I love Michigan Football

Thu, Dec 2, 2010 : 9:23 p.m.

I've saw rumors today that Dee Hart is decommiting from Michigan. They have a write up on Rivals right now and MGoLoveRodriguez is having a meltdown over there on him changing his commitment to Bama. It seems to be alot of things going on behind closed doors. Could be why Brandon didn't want to go public and just let things ride out for themselves.

XTR

Thu, Dec 2, 2010 : 8:58 p.m.

RR's reputation is sleazy and a failure after his stint at Michigan. Small schools will give him another chance but not big schools. He should have stayed at WVa where he was loved and where he was successful.

Joe

Thu, Dec 2, 2010 : 6:42 p.m.

May I have your attention please-----the OC job at Texas is/or is about to be OPEN!! Does anyone know someone associated with the UT program that owes them a favor and would be willing to take RR right now?? They aren't in a bowl game, so they can listen to his lies tonight and sign a contract with him tomorrow!! Sounds like a plan to me!! :)

D21

Thu, Dec 2, 2010 : 6:14 p.m.

rtreat, Lorian's car has no bumpers nor any windshield on it. :)

ecmichman

Thu, Dec 2, 2010 : 5:30 p.m.

Uhhh.... OK GoBlue_Houston. Since you have chosen to talk about a totally unrelated subject, the grass is green and the sky is blue. Now - back to the topic - Any competent coach would have shown solid improvement after year three. Do not be fooled by the win total. Struggling with U-Mass, Indiana, and Illinois is inexcuseable. U-M runs a mediocre offense with smaller, slower players on both sides of the ball. I still can't believe how enamored the media was with the U-M defense after 'stopping' Illinois at the end of that game. Yeah - holding them to 65 points was quite the heroic effort. And just where is this progress?????

XTR

Thu, Dec 2, 2010 : 4:58 p.m.

Still lotsa RR lovers. With RR's performance on and off the field, it is a no brainer to get JH.

GoBlue_Houston

Thu, Dec 2, 2010 : 4:48 p.m.

Wasn't too long ago that a football team in Michigan wasn't doing so hot and the fans and front office were clamoring for a savior from the Bay Area to come and save the day. He had roots in Michigan and it seemed like a cosmic alignment for him to swoop in and turn that team around. His name was Steve Mariucchi and the team was the Lions. Be careful for what you wish for.

3 And Out

Thu, Dec 2, 2010 : 4 p.m.

"ilovemichiganfootball" - Thanks for the link. I was at that 86 game, sat in Block O and then moved down and actually watched the game from the OSU sideline about 1 foot from the cone in the endzone. An Ohio State trooper was next to us the whole game and never asked us to move it was great... The last TD, I think it was Wilcher scored right in front of us. Harbaugh threw one pass to the corner that bounced about 2 feet in front of us...I wanted to catch it but decided it was not a good idea.

J. Dean

Thu, Dec 2, 2010 : 2:29 p.m.

Jim Harbaugh would equal great seasons, but terrible bowl losses. It's the nature of smashmouth football.

lawrencelaundry

Thu, Dec 2, 2010 : 1:40 p.m.

3 and out, we need more pics of your friend, lol. But every thing u say is right on and ibeen saying right along to friends but they just don't get it. I've played football, fewest ed it, and watched a he'll of alot of it. And can agree that RR is a good OC and that's it. HE CAN'T coach all aspects of the game like most coaches. We need Har baugh here badly before Kelly at ND gets the ball rolling. 1yr for him and already posted the same record as RR in his 3rd. There's reason why goods coaches like Tressel, Saban, andy Meter won national Championship in their 2nd yr coaching.

Mick

Thu, Dec 2, 2010 : 12:17 p.m.

Chad, please give me a break, Stanford's SOS is tougher this year than ours and the 3 previous years as well. Quit poo pooing what JH has done and accomplished there. Like 3 & out, I live out west in San Diego and have seen 1st hand how good of a coach JH is, it's a no brainer forgone conclusion!!! In one game I was watching this year, I think at ASU in a close game, a true freshman RB ran the ball and could've scored but slid in-bounds inside the 5 yd. line w/around a minute or so to go and they ran the clock out as opposed to scoring and having to play defense and risk more injuries. That's coaching my friends!

Chad Williams

Thu, Dec 2, 2010 : 12:15 p.m.

Michigan shoulda hired brian kelly. he has had more success than any canidate we talked about. He built a d 2 powerhouse at Grand Valley state. But nooo winning 3 champs in 5 years wasnt up to michigan standard. Won at CMU won at Cincy. We wanna talk proven winners there is one right there. He waited and waited for michigan to call ND called instead. The funny thing is mallet wouldda stayed and would loved his offense. We get mad cause RR didnt want to tweak but he shouldnt have to if he has had success winning that way y change it for a guy u never wanted anyway. Instead we went after RR and we are making it seem like RR step on our steps asking for a job. What he had at WVU was perfect a 10 win team and a easy way the the bcs. Sure he screwed up a bit but if it wasnt for UM bein desperate after firing carr with no real replacement RR wouldnt be here Kelly would. But the high and mighty wolverines out thought themselves on this one.

Chad Williams

Thu, Dec 2, 2010 : 11:49 a.m.

He is a NFL branded player. Who was coached pro style and is no coaching pro style. His next move isnt going to be a ressurection of a program who he has to start over especially at QB. It wouldnt make sense to leave a weaker pac ten or 12 when there is no dominant team. USC is getting 10 less players through recruiting the next two years. Stanford my have higher standards but thats not the reason why kids didnt want to go to stanford, they just sucked at football. a couple winning season mixed with the fall of the trojans and more talent available in cali to spread the next couple years he can compete for a title 3-5 years longer. Outside of oregon and stanford there will be only one bowl eligible team this year. Coming to the big ten when nebraska is becoming great again, OSU dominating wont be a pretty first year at michigan.

lawrencelaundry

Thu, Dec 2, 2010 : 11:17 a.m.

