Michigan football coach Rich Rodriguez expects to meet with athletic director Dave Brandon this afternoon
Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon will meet with embattled coach Rich Rodriguez early this afternoon to discuss his future with the Wolverines football program, according to two people with knowledge of the meetings.
It’s not the only meeting expected today.
Members of the football team will attend a 7 p.m. meeting tonight to learn the fate of their head coach.
File photo
Michigan Athletic Director David Brandon (right) is expected to meet with football coach Rich Rodriguez (left) today.
Rodriguez’s future with the team has been in limbo for nearly six weeks. Since a loss to Ohio State, Brandon repeatedly said he would not deliver a decision on Rodriguez until after the Gator Bowl.
On Saturday, Mississippi State beat Michigan in a 52-14 drubbing. It was Michigan’s first bowl appearance in Rodriguez’s three-year tenure.
Today’s meetings come one day after Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh beat Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl.
Should the Michigan job open, Harbaugh was initially considered the overwhelming favorite for the job. But multiple reports this morning indicated that he rejected overtures from Michigan, his alma mater.
Two people familiar with the discussions said that substantive talks had not occurred between Brandon and Harbaugh, but they did not discount the possibility they could occur if Rodriguez is fired.
David Jesse contributed to this report.
Comments
Blu-n-Tpa
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 7:42 a.m.
@PU And, I even asked where were you and posted something, uh, not bad, about how you post.
heartbreakM
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 1:06 a.m.
@PU: I didn't ignore you. (Feel better now :) ) I don't like that hire if that's what it turns out, but compared to RR.....
D21
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 6:47 p.m.
Forever27. You are forever mistaken with your illogical notion that we are wrong for getting rid of RR if Harbaugh isn't coming to UM. Harbaugh or not, UM needs to take out the garbage (RR) to the curb and start anew. Yes, Ignatz, Brandon has someone already lined up prior to firing RR. About Bill Martin, I suspect he had a Dick Cheney complex (without those heart attacks) which contributed to his bungling of the head coach search in first place. GO BLUE!
P U MSU
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 6:28 p.m.
I just want to point this out. About two weeks ago, I said RR would be fired and Brady Hoke would be our new coach. Everyone ignored me and said DB would not be so stupid as to hire Brady Hoke. How are you feeling now about calling for RR's head. I said be careful what you wish for.
Mike
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 6:24 p.m.
It's amazing to me the number of comments made about a football coach and when a serious issue is written about nobody even comments on it or takes any action. It's no wonder this country is falling apart, nobody cares and they all get their news from comedy central or MTV. It's too bad Barack Obama is not a football coach.............
missionbrazil
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 5:24 p.m.
Alwaysin "there was no reason to malign the man's character from the get-go. He may be naive, and he probably has learned a couple of real estate investment lessons the hard way, but there is no lack of character in letting the legal process take its course, and there's no intention to cheat when procedures and rule interpretations have been approved by a (albeit WV) compliance department. Too bad the MI compliance folks didn't do their job." I am not one of those who "attacked" him from the beginning, as is true of all or most of the posters here. We supported RR & the team and hoped he would do well. We came to the conclusion that he needed to go at various times... for me personally it was after the MSU, Iowa, and PSU games this year. It was obvious we were not getting the progress we needed after 3 years. With that said, regarding the NCAA violations, there is an ongoing investigation by the NCAA for when RR was at WVU and findings should be announce in the spring. It has been documented that the WVU people warned RR that what he was doing would be a problem, and that he ignored them and continued to do the same things. These were some of the same things he continued to do at UM as well. RR is not so naive as you claim. That is not attacking someone's character, to report what has transpired... that is reporting facts. You are blaming others (the WVU and UM compliance depts.) for RR's mistakes, as so many other have done.
magnumpi
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 5:11 p.m.
i think he lost some people from the beginning when he left WVU before their bowl game. It's not just about contract negotiations--those were his players he left high and dry. And WVU also has to deal with their own NCAA violations that happened while he was there, which are oddly similar to the violations at UM.
missionbrazil
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 5:08 p.m.
Portage " I can only assume your passion for Michigan made some of you forget your manners it is understandable" Why, because we disagreed with you? I suppose others were attacking you and RR, because we didn't have the same opinion as you?
bluefan18
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 5:05 p.m.
