amaizenblueballs

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 11 p.m.

Kubrick, Your analogy of removing the stinking dead animal not only fits the team, but the election results we are watching this evening. At least the voters have some control. Next us fans.

heartbreakM

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 9:09 p.m.

@dtones: you talk about RR's system having a chance to work. What is his system? Is it a total system of football team, or an offense system? How do you define it? And if you define it for offense, are we not there now, as we are top 5 as you say? and if we are top 5 nationally, yet still not competitive in the top half of the Big Ten, what does that say? What more do you have to see? I'd like to understand, even though I've been critical of RR's results and coaching so far. I am trying to have an open mind.

dtones520

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 8:42 p.m.

@Edward Murrow's Ghost, Michigan's football program was great at winning Big 10 titles for 40 years under Schembechler's system, but what else did they do? They were 15-20 in Bowl Games. They were 4-12 in the Rose Bowl. In nearly 40 years they won one co-National Championship. So, outside of being able to win in the Big-10 did Michigan football do other than be vastly overrated almost every year? I love Michigan football, but I think think the fans of the old Michigan system's views of how good this program was are greatly skewed. Also, I was not a fan of going to Rich Rod's system, I am not against it. But I would have gone another direction. But I'm not going to be blinded by the fact that Rich Rod needs time to develop his system here. It is not a system that can be built up in two recruiting classes. And if we go in another direction after only 3 years in his system then he should have never been brought it. I love what I see on offense, I hate what I see on defense. But people act like Rich Rod has done no good in his time at Michigan, but he has a top 5 offense in the country. There is something to be said about that.

azwolverine

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 7:37 p.m.

True_Wolverine_Fan...that wouldn't be 'ol Mitch afraid to say your name now, would it?

Yelmonian

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 6:51 p.m.

TruWolverine, As an MSU person, I can tell you nobody at MSU thought Dantonio was on the hot seat. The only people hoping that were UM people that are tired of RR getting beat by MSU.

3 And Out

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 6:10 p.m.

Theo has gone from amusing contributor to annoying troll here with his now bash-Carr stance, which is the weakest defense any of the Rich Rod Koolaid Drinkers and mgobloggerbriancook's have conjured up. Weak and sad excuse. RR has no one to blame but himself for this massive failure.

The OSU

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 5 p.m.

Correction noted. I forgot your big victory over Indiana. I can't believe what has happened to your program. Never thought I'd see you guys worrying about being ahead of Minnesota to stay out of last place. Goes to show you: substance is more important than style (RR).

heartbreakM

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 4:51 p.m.

If M beats Purdue (and only Purdue), they will have 2 wins in the B10 and would likely not be in last place (Minnesota and/or Purdue would do that). But I agree with your sentiment. If M goes 3-5 or 2-6 in B10, they would not deserve to go to a bowl game. In fact, what they would deserve is a new coaching staff to maximize their potential (as players). So that they could better results.

The OSU

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 4:37 p.m.

One of the comments above makes reference to UM qualifying for a bowl game if the beat Purdue (6th season victory). Would the Wolverines actually accept/pursue a bowl bid if they only had one Big 10 victory and were in last place? Bo would say, "NO!" just on the principle of the matter.

BornInA2

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 4:09 p.m.

I don't see how this game or season is much different that most any game or season under RR. We have undercoached, capable kids running around looking confused much of the time. Our much-ballyhooed QB is playing hurt, and RR is blaming everyone and everything around him. And we're losing. A lot. Meanwhile, RR's throw-away kids are starting and winning for other teams and the RR Kool-aiders are saying he hasn't had enough time to get talent. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Where is Tater in this thread? I'm wondering about his assertion that we'd be playing in a Jan 1 bowl game this year. Seems a bit unlikely now.

RudeJude

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 3:39 p.m.

If Michigan fires Greg Robinson, Coach Rod's first recruiting class will be playing for a new Defensive Coordinator for the third time in their short Michigan careers. That's a real draw for defensive recruits, I hear, not knowing who your defensive coordinator will be at the end of each season. If Dave Brandon gives him another season, I hope he'll save Coach Rod the trouble and pick the new DC himself. Assuming a new defensive coordinator is hired, how many years before he turns things around...two, maybe three seasons? Seeing the defensive incompetence of the Michigan coaching staff and the quick hiring and firing, I would be surprised if they wrangled in anything better than a mediocre defensive recruiting class this off season. Regarding the NCAA violations, are we sure it will just be a "slap on the wrist?" I've heard it suggested that the NCAA is holding off releasing its judgment until after the season so as to not interfere or create a distraction for the team. A "slap on the wrist" does not create distractions, but major penalties do. If major penalties come down, will all the "true" fans continue supporting Rich Rod? Being the first and only coach to run Michigan's name through the mud and into trouble with the NCAA was enough for this "detractor" and "negative fan" to realize Coach Rod is not the right man to lead at Michigan.

sevesteve

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 3:31 p.m.

TrueWolverine, Don't bring MSU/Dantonio into your rational for keeping RR, cause your argument is totally spurious. Read below: John L Smith hired in '03, and immediately instituted a full spread offense and a "bandit" defense...(another linebacker/dback-emphasis that failed in Big Ten). John L (horrible as one could say he turned out to be) was 8-4 his first season, following a 15-17 2.5 year campaign of Bobby Williams, who ran a pro-style offense/no gimmick defense. John L went 14-22 over his next three years before State (finally!!) pulled the plug. POINT...John L. inherited a program on the decline, changed the ENTIRE scheme on both sides of the ball, and had IMMEDIATE success vs his predecessor. He had less talent and less support than RR had coming into M...those be the facts! Dantonio hired in 2007, again made a wholesale change to offense AND defense (back to pro-style O and 4-3-4 D) and goes 7-5 in year one, 9-4 in year two, 6-7 in year three (the only year you refer to in your posting) and now is 8-1 in year four. POINT...like MSU or not, but John L Smith and Dantonio BOTH did more with less, in very quick fashion, making wholesale changes, then RR has done. Bottom line...your argument doesn't STICK because it's totally inconsistent with the facts. Now you and the other "new system" and "give him time" debaters CERTAINLY have a strong reply to that...let's hear it!! I suspect it might say something like..."but we want to go places higher than MSU has gone....beating OSU and national championships". Lofty goals...that wagon has at least a half dozen other BT team in it. Problem is, your relying on a pony to do a Clydesdale's job. Sharpen your research skills and then your intellect...and post something that fits reality.

michboy40

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 2:21 p.m.

Stick with RR, fire Greg Robinson (or make him our LB coach), and bring in a D Coordinator. Nothing more needs to happen other than being patient and waiting for the good times to roll again.

StarZone

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 12:37 p.m.

I rather RR just say, "We are going to work with our young defense, make sure they lean from their mistakes and increase their football IQ," instead of ranting about how the situation cannot be fixed by fairies or legendary coaches. I rather he say, "We are going to work with our kicker, make sure he is ready come game time," rather than him joke with ABC about finding a kicker on the way to Happy Valley. Is that too much to ask? Talk like a coach who coaches players to be better. Look, on one hand it's is probably wise to let him coach one more year to see if things come together. On the other hand, I never liked him nor thought he was a good hire. I wouldn't miