Rich Rodriguez: I would have gone 'at least' 10-2 this year as Michigan football coach
Brady Hoke earned Big Ten Coach of the Year honors and has been nominated for multiple national coach of the year awards for turning around the Michigan football team this year.
He led the Wolverines to a 10-2 record and Sugar Bowl berth, and has been credited with resurrecting the program after a rocky three-year tenure by former coach Rich Rodriguez.
Thing is, Rodriguez thinks he could have done the same thing.
"Yep ... at least," Rodriguez told radio host Bill Simonson of "The Huge Show" on Thursday, when asked if the Wolverines would have won 10 games under him this year.
"That's just being confident, and things going the right way. Their coaches have done a terrific job, but it's just frustrating for me to watch at times because those are all my guys. I'm happy for them. I would've liked to have been there to share it with them, but I'm in a great place now. I've moved on."
New Arizona football coach Rich Rodriguez says Michigan would have been "at least" 10-2 this season if he had remained in Ann Arbor.
AP Photo
He was fired days later.
"At Michigan, we just ran out of time," Rodriguez said. "Had we been able to finish the job that we were hired to do, I thought we were going to have great success. Certainly they've done a terrific job this year, and they're having that success.
"It's just frustrating for me to watch them at times, because those are all my guys."
Other topics addressed by Rodriguez:
On whether he's put Michigan behind him: "Oh, yeah, I think you have to. Coaches are all kind of forward-thinkers. They want to worry about what's next as opposed to reflect. I reflected for six or seven months when I was doing TV, and that was enough. ... I think you have to learn from the past, I think it's always important to go back and see what you could do better."
On what he learned from his Michigan experience: "More than anything else, make sure I'm surrounded by everyone who's pulling in the same direction, whether it's coaches and players and administrators and everyone involved with people who touch your players. ...
"(Also), sometimes, you've got to convey your message earlier and more often. And, even though I felt we were doing that in the past, maybe I wasn't doing that as well as I would have liked to.
"And certainly defensively, there were some mistakes being made. I think a lot of times, it was, if you look at those guys who were playing as true freshmen, and still learning and growing and, unfortunately, they had to play before they were ready. And now that they're experienced, they're playing well. They're getting coached well, certainly, but I think it's also the fact they're growing up. They were men before they were boys."
On what is the No. 1 thing he wishes he would have done differently: "I don't think there's just one thing. I would like to say there's one thing. Certainly, (I wish) we would have been a little bit better defensively, but ... I think it's a little too simplistic to say that, because when you get your two corners hurt, and you got to play true freshmen who are really good players, and are going to be really good players, but you have to play guys before you're ready to, I think there's more to it than just that answer. But, again, right now, because I've moved on and I think everybody's moved on, I'd prefer not to think about it much."
On reports that indicated he wants to play Michigan: "No, that was blown out of proportion. I was just teasing about that. If it happens in four or five years, then great. I wouldn't want to play against the guys I recruited, because I think we recruited some pretty good players. ... That was said in jest. I'm not worried about my future schedule. Right now, I'm trying to hire coaches and recruit players and get ready for my first game Sept. 1."
On whether he would play a Josh Groban song at an Arizona team banquet: "No, no, that's not going to happen."
Rodriguez says he would have gone "at least" 10-2 this year at Michigan. AnnArbor.com conducted an informal Twitter poll, assessing where others think Michigan would have finished under Rodriguez:
MDeLuca_Goal: "UM couldn’t field a punt properly, tackle, kick a fg or line up correctly on D in Rich Rod's 3rd year. Maybe 8-4 under RR in 2011."
lindsayerin1: "7-5; 8-4 at best. Couldn't have won games without the improved defense. Denard's improved accuracy was also key in last few games."
breakfast99: "7 wins max. Loses to SDSU OSU and ND"
mrendel10: "7-5, he would have lost to MSU and Iowa, as well as ND, Nebraska and OSU. No way of knowing but he wouldn't win in B1G w/o defense"
Isaiahhole: "9-3. Loses to all 3 rivals."
djsparr: "RR no defense. Head up his rear end about how to win in the big-ten. unwillingness to self-analyze? 6-6 at best."
jihadistjohn: "either 10-2 or 11-1 with his guys...dead serious...cram it, bo worshippers...he won us just as many national titles as RichRod did"
chrisbarnett91: "lets just say this my #Buckeyes woulda beaten them 45-7 and we finished 6-6 Nuff said"
JoshSlagter: "8-4 ... I'd guess two Ls out of these four wins: Notre Dame, Northwestern, Ohio State and Nebraska. And 8-4 might be the high point, depending when the Ls come. RichRod teams just collapsed after early Big Ten trouble."
Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.
Comments
UlyssesSwrong
Tue, Dec 13, 2011 : 6:57 a.m.
Let's see how long until we get Michigan vs. Arizona scheduled. In Rich Rod's mind things worked, in reality they didn't.
truebluefan
Sun, Dec 11, 2011 : 9:23 p.m.
Kyle - does it matter what people are saying on Twitter about Rich? What's the point of posting Twitter comments, other than to pile on? Poor journalism.
truebluefan
Sun, Dec 11, 2011 : 3:21 p.m.
We're 10-2 and going to a BCS bowl this year. Tell me, how did Rich "ruin Michigan football"? Oh, that's right, it would've been ruined if not for the heroics of Dave Brandon and Brady Hoke. Sorry, I forgot.
Hot Sam
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 7:28 p.m.
"""I would have gone 'at least' 10-2 this year as Michigan football coach""" And then the alarm went off...
TheWay
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 3:19 a.m.
For all of you who want AA.com to stop running stories about Rich Rodriguez: YOU are why they keep running these stories. 140+ comments. Stop commenting, they'll stop writing them.
D21
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 3:48 p.m.
The Way, Every time WCIMFH opens his mouth about Michigan Wolverines, it is our glorious duty to return the fire tenfold as in "Pop the Weasel".
Blu n Tpa
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 3:38 a.m.
Today was fun. Like it's fun to being a Michigan football fan again. Sorry you don't like it but I guess a little rain must fall on someone. TiM Go Blue!
Terry Star21
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 2:48 a.m.
Afterthought; One of the more popular comments seem to reflect on the ex-coach continuously saying; those we're his kids, he needed more time, and he could have been successful (10-2). The fact is however, he had three years and had some of those players all three years. He could not get the best out of them, yes they were trying hard but observers could see the mass confusion, the same mistakes being made over and over - year after year. Then coach Brady Hoke comes in to a different program with no knowledge what so ever of the current players. So the first thing he does is meet with every player (making sure DRobb is settled), sets up the program then recruits. In a few short months, Hoke managed to build a family around the team, get the best out (same players as ex) of his team and go on to great success (B10 Coach of year, up for NCAA honor).
Billy Bob Schwartz
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 2:30 a.m.
Rich Rodruguez would never have won the Notre Dame game this year. Never, never, *never* !! Never. Can anyone who followed the team during those three years believe that a Rodriguez-coached Michigan, after scoring in the last couple of minutes of the game, then ND scoring a touchdown, would/could come back and score a touchdown to win the game? Michigan this year looked like it never crossed their minds that they might not win. They had a half minute, how much time did they need?! This is no knock against the players in those years, but comparing the belief of the players in themselves, their coaches, their program, and their system is amazing. And this is coaching, plain and simple. The guys played hard and did what was asked of them and more, yet.... I only feel badly for the kids in those three years for not having coaching that would hold them up and keep them confident of the win. I'm just really glad that they don't have to go through that again.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 11:03 p.m.
Some people understand the difference between an offensive formation and an offensive scheme. Other people have man crushes on the WCiMFH GN&GL
truebluefan
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 9:28 p.m.
Billy Bob - one should "never" deal in absolutes. Only after Borges adjusted to more of a shotgun spread offense in the second half (i.e. the Rich Rod offense) did we start having success moving the ball. That was the adjustment that allowed us to miraculously pull out that game. In fact, if you look over the course of the season, as we moved away from under center and more to shotgun spread we got better at moving the ball.
TheWay
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 3:16 a.m.
Did you watch the Michigan/ND games of 2009 and 2010? Because, uh, yeah, his terrible teams did just that.
Terry Star21
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 2:51 a.m.
Very good. So glad our seniors got to see a great success !
7718
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 1:52 a.m.
Note to All posters: RR stays in the news because the fans show so much reaction to his every move reported. If you are genuinely sick of reading or hearing about him, then don't post on these articles. If there isn't much interest or reaction with these articles then it will go away (wishful thinking).
Mick
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 8:23 p.m.
Come on man, that's not the same thing. 1st off, of course we want to go 13-0, actually 14-0 because of the B1G CG we'd be 13-0 going into the Bowl Game. But that is different than the previous coach saying he could've accomplished what Hoke and Staff did this year. It's just wishful thinking on his part and most of us get tired of his spouting these fantasies of his, the guy had 3 years and we NEVER improved as the season matriculated, EVER!
7718
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 8:15 p.m.
What would you think if Hoke said he is going to go 13-0 next year? I would hope that would be his answer, if he said " I want 10 wins" then I think he has his sights set too low.q
Mick
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 8:07 p.m.
So you're saying that the WCIMFH can have his opinion but we can't?
7718
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 7:58 p.m.
You're right Mick, this is the greatest country and you're correct about having your opinion without worrying about government backlash. The former coach can have his opinion too don't ya think?
Mick
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 7:31 p.m.
And not only that Blu n Tpa, when he makes these crazy claims about what he coulda, woulda done, we fans have to set the record straight. This is America, the reason it is the greatest country in the history of the world is because we can opine without having to worry about government backlash. So Mr./Mrs. 7718, please don't diminish our opinions because you don't want to agree with us.
Blu n Tpa
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 3:41 a.m.
The WCiMFH stays in the news the same way a train wreck stays in the news. It's so bad you have to watch.
vwp11
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 11:57 p.m.
I was prepared to cut RR some slack after reading the John U. Bacon book. I think his mouth got him in lots of trouble at Michigan, but the University sure didn't do a thing at all to support him after seeking him out to be the coach. This is just another example of not having a check valve between his brain and his jaw. His mouth is flapping out of control. RR took fair to middling players and coached them into sub-mediocrity. If he was still here, Molk doesn't win the award for the best center in the country and he, Martin, and VanBergen have a lesser shot at the NFL. Enter Brady Hoke and his stellar staff ... and these average-talent players are coached upward into some real talent with real drive and real heart. Their future in college football and in the NFL is so much better after this one year of true coaching... it makes me so happy for those kids. It was fun to watch all year, even in those two losses. RR would have this team at 7-5 max...
truebluefan
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 9:34 p.m.
Indeed, judging from the number of anti-Rich posts on this article, it appears these Michigan fans need to "let it go" or "get over it" or "move on". LOL. BTW, didn't Rich predict BEFORE the season started that this team was capable of winning at least 9 games? RR does not give credit to Hoke and staff? "Their coaches have done a terrific job" "Certainly they've done a terrific job this year" "They're getting coached well" RR didn't own up to mistakes made on defense? How so? "certainly defensively, there were some mistakes being made." But please everyone, by all means, don't let me stop you. You're on a roll, baby.
truebluefan
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 9:25 p.m.
^^^^ And there it is again. The obsession continues.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 5:11 p.m.
"Every new negative comment that appears in this and other articles about Rich only serve to prove me right." Yeah. It's you against the world. You and the rest of the MCC never were big on facts. LOL GN&GL
truebluefan
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 4:31 p.m.
Indeed, judging from the volume of comments here (151 and counting), it appears Michigan fans like D21 and Cousin Eddie need to "get over it" and "move on". Every new negative comment that appears in this and other articles about Rich only serve to prove me right. But please keep the negative thoughts coming. You're on a roll, my obsessed friends!
edjasbord
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 11:13 p.m.
Make no mistake - RR offered those compliments only to mediate his ability to to make his usual claim that he was just about to turn things around. His statements about the current staff were purely self-serving and purely functional - they paved the way, allowing him to make more egoistic statements. And it has become sad that RR still doesn't get that in doing so he insults the current staff. Just like when he blamed the kicker for part of the team's problems, saying 'we hope to find a new kicker on the way to the game, hahaha.' He doesnt get that just like excusing himself by blaming others, he attempts to build himself up by knocking others down. That's one of the main differences with Hoke. He never attempts this childish manipulation. RR does so continually. If you dont see it, take a closer look.
D21
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 10:40 p.m.
U conveniently left out the latter part that started with a "but..." They're getting coached well, certainly, but I think it's also the fact they're growing up. They were men before they were boys. RR's words and actions speak of nothing but disrespect for Hoke and his staff, period. Not that we all will lose sleep over that either except to point it out to you that you don't know the real RR like we do. :)
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 9:56 p.m.
"certainly defensively, there were some mistakes being made." Nice use of the passive voice by the WCiMFH. God forbid that HE admit that HE made any mistakes. "BTW, didn't Rich predict BEFORE the season started that this team was capable of winning at least 9 games?" Yup, he did, but few Michigan fans thought that likely under Hoke, much less the WCiMFH, given the wreckage of the past three seasons, so this sounded like (and still sounds like) the WCiMFH setting things up so that, no matter what happened, he'd come out smelling like a rose in his own twisted mind. Time to move out to AZ, truWCiMFHfan, and follow the object of your desires there. I'm sure you'll enjoy losing games with scores like 49-35. GN&GL
KINGofSKA
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 7:58 p.m.
If they are his kids why couldn't he get it done? No offense to RichRod, I like him. But coach, this is Michigan, we can't wait four years for a turn around. You're a new coach, look on and don't regret the past.
missionbrazil
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 6:17 p.m.
What a joke !
7718
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 6:15 p.m.
Why do these reporters continue to bring the subject up to him? I know, I know. They want to get a reaction from their listeners. People will respond to this saying that RR shouldn't answer the question, and that's fine, but it makes for some awkward airtime.
D21
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 6:09 p.m.
If RR is WCIMFH then is Hoke BCIMFH?
D21
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 10:32 p.m.
Of course, it is because of WCIMFH's ignominious reign, one cannot help but feel Hoke is BCIMFH yet I'd nominate Hoke as one of the BCesIMFH for now. :)
heartbreakM
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 9:21 p.m.
Let you know in 15-20
Billy Bob Schwartz
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 5 p.m.
Hearing RR all the time, I'm starting for the first time to really understand what it must feel like to be stalked. Man, RR...get real! How can I best say this to you, Richie? It's not you, it's Me. It's just that I'm seeing another boy, and I can't help it. He's more like what I need. Like I said, it's about Me. So I'm sorry, but I can't be with you anymore. Please stop following me around. Please stop saying terrible things about me to other people. It's embarrassing to you and to me. There are a lot of other nice girls out there. Zona is a very nice girl. She's pleasant, and beautiful, and she's really hot! So go be with her...and please, please, please just LEAVE ME ALONE !!!!
Billy Bob Schwartz
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 2:07 a.m.
D21...I believe we should. "You stay on your side of the Mississippi, and we'll stay on our side. Now shut up and leave us alone."
D21
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 10:29 p.m.
Get a RO (restraining order) :)
rightmind250
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 4:41 p.m.
From the shear number of posts, It looks like it's the UM fans that "can't Get over it ". I am sure Richrod will enjoy Tucson in January a little more than Ann Arbor.
truebluefan
Sun, Dec 11, 2011 : 3:15 p.m.
^^^^^ (again) CE doesn't like it when I call him out, which I do quite often.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 11:07 p.m.
^^^^^^^^^ Blather alert!! Blather Alert!! Outbreak of the Man Crush Virus!! GN&GL
truebluefan
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 9:23 p.m.
^^^^ And there it is.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 5:09 p.m.
"Talk about obsession, it appears Cousin Eddie is obsessed with my comments." Nope. Just have a "Blather Alert" setting on my computer, and your comments always set it off. GN&GL
truebluefan
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 4:26 p.m.
Talk about obsession, it appears Cousin Eddie is obsessed with my comments.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 2:17 p.m.
Maybe truWCiMFHfan ought consider moving there? GN&GL
truebluefan
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 9:40 p.m.
Arizona is a pretty good gig. Tucson is sleepy, but the campus life is fun and the city is naturally pretty. The weather is great in the fall/winter/spring so it's not difficult to attract recruits from the warm, talent rich states. Tons of talent in Texas and California and they're fairly close. Nowhere to go but up in the program. Academic standards are not nearly as difficult as Michigan's. I think this could be a very good fit for Rich and I'm happy for him.
MRunner73
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 6:05 p.m.
This is great; plus through the posts, I learned that 2 QBs at AZ are transferring...unofficial, but hey, certainly more news to come. out of the Desert in the future.
B2Pilot
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 5:44 p.m.
At least they are not a winning program so it can improve right - He has no humility no respect and still does not acknowledge that he came to the winningest college program - fired everyone except Fred Jackson and says he wasn't supported all i can say is Man-up take responsabilty give credit where credit is due. Hoke did in 1 year what he couldn't in 3 AND his 1st year he had 19 starters returning!! We lost to Toledo for cryin out loud!
D21
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 4:13 p.m.
This Mlive article (Nov 29th) is about J.T.Curtis, a highly successful coach at the high school level, was asked, jokingly, if he had been offered the job at Tulane. As he answered, Curtis turned the conversation to former Tulane offensive coordinator Rich Rodriguez. "My understanding, talking to coach Rich Rodriguez -- and I was involved in that a little bit -- it was a much closer decision than people realize between Tulane and Arizona," Curtis said. "I know that might not sound right to you, but I think Tulane did all that they could go to give him an opportunity to come there and give him a chance to coach. His expression to me was he felt he had a better chance to win the national championship at Arizona if he recruited properly and they promised him they would put Michigan on the schedule within three years." "They promised him (RR) they would put Michigan on the schedule within three years". RR, quit making your superiors look bad in this and own up to the fact that you are too chicken to face UM. Zona, just fire him for lying right away. The Stoop brothers along with the UM family are having a big laugh out of this debacle.
4 Fingers
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 3:59 p.m.
RR- Go home, put your head phones on, listen to 'you raise me up', cry a little bit, drink some wine and change your sani napkin....