3 and out, we need more pics of your friend, lol. But every thing u say is right on and ibeen saying right along to friends but they just don't get it. I've played football, fewest ed it, and watched a he'll of alot of it. And can agree that RR is a good OC and that's it. HE CAN'T coach all aspects of the game like most coaches. We need Har baugh here badly before Kelly at ND gets the ball rolling. 1yr for him and already posted the same record as RR in his 3rd. There's reason why goods coaches like Tressel, Saban, andy Meter won national Championship in their 2nd yr coaching.

ViSHa

Thu, Dec 2, 2010 : 10:49 a.m.

excellent post kti (and humorous). with your observations and 3 & Outs four points stated earlier, i think that about explains it all. except i'll add the elephant in the room: i'd rather look at JH's mug any day of the week over RR's on the sidelines (yeah, i went there)

TrueBlue95

Thu, Dec 2, 2010 : 10:39 a.m.

DB has stated that he's focused on the Michigan brand. For a brand to be successful it has to have substance, and based on a foundation of performance...ie the product must deliver. DB also stated that he realizes the basket with all his eggs is the football program. Anyone of who has run a large business knows that you have to build the foundation first. Get the right people, create the vision, get alignment, set high expecations, provide resources and remove blockages. DB will bring Harbaugh. Harbaugh will be a cornerstone to our foundation, and results will help the build the brand. DB is our CEO, and as such is taking a long term (10+ year) perspective...as he should. We'll probably have a few awkward days after our bowl, as Harbaugh's bowl will be on Jan 1st, and our will be earlier...but DB will handle this easily.

I love Michigan Football

Thu, Dec 2, 2010 : 9:50 a.m.

famous words from Bo Schembechler- "A Michigan Man will coach Michigan."

I love Michigan Football

Thu, Dec 2, 2010 : 9:45 a.m.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5GVLyOsTFs

3 And Out

Thu, Dec 2, 2010 : 6:41 a.m.

Mick...Thank you for asking about Ms. 3AndOut...she is a special friend how helps me break down film. I saw 6 or 7 Stanford games live this year, living on the Left Coast and having them on TV or Internet stream a lot. I can say for sure that Stanford is one very well disciplined team. You dont see a lot of turnovers or unnecessary penalities (the halmarks of RR teams at Michigan)...and a defense that is not very talented but is very gap sound and very disciplined and stays home...plays physical and tackles well. I cant wait till JH gets to AA and can recruit top level talent...it is going to be amazing...like Bo on HGH.

Mick

Thu, Dec 2, 2010 : 2:09 a.m.

@3 & out, man you crack me up, keep on keepin' on, cause you make a hell of a lot of sense! Who's the hottie in the pic? I'm new here. On the coaching change, just seems to me that the fact that we are on these forums debating this issue is reason enough to get rid of this so called coach. AA is too much for RR, he needs to go to a school that fits him better. Look how pissed off we are at each other that disagree on this topic. He has embarrassed the program and is in over his head. We need to be pro-active. JH would be a monster coach in AA. See how the OSU & MSU fans want RR to stay. That should tell you something!

BigWolverine13

Thu, Dec 2, 2010 : 1:14 a.m.

It's hard to tell if RR's retention hangs on the bowl game. In any case, clearly DB is not going to toss $1.5 million by acting in December. If he were committed to RR he would have very clearly said so by now. The fact that he has not, tells us that either RR is definitely gone or he is gone based on a poor bowl game performance. There are good coaches out there. Let's not get too hung up on Harbaugh and Miles. Both of them may be committed and have other goals.

3 And Out

Thu, Dec 2, 2010 : 12:53 a.m.

kti....+1000000000000 loved your denzel comment btw...lol... yeah and it gets pretty bad for the koolaid crowd RR lovers who spent 3 years disparaging Lloyd Carr for supposedly not leaving Rich Rod enough talent to win 3 games with (yeah whatever)...and now that Lloyd is too far in the distant past...the koolaid crowd tries to compare Harbaugh's first 3 years at Stanford (coming up from 1-11 the year before) to the debacle that is Rich Rod's first 3 years (coming down from 9-4 the year before and a great 39 years before that).. It is insanity... and I almost gave up this forum but had to come back to keep fighting the good fight until a change will do us good.

BlueAlaska

Thu, Dec 2, 2010 : 12:29 a.m.

kti - very well said. I feel DB has this fully under control. If he plans on keeping RR, he would simply say so. So assuming he isn't planning on keeping him, he wouldn't go there without a plan - he's too smart for that. Similarly, there is no way JH is going to say anything about this because he still has some unfinished business at Stanford. I think this all falls into place after Stanford's bowl game.

kti

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 11:49 p.m.

A few observations from the cheap seats: 1) I'm finally glad to see someone point out that this supposed "dynamic" offense RR "invented" (please... give me a break)scored about a TD less per game (40.3 to 34.4 by my quick math) than Stanford's supposed "obsolete" offense, which is a pro set offense with a QB who is likely the #1 pick in the NFL. I fail to see where any reluctance comes from. Back in the days when UM ran its "obsolete" offense, they used to do some "boring" things like win 9 games/year, go to Bowl games every year, go 5-2 vs. the vaunted SEC in bowl game under Carr, win an NC, and put an almost uninterrupted line of starting QBs from Harbaugh to Mallett in the NFL for at least 1 season (Michael Taylor the lone exception, I think, please correct if I'm wrong on this) in addition to a bevy of top flight receivers & o-lineman. So, my rhetorical? is, why do RR supporters feel the need to pretend that the breathtaking shootout wins over perennial powers like IU, UMass, and Ill show unprecedented offensive prowess? Why act like all those wins b/n '69 & '07 were 10-7? And, even if they were, so what? Don't you miss winning? 2) I've read some contributors in this thread and others that say UM is Oregon without a defense, which to me makes as much sense as saying I'm Denzel Washington without the talent, but the only thing I can conclude is these folks know Oregon runs "the spread", but haven't actually SEEN Oregon play. If they did, they would know that in all aspects of offense: QB, backs, wideouts, o-line, kickers, play calling, tempo; the only one where UM is even equal to Oregon is QB and, as much as I LOVE Denard, I'd have to say that is arguable. No disrespect to the kids who start on UM's offensive unit but other than maybe DR and probably Schilling and Molk, not one would start for UO and most wouldn't see any serious playing time. 3) RR supporters seem to chime in on some variation of "all RR needs to do is fix the Defense!!". Again, technically true but, with all respect, about as analytical and logical as saying all a homeless person has to do is "get a house", as if it can happen instantly whenever the person chooses to do it. My question(s) is, why hasn't he "fixed" the D prior to now? And, since the D has gotten worse in each year under RR to historic levels, why are we so sure he's going to do it one fine day? (I know the stock answer is "FRESHMEN!", but I'd point out that RR inherited a D in '08 that returned 8 starters, including 3 future NFL draft picks, and the D was still poor). If RR supporters are so sure of this, they should be able to make a dimwit like me understand without mentioning the Oregon/Stanford game of this year, Vince Young running wild in the '05 Rose Bowl, Appy State, Lloyd Carr or Ron English b/c, frankly, I don't see what in the hell any of those things/men has to do with the disgraceful defenses RR has put on the field b/n '08 &'10. 4) Why the obsession with "the spread"? Its one of many offenses that can & has won big in college ball. When you tell me its the only way to win big in the modern era, I wonder if Alabama is aware that running a pro set offense with an emphasis on the power running game with a RB who is more than 5'7 165 pounds and-worst of all-DOESN'T come from Pahokee has absolutely NO chance of winning big in today's game. Just one example. That's it, I'm done. IMHO, the same to RR come January 1.

riverraisin

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 10:44 p.m.

No question, its big enough, he said. The experience here has been incredible, and all the credit belongs to the players. Sometimes people say you do a good job or something like that, but as a coach, you block and tackle nobody. Its the hunger these players have, and their work ethic and their time, and theyre the ones that deserve the success. Hmmm...sounds like a coach I would want to play for. Deflects all the praise away from himself and towards his players. Instead, RR spends the whole press conference degrading his own players and blaming every deficiency on them. RR huggers twist this quote around to say "see..it is the players fault..JH said it himself". Do ya think most college players have the work ethic and hunger to succeed? It takes a great coach to get the best out of those players.

heartbreakM

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 10:22 p.m.

This whole "5 year" Bo thing is interesting. I tend to agree that if the program is in the pits, the coaches may need up to 5 years to clean things up (though they should show clear signs of improvement in the first year even). But what if the program is already successful but wants to continue or improve on the success? How many years then? How much of a drop off is acceptable? How long do you give a coach then? When Bo came to Michigan, they were coming off an up and down 1960s, but mostly down. When Mo went to Illinois in late 70s, same thing. Well, Mo got fired for not having good enough success (and subsequently Bo beat down Illinois in 1981). Bo of course got things turned around after the 5th game (loss to MSU, to which he did not lose again until 1978 or so).

3 And Out

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 10:05 p.m.

aarox...i agree with you...and not to disparage D Rob, he is a very good player and did some nice things this year...however IMO even as a huge Michigan person, he didnt deserve the BT Offensive player of the year award. If you take away his amazing non conference stats, his BT stats were pretty mediocre and he was oft injured vs. more physical teams. RRs scheme gets him in space vs. lessor teams like Bowling Green or ND where he can make things happen with his legs and then force the LBs and Safetys to come up and hits them with those passes...............but that scheme does not work vs the upper elechon of BT teams, where there is more speed and players are certainly larger. This is not the Big East.

Ben

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 9:42 p.m.

WHY IS EVERYONE SO CAUGHT UP ON "TALENT".... Talent does NOT win games, sure it helps.. but coaching and execution win games (see Stanford vs. *). Sure Oregon won, they're #1 in the country. They do NOT run "RR's offense", they use ideas from it; much like great authors use ideas from each other's work.. But you can spin things however you want.

aarox

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 9:03 p.m.

@ 3 and out who says: "1) Jim Harbaugh's Stanford offense scored more points per game this year than Rich Rod's Michigan Offense. " I'm totally with you. It seems points don't count for much anymore. DR is the darling of AA and wins Big Ten player of the year based on yardage. Meanwhile he leads our 'vaunted offense' to 0, 7, 7, and 10 first half points against our only meaningful competition. We are miserable in the 'offense when it counts' statistics, and DR is our leader. Go figure. Do you want a QB that with a lot of yardage or one that can lead an offense to victory? Either way it is fun to watch, but one leads to more wins.

3 And Out

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 8:25 p.m.

OSUbebetter...>I actually agree with you, though you are a FOOP (fan of other program). S&C is pretty much standard all across the board...most big time programs have good S&C staff in place. Where RR and his lackey Barwis missed is: Barwis came in with his Wrestlemania voice and was talking all of this garbage about how he was going to shape up some fat bodies, get the fast-twitch muscles going with olympic lifts and plyos etc etc bla bla bla...it is all on Youtube... and somehow some of the RR slappies bought in to this talk and degraded Mike Gittleson (who is an S&C hall of famer and legend btw) who personally was responsible for many winning MIchigan teams and many pro players from the 70s up to Jake Long... But like a shiney new car... RR Barwis and the lakies took advantage of some Michigan fans "wanting more" from the #1 program of all time and winningist BT program of all time... and they milked it for millions of dollars and Barwis is trying to parlay it even more in to his own personal financial gain (see Barwis Method website for more on that debacle)... and what has this endless MMA self-promotion style actually gained the Michigan football program? 1) 15-21 overall (2 of these wins vs. DII schools) 2) 6-18 in BT play 3) 0-12 vs. winning BT programs 4) A huge drop off in player development and recruiting... they are so arrogant to believe that they can take walk ons and 2-3 stars and build them up... well the proof is in the record and blow out losses to good BT teams. 3AndOut

Fly Wheel

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 8:23 p.m.

If Michigan loses it's Bowl game by a fairly large margin - and since David Brandon has already said that he is waiting until after the UM's Bowl game to make a decision on the coach - how would it look if Michigan indeed does lose it's Bowl game by a fairly large margin - and then Brandon says Rich Rod is staying - that wouldn't make sense - and it would make Brandon look like a fool - that is, what did waiting until after the Bowl game have to do with the "decision"?? So - the Bowl game is the key - the upcoming Bowl game is a measuring stick as to whether (or not) Michigan can compete with a good team (after more than a month of practice following the regular 2010 football season). For Rich Rod to stay at Michigan - it will have to be a fairly convincing victory for Michigan in the upcoming Bowl game for Brandon to keep him as coach - after all - Michigan has lost to upper echelon Big Ten teams (except for that fluke Wisconsin win in 2008) in all of Rich's 3 years. So - if UM loses it's first Bowl game in 3 years or if Michigan wins it's first Bowl game in 3 years - but the win is not convincing - then good-bye Rich Rod.

GettingBluer

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 8:18 p.m.

One of Theo's screen names said: "Oregon outscored Stanford 28-0 in the second half How is Harbaugh's conditioning program? Is he good at halftime adjustments?" How is RR's conditioning program? One of the Koolaid Drinkers' main arguments for the poor showing this year is injuries...THAT is highly dependent on conditioning. Also, DR got to watch TF play a lot this season while nursing injuries. Regarding Harbaugh's half-time adjustments: 11-1, so I guess he was nearly perfect.

AAmom

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 7:38 p.m.

"Harbaugh come home!!!!!"

D21

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 7:13 p.m.

The OSU, tell that to former AD Bill Martin and the pro RR crowd :) Since Harbaugh isn't coming into town this Thurs for the team's 25th reunion which easily means that he is next in line for the UM HC job after Jan 1st. OSU, fret not and just get up here next Nov to the greatest game ever in the post RR era. Hail to the Victors.

D21

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 7:08 p.m.

Hey RR lovers, Wanna bet $$$ that RR is gone by the month of Jan 2011. Harbaugh or not, RR is gone out the door along with you as his gofers. Hail to the Victors!

The OSU

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 6:58 p.m.

To UM alums who are bashing OSU: "If Michigan is "so smart" how did you get in this mess and why can't you solve it?" There is a reason OSU players are given a gold charm of "Michigan pants" after beating UM. Wolverines tend to forget they put their pants on one leg at a time, just like everyone else. Get over it. You're only superior to everyone else in your own mind.

OSUbeBetter

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 6:53 p.m.

57-44-6 You know every program has a strength program, from HS to JUCO on up to the pros. when i was in HS, all the guys on the FB and BB team had a special PE class the last hour of the day which was run by the coach. We ran our butts off, lifted, Plyometrics, form drills, and watched lots of game film in season. but you know what? so did every HS in the state, it was no big deal. For whatever reason Michigan fans have grabbed a hold of "The barwis Effect" as if it is something special or new. they thought RR's spread was a new concept, and they also thought Barwis in some way invented Plyometrics.

ecmichman

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 6:46 p.m.

It may take Harbaugh more than 2 or 3 years to rebuild the program that Rich Rod has decimated with his smaller, slower players. Their #1 running back is Vincent Smith? No disrespect to Vince. I know he is trying his hardest, but that is the type of smallish slower back that I would expect to see on Purdue, not Michigan. Sure Barwis has U-M in great condition for those 4th quarters - that just means that they can spring to their feet faster late in the game after getting steamrolled by their bigger, stronger, faster opponents.

lawrencelaundry

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 6:30 p.m.

For you guys that think there is no change coming, do some research. If Rod is staying, then why wouldnt brandon just say so and stop the rumors. I say 1.5 million dollars on Jan. 1st when Rod is fired is why. JAN 2ND is when our savior Harbaugh is introduced. And mark my word, National champs in yr 2 or 3 with Harbaugh. HE is a hardcore recruiter, motivator, and knows football from top to bottom. RR is a damn good OC and that's about it. Read Edward R link in the other story and it will explain it to u RR lovers. 3 and out and Edward are on the money. I WENT to the wisconsin game and it was terrible how quiet 113000 people sound. Including the boos RR got when he has no confidence to try to score before the half. RR is a multi-million dollar mistake. Time to move on people. U wait another yr and we just mis out on the best Michigan coach out there.

Yelmonian

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 6:29 p.m.

You know Michigan football is in the pits... when the catcalls come out that UM is academically superior. I know, I know...next we will hear the chants... that's alright, that's ok, you will work for us someday. As an Electrical Engineer from MSU... I will trump your Mechanical Engineering degree and tell you are full of it. I've worked with Engineers from many different schools from around the country and world, and they all have similar levels of educational background. And as an individual that tried to hire a recent graduate of UM, I was a little disappointed when they accepted the job... but never turned up due to an issue with the law. So... back to the point of the article (which is not academics)... Harbaugh would be a great coach at UM. As a "little brother" (kinda like that term), Harbaugh would make the MSU-UM game competive, which I am looking for. From a pure selfish nature, I would love UM to keep RR because MSU will beat them regulary if RR is coach.

3 And Out

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 6:27 p.m.

How is Barwis' conditioning program? Oh yeah...it is 6-18 in the Big Ten and preps players to be smaller and slower and non-competitive vs. winning Big Ten teams (0-12). He does have a nice promotional website where he pushes his services out on the side though. Mike Gittleson never did that. All he did was help put together 35+ non losing seasons and a bunch of BT and 1 NT as S&C coach. Next Question.

58-44-6

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 6:09 p.m.

Oregon outscored Stanford 28-0 in the second half How is Harbaugh's conditioning program? Is he good at halftime adjustments? I'll support him if he comes here... I'm worried my babies

58-44-6

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 6:06 p.m.

I'm worried about running the same style offense and defense as OSU, they get better players then MIchigan. That worries me my babies But we are better academically, always will be. Michigan- better academics Ohio State- better football players Lets be realistic my babies

Michiganiac

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 5:58 p.m.

Everyone wants to look at this year. but what did stanford do last year?In his third year at stanford, like rr's third year at michigan. and the answer is the same.You look at both coaches in their first three years they are almost identical.. just the facts... it takes time to build a program,and you can say he tore it down(him being rr)but he isn't responsable for the lack of seniors,that the last coach and there is no way around that....

The OSU

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 5:50 p.m.

ssAA: Re Kennedy quote: Politicians will say anything.

Lorain Steelmen

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 5:48 p.m.

The osu; UM has 42 titles, osu has what, maybe 34 now? I came to UM in '65 in Mech.Engineering, turning down osu Engineering. Stayed on and got an MBA here. My brother got his degree at osu. And there is NO comparison academically between osu and Michigan...NONE! And the comment, that 'Harvard is the MICHIGAN of the East'..HAS been around, ALL those years! We say it now, always have, and always will...because its TRUE! By the way, John F. Kennedy said that, at the Michigan Union, in 1960... What bothers our buckeye bretheren, is that osu just can't 'catchup' athletically, OR academically, to Michigan. WE are in your heads, 24/7/365.

3 And Out

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 5:35 p.m.

A couple of points to any of you casual fans of other programs (FOOPs) or people who never played football: 1) Jim Harbaugh's Stanford offense scored more points per game this year than Rich Rod's Michigan Offense. 2) Stanford has over 350 plays in Jim Harbaugh's playbook. If you have watched them play at all this year you would know that they use a) many multiple sets b) never the same look twice in a row c) often use spread attacks d) have a QB who is quite a good runner in addition to having an NFL arm e) JH's offense is NOT predicitible and is very very hard to stop....just ask Pete Carroll. 3) Last I checked, The NFL is a Pro Style offense too. 4) Top level Pro Style recruits will look at Michigan with Coach Harbaugh and make the clear connection a) Awesome pro style offense which is fun to play in and wins in the Big Ten b) Will prep me for the NFL c) Harbaugh has STRONG connections to the NFL with his brother and others d) Harbaugh played 15 seasons in the NFL and knows what it takes at that level e) There will be no better school to attend to prep me if my skills are good enough to play at the next level. Any Questions?

ssAA

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 5:35 p.m.

The OSU, I have one more for your UM elitism quote bank. In 1960, JFK said: "I want to express my thanks to you, as a graduate of the Michigan of the East, Harvard University."

3 And Out

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 5:30 p.m.

@57-44-6... Really so Rich Rod was coaching Oregon vs. Stanford and it was his offense? wow must have missed that when I watched the game...Stanford was well ahead of that game at halftime and had it been played on a neutral field it would have been much closer.... keep spinning baby.

John

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 5:28 p.m.

@Bulldog "When Lloyd lost o USC, Texas and OSU his last couple of years the scored 36, 37 and 39 pts. Like so many fools would say, they were too predictable...yes they were, you could predict 35 + pts every game." In 2007, Lloyd's offensive juggernaut scored 7 against Oregon and 3 against Ohio State. Both games at the Big House. In 2006 they managed 18 against USC, which is half of your bold per-game prediction.

The OSU

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 5:22 p.m.

Oops... Looks like I touched a nerve talking about academics. However, MY POINT was valid and Harbaugh was right too. UM does the VERY SAME THING ever other big time athletic program does in catering to the needs of athletes. PLEASE get over your elitism. I once heard a Mich alum refer to UM as, "the Harvard of the midwest." Contrary to what Michigan alums think, there are many fine universities in this country, including all of the Big 10. Somehow UM grads are led to believe their cr-p doesn't stink. Lorain: Please don't tell me that you'll "throw me a rose." The Bucks will EARN roses (Bowl) long before Blue will ever see them.

Lorain Steelmen

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 5:19 p.m.

Andrew Hall....Right on...Bro! Right on! In '69, Bo asked for, and got, a five year commitment from Canham...Hey, it takes FIVE years, not five months! And I think it's even MORE true today, than it was in 1969! This university made a commitment to RR, for five years. If it reniges on RR it will ALL credibility with all furture caoches..for good! Patience...patience....RR WILL have this defense up to snuff, and WILL build a powerful program..IN ANN ARBOR!

58-44-6

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 5:11 p.m.

Harbaugh got blown out by Oregon and Rodriguez's spread offense Be careful my babies

bulldog 9

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 5:05 p.m.

The defense is the worst in history. Special teams might be too. All everyone wants to talk about is RR's dynamic offense. Well it was created because he couldn't recruit the 6'8" 300# lineman, the 6'5" QB to go to places like Tulane and WV. So he creates a smoke and mirrors offense to try and trick (for a while) the big boys. Problem is that when a QB that small handles the ball that many times injuries and turnovers a going to happen. Anyone remember what happened to the Great Pat White when RR was set up to go to the National Championship game? Well is he turned the ball over 6 times. Pittsburg won, and Dollar Bill recruits RR to UM. Michigan needs a Carr offense and a Bo defense. When Lloyd lost o USC, Texas and OSU his last couple of years the scored 36, 37 and 39 pts. Like so many fools would say, they were too predictable...yes they were, you could predict 35 + pts every game. Our defense was bad then, as now. You win in the Big Ten with Big Boys. This is not the Big East Girls League.

Ben

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 5 p.m.

Think they could take a good look at Mike Leach? He's a PROVEN big time coach who doesn't take **** from his athletes.

XTR

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 4:59 p.m.

Flywheel - There are lots of ways to talk "indirectly". Both DB and JH are brothers in the Bo fraternity, for sure they have common friends that know both. That's actually the advantage of having an AD like DB. Both gentlemen played under Bo and played under the winged helmet. Both know and understand the Big Ten and Michigan traditions.

XTR

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 4:53 p.m.

lol! Why can't Jim say it straight that I'm not going back to Michigan? Why can't DB say it straight that he is keeping RR? What a coincidence heh? Both are not supposed to be talking with each other, but they say the same thing! lol! Stanford is not a destination football school. When a coach does good, he has offers then leaves. The money, fanbase and facilities is not top 15 in the nation. Since JH has done well he will receive offers from the NFL and CFB. However he already said on TV that he is a "college guy". So which CFB program will he go to? Minnesota?lol! One thing for sure, unless DB comes out and says he is giddy with RR record as a super coach and declares that RR is going to come back next year 100% guaranteed, consider RR done.

Fly Wheel

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 4:51 p.m.

Question - to those commenting who say David Brandon and Jim Harbaugh are already talking - isn't there some rule about tampering with a coach who is under contract with another institution (Stanford) - unless Brandon has asked for and has received permission from Stanford to talk to Harbaugh? David Brandon would only follow proper procedure - unlike RR.

3 And Out

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 4:50 p.m.

Ross... Greg Schiano first accepted the job...and then backed out the next day. That is a fact...It doesnt make Martin any better for it (or absolve his HORRENDOUS choice in Rich Rodriguez)..but that IS the way it happened...Schiano did not flat out reject Michigan as you claim.

3 And Out

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 4:47 p.m.

BTW2, It is very interesting that the comments here, from those that want Rich Rod to stay and Harbaugh to stay in Stanford are from Sparty and OSU people.... aka Fans of other programs who KNOW that Harbaugh coming home to Michigan will be their WORST Nightmare. Michigan Football is coming back ladies and gents... so get used to it...Harbaugh will be leading the way as Head Coach of THE University of Michigan. Mark it Down. It is in the Stars and soon to be in the Big House.

3 And Out

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 4:43 p.m.

BTW...Stanford at 11-1 gets about 35,000 - 50K fans per game and doesnt even sell them out. That is a big reason why a great coach would leave...it is not a big stage, never has been...but it has been a stepping stone for other coaches like Bill Walsh, Denny Green etc. IMO Stanford is a special-place but not a big-stage. Coaches that do well there and go on to other things tend to keep their connections back at Stanford but they do move on.

3 And Out

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 4:41 p.m.

Harbaugh, Harbaugh...clap clap clap clap clap. Like Jamie Samuelson said, Harbaugh is straight out of Central Casting perfect fit for the role of Head Coach at Michigan.

West MI

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 4:40 p.m.

Last I looked - Texas and Stanford also did not offer Men's or Women's Lacrosse. People should have their info straight, and not just repeating what someone else might have said here because 95% of it is wrong, before posting on here and looking stupid. By the way - for all of us old enough to actually remember Bo and how he spoke and what he believed: He felt all coaches needed 5 years in their job before being judged. That was the only way to get an accurate picture of the football program. Everyone knew going in with Rich Rod that the changes he was making were going to take time to succeed. The people doing the complaining are mostly the same people that were hounding for Lloyd to be fired after losing yet another bowl because his offense was not being "innovative" enough. For proof, search the internet for some of Drew Sharp's old columns. I am not saying I am happy with the play of the team but we have to understand the there were many 18 yr olds, who 4 months ago had not even come to campus yet, playing against a lot of 22/23 yr olds. Once these kids get through a spring and summer workouts, weightroom, and grow some more, they will be fine. Fire GRob and the whole D staff and get someone in who knows what they are doing. Patience.

DonAZ

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 4:38 p.m.

"Had Miles not been playing for the national championship in 2007 he might well have come to Michigan." Um.... No. Not a chance. The man the football program nicknamed "Loose Morals" was never coming back to Michigan. Like so many, you're confusing would and should. I was saying Miles would have, if a) he wasn't backed into a corner, and b) the offer was on the table. (By the way, Miles' standing at LSU is not rock solid. He's doing okay this year record wise, but he failed to beat Alabama and he failed to beat Arkansas. He has a reputation of dropping games he should win and not winning games he must.) Now, as to the question of should Miles have come to Michigan, that breaks down several ways: a) should Michigan accept a coach with the reputation and character you cite Miles has, and b) should Miles go to a school where recruiting the 5-stars is harder than it is at LSU.

Lorain Steelmen

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 4:36 p.m.

The OSU...1) both Stanford and Northwestern are 'private schools', while UM is 'public'. Having said that, UM does rank with the top public schools in the country...UVA, UCLA, Cal Berkley, to name a few. osu is not anywhere near that group, and is only ranked 6th in the big ten, behind N'western, Mich, Wisc, Ill, and Penn St. (By the way, ND, another 'private school' puts osu to shame, academically.) 2) Putting osu in the 'all sports' category with Stanford is a little silly. Stanford pretty much has a lock that. With a few exceptions UM would be ahead of osu. So osu is NOT one of the few schools that emphasize 'all sports'. 3) I will throw you this rose, however. DB spoke at the Toldeo Alum club mtg last week, and said he is taking dead aim at osu as 'the benchmark' athletic program, and he aims to surpass them. I like Brandon, and I think he will do just that. (RR will be a part of that.) 4)Certainly SoCal, is a world all to itself, and NoCal isn't far behind. But Columbus is not the 'garden center' of the universe either. It isn't easy to get kids to move there, if they don't already live in ohio. There's a reason tressel has not made the move to the 21st century, and except for the rose bowl he hasn't looked good against spread teams. Florida and LSU come to mind..even Texas, osu is 1-2 vs the Horns. 5) If Harbaugh wants to go pro, it's probably a 'money' thing. I don't like the pros, but he may see it as the 'ultimate challenge'. If so, good for him! I like Harbaugh, I just don't want him in Ann Arbor as coach....we've been there, done that..thank you, lloyd. By the way, if the league had a round-robin this year, we'd know if the bucks could handle the spartans...

John

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 4:36 p.m.

@Ross Do you still believe in the Easter Bunny too? That entire "story" is media-created hype!

Ross

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 4:27 p.m.

John said: "Had Miles not been playing for the national championship in 2007 he might well have come to Michigan." Um.... No. Not a chance. The man the football program nicknamed "Loose Morals" was never coming back to Michigan. @John: Are you serious? Do you not remember the sequence of events? I'll recount it for you. 1. Rumours swirl rampantly that Les is interested, said to be his "dream job", as he is a "Michigan man", whatever that means now. Buzz rises to deafening levels. Kirk Herbstreit even announces it as a done deal on NATIONAL TV. 2. U of M AD Bill Martin makes a call to LSU to inquire about having a meeting with Les. 3. LSU demands that Les Miles make a commitment to their school. 4. Les Miles and his Agent announce that they had attempted to contact Bill Martin THEMSELVES to discuss the open coaching position. 5. Bill Martin was on a damn sailboat 2000 miles away with his cell phone turned off during the most intense period of activity for the new coaching search. 6. On Monday morning Les is forced to commit to LSU because our AD completely dropped the ball and was out of contact. 7. Bill Martin approaches Greg Schiano who promptly rejects us flat out. The remaining candidate list shrinks further. 8. In a desperation move he goes after Rich Rod, despite severe financial obstructions in his contract, and a lack of proven success against major programs. THIS WHOLE SITUATION IS DUE TO THE COMPLETE INCOMPETENCE OF OUR FORMER ATHLETIC DIRECTOR. I can only pray that Dave Brandon will do a better job. And not turn his cell phone off while sailing in the Caribbean during the single most important moment in his career as AD. But let's all stop talking about Jim Harbaugh, PLEASE. If he gets lured in here, despite the incredibly crappy situation he would inherit, great. Then we can celebrate. but as of right now the odds look to be about 1.3%. So everyone please pipe down and let the situation resolve itself.

Jonathan

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 4:05 p.m.

@TheOSU A Buckeye commenting on the academic standards of other schools? Thats rich! last time I checked OSU's admission policy was more lax than at The University of Phoenix! @KeepingItReal Spot on assessment!

mookienation

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 4:02 p.m.

Just because we only scored 7 points against OSU on Saturday doesn't mean our offense is lousy. They played a bad game against a tough defense on the road. Oregon has the best offense in the country and they only scored 15 when they played at Cal. Michigan's offense might not be clicking on all cylinders but there's plenty of reason to think they will be much improved next year. It really comes down to ball security. Turnovers killed this team. If we can bring our touchdown to turnover ratio back under zero I think this offense could give even the best Big Ten defenses some problems. I'm just worried about the defense. Most fans want Rodriguez gone but I think finding a replacement for Greg Robinson is what we should be concentrating on. But even if Robinson stays, our defense will no doubt be improved to some extent. A lot of the guys of that defense were only out there because of injuries and departures of some key players; key players that Rich expected to have this year and didn't. They really didn't have much to work with. Not to mention the youth. Their defensive approach does need work, though. I'm not ignoring that. And as for a potential Denard Robinson injury next season: it could definitely happen. We've no reason to think he will suddenly become more durable during the off-season (but we can hope). However, I don't think we're gonna see Forcier come in off the bench next season. The coaches really like Devin Gardner and have said many times that he is their quarterback of the future. Hopefully he will take time during the next 9 months to learn this system inside and out. If so, we could have a very reliable backup QB.

Jack

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 3:45 p.m.

I would love to see Jim come back to A2

GoBlue2009

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 3:19 p.m.

@TheOSU: Like all Buckeyes who think they're important, you make me laugh. And no Stanford, Texas, and O$U do not off all D1-sanctioned varsity sports. Where are their hockey teams, other than your school?

John

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 3:14 p.m.

"Had Miles not been playing for the national championship in 2007 he might well have come to Michigan." Um.... No. Not a chance. The man the football program nicknamed "Loose Morals" was never coming back to Michigan.

A2jo

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 3:10 p.m.

Hope this situation gets handled the 'proper way' this time around if its going to happen. Would like to see Jimmy here at the Big House again.. He knows what...."The TEAM, the TEAM, the TEAM.." means for sure

r treat

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 3:09 p.m.

Lorain: Its not about the defense! Its about the defense, kicking game, punt returns, fumbles, interceptions, and the offense. The offense scored 7 points on saturday. When are you going to understand that winning is about discipline? Dont you need another bumper sticker on your car?

KeepingItReal

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 3:07 p.m.

I think one of the most disturbing trends in college sports, i.e., football, basketball, is giving too much credit to these coaches. Its seems that there is more emphasis on paying coaches these exorbitant salaries to come in short term and provide a measure of instant success to a program. The well being of the so-called student athlete has become almost non-existent. Parents need to hold these coaches accountable for entrusting their child to a slick talking coach who makes all kinds of promises about being concerned for their child's welfare and as soon as a better offer comes along, these coaches are gone. It seems that the NCAA is promoting this type of greed among college coaches but are denying the so-called student athlete their rights to transfer their skills and talents to the highest bidder. Soon, these so-called student athletes are gong to wake up and demand their fair share of the pie and that will really revolutionalize college sports. Jim Harbaugh is not better coach that RR. There is only one reason why M fans are promoting the hiring of Harbaugh. I hope certain athletes pay attention to this.

1201SouthMain

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 3:04 p.m.

Ignatz - Born in Toledo, grew up in Ann Arbor, QB and Captain at Michigan, graduated from Michigan, hates OSU and MSU, and there were 38,000 people at Stanford's big home game Saturday.

heartbreakM

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 3 p.m.

Just look at JH's comments. He sounds like a coach who the players would love!! He has confidence in them, praises them, sounds like he knows what's going on. Polar opposite. And watching him on the sideline is a breath of fresh air, compared to the "confused one". But hey, let's all look at the bright side, it looks like Gruden/Chuckie is going to U Miami. We don't have to deal with him and his ego, at least.

The OSU

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 2:59 p.m.

