking Sports Illustrated cover after the first three games the very next year... I cant argue the past and say it was good it was record breaking bad I get that. It seems to me though people want rid of him before he could proove himself so they can say in the words of Depeche Mode "Told you So".. One more year is all I am asking lets see if he can get the 10 wins we are used to.

azwolverine

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 4:44 p.m.

trueblue, A rumor you started just now, apparently. By the way, why would ANY defensive coordinator worth their salt want to work for RR, let alone a quality NFL coordinator. Unless they want RR's pathetic, Big Least 3-3-5 shoved down their throats, no one will touch this defense. He can't even get it right with a Super Bowl winning DC in Robinson. By the way, why should Robinson be let go anyway? Isn't the problem that we're starting all Fr and Sophs? It's NOT the coaching! Isn't that the story? And if Robinson is let go, won't that "set us back three years?" All the RR supporters who want Robinson fired are contradicting your very own excuses. Come on RR supporters, get your excuses straight.

D21

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 4:36 p.m.

Fast Forward to 1-2-2011, the day after the bowl game: Brandon: RR, I have made my DECISION. RR: What is it??? You wanna hear me sing my favorite Groban song? Brandon: Uh, no but I wanted to let you know I still want you. RR: Really boss, hold on for a moment (Screaming yes, yes, yes, I own them A2,com forum fiends...now dialing up his legal team to tell them to cancel the lawsuit...click) Thank you Mr. Brandon, thank you Brandon: With your unsurpassed offensive genius, I think we can get better. RR: Yes, yes boss...who cares about defense as long I got DRob. Brandon: Now RR, I want you to report tmw for our press conference at 11:45am sharp. RR: Yes sir, bossman thank you thank you (Brandon hangs up) thank you thank you thank you thank you..... The next day at the press conference at 11:45am: Brandon: After many months of careful observations, I have concluded that RR is staying... RR: Yes, yes, SCHWINGGGGG, yes, yes, I am da MAN...(til Brandon pulled him back) Brandon: I like RR's offensive genius and his gung ho attitude which is necessary to be part of the Domino's Pizza team...(taking out a spiffy new Domino's uniform and draping it over a very, very, very and very crestfallen RR)...I am glad to announce that RR is our new head coach of Domino's pizza delivery people. "You Raise Me Up" playing in the background at the same time.

missionbrazil

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 4:07 p.m.

mgoblue48348 "Seems the man could beat anyone.." See, right there you already blew it. Seems the man CANNOT beat anyone; that is the problem and that is why we are in such a "hurry". Suffering through 3 years of this doesn't seem like in a hurry to me. It seems like it's been a long long 3 years. In 3 years here is the progression the UM program has suffered: 9-4, 6-2 BT (LC's last year) 3-9, 2-6 BT (worst season EVER) 5-7, 1-7 BT (2nd losing season EVER) 7-5, 3-5 BT (3rd worst BT season since 1967) Plus throw in NCAA violations (1st ones EVER at UM) Yeah, you're right, there is absolutely no reason we should want a new HC. Merry Christmas.

D21

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 4:04 p.m.

In the world of college football, Anytime your AD says he will evaluate you after the end of the season, it tells you to start job hunting asap and no Groban songs. Anyone who doubts me and others for rationalizing our stance needs to pay $$$ to each of us for "suffering" your nonsensical kool aid support of RR or you have to renounce your allegiance to UM for good.

mgoblue48348

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 3:55 p.m.

OMG there are no RR supporters in here, who are you people arguing with....So I will say agreed there is no way what RR has done is anything but unimpressive but if you give RR one more year with the kids he has recruited maybe they could have a better season maybe 8 or 9 wins and a bowl win. Would that get you guys off his back one more year? I doubt it. Seems the man could beat anyone and you people would be pissed about his hair color. Oh hang on I need to drink some of my RR kool aid....If I read that one more time I am sure I will throw up. Why the hurry ( to fire RR) afraid he might beat MSU OSU PSU ND oh thats right ND dont count.I am sure if he dont you will scream from the mountain tops see he should be fired after 4 years and no Big Ten Championship I might even join you I say might because most his recruits wont even be Sr's yet but I dont understand the hurry.

truebluefan

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 3:53 p.m.

Hoke slappies: latest rumor is RR stays another year and Michigan is looking to the NFL for a new DC. Trgovac? Sounds good to me. Have a Merry Christmas! Ho, ho, ho!