D21
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 3:47 p.m.
Only RR can make Adrian Monk, a character made famous by Tony Shalhoub on the USA Network show, "Monk", look like a well adjusted and normal human being.
D21
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 10:27 p.m.
Thanks! And I wasn't the only one as there were many other Michigan Men like yourself who knew something was wrong with the picture (the WCIMFH's hiring) in first place. Therefore, I thank you and the rest of the other Michigan Men. GO BLUE! TiM
Blu n Tpa
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 9:08 p.m.
This is the funniest thread I've read here in a while. Finally nearly everybody gets it. Yes, the WCiMFH was like this the whole time he was here. It just took some of you a long time to get through the smoke screen. (Not you D, you were ahead of the curve.) TiM Go Blue!
a2chrisp
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 3:43 p.m.
This just makes me sad. Go away RR. Its bad enough you were the coach to begin with; stop reminding everyone how bad it was. Worst. Coach. Ever. Prediction for what the season would have looked like under RR: Losses to ND, San Diego State, Northwestern, Michigan State, Ohio State, and Nebraska. And then embarrassment in the Gator Bowl again for another losing season. God Bless Brady Hoke. P.S. RR, get some class.
Sallyxyz
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 3:41 p.m.
RR may think it's frustrating to watch the Wolverines have success, but it's more frustrating for Wolverine fans to hear about RR's inability to let go of the Wolverines and what he might have done! No one cares. Nada. He just continues to demonstrate his shallow, narcissistic personality. Good luck to AZ. He'll be lucky to last 3 years out there.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 4:50 p.m.
Then maybe we can convince Notre Dame to hire him as defensive coach.
The OSU
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 3:39 p.m.
"At least 10-2?" WOW!!! If we (tOSU) could have counted on Blue fielding a typical RR defense we certainly could have scored at least 7 more points. That fact alone would have made things 9-3. What does WciMFH mean?
MRunner73
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 6:03 p.m.
I was wondering that myself and I am up to speed on cracking codes....btw: OSU would have layed 50 or more on a 2011 Rich Rod team. The Buck's did play give it their best against us only two short weeks ago. More possession time for your team and less for mine would have spelled doom for the Maize and Blue. Plus, no way would have RR gone 8 and 0 at home this year.
edjasbord
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 4:22 p.m.
Both a2chrisp and I approve of this question ;)
a2chrisp
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 3:45 p.m.
*Worst
a2chrisp
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 3:45 p.m.
Corst coach in Michigan Football History.
SEC Fan
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 3:35 p.m.
with Michigan's schedule (no competition and 8 home games), a dead fish could have coached them to 10-2.
MRunner73
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 5:58 p.m.
What about the ACC schedule Va Tech played?
Billy Bob Schwartz
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 4:48 p.m.
Are you applying for Brady's job?
Theo212
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 3:34 p.m.
Food for thought during our glorious Holiday season: Thank you, King. Thank you for providing us with players who play real football. (As Borges continues his dismantling of our once productive team, let us rejoice in our King-inspired BCS game). LSU/Alabama is an aberration, and a boring one at that. Let's hope the refs stop this train wreck after the 1st quarter and award The Crystal to our Mighty Ducks. Look for Arizona/Oregon to play in PAC-12 title game for the next couple of decades. (It will be the de facto Crystal Bowl). And finally: O King, O King, we're headed south; Gospel, yes, spews from thy mouth. Coach Your Boys, in Big Easy; Watching Borges makes us queasy. We miss you, King. And want you back. We need a Glorious Spread Attack. Citrus, soon, is all we'll have; Pro set the wound, Spread the salve. You and Rita, Ann Arbor's First Pair; Ones who know, are Ones who care. With The Spread we'll clock Va-Tech; But without, a sordid wreck. Good luck, King, in your Crystal (the only noble) Pursuit. We'll see you back here coaching Our Blue.
Terry Star21
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 9:40 p.m.
MRunner - I agree, these comments passed reality months ago. They passed funny weeks ago. Now they are just so ridiculous and depressing. Just too sad.
Blu n Tpa
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 9:02 p.m.
Correction Third line from the end should be "One who knows, is one who cares"
1st Down
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 6:31 p.m.
Borges > Rich Rod as an OC. This is a fact. He did more with this offense than RR did, and it produced in 2nd half vs. good teams. RR was a joke and you know it Theo. Grow up and face the facts. It is insulting of you to try to blame Borges for your kings miserable recruiting. Borges owns RR as a coach.
MRunner73
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 5:55 p.m.
Sarcasm or not, I am starting to enjoy these comments. The only thing I can think of are to the words to song: Mac Arthur's Park, as an ode to Rich Rod...
Billy Bob Schwartz
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 4:47 p.m.
Is there a rule here about munching peyote buttons while writing? Just wondering. lol
Bmore_Wolverine
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 4:46 p.m.
Didn't Oregon get their bu++s whipped by LSU this year? Yeah, they did 40-27 on September, 3, 2011 Funny, LSU scored 40 points without the spread while Oregon only managed 27 points with their "superior" offensive scheme.
D21
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 4:05 p.m.
Your poems are no longer comical or whimsical due to RR's OCD issue with UM.
a2chrisp
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 3:50 p.m.
Sarcasm or not, I think I just threw up in my mouth a little bit...
D21
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 3:28 p.m.
A Look Into The Near Future 4 RR: Date: July 29th, 2012 Hey Zona, I am resigning from uh, Zona University because my shrink told me that I am still too obsessed with becoming a Michigan Man. Sorry about that but, um, hey even I said "um" which also means UM like my shrink told me so. Pls forward all of my belongings to, um, my old Schembechler Hall office cuz I do believe they will hire me to coach them before the 2012 season starts. Sincerely, RR (The Only Real Michigan Man)
edjasbord
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 3:25 p.m.
What is really sad is that RR seems to have devolved, not evolved from his time here. He 'learned' that he was right, everyone else was wrong. He is making his tenure here more and more embarrassing for us even after he is gone. My question is, how could Martin have hired this guy? The hires of RR and Hoke should be a testament to the ability of a good manager to spot a leader and a quality person. The contrast between RR and Hoke speaks loudly to the contrast between Martin and Brandon.
heartbreakM
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 9:16 p.m.
Nice post that really cuts to the heart of it. How you hire a coach that hasn't ever been in your stadium or facilities to the biggest football program is a true mystery and telling
Blu n Tpa
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 8:57 p.m.
edjasbord Well done. Judging quality takes more than looking at the W/L record. Martin messed up, he trusted the wrong guy. 7718 Great, where's Martin now? Oh he's gone too. Well what's the problem? Case close. (The difference is Martin is smart enough to keep his mouth shut.)
7718
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 6:11 p.m.
I think too many people blast RR on these forums. Remember, it was the administration that was desperate in finding a high profile coach. They didn't want Miles and Schiano said No Thank You. Martin and Coleman needed to save face and got Rodriguez. I can't blame RR for trying to better his career by going to a school like Michigan...he just wasn't the right fit. I think some of the venom should be directed at the administrators,
D21
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 3:29 p.m.
Couldn't have said it any better, man.
jtrxrogers
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 3:20 p.m.
"You are what your record says you are." - Bill Parcells, Former NFL Coach and Superbowl Winner
unclemercy
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 3:14 p.m.
what an embarrassment.
Bill
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 2:43 p.m.
It is sad to see an individual who has no accomplishments of his own that must try to gain some status based on the success of a true coach and leader. RR needs to move on to Arizona and hope for the best in his new position. Michigan has no interest in RR or his opinions any longer. He is just a bad memory that is fading in the minds of Michigan fans.
blek
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 2:39 p.m.
Good bye and good riddance.
EyeHeartA2
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 2:28 p.m.
RR press conference on the subject here: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNzBgR0UoYo" rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNzBgR0UoYo</a>
Hernan Fuentes
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 2:14 p.m.
Just one work for RR. "cynical"
Meangoblue
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 2:11 p.m.
The next thing the deposed King a.ka. WcIMFH, RR is going to say is that he would've won a Rimington trophy or maybe even a heisman!!!!
Rabid Wolverine
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 2:07 p.m.
If the WCiMFH wants to prove he has moved on then he needs to stop talking about what he would have done with these players. They are no longer your team, the incoming class last year was not yours either.
Sallyxyz
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 2:06 p.m.
"I don't think there's just one thing. I would like to say there's one thing..." Gotta love the old coach for his clarity and consistency. Hahaha RR really needs to move on and let it go.
Ned Racine
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 2:01 p.m.
According to RR's twisted thinking and inflated ego, he would have won 13 out of 12!
RudeJude
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 1:49 p.m.
I was glad to see him go for various reasons, but I wish him well at Arizona. If he has learned anything from his mistakes at Michigan, then he'll be a vastly improved coach. You can already see it in his first Arizona press conference, as he seemed familar with Arizona tradition. Remember how clueless he seemed when he was introduced at Michigan? The Pac-12 may be a better fit for his offensive scheme and he'll emphasize defense this time (I hope, at least). And if he does need five years to implement his offense, I believe Arizona will give it to him - you just can't go bowl game-less two years in a row, and go three-straight years without a win over MSU or Ohio at Michigan and not expect to get fired, just the truth. I don't doubt he believed he'd go 10-2 or better this year with Michigan, just as I'm sure he believed he could've done that in 2010, and 2009, too. His guess is as good as ours. Get Arizona a 10+ win season within four years and maybe we'll believe you, coach. Regardless, please give USC and Oregon hell.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 4:38 p.m.
I saw that first press conference. I had the feeling that he was facing northeast wistfully. I also felt that, unlike Brady with Brandon, he was saying something like, "Well, yeah, this school is okay...yeah, I think, uh, yeah, sure, we can do it." I kind of like the guy, but what the heck. Drop the poor-me act, look at the sunshine and your new school, get excited, find a defense, and go for it. That was then, this is now. Sheesh!
D21
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 3:38 p.m.
RudeJude, Uh, oh, RR was pictured in a recent Mlive article as being coached by a Zona official prior to his first conference as he was pretty clueless about Zona in many ways that any normal HC would have known in advance. Even when we wish him well, RR still cannot let UM go even he has already let his alma mater, WV, go, weird, isn't it?
alarictoo
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 1:46 p.m.
I find it funny that the biggest thing generating buzz for this clown is the three years of COMPLETE FAILURE that he produced here at Michigan. Doesn't speak well of his career does it? Ignore the constant stream of verbal diarrhea that he produces. It is the only way he can try to make himself seem relevant in the sport.
bluemax79
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 1:34 p.m.
what a self centered, arrogant, egomaniac RR is the people at WVU hate you and we hate you too, the 3 worst years in Michigan history. thanks for landing us on probation you ignorant idiot. you want to move on? QUIT TALKING ABOUT MICHIGAN!!!! you never fit in, were never going to fit in and you ruined everything we had that was good.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 4:33 p.m.
Well....he didn't ruing Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burgers!
MjC
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 1:01 p.m.
Whatever...
EightySeven
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 12:10 p.m.
Just a thought but if RR went the approach of I plan on playing Michigan on a regular basis. I can see both teams competing for and playing in the Rose Bowl. It would come across a lot better and that would mean he would build his team to where it needs to be at. Just a thought. I'm sure if Hoke or Brandon heard the thoughts of him wanting to play Michigan I bet their responses would have been lets meet in Rose Bowl.
OldBittyBates
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 11:54 a.m.
RichRod would have continued the Michigan football team down the path of mediocrity at best. My opinion of him rhymes with the word "FIRE". He is Pinochio looking for a long term coaching gig. Thank you, David Brandon, for getting rid of that wooden dummy and hiring Brady Hoke (who is a really good coach)! We need wins NOT grins.
Bob
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 11:39 a.m.
Truth is, no one knows how RR would have done this year. RR should try the classy approach and just praise Michigan and the year they had. He's moving on (at least physically) and should be focusing on his new school. Every time he talks about what could have been he lowers his credibility.
annarbortownie
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 10:58 a.m.
Oh please!!! Do we really need to keep hearing from this guy. We are SO lucky he is gone and AnnArbor.com keeps sticking him in front of us. Let AZ cover him now. Bye bye RR. Go talk about your new team.
A2comments
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 10:47 a.m.
The right answer would have been "I think Coach Hoke, his staff, and the players had a great season and I wish them nothing but the best." Then stop talking. The more he talks, the more people realize what a self-centered person he is. It's about the players, not you. When you say this position or that position stinks, that's someone's kid you're talking about. My opinion of the man drops every time he opens his yap.
Blu n Tpa
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 8:49 p.m.
Nice shot. BBS
Billy Bob Schwartz
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 4:30 p.m.
Mine doesn't. It hit bottom last summer.
MRunner73
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 10:12 a.m.
BOO-WHOO...NOOOOOO Way on going 10 and 2. A pipe dream at best; and I am being very nice. Ok, a potent offense and a slightly better defense but, lets' break this down: Western Mich: a win in a real shoot out, maybe 56-49. ND: a loss: heck, Mattison's defense gave up 31 points...another shoot out. EMU: A sure win. SDSU: a loss because let's assume this would have been a Brady Hoke team. Minn: A sure win. @NW: a loss, Michigan was down at half time this year, another shoot out . MSU: a sure loss, blow out stlye. Purdue: a win @IA: a sure loss. @IL: another shoot out but a win. NE: A loss, Martinez would have looked like a Heisman candidate. OSU: a sure loss, heck, they lit us up anyway this year. Result: 5 wins and 7 losses. What? No bowl game?...yep. Thanks for your time and effort, Rich Rod, and good luck in the future.
D21
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 4:44 p.m.
Amen and thanks to everyone who worked hard to oust RR from A2
MRunner73
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 4:05 p.m.
D21...Maybe Rich Rod reads AA.com every day :) I heard a local sports talk host disagree with a cuople of callesr who believed Rich Rod's 10 and 2 was correct. The disagreement was over the similar defensive play to 2010 in which that would have coast us a lot more losses this year; plus the constant will he or won;t he get fired would have maybe even cost the team a big collapse...glad we'll never know.
D21
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 3:42 p.m.
Can you forward your concise posting to RR? :)
Dirtgrain
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 9:53 a.m.
His offense would have been somewhat better; his defense would have been significantly worse.
sidwally
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 9:07 a.m.
How dare he even mention Michigan after what he's done here. He has disgraced the Michigan name and did everything in his power to destroy what past Michigan coaches have worked for for the last century. Arizona is a fitting a team for him, it's awful just like he is. The WORST Michigan coach in history. He's not allowed to even speak of Michigan, and Rich...Your guys? Your guys? These are Hoke's guys. Hoke took these young men and taught them all something you could never teach them. The only thing you own in Ann Arbor, Michigan is the worst Michigan football records of all time. Have fun with your 1-11 record next year.
iamcris
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 8:42 a.m.
What concerns me for the future of RR (and I wish him well absolutely with sincerity) is that he may not change enough to be successful. LSU and Alabama do not run the 3-3-5. /end point
TheWay
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 3:11 a.m.
They also don't recruit less than 30 scholorship players per class when they can only have 85 on the roster. I wonder how good they'd be if they couldn't play with kids' futures and cut those who aren't as great as they promised to be coming out of high school.
1st Down
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 7:24 a.m.
With every media interview, Rich Rodriguez continues to reveal himself as the petty, low-class, narcissist that many of us have know for a few years, during his disasterous tenure as the coach at Michigan. This one, hits at an even lower point...for both Michigan fans and Coach Hoke, who have to endure YET ANOTHER RR diss on their accomplishments... as well as an even lower point to the man, RR himself...who continues to prove that a rat can change its colors, but it is still a rat at heart. Go Blue.
TheWay
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 3:09 a.m.
".for both Michigan fans and Coach Hoke, who have to endure YET ANOTHER RR diss on their accomplishments" "their" accomplishments? What, exactly, have the fans accomplished? And don't you think it's funny that someone can call somebody else "classless" at the beginning of a paragraph, then liken them to a rodent at the end of it? I don't think you know what class is.
Terry Star21
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 9:30 p.m.
Like.
Macabre Sunset
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 5:40 a.m.
I feel sad for Arizona. He's their problem now. What a clueless individual. He is anything but a football coach.
SemperFi
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 4:26 a.m.
What an incredible blowhard! He has no idea how ridiculous he sounds taking credit for for Coach Hoke's success. He's all yours, Arizona. Good luck!
rs
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 3:58 a.m.
Its easy to win the games you don't have to play, huh RichRod? You can keep your hypothetical 10-2 season, we'll take Hoke's 10-2 season that was actually played and put in the record books. Just sour grapes from a man that got replaced by a superior coach.
YpsiLivin
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 3:44 a.m.
I think the only guaranteed 10-2 RR can pull off involves a steering wheel.
heartbreakM
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 3:30 a.m.
Well, as Dantonio the great once said, pride before the fall. In this case, it's pride before the fall and after the fall. What an arrogant statement, and totally clueless. He just can't get over himself. Can't wait to see what excuses he can conjure up in tucson when he fails there too. Already 2 QBs have left the program, so will that be the next excuse?? We have seen that his system cannot succeed with only 1 QB. Yikes. Shut up already.
TheWay
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 3:06 a.m.
In Arizona, I'm absolutely sure the cupboard IS bare.
D21
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 3:45 p.m.
Yeah, RR is gonna dust off and use that infamous liner of his, "The cupboard is bare" by this fall
MRunner73
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 2:48 p.m.
Wow...2 QBs have already left Rich Rod's prgram. Maybe I missed it, but I did not read about this in AA.com. I am interested in Rich Rod's progress both positive and geative.
Terry Star21
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 4:07 a.m.
Heartbreak, I think he is just fighting himself and everyone around - that mentality will prevent him from being a good coach, I have seen this before.....and very unfortunate for his new players and school.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 3:32 a.m.
Likely the MCC and the WCiMFH will blame Lloyd Carr for the QBs who left Arizona. GN&GL
Elton in Atlanta
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 3:11 a.m.
Apparently he didn't learn anything about P.R. Three And Out makes it clear one of his failings was not knowing when to shut up. I see that hasn't changed.
TheWay
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 3:06 a.m.