It's time to get some Buckeye perspective (insightful, logical, meaningful) on this Harbaugh issue. 1) Harbaugh must leave Stanford. From a recruiting perspective, Stanford is at a disadvantage because of its academic standards. Standford and Northwestern are the only two BCS schools that TRULY have high academic standards that some athletes cannot attain. That probably is a sore spot with some elitist UM alums, but it is true. Probably that upsets any Notre Dame fans too that are reading, but, oh well, who cares about what ND fans think. 2) The cost of living in Palo Alto is too high. What's this got to do with anything? Plenty. Few FB players want to live in university dorms. They want the stipend and get their own pad. Sorry folks, the allowed amount doesn't buy much in sunny CA. 3) Stanford is one of only 3 schools (Ohio State & Texas) that are truly committed to athletics and offer ALL NCAA-sanctioned varsity men's and women's sports. At the same time, they don't generate huge TV or stadium revenues from FB. Consequence: Stanford assistant coaches are paid less (especially considering the cost of living in the Bay area). Result: Harbaugh at Stanford will begin to see high asst coaching turnover. 4) Harbaugh would be a fool to go the NFL. Couple losing seasons then life as an NFL asst. Being a good college coach means nothing at the NFL level. NFL coaches need to be able to take self-centered, overpaid prima donnas and somehow get them perform. College coaches need to recruit and develop the basic FB skills learned in HS. What make Harbaugh think he can yell at someone making 4 times his salary to give 100%? If Harbaugh has any skill, it's in recruiting. If he has any sense, he'll develop a college dynasty.

DonAZ

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 2:58 p.m.

Had Miles not been playing for the national championship in 2007 he might well have come to Michigan. As it was, he was backed into a corner prior to the championship game and he was forced to commit one way or another. We know what he did. Stanford likely will not be playing for the national championship, unless some really bizarre things happen this Saturday. So the dynamics are different. My sense is Brandon and Harbaugh are doing the wise thing right now -- refusing to comment, regardless of what may be going on back-channel. I think Rodriguez's job may hang on the bowl. A respectable performance -- win or lose -- probably saves him for another year. An embarrassing blowout with supremely poor execution on the part of his players probably forced Brandon to make a move.

Lorain Steelmen

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 2:54 p.m.

Ghost...you still don't have the handle right...when you do I'll respond to your commentary...maybe, by spring you'll figur eit out. PS MSU..I agree. Why bring a guy in here to coach a system that is now obsolete. I thought Bo was the greatest..but for crying out loud...he retired in 1989...and the world has moved on. The answer here is to keep RR in place but focus on the defense. It isn't going to be easy, but RR will get it done. And when he does UM will be a load!

Robbie Webb.

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 2:52 p.m.

Haha! He's focused on Stanford, as he should be and he's not coming to the banquet because he has a recruiting trip he's going to. Yeah, sounds like he's coming STRAIGHT to Michigan. Haha! Rodriguez isn't going anywhere, as he shouldn't.

P U MSU

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 2:46 p.m.

No question, its big enough, he said. The experience here has been incredible, and all the credit belongs to the players. Sometimes people say you do a good job or something like that, but as a coach, you block and tackle nobody. Its the hunger these players have, and their work ethic and their time, and theyre the ones that deserve the success. Many of you who believe Harbaugh is the greatest coach ever, you should look at what he says. "...as a coach, you block and tackle nobody." Yet you want to run RR out of town because his freshman and sophmores cannot tackle. Makes you think.

treetowncartel

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 2:09 p.m.

The obvious choice is Jimmy Johnson, forget Harbaugh.

jameslucas

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 1:58 p.m.

My thoughts about Jim Haraugh are superficial as they are concerning Rich Rodrigue. Jim Haraugh may be using college football as a stepping stone to get to the NFL. After four years in the PAC 10 Jim Haraughs Stanford team has never won a share of a PAC 10 Title. Jim Haraugh has never won a bowl game. Lane Kiffin is the only coach that has exceeded Jim Haraugh in ridicules and sophomoric statements. Given the same time the hope of the local press is that Michigans Head Football Jim Haraugh will catch up. In this his fourth year Jim Harbaughs defense allowed Oregons offense to put up 52 points on Stanford. In fact he is has lost 3 out of 4 games to Oregon. Just because a head coach has had one year of success at Stanford does not mean he will have success at another school, just ask Tyrone Willingham, or any Norte Dame fan. Stanford Head Football Coach Jim Harbaugh 2007 1st Year 4-8 2008 2nd Year 5-7 2009 3rd Year 8-5 So you think the shape the Stanford program was in before Jim Haraugh arrived has some kind of importance? Some are making excuses for Jim Haraughs before he even arrives, seems a little premature. I would like to join by saying he will lose some Michigan players and recruits because they will not be happy with the coaching change. Jim Tressel is up 9-1 over Michigan Head Football Coaches, and next year he will be up 10-1, regardless if Jim Haraugh is hired, or not. The prodigal son returns and becomes the Savior is a nice fairy tale, but without the Savior part it could be a nightmare (Bump Elliott). The reason I dislike Jim Haraugh is that he is coaching somewhere that is not Michigan. Though he human and therefore imperfect, if he is named the Michigan Head Football Coach I will happily support him, because if he takes this job I would have to believe he loves Michigan, not because he has made a rational well thought out decision. I love Michigan but lets be honest, you have to question the motives of any BCS School Head Coach with a current winning record who would leave his current team to replace the Michigan Head Coach who currently has a winning record.

r treat

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 1:49 p.m.

Your right Sparty, but michigan is! See, this is annarbor.com and you seem to be centered in it. Do you think Vince Lombardi had a nice climate?

Lorain Steelmen

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 1:45 p.m.

Harbaugh, like Miles, has found his dream job....Stanford and LSU. Meanwhile Rodriguez has found his dream job at Michigan. There will be no job changes in any of these three schools.

Ignatz

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 1:36 p.m.

Why would he come to this poopy climate when he can stay in lovely Palo Alto? If he moves, it'll be to the NFL.

SpartyInExile

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 1:33 p.m.

Contrary to popular opinion, the world is not centered on A2. You mean others want JH?