D21

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 3:29 p.m.

Fellas and ladies, Thank you for your needed sanity in this RR soap opera in this forum. So many good postings that I would even nominate all of you to be associate ADs under AD Brandon. Merry Maize n Blue Christmas to you all!

Joseph

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 1:37 p.m.

The new kicking commit went 9-17 in California weather. Seriously?

Joseph

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 1:35 p.m.

Desmond isn't very smart if he actually thinks that DB is going to start his coaching search the day after the bowl game. Any AD worth their pay would have had a successor lined up weeks ago (probably after the loss in Happy Valley, PA).

missionbrazil

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 12:24 p.m.

XTR... Pete also wrote the article: "John Harbaugh thinks his brother wants to stay at Stanford"; somehow when you read the article it wasn't exactly what John H. was saying.... Is Pete an RR supporter? lol!... the by-line on his stories needs to change from "by: Pete Bigelow" to "From Pete Bigelow's comment box". Sally "'I'm like everyone else,' he said. 'I figured you go to Michigan, throw them [the team] out there and win nine games."... WOW, that says it all. A truly amazing statement right there. So we just throw our D out there and they'll play well. And we'll just throw our special teams out there and they'll be good. But hey, give the man credit, he did finally win his 9th game... in his 3RD YEAR! "It didn't work that way. The Big Ten is really deep..."... and it's getting deeper with Nebraska next year Rich. "but we're on our way."... wow, I'm sold.

Sallyxyz

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 11:17 a.m.

Here's a quote by RR in the article: "Gator Bowl coaches: One's hot and one's not" in the Florida Times-Union: "Rodriguez said the depth of the Big Ten took him a little by surprise as he's tried to grow into the job. 'I'm like everyone else,' he said. 'I figured you go to Michigan, throw them [the team] out there and win nine games. It didn't work that way. The Big Ten is really deep... but we're on our way.'" ***** Are you kidding? "Grow into the job?" A head coach at Michigan comes into the job thinking he needs to "grow into it"???? What's wrong with this picture? Not ready for prime time, by a long shot. He never was and never will be. "Throw the team out there and win nine games"? You must be joking. Maybe that's why his record is so abysmal against teams with winning records. Maybe that's why the first season he won 3 games. No, RR, it doesn't work that way. UM should have hired a competent coach 3 years ago who WAS ready for prime time, who didn't underestimate the depth of the Big Ten, and who didn't have a strategy of "throwing the team out there expecting to win none games." It's hard to believe he actually admits this publicly. No, RR, you are not "like everyone else." A competent coach would have built upon UM's long winning tradition, used the talent on the existing team, not strolled in and fired every coach on the staff, would not have brought major NCAA violations to the UM, and would not have used the senior banquet as an infomercial to keep your job. Yes, RR, you "are on your way." Out of A2 for good on January 4. Find yourself a MAC school to coach where you can "throw the team out there" and expect to have a winning season.

XTR

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 10:47 a.m.

Pete Bigalow on Belloti - "No matter when an announcement comes for Michigan, he believes Rodriguez had earned a fourth season in Ann Arbor." Why are you putting words into Belloti's mouth? Belloti never in the interview said that RR earned a fourth season. He never said that. Is Pete an RR supporter? lol!

A2Dave

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 10:43 a.m.

Heisman or not, Desmond is not much of a Michigan Man if he thinks Michigan is a "three-and-out" institution like Miami or ND, where the athletic department is run by alumni. Michigan will honor its contract, and RR's team will reward the Administration for its patience.

ecmichman

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 10:29 a.m.

Mission - I find it amazing that so many RR supporters can't even do simple math. LC left a 9-4 team that was loaded with solid, returning starters on both sides of the ball. After year three RR is 7-5. Seems to me that RR is still under water with a mediocre offense, no defense, no special teams, and no kicker. The numbers don't lie. One of the most disturbing sights I saw this past season was the unbridled display of emotion after beating Illinois... ILLINOIS!!! My how times have changed.

missionbrazil

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 10:16 a.m.

3 And Out and D21... good comparison between RR and JL Smith. There are many similarities between the two. I have to agree with D21 that JLS is slightly > RR, since he did have 1 season in the BT with a 5-3 winning record and I don't believe he had any NCAA violations. I just googled "michigan state football ncaa violations" and the 1st thing that showed up - Rich Rodriguez / Michigan / NCAA rules violations. LOL

D21

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 9:56 a.m.

Merry Christmas!

D21

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 9:48 a.m.

JL Smith > RR in OT At least JL Smith did climb up a mountain or two and isn't as litigious as RR is.

missionbrazil

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 8:26 a.m.

Since Christmas is a good time to reflect on things, I am thinking of some of my favorite Kool-Aid arguments and statements: * LC left the cupboard bare (even though there were plenty of returning players on both sides of the ball from a 9-4, 6-2 BT team) * Bo actually supported the RR hire, while LC worked after he retired to undermine and sabotage RR. * it's not RR's fault that ___________ (fill in the blank). * RR's NCAA violations are only minor when compared to __________ (fill in the blank) * Progress = 3 - 5 - 7 (Real Progress: 9-4/6-2 BT to 3-9/2-6 BT to 5-7/1-7 BT to 7-5 or 7-6 and worse beatdowns by OSU, MSU, Wiscy,...) * JH or anyone else, including Vince Lombardi, couldn't have done any better than RR. * Our offense is the best in the BT and # (insert any number between 6 to 10 here) in the country. (RR's best rated O in 3 years was rated # 22 in the country in Pts/game, LAST in turnover margin in the BT, and 9th in BT in Red Zone efficiency). What are some of your favorties?

Blu-n-Tpa

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 7:35 a.m.

@tater Fire the AD for doing his job? Whoa, now that's a concept new to Michigan. A good leader and planner has to perpare for the "what ifs" in life. First BD wouldn't be lying. When/Where has he said he wasn't talking to anyone about coaching the Michigan football team? Everything I've read just explains how he is going about evaluating RR after the season's over. It's been a long time since he publicly supported RR as I'm sure both RR and you are aware. So before you start calling the Michigan AD a liar and asking for his head (or his job) please back up your statements. I'm also still waiting for anyone to answer the following questions: How would you rate the play of special teams at Michigan this fall? Who's responsible for COACHING the special teams' at Michigan this fall? What has the HC done to correct this obvious problem all year? Which victory was the most gratifing to you this fall? As always I look forward,(in vain so far) to your response. Go Blue and Happy Holidays

Brad

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 7:27 a.m.

"Rodriquez has proven he can get it done." Agreed. 15-21 is proof enough that he is done.

BlueGator

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 5:35 a.m.

Oops, my bad. The new kicking commit's last name is Goudis, not Goukis.

BlueGator

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 5:08 a.m.

The chips are beginning to fall into place. According to Scout.com, K Matt Goukis yesterday switched his commitment from Boise State to U-M. Must have gotten the high sign from our soon-to-be new HC, Chris Petersen. :-)

3 And Out

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 4:19 a.m.

Brady Hoke's team played a disciplined game tonight in dismantling Navy. That QB has an incredible arm. They will dismantle RR's team next year in AA, if DB makes the mistake of bringing RR back....but that wont happen Koolaid crowd.... so keep dissing every other coach that is mentioned as your king's replacement.... and try to delete this post when it doesnt violate your rules, like you do every post of mine that you disagree with aka censorship. Go Blue!

Mick

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 3:39 a.m.

The Drama will end if DB does the right thing and fire this fraud of a coach. If he doesn't, which will upset me immensely, than this drama will continue, our program will keep floundering and this fan base will be even more upset than it is now. So simply, fire RR and end of drama!! to borrow a great qoute from a great commentor on here Good Night And Good Luck!

BigWolverine13

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 2:44 a.m.

I am looking forward to the end of this drama -- one way or another. One more year for RR is not unreasonable, but from my perspective, not the best decision. The unprecedented collapse of the defense is enough for me.

3 And Out

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 2:42 a.m.

LOL @ the Koolaid Crowd now here dissing Brady Hoke. Basically ANY HC mentioned as a possible replacement to Rich Fraud, gets dissed by the Koolaid Crowd! LOL at the fallacious & Simple Minded thinking that the Koolaid Crowd is made of.

3 And Out

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 12:54 a.m.

RR = JL Smith...the parallels are astonishing. RR is worse than Bill Lynch and the guy from Minnesota, both of whom accomplished more at programs that were much worse off than Michigan and both got canned. did I mention that RR = JL Smith too?

GoblueinNE_PA

Fri, Dec 24, 2010 : 12:40 a.m.