So telling it how it is instead of appeasing the sheep with coach-speak = making excuses? Take a nap, sheep.
Terry Star21
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 4:19 a.m.
Yes I agree, and his knack of making excuses mentality will dig so deep in him, it will hurt his coaching abilty.
Elton in Atlanta
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 4:13 a.m.
Terry, I think he's a decent man and a good coach. It was a debacle from the beginning though. Part UM's fault, part bad luck, part poor choices. Some of those poor choices resulted from a failure to learn how to talk to the press and public. He's repeating those mistakes. When Michigan comes up in an interview he should say he wishes us well (I wish him well) and retun the conversation to Arizona.
Terry Star21
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 4:04 a.m.
Nice.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 3:10 a.m.
A fan of the WCiMFH wrote: "Unlike the last coach RR encouraged players to stay at M." Revisionist history from someone with a mancrush. Carr told one player he ought to leave--the starting QB-to-be who the WCiMFH hadn't bothered to talk to while making clear in the press that he did want a QB with Mallett's skill set. So with all that the WCiMFH had said and had not done, with his avowed intent to run an offense that did not fit Mallett, and Mallett having sought Carr's opinion, are you saying that Carr ought to have LIED and told Mallett that it was in his best interest to stay at the U when clearly it was not? Yeah--that would have been the honorable thing to do. And one other thing: Up until the moment that the news broke last fall of the conversation between Mallett and Carr, those with man crushes on the WCiMFH insisted that the team was better off w/o Mallett--lazy, arrogant were the words thrown around--along with being unsuited for the spread. But all of a sudden, when the news broke, Carr was responsible for Mallett's leaving. Yeah. Our $4 million coach who never accepted responsibility for anything. Maybe had he sought out Mallett the way Hoke sought out Robinson? Because that's what a smart coach does when there's someone with talent he does not want to lose. But, then, no one outside of the Man Crush Crowd ever accused the WCiMFH of being smart. GN&GL
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 9:10 p.m.
"What kind of weak-minded individual calls people names when they have a differing opinion?" Is this a trick question? Answer: the person who calls someone a "weak-minded individual", of course!! GN&GL
TheWay
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 7:36 p.m.
What kind of weak-minded individual calls people names when they have a differing opinion? ^^^This kind.
Terry Star21
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 4:03 a.m.
Like.
Terry Star21
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 2:19 a.m.
Note to disgraced frustrated old coach; Shut it, zip it, walk away and get on with your life !
Anthony Andrews
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 2:01 a.m.
I think that he is way off base here. It's one thing to recruit players, its another to have them believe in you, your staff and your methodology. From day one Coach Hoke won over his players and had the support of alumni and ex-players. When one looks at Rich Rodriguez, he did the complete opposite. He alienated the players, and eliminated a right of passage for our wide receivers. Doing away with the symbolism of the #1 worn by AC. It was evident that he was not only not a Michigan Man, but he clearly wasn't the right man. It was evident in our lack of competitive spirit, and the complete and utter inability to adjust during a game. The Gator Bowl was simply the tip of the iceberg. When one figures that his staff had 5 weeks to prepare his team, it is inexcusable for the team to have played so poorly. Let alone lose to a relatively unheralded Mississippi State team. What we received from Rich Rodriguez were excuses, and not results. He had all of the resources at his disposal. A historic program with top-flight facilities, consistent television exposure and the opportunity to use these resources as a means to build a dominant and feared program. Sorry Coach, but you failed. You gave us excuses, insisted on telling us that we "were young", and that injuries somehow someway precluded you from fulfilling expectations. When you look at Coach Hoke and his staff, you see the antithesis of the car wreck that walked the sidelines the last three years. We are seeing how the ghost of one Glenn Schembechler has taken root in one of his own. We are seeing results as opposed to excuses, and for the first time in some time, the future is bright for our Maize and Blue. GO BLUE!
Terry Star21
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 4:21 a.m.
Yes. RR will always be a woulda/coulda/shoula guy.
Ed daggett
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 1:58 a.m.
Unlike the last coach RR encouraged players to stay at M. He left 19 starters capable of winning 10+ games this yr with 16 starters coming back next yr. I believe with the easier schedule, experiece he would have won at least 10 if not more. Remember M lost to 2 of 3 conference teams with winning record. With exception of only four fifth yr guys contributing (thanks LC) everyone was an RR guy. Time will tell if new coach is a George Perles with dark hair or the real deal. Stay tuned
johnnya2
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 3:58 p.m.
Having talented players is not what makes a great coach. it is molding those players into winners. It is not open for debate whether RR made them winners. His record speaks for itself. Brady Hoke was smart enough to use the talent he had to win. RR could not figure out how to use that talent. His teams consistently got worse as the year progressed. They were not competitive in games they lost (except that Toledo loss was close). The other job of a good coach is to hire good people around you. RR hired Robinson. Brady Hoke preferred Greg Mattison. That alone shows how the coaches think. Coaches who are secure in their abilities hire people who could take the spotlight from them, while others choose to hire washed up retreads who was a failure in the past.
MRunner73
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 10:16 a.m.
Remember; this has been a transition year. The B1G is very competitive. Most of us look at the glas half full. heartbreakM is correct about all of the players being Michigan Men first (and foremost).
Terry Star21
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 4:13 a.m.
Ed...."...everyone was an RR guy". Maybe so, but your RR failed with RR guys, where Brady Hoke succeeded ! Woulda, coulda, shoulda - the RR way !
heartbreakM
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 3:24 a.m.
They are all MICHIGAN guys. Not Lloyd Carr guys, not WCIMFH guys, not Brady Hoke guys. Michigan guys. Unfortunately for the former coach, he never took ownership of the team or the inherited players, constantly lamenting the prior 2-3 Februaries and how he didn't have enough guys. You sure don't hear Hoke saying anything close to that (nor will you ever). Hoke has done more positive in 12 games than prior "coach" did in 37, no matter how WCIMFH wants to try to spin it. Let us be thankful for Michigan that we now have a coach who has pride in his team, in this university, in the rivalries and conference, and most of all, has the players' backs and can coach them up. Go blue.
cutty240
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 1:57 a.m.