I think Chris Peterson or Gary Patterson would be good picks,I want Jim Harbaugh bad, but i dont think its going to happen. I dont want Brady Hoke, he is no different than Rich Rod. We will all know tomorrow! Go Blue!!
George Houchens
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 4:56 p.m.
Fired or not fired, the way that Brandon has handled this coaching situation reeks of ineptitude. You dont keep an employee publicly hanging on the line for weeks while you make some kind of "systematic" decision. I think Rodriguez has shown total class in the way he has responded to questions and comments during this travesty. David Brandon, you should be ashamed of your performance.
West MI
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 4:38 p.m.
DB - Chris Peterson is the man we should we going after.
West MI
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 4:34 p.m.
Would also like top say how embarrassed we a the entire UM family should be at our behavior these last 3 years. RR might not have been a fit with our program but the way some of us have behaved has been appalling.
heartbreakM
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 4:33 p.m.
Can we please put "All In" to bed and pack it with RR's massive trophy case and those stupid little yellow towels? It was a dumb gimmicky thing that had no basis on our tradition. I don't think RR got the shaft. He made the bed (more like ruined the bed) and is now sleeping in it. Why on earth would pitt hire him?
West MI
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 4:32 p.m.
Jaime - RR was given a 6 year contract not 4. Also - if we are going to try to compete with OSU and the SEC, then Hoke is NOT the guy. That is just a return to LC's 9/10 wins and lose the bowl games. That should not be acceptable. We need a coach who will put us in the national discussion. 11/12 wins and a BCS threat EVERY year!
AlwaysIn
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 4:25 p.m.
After being a regular reader of these comments regarding the whole Rodriguez era at Michigan, this is my first post. I am a native, an alum and a lifetime fan and, as my screen name indicates, I always support our program - regardless. Up until the last two games, I was in the RichRod camp, but I reluctantly came to the conclusion that today's firing is the right thing to do. We all hope Mr. Brandon is successful in handling this transition. Obviously, there is no need to debate the merits, or lack thereof, of the Rodriguez era. The outcome on the field speaks for itself - no sign of improvement notwithstanding extra bowl practices. But I am posting to say I am embarassed at the way we, as fans, treated Mr. Rodriguez. He may be a bad fit for Michigan, he may not even be a very good coach (though I doubt that), but there was no reason to malign the man's character from the get-go. He may be naive, and he probably has learned a couple of real estate investment lessons the hard way, but there is no lack of character in letting the legal process take its course, and there's no intention to cheat when procedures and rule interpretations have been approved by a (albeit WV) compliance department. Too bad the MI compliance folks didn't do their job. I know others will disagree with my presumption of innocence, and with my opinion that the facts do not oversome the presumption, but let's return to our traditions of being a classy group of united fans. And before someone responds with a retort to the effect that it was the coach who created all the issues, I simply note that there have been those who attacked the coach from the beginnning when there was no reason to do so other than he wasn't someone's first choice or he didn't have a Michigan history. This was just a guy who was in over his head. He made some mistakes and he ultimately failed, but that doesn't make him evil. I, for one, wish the Rodriguezes and the other caoches and their families well.
Jaime
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 4:19 p.m.
Just a few years ago there was a controversy about comments Jim Harbaugh made about his time at Michigan. Because of those comments some were saying he wasn't a real Michigan Man. As much as I would like Harbaugh to come back as the head coach, I can't see it happening. I think it would be a worse mistake for him to go to the pros. Don't diss Hoke, he has a better record at Ball State than Rich Rod has here and Ball State is a basketball school. Can't see Less Miles leaving LSU but I don't know what's in his heart. The last three years have been the worst since I started going to games in 1966. I would like to see Harbaugh, Miles or Hoke as the head coach but I think Brandon should honor the 4 year contract given to RR.
Mike Damoth
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 4:04 p.m.
I am sorry for RichRod. He got off to a bad start. But, he was not getting the job done. I hope UofM seriously considers some outsiders and not just those with Michigan ties. I would scoop up Chris Petersen from BSU if possible. He has a steller record and proven winning performance.
superbuck
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 3:56 p.m.
a lot more talent at pott than at mich and shoelace might transfer to pitt or tate
patrue
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 3:55 p.m.
Brandon better have a coach in mind--and soon. Whoever comes in should regardless of his offensive preferences keep for now the spread as the major weapon to use the strengths Michigan has--hopefully Robinson will stay and/or Gardner, the quick, fast wideouts, and a good offensive line. I think the defensive coach/coaches will need to have a simplified, but aggressive approach; despite the horrible record, I saw a team that tried defensively, was a half-step behind, had lacked an outstanding defensive player or two that could disrupt the other team's offensive play....But good luck to RRod. He made mistakes,had bad luck, and will surely land on his feet and win plenty of games.
PC
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 3:46 p.m.
A new head coach will be and MUST be in place before January 7th. This is the day many recruits announce their choice. Underarmour high school all star game.
West MI
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 3:42 p.m.
Mark these words - he will be hired at Pitt and before too long have a team that is rated higher than UM. This was was HUGE mistake!
Cash
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 3:40 p.m.
I hope Rich Rod does land on his feet. He had to go but I can't find joy in anyone's firing. And the way this was dragged out by AD Brandon really stunk. So, good luck Coach. Just because we weren't a good fit for each other doesn't make either of us bad.....just not a match. Safe journey, Coach.
PortageLkBlu
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 3:35 p.m.
There is an old saying which most of you from Mich. know I'm sure,"Don't ever quit your job unless you have another one lined up". I hope this is not the case with firing a coach and not having another one lined up cause that boys and girls could make for a desperate situation and costly cause all those hopeful recruits are going, what the hell is up with Michigan?
wvumtneer57
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 3:33 p.m.
he's gone as of 2 pm,, will take the pitt job...
David Briegel
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 3:33 p.m.
Tonight will be the Mallett - Boren Bowl!!
Mark
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 3:29 p.m.
Three and out. How fitting.
Mo the Educator
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 3:28 p.m.
I'm really hoping that this means Mr. Brandon has the next coach lined up already. Firing Rodriguez and leaving the program in further limbo for longer than a day or two would be a terrible decision - the same reason we ended up with Rodriguez in the first place. If he fired Rodriguez for Brady Hoke, he better have a magic wand or at least two more wishes in his lamp. Otherwise, I think we're in for another 3 - 9 season, and sitting here again 3 years from now hoping to get a new head coach.
David Briegel
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 3:28 p.m.
Just watched ESPN and Lou Holtz said he was "damaged goods" and Mark May said Pitt should hire him tomorrow!
Sallyxyz
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 3:28 p.m.
The Detroit News is reporting that RR has been fired. "Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez was fired Tuesday after three embattled seasons with the Wolverines, Fox 2 reported." From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20110104/SPORTS0201/101040404/Report--Michigan-coach-Rich-Rodriguez-has-been-fired#ixzz1A6IKeJVA
Randy Dieter
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 3:28 p.m.
Keep RR. Find a good defensive co-ordinator to work with all the freshmen, who now have a season under their belt. AND find a good kicker! That should make for a good season next year.
Mick
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 3:27 p.m.
I love that finally RR is GONE!!! Secondly, I love that on the day OSU is playing in a BCS game......all they're talking about is UM, hahahaha! I hope these reports on JH are pre-mature and he ends up in AA, but I like Hoke also. Hey Theo, can you come up with a cute poem? Please, pretty please with sugar on top. GO BLUE!!!!!!!
darby1005
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 3:24 p.m.
Great choice... Mangini... be a nice fit I heard they were going to rename the Big House,,,, Tresselville Hey,, we had you guys beat us up for years with Cooper,,, so pay back time LOL
PortageLkBlu
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 3:23 p.m.
I'll tell ya what will happen to Portage, first I will graciously thank RR and his family for the time and effort they put in as Head coach at Michigan, second I will say the same thing I've always said, I will support any decision Mr Brandon makes and support a coaching change. I know to do otherwise by all of us only hurts the program. I'm sure that most of you that hate RR don't treat guests in your homes the same way you did RR and I can only assume your passion for Michigan made some of you forget your manners it is understandable. Now with that said, let's support Mr Brandon in his search and be patient with him so that he can make a wise decision, good luck to you RR and family.
Enforcer
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 3:23 p.m.
May on ESPN is pleading with PITT on tv to hire Rich Rod
treetowncartel
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 3:23 p.m.
Doesn't Jimmy Johnson live in Florida? Now that would be a hire.
MiamiBlue
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 3:22 p.m.
Quick Retrospect! I am not going to insult Coach Rod. Never did and never will. He was however not the right fit here for a number of reasons too many to get into. But he really made two major mistakes from Day 1 that haunted him until this day. First being, he NEVER should have done such a rapid 180 on the teams style of play. Spread offense? Sure, but he should have kept the NFL set and gradually put in variations of the spread. I think the transition would have been smoother. #2. He should have kept at least one other Michigan coach on the staff other than Fred Jackson, Say Ron English. I only say that because I dont think Coach Rod realized what he was coming into. He was very nave about Big10 play and Michigan Tradition. Keeping (even for a season) say Ron English they could have filled him in on the nuisances (sort of speak) about coaching here. I wish Coach Rod the best, but now our attention (more importantly) is who is going to be our new coach and just as important, his staff! Whomever that coach will be he NEEDS to look at these 3 seasons and use them as a learning tool so he does not make some of the same mistakes Coach Rod made. Whomever that coach will be we (a Michigan Family) need to support him! ALL IN FOR MICHIGAN
glimmertwin
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 3:22 p.m.
It cracks me up that this news is nearly an hour old and no mention of it on this site. Some news reporting.
fortin911
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 3:20 p.m.
Have a very good bye bye Rich!
The OSU
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 3:19 p.m.
Here's the answer to your head coach search... Ready? (drum roll)... Eric Mangini... 1) He's available immediately (after the Browns fired him Monday). 2) He runs a "pro style" offense with a little wildcat for pizzazz. 3) Everyone in Ohio already hates him... a bonus for a Michigan coach. Seriously, what more could you ask?
LakeMan2
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 3:18 p.m.
I find it ironic that Fox Sports (Detroit) breaks the firing of RR 30 minutes ago and the Ann Arbor.COM STILL hasn't posted the news.
Stephenb1707
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 3:18 p.m.
UPDATE 2011: RR is offically gone. Let the party begin. I do feel bad DB waited so long to do what everybody knew he was going to do. It had to let RR feel the way the fans have for 3 years.
truebluefan
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 3:16 p.m.
Atticus F. -- I broke the news 45 minutes ago.
superbuck
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 3:16 p.m.
Its on CNN
jmac
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 3:16 p.m.
ESPN says that Rich Rod is gone....
Enforcer
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 3:14 p.m.
Rivals is posting that this is "not done yet"
superbuck
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 3:12 p.m.
The gang will move to pitt
missionbrazil
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 3:10 p.m.
The RR Kool-Aid epidemic is officially over! Sanity (for most) should be restored shortly. What will happen now to Theo, Tater, Lorain, mo, Portage, and the gang?
Atticus F.
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 3:09 p.m.
I just read an articlal on MSN claiming that RR was fired!
Blu-n-Tpa
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 3:09 p.m.
And after the way the Michigan fans have been disappointed by RR we would be happy with the hiring of a COACH that understands what's required at Michigan. Go Blue!
Dave66
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 3:08 p.m.
DB: Hi, Rich, thanks for coming. After a comprehensive review of the program for the last 10 months, I would like to share with you my findings and see how we could improve the team together. RR: Really? DB: DB: Aaa-ha-ha-ha-ha! Noooo, you're fired! You actually believed that "evaluation" line, didn't you? Aaa-ha-ha-ha-ha, you should have seen your face! "Really?" "Really?" Aaa-ha-ha-ha-ha! Uncomfortable silence... DB: Okay. You you can go now.
superbuck
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 3:08 p.m.
Good call on how they treaated RR You'll be lucky to get someone half as good.
wait_a_bit
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 3:03 p.m.
One unknown down and one to go. Let the internecine warfare begin! Coach Rodriguez has got to be relieved by this decision--I mean has there been a coach in recent collegiate history that's been more demonized by a fan base than he? If you guys get Coach Harbaugh consider yourselves lucky because after the treatment you've given Coach Rodriguez, you're fortunate to get anyone.
darby1005
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 3:01 p.m.
Ok,, Mr. Brandon,,,, if you reconsider and keep RichRod at the helm of the "team up north",,, we will toss in John Cooper for your next offensive coordinator Sincerely, The Sweater Vest
RudeJude
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 2:58 p.m.
The Rodriguez era is over.
superbuck
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 2:57 p.m.
Mike Singletary is available
lawrencelaundry
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 2:48 p.m.
If Florida can pay Urban Meyer or Jack Brown 5 million why can't we. Open up the check book and pay to win. That's the ultimate goal. Ya hear me Brandon
missionbrazil
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 2:46 p.m.
Oh well Mr Tressel (and other BT coaches), it looks like your request has been denied. Tchau RR.
PortageLkBlu
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 2:45 p.m.
Now comes the fun a coaching search
azwolverine
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 2:45 p.m.
Go Blue!!!
MyBoyBlue
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 2:42 p.m.
Check out the link. looks like its done. http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/sports/rich-rodriguez-fired-as-michigans-head-football-coach
Blu-n-Tpa
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 2:42 p.m.
Whoa, am I hearing that it's now Coach Carr's fault that JH might not come to Michigan? Wait, wasn't LC the UM coach before the last big recession? My Gosh! He was. And he was on the coaching staff when Bo had his 2nd heart attack! Holy cow, wasn't Lloyd in the U.P. when the Edmund Fitzgerald went down, near the shore of Lake Superior? Guys, try to keep it somewhere in the bounds of reality. If JH wasn't giving it ANY thought he would have just said, "Hello, no! Those people are crazy!" But he hasn't so let's wait a few more hours.
missionbrazil
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 2:41 p.m.
You could be right 1bit about him changing, but like you said it is probably too late for RR. I think RR could possibly change somewhat, but not all the way. I also think he would change and embrace more about UM traditions just to save his job, not because he really wants to.
I love Michigan Football
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 2:39 p.m.
fired.
MiamiBlue
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 2:36 p.m.
M FANS! JUST IN! According to detroit's fox news 2. Michigan's Rich Rod is fired! http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/sports/rich-rodriguez-fired-as-michigans-head-football-coach
Larry Weisenthal
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 2:36 p.m.
"Is anyone watching the UM jet and DTW? I hope someone is comming to town to address the team as the new coach tonight. While there is all of this talk that Harbaugh isn't interested, it seems odd to me that this is happening the day after Harbaugh's season ended and not the day after RR's." Right now, it's 11:25 AM here on the West Coast but already 2:25 PM in Ann Arbor. I can't imagine that Harbaugh would fly in to talk to the Michigan team at 7 Eastern/4 Pacific without first having talked to his own team, meaning word would surely leak out by now. The biggest reason I see for Harbaugh not coming to U-M are the three kids from his first marriage, who I believe live in Oakland. Maybe he could convince his 2nd wife (of only several years) to move East, but I doubt that his former wife would also do so. If the guy has 5 kids, he's obviously a family man sort of a guy and I would see moving away from those three kids as a deal breaker. From my own (selfish) point of view, this is obviously very sad. It would have been a huge deal for U-M to land him. At this point, though, I'd be happy to see a solid, committed coach of the Schembechler, Moeller, Carr mold. We had nearly 30 years of solid, inspiring, exciting football with those guys. I don't care a huge amount about that national championship stuff. That happens when it happens. I'd just be happy to go back to the era where we contended every year for the Big 10 championship. To win national championships these days, you need rosters filled with kids who leave early to go to the NFL. I personally prefer Michigan teams populated by kids who play for 4 years, whom I can get to know and who will be loyal to the program thereafter.
missionbrazil
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 2:36 p.m.
darby, I believe Mr. Bielema, Mr. Paterno, Mr. Ferentz, and Mr. Dantonio would like to sign your request too.
81wolverine
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 2:35 p.m.
David Brandon will most likely fire RR or make Michigan look REALLY bad in the national media. He can't bring him back at this point after waiting all this time then seeing such an awful blowout loss in the Gator Bowl. Brandon would look pretty bad if he were to bring back Rodriguez after all that. It's looking more and more to me that Brady Hoke will be the next coach, not Harbaugh. I'd love to see JH here, but his other options look too good for him to pass up. I pray Les Miles is not being considered. He's dirty. That's why Michigan didn't pursue him the first time. Don't believe me? Look at ESPN's video report a couple weeks ago on SEC recruiting with LM featured prominently. I imagine we'll know more by the end of the day.
Tom
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 2:34 p.m.
short story - http://t.co/2Y5BkrM
J. Dean
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 2:31 p.m.
I stand by the initial assertion: for better or for worse, Rich Rod is done. If Brandon was intent on keeping Rodriguez, he would have stated so outright and would not be going through all of this. This is the hammer preparing to fall, and it's falling today.
truebluefan
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 2:31 p.m.
Fox News is reporting via Twitter that Rich Rodriguez has been fired as head football coach of the University of Michigan.
azwolverine
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 2:31 p.m.
truebluefan, If Carr did, indeed, have top 10 recruiting classes, then HOW was the cupboard bare when RR got here? That's right, that has been a ridiculous excuse since day 1. First things first...get rid of RR. Then we can get to the business of hiring Miles, Hoke, Harbaugh, or whatever quality coach is interested in coaching Michigan and embracing it's traditions (which include accountability and integrity).
MyBoyBlue
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 2:29 p.m.
It makes no sense to meet with the players at 7 p.m., unless RR is out. Why else would DB meet the players - milk and cookies? The only question is do we know the replacement yet? I suspect the deal is done and all that is left is to give us the name. I also wouldn't be surprised with DB pulled a rabbit out of his hat and gave us someone we didn't expect.
Blu-n-Tpa
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 2:29 p.m.
F27 Any COACH would be an improvement. Period. End of discussion.
Stephen
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 2:29 p.m.
He's gone! http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/sports/rich-rodriguez-fired-as-michigans-head-football-coach
tulsatom
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 2:28 p.m.
After how the past three years have gone, Lloyd may be regret not having hired Harbaugh as an assistant while he had the chance.
RudeJude
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 2:27 p.m.
A lot can happen still, but from what the papers are stating, Michigan will be unable to get its presumed first-choice hire to take the Head Coaching position for the second time in three years, both candidates being alumni. With Bill Martin at the helm, with his ill-timed trip to the Florida Keys, it was understandable, but I figured this time it would be handled with ease by Dave Brandon. The ridicule will be thick if it is announced that Rodriguez keeps his job, especially after Dave Brandon held Rodriguez over the coals for weeks, costing recruits, after the Gator Bowl-bashing and going 2-6 in the last two-thirds of the season, not to mention the NCAA probations and self-imposed sanctions. I figured Bo's boys would run at the opportunity to take the position, but it's not quite that easy. I fear SEC and NFL money trumps all, and that Michigan will have to write big checks if the program wants to land a big-name coach. Here's hoping Rosenberg and his sources are wrong and that Michigan still means something to Coach Harbaugh. Go Blue
PortageLkBlu
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 2:24 p.m.
Ya, and if it's true that LLoyd Carr turned down Harbaugh for a job and that's why Harbaugh is not coming I'll bet ol LLoyd is sitting somewhere laughing his butt off at all of us.
magnumpi
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 2:23 p.m.
Team meeting at 7? Time to jump on the twitter bandwagon, you know someone will tweet about it, lol.
tulsatom
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 2:21 p.m.
If Harbaugh chooses to go elsewhere, it will be a disappontment but life goes on. I wasn't aware that he had interviewed for an assistant's job under Lloyd Carr but got turned down. If he was truly turned down by Lloyd and then passed up 3 years ago for RichRod before achieving all his success, I wouldn't blame him for sticking up his nose at U-M at this stage of his career.
PortageLkBlu
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 2:20 p.m.
I wonder what the betting odds are that Harbaugh comes or not? I wouldn't bet on him coming would you?
PortageLkBlu
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 2:17 p.m.
Hey Mr Tressell, beware what you ask for you might get your wish and live to regret it.
Lou
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 2:13 p.m.
Is anyone watching the UM jet and DTW? I hope someone is comming to town to address the team as the new coach tonight. While there is all of this talk that Harbaugh isn't interested, it seems odd to me that this is happening the day after Harbaugh's season ended and not the day after RR's.
darby1005
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 2:10 p.m.
Mr. Brandon,,, if you could find it in your heart, please keep Rich Rod on your staff........... Yours truly, Mr. Tressell
J. Dean
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 2:07 p.m.
Let's wait and see what happens, folks. The only people who know what's going on are God, Rich Rod, Dave Brandon, and Harbaugh. For all we know, there could be something else in the cards that we may not know about.
missionbrazil
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 2:03 p.m.
1bit "It would help to have someone who knows Michigan's traditions as that clearly irritated some people last time." The problem was not RR's lack of knowledge about Michigan and it's traditions, it was his unwillingness to learn about them and embrace them. And it was his arrogance of thinking he could do whatever he wanted because in his eyes his way is the only way. That rubs people the wrong way.
truebluefan
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 2:03 p.m.
marlong glenn -- I agree. But you forgot that those 8 to 9 win seasons occur with top 10 preseason expectations and players hailing from top 10 recruiting classes.
Enforcer
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 2 p.m.
Harbaugh is not coming. DB is meeting with Rich right now, and then a players meting tonight at 7. Sometime between all of that information will leak to us as to what happened. I sure hope DB had a backup plan, because this is really making Nichigan look bad. Hoke to me is just not a viable option.
Alfonso
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 1:59 p.m.
If it's not Jim Harbaugh or Les Miles why make a change? I understand that RR hasn't had the success that we as UM fans are use to but there has been improvement year to year. If we are looking for coaches simply with UM ties I fear UM may miss out on getting a quality coach. Brady Hoke may be an up and coming coach but regardless his record is 47-50 and that is coaching SDSU and Ball State. Not quite powerhouse programs with powerhouse schedules. I would agree that RR probably needs to be let go but UM needs to be sure to hire a quality replacement. Otherwise UM will become just like the Notre Dame coaching carousel (3 years and moving on to the next coach).
truebluefan
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 1:58 p.m.
There at least two or three openings in the NFL every year so the NFL will always be an option for Harbaugh in the future. However, assuming the next coach at Michigan (assuming it's not Harbaugh) is successful, that coach will stay as long as he wants. In other words, the Michigan job may never open up again for JH. I think if JH truly loves his alma mater and covets the opportunity to coach at Michigan, he MUST take the job now.
PortageLkBlu
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 1:57 p.m.
I trust Mr Brandon's decision should he keep or release RR, that is Mr Brandon's job,why he gets the big bucks. Now, concerning Harbaugh, maybe, maybe not I find all this drama entertaining. If we get a new coach at least he will find some talent unfortunately for RR all this talent he had was very young if we get a new coach all this young talent will be a year older and wiser on the playing field I suspect if we keep RR all this talent will give a much better showing next year. I know it's hard to believe that anyone could forgo the UM but you should remember these guys are in a business. For you boys and girls this thing with Mich. is a passion. Take the Alabama coach why did he leave Mich. State? It afforded him better opportunity and what is considered better opportunity, I don't know on an individual basis ask Harbaugh. Oh and by the way for all us Kool-Aid drinkers, I suspect Jim Harbaugh has drank his fair share of Kool-Aid, are all you folks okay with that?
Ben
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 1:55 p.m.
How will losing horribly in almost every game help recruiting more than a new coach?
marlon glenn
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 1:51 p.m.
This soap opera is ridiculous. If you do not get Harbaugh, you get Brady Hoke. So in essence, you get Lloyd Carr Part 2. A good, not great coach, who will win 8-9 games each season. Lose more often than not to OSU. More than likely beat MSU pretty consistently. Looks like a return to the glory days!
JGS
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 1:49 p.m.
Les Miles is on his way to Ann Arbor right now (LOL). At the very least the ENTIRE defensive staff should be thrown out and into the Huron river. I am more enraged at the failure of Greg Robinson and Co. than I am at RR.
aareader
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 1:39 p.m.
Based on all of speculative news reports yesterday and today the indicators are RR will be staying because the most sought after prospects have indicated they have not been called or are not interested... Soooo we must stay tuned for the outcome today. Such fun in the off season.
MjC
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 1:36 p.m.
We all wanted (and prayed) to see RR succeed and his departure will be bittersweet. If he remains, we'll just have to keep on praying. In either case, I fear it will be years before this football program will recover. Recruiting good players is not going to be easy for anyone who takes over now. But Go Blue - I'll still be in the stands cheering for our young players no matter what.
deagle
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 1:33 p.m.
Does anyone think that Harbaugh's wife, who just had a baby, may be a big factor in JH's decision? She may prefer living in California to Michigan.
Forever27
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 1:33 p.m.
So now that it looks like Harbaugh isn't coming to Michigan (according to many reports) who are all the haters looking at as the "savior of michigan football" now? Changing coaches is a little less palatable of an idea now isn't it?
Ignatz
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 1:31 p.m.
I would think that Mr. Brandon would have someone already lined up before letting Coach Rodriguez go. That someone might be Mr. Harbaugh, who wouldn't commit one way or another until last night. If he can't get someone worthwhile, Rich will stay.
heartbreakM
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 11:26 a.m.
I hear Mohrninweg is looking for a job.
CoolBreeze
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 11:24 a.m.
I do have a problem with Brandon waiting until today to fire RR if that is his plan. It should of been done on Sunday right after the Gator Bowl. I mean I want RR gone but to leave him and his coaching staff hanging on a string like this ALONG with all their families is in my opinion, unprofessional.
Macabre Sunset
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 11:22 a.m.
Harbaugh could expect about $3.25 million from Denver or San Francisco (the NFL average). The average for first-time NFL coaches is $2 million, but Harbaugh's a hot name right now. I would imagine Michigan would have no trouble matching this. It's not a money decision, it's simply two questions Harbaugh has to answer for himself: 1) Am I a college coach or an NFL coach? These are two very different jobs. College coaches recruit and motivate and help with fund-raising and deal with fewer Xs and Os on a week-to-week basis. 2) If I'm a college coach, do I stay where I'm loved and have accomplished a lot, or do I take over the program I loved when I was growing up in its time of need? He just coached a huge game last night, and his star power will never be greater than it is today. So he understands the decision he makes this week is a life decision. The media is not going to get its answers until he's ready, and hopefully Brandon is smart enough to keep everything quiet himself. Everything else is just speculation.
Matt Whale
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 11:22 a.m.
Have Tom Izzo call Jim.
Dave
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 11:21 a.m.
The shame that Bill Martin and Michigan President Coleman brought upon the university with the recruiting fiasco that finally landed RichRod sveral years back cannot be repeated. Restore the integrity to the great university and football program. Recruit in a professional manner and get a "class act".
Big10FanInEurope
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 11:18 a.m.
The only problem that I have with this article is that it states that 'multiple reports indicated that he rejected overtures from Michigan.' I followed the link which led to the Freep's article by Michael Rosenberg. His article cites 'a person with direct knowledge of Harbaugh's thinking.' What does this mean??? Someone who thinks he knows what Harbaugh is thinking? Maybe a mind reader? This is a joke! In any case maybe Harbaugh is as he put it showing 'respect for the process'. Maybe he doesn't want to talk about a job until the job is actually available.
Blu-dogg97
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 11:18 a.m.
Well at least we have some meetings coming today!! I'm a huge Blue fan,and so very curious here,I can't hardly wait! I trust DB and the University!! GO BLUE.. P.S. Dang Jimmy's team was solid last nite!! Does anyone know if these meetings are closed to the press/public? or can they be viewed somehow?
spartyisyourlilsister
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 11:16 a.m.
Please not Hoke!!! Brandon will upset most of the fanbase again if that is his big hire. Nice 47-50 coaching record there Hoke! Hoke is a joke!!!
CoolBreeze
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 11:14 a.m.
Is it me or does it seem like Harbaugh's ego has gotten a little inflated? I mean, he acts like he is too good for Michigan now that NFL teams are calling. He should talk to Saban, Spurrier, etc and seriously consider coming back home to his alma mater, IMO
CoolBreeze
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 11:09 a.m.
Hang on everyone, this is it! The moment weve all been waiting for. The end to the worst era in Michigan football history! GO BLUE!
braggslaw
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 11:06 a.m.
This hire by Brandon will define his legacy at Michigan. Bill Martin's leagacy is Tommy A. Rich Rod, Burnette, John B....= horrible legacy.
Ben
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 10:59 a.m.
I don't care if he stays or goes, I just want an answer at this point! This wait has probably affected some recruiting, but it's just not cool. I hope it's Brady Hoke or Les Miles; giving someone their dream job is a class act in itself and they will FIGHT tooth and nail to not mess up! I seriously doubt the University of Michigan can pay JH what he'll get from one of several NFL groups. I wouldn't be shocked if JH was on the cover of Forbes as the highest paid NFL coach ever.
J. Dean
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 10:51 a.m.
I'm telling you, he's gone. If Rich Rod was staying, Brandon would have already told us.