I love how a guy, who's under no obligation to tell the public ANYHING, should be fired for doing his job; namely ensuring the long term health of the athletic programs. All as part of an argument to keep a guy that has been deceitful, underhanded, and disrespectful from the day he was brought on board. Comedy Gold! First, Brandon has said he would evaluate the football program at the end of the season. I don't remember him ever being specific about when the end of the season is. He may well have finished his eval after the OSU game and simply made a decision not to release it yet. Second, he's evaluating the football program, not RichRod. Evaluating the future of the football program could/should/would include investigating options for upgrading the coaching staff, up to and including upgrading the HC. Working out a deal with a successor, if he believed that successor would be a better long term option, certainly could be an outcome of the evaluation. Look folks, RichRod is gone. Brandon is a smart guy, he knows you don't leave a coach twisting in the breeze, even a hack like RichRod, like this. It's not good for the coach or the program. Brandon also knows that if he says anything that in any way insinuates that RichRod will be canned, Rich's lawyers will be all over the university trying to get that $4MM buyout, rather than the $2.5MM he's entitled to. Follow the money folks, follow the money.

azwolverine

Thu, Dec 23, 2010 : 11:44 p.m.

By the way, Mike...are you familiar with RR's entire 18 year career as a Head Coach? If so, you would know that he's had 6 losing seasons, 7 seasons of 6-8 wins, and only 5 seasons of 9+ wins. Did you know that? RR is not a great coach. If you don't think Hoke is the right guy because of his career record, then you should in no way think that RR is the right guy. People critique Lloyd for being mediocre...RR takes the cake in that department. There's no reason this guy should have been hired, let alone keeping him for another typical (7-5) RR season.

D21

Thu, Dec 23, 2010 : 11:42 p.m.

azwolverine >>> mike bush

Mick

Thu, Dec 23, 2010 : 11:41 p.m.

Hey RR lovers, RR IS worse than Weis!!!!! Weis would never have been able to do what Hoke has done w/SDSU, trust me. For you people to toot RR's horn like you do w/what he has done to our beloved program amazes me to no end. Makes me shake my head.

azwolverine

Thu, Dec 23, 2010 : 11:38 p.m.

Hey Mike, RR = No Big 10 Championships. In fact, RR = No Big 10 Division Championships. IN FACT...RR = No State Championships!!! I like how you write, though, that if Hoke comes in that Michigan football will be a "bigger joke." Seems to imply that even you think UM football is currently a joke. The only problem with the joke it has become is that it's not funny...unless you're a Spartan or a Buckeye.

Hebner

Thu, Dec 23, 2010 : 11:36 p.m.

D21 went there...I agree. If there's a coach out there to grab right now do it DB, as waiting around for an unproven coach to win is useless. What if next year is the same as this year? We loose out on a coach we could of had. Michigan fans are board of loosing to MSU, PSU, OSU, Wisconsin, and Iowa! The Ohio State game was over in the first quarter! If a hot coach wants the Michigan job get him now! Lets get our standards of winning back on track...no more celebrating wins over Purdue! It's Ohio State, Nebraska, Penn State, Michigan State...these are the teams we should compete with regularly. Go Blue! I will be at the Gator Bowl here in the mighty j'ville! Duuuval!

D21

Thu, Dec 23, 2010 : 11:36 p.m.

SDSU 49 UM 31 if they were playing tonight. All is gonna be well in the Land of Maize N Blue in a few weeks without those kool aid drinkers and their god.

Mike

Thu, Dec 23, 2010 : 11:35 p.m.

by the way what bowl were they playing in.how many new years day bowl has hoke went too.easy 0.0 hoke would be a worst hire mark my words. and watch michigan stadium be empty year after year.

Mike

Thu, Dec 23, 2010 : 11:33 p.m.

hey hoke lovers remember he only had 2 good years out of 8 as a head coach.hoke is a weis jr.

azwolverine

Thu, Dec 23, 2010 : 11:27 p.m.

By the way, if RR does come back, mark down SDSU with Brady Hoke as a potential loss. That team looked pretty good against a tough Navy team tonight. Mark it down as a win, though, if Harbaugh (or Hoke) comes to town.

D21

Thu, Dec 23, 2010 : 11:27 p.m.