Why are you guys still writing and talking about Rich.I watched Brady the other the night on CBS Sports.Nice voice he has.Dressed you good too.looked Very Sloppy at Best.He looked like Man Vs Food.But he's Boy.Forgot a Michigan Man
Billy Bob Schwartz
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 4:15 p.m.
I wish we had the choice of votin up for the items that are censored. In this case, I vote up for the censored remarks, and more of it!
Terry Star21
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 2:20 a.m.
This is funny stuff, again !
johnnya2
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 1:47 a.m.
How many downs did Fitz play under RR? He though Shaw was the man. As I recall Hoke had a freshman playing corner as well. He made it work IN HIS FIRST SEASON. Why are you playing freshman in your third season? Rich, revisionist history of how you tried to destroy the winningest program in the history of college football. You should be embarrassed at what you did. You lost in season 7 to Pitt when you COULD have played for a BCS. That is your legacy. You are also a convicted cheater.
Buster W.
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 1:46 a.m.
All of the seniors and redshirt seniors are Rich Rod's guys? Don't think so.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 1:44 a.m.
"On whether he's put Michigan behind him: 'Oh, yeah, I think you have to. Coaches are all kind of forward-thinkers. They want to worry about what's next as opposed to reflect. I reflected for six or seven months when I was doing TV, and that was enough. ... I think you have to learn from the past, I think it's always important to go back and see what you could do better.'" Given the comments that precede this statement, it would appear he is delusional along with being the WCiMFH. GN&GL
Brad
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 1:44 a.m.
I coulda been a contender!
Mick
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 12:09 p.m.
A Big time Lol, Brad, how true! I coulda been a contender, I coulda been somebody, blah, blah blah, the guy was full of excuses and he's still making them. Seems to me he will never get over being fired. I feel sorry for AZ, they're in for a world of hurt cause this guy will never get it.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 1:42 a.m.
Yeah, he was going to turn one of the nation's worst defenses into one of the nation's best. LOLOLOLOLOL Just proof that the WCiMFH was smokin' something before going on the Huge Show. Good Night and Good Luck
MyOpinion
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 1:41 a.m.
Poor RichRod. He still gives petulant interviews. Man up and give Hoke et.al. credit for turning the defense around. Hoke for delegating the task to someone who knows what he is doing and Mattison for understanding what it takes to reform the Lost Boys of last year into a semblance of a defense this year. Is the defense top notch? Not really, but we actually made defensive stops this year - and not just because of an errant play by the offense. I expect the defense and offense to improve next year at Michigan. It has been a fun team to watch. Last year looked like a poorly coached middle school team. He is an offensive coordinator who has been put in charge of another program (offense, defense, special teams). Maybe, he'll be lucky this time and have a better defense, but it will be luck, not forethought or understanding on his part.
Roadman
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 1:37 a.m.
Rich, I am glad you moved on and you are granting interviews. But don't spout off about "at least 10-2" unless you have tongue firmly implanted in cheek. You're no Brady Hoke. Nor are you a Bo Schembechler. Go Blue!
Blu n Tpa
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 1:32 a.m.
WCiMFH. Please give it a rest. He still doesn't get it. What about special teams? Kickers kicking FGs. Return guys not fair catching on the five yard line. If he could coach, the team would have gotten better as the year went on. It NEVER did. For a guy who wouldn't talk about the last game, one hour after the game was over, he sure wants to rewrite the past now. If I were him I would shut up before my new employer starts to wonder what the hel..heck he sign up for. This is Michigan. He is NOT Michigan. Go Blue!
Blu n Tpa
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 3:34 a.m.
NoWay I don't even know what that means. edjasbord No problem. We don't think of it as you getting beaten. Maybe the view just got clearer. TiM Go Blue!
TheWay
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 3:03 a.m.
Actually, Edward, being factually accurate with the full intention to insult the subject and antagonize anyone who doesn't agree with your feelings about the subject just makes you small.
edjasbord
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 10:51 p.m.
Alright, alright, I withdraw my complaint. I know when I'm beat. Unlike perhaps the WCiMFH ;)
Blu n Tpa
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 8:42 p.m.
a2 and Ghost thanks for the assist. edjasbord, you have come to the right person. Not only do I use "WCiMFH", I made it up after getting tired of trying to think of some different way to describe what was happening nearly every week to Michigan football. Is it childish or immature? That certainly wasn't the intent and all the words used relating to the letters are simple and self defining. W Worst C Coach i in M Michigan F Football H History I'm all for moving on. I love our new coaches, the new attitude among the players and fans. I'll make a deal with you. Get AA.com to stop posting articles about the WCiMFH and I will stop using WCiMFH to describe the last coach. TiM Go Blue! (Crap, I did it again. TiM This is Michigan!)
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 5 p.m.
I guess we have reached that advanced point in our culture where being factually accurate is derogatory. No matter how one slices the pie, the WCiMFH was the WCiMFH. Not certain why stating facts is wrong. Good Night and Good Luck
edjasbord
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 4:07 p.m.
@a2chrisp No, I dont think I'm overreacting or being 'a tad judgmental.' I'm arguing to keep our side respectable. My point was that using the abbreviation discredits those of us who agree that RR was the worst coach in Michigan's history. Your mom is right, but she might also carry her exhortation to its logical extension - don't use a word in which only a select group of others know what it means, that has a high-school clique-ish, alienating effect on your audience. Unless, of course, that is what you intend. And if that is what you intend, then you are being somewhat, "a tad bit", juvenile. I agree with a lot of what the anti-RR folks here say, but I dont want our arguments de-valued by the continual and widespread use of some juvenile label.
a2chrisp
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 3:57 p.m.
@edjasbord: I think you may be overreacting. It means Worst coach in Michigan Football History. And its true. My mom always said "don't use a word unless you know what it means". I think you should consider not decrying something you don't know about. Its a tad judgmental, don't you think?
edjasbord
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 3:02 p.m.
Can you folks stop with the "WCiMFH"? Its juvenile. I don't know what it means, but I can tell it something derogatory toward RR. Don't get me wrong, I dislike RR as much as, if not more than, you. But the whole "WCiMBlahblahblah" thing really discredits what could otherwise be meaningful commentary.