Hey RR kool aid drinkers, RR could have been coaching for the Crimson Tide and his smartest decision was not to do that cuz Bama would have fired him in less than a year so RR played Martin and Coleman for saps but not anymore with Brandon on board. Once RR is gone in few weeks, you RR kool aid drinkers do the same and follow wherever RR goes.

azwolverine

Thu, Dec 23, 2010 : 11:23 p.m.

Uhh...then why would DB wait until AFTER the bowl to tell RR he is coming back if the game has no bearing whatsoever and he already intends to bring him back? What exactly would he be evaluating? RR's choice of shoe for the game? No, either the game does matter, or DB has another coach in his sights, secret agreement or not. Further, I'm sure that if Brandon does have a 'secret' agreement with Harbaugh (hypothetically), there would be no major uproar to fire him for it. In fact, I would foresee just the opposite taking place from the majority of fans and experts. By the way, Michigan has already shown they don't necessarily fire anyone for cause. If they did, RR would already be gone.

D21

Thu, Dec 23, 2010 : 11:22 p.m.

Hoke and every other coach >>> RR, period. That's a fact, Jack.

Mike

Thu, Dec 23, 2010 : 11:21 p.m.

ohh boy there goes that michigan man thing again by the way where was bo before he came to michigan.how stupid is that saying.

D21

Thu, Dec 23, 2010 : 11:16 p.m.

Firing RR actually accelerate UM's path to glory. I do not know how much RR is paying you dudes to toot RR's tin horn but you kool aid drinkers need to find another team to support cuz you, like RR, ain't Michigan Men. You shall pay homage to me and bestow gold & silver coins upon me after RR gets kicked to the curb in a few weeks.

Mike

Thu, Dec 23, 2010 : 11:13 p.m.

brady hoke= no big ten championships out of 8 years two winning sesons.he is a joke its either harbaugh or rich. if they give it to hoke the big house will turn into the outhouse.hoke is a joke so all you llyod carr lovers he is not the guy. i can see it know hoke comes in western beats mich then msu kills michigan and it would be scary to see what osu would do they would love for hoke to come inn.face it if hoke gets hired michigan football will be a bigger joke.harbaugh or rich.by the way people the cupboard was empty carr did not help michigan in anyway when he left.example should told bill martin eairler like when he lost to APP STATE not at the end of season.

azwolverine

Thu, Dec 23, 2010 : 9:56 p.m.

You know, it's funny. I was reading some comments from RR's Kool Aid crowd from before this season began, and even during it when the team was 5-0, and they were all bragging about how 2010 was finally the year all the critics would be silenced, "haters" would vanish, etc. Many were predicting 9-10 wins, victory over both MSU and OSU, and mocking MSU fans with "can't wait until Oct. 9!" Funny...how did all that work out RR cronies? Not very well, since here we sit, after being CRUSHED by both MSU and OSU (not to mention Iowa, PSU, and Wisconsin) and the UM fans who don't believe in him are still here with every bit the same reasons we've had for the previous 2: No defense, turnover prone offense, and a team that can't win in the B10. Go on and keep predicting greatness for next season. You will be proven wrong AGAIN. If RR stays, he will go 7-5, get outclassed by Iowa, MSU, Nebraska, and OSU, and be fired. Keeping him will, in fact, set us back a year in our rebuilding. He may indeed come back, but it will be bad for the program (and perhaps for DB).

modeltim

Thu, Dec 23, 2010 : 9:48 p.m.

Don't care what he does in the bowl. His record vs. upper echelon Big 10 programs is atrocious. He is not Big Ten material, everything is about him, not the team! He is inept. Brandon cans this guy or he proves himself to be more of same.

riverraisin

Thu, Dec 23, 2010 : 9:30 p.m.

Mick... I'm watching SDSU and Coach Hoke playing right now. What an exciting, well coached ball team he has. We could certainly use someone like that in AA to coach our football team. The best part is that he's using the same type of players that we have here right now. The only difference is that his players are well coached and disciplined.

3 And Out

Thu, Dec 23, 2010 : 9:17 p.m.

People..even RR Koolaid drinkers....here is ALL Rich Rodriguez had to do when he got the Michigan job to a) win at least 7 games, NOT 3 that first year...if not more and b) not be in danger of losing his job now and c) have a foundation in place: 1) Wow I have a returning QB who was the number 1 ranked recruit and has started some games....I have 4 returning OL, returning TE, 2 returning Backs with a ton of experience and the possibility of keeping at least one of those two WRs who are looking to the NFL...WOW that is an awesome foundation..... I am such a good coach, that I CAN adapt to those guys...Id better get on the phone to them right now and tell them all about how my system is sooooo good that I can adapt it to their talent level. I also have faith in my staff to get this thing in place...with such a full cupboard on Offense, WOW...we can be good and I am so lucky to get this job at such a historic school. I will go through my playbook and emphasize the passing game and the running games and minimize the zone reads and we will just go from there...There is TOO much talent to not do this.....to not do this would be insane! 2) WOW...on Defense we are returning 8 starters, including the entire DLINE and 2 solid corners... even the punter is coming back. If we dont win at least 7 or 8 games in my first year with this talent...then it will be on ME and no one else!!! But...we all know that the narcissist is not capable of that honest approach to implementing his program....and he is also incapabale of adapting to the level of talent that he is left with. RR dug his own coaching grave at Michigan by his own stupidity....and he ultimately will lay in it.

orlandomichfan

Thu, Dec 23, 2010 : 8:42 p.m.

richrod isnt going anywhere, so you all that want him gone just keep on crying and moaning..gooo blue....the dreamers keep on dreaming.. cant wait for new years day, its gonna be fun.......

Mick

Thu, Dec 23, 2010 : 8:40 p.m.

So convenient that RR supporters want to discount year 1 as if it didn't exist, laughable. You don't get to do that, ok? It happened because he's selfish and is only concerned with himself and his wonderful system. BTW, please watch the Pointsettia Bowl tonite and watch how Hoke coaches a very exciting brand of football. Going into this game SDSU has a 3500 yd passer w/28 TD's, an over 1300 yd rusher and two rcvrs w/almost 1200 yds recieving. So please stop w/the misconceptions of boring old M football of the past and all that other junk some people are spewing. Additionally, look at Hoke's demeanor on the sideline, you don't see him ranting and raving at his players and embarrassing them. Like I said before, if JH doesn't take the job, believe me, Hoke would be a hell of a coach for us!

Michigan Reader

Thu, Dec 23, 2010 : 8:22 p.m.

Dave Brandon said he wants to see progress. Rodriquez has shown that, especially with the offense ranked 6th in the nation. He said that even Vince Lombardi couldn't fix this year's defense, because they're young freshman. Rodriquez has proven he can get it done. Firing him would set the program back.

azwolverine

Thu, Dec 23, 2010 : 8:20 p.m.

Mike, Why did Michigan even bother to hire a coach in '08 and pay him 2.5 mil if he had no bearing whatsoever on any of the outcomes? By the way, do most smart football people also think that 3-9 Toledo had more talent than UM? I'll answer that for you: NO!!! RR underachieved no matter how you slice it, and has every year since.

missionbrazil

Thu, Dec 23, 2010 : 8:10 p.m.

MB "4 if you want to count year 1 which most smart football people dont. cause face it he had nobody." Let me rephrase your comment so it is more accurate: 4 if you want to count year 1, which most RR supporters don't, because that would mean he would be the coach responsible for the team that had the worst season ever in UM's long and rich history. "cause face it had nobody." the "cupboard was bare" is lame and has been factually dis-proven over & over again.

Mike

Thu, Dec 23, 2010 : 7:58 p.m.

d21 do you know this for sure? how can you know let me guess your cousins a postman who brings david brandon his mail and he was told by brandon rich is gone.lol.nobodys knows if he wins it could be a strong case for him to get his 3rd year with his recruits 4 if you want to count year 1 which most smart football people dont. cause face it he had nobody.

D21

Thu, Dec 23, 2010 : 7:22 p.m.

People, RR is gone after the bowl game, win or lose, PERIOD. Deal with it.

azwolverine

Thu, Dec 23, 2010 : 6:17 p.m.

Desmond may be right. I'm sure he's got access to more inside info than anyone blogging on this site. I guess with all of the other scenarios that have been thrown out, this one is as plausibl as any of them. I think it's a strange way for Brandon to do business, but I don't think anyone really knows enough about him yet to know what's going on. I wonder if he'll wait through the bowl again next season if UM goes 6-6 and gets pasted by OSU (again).

heartbreakM

Thu, Dec 23, 2010 : 6:01 p.m.

I think Bellotti ought to be looked at as a coach. He has proven that he can do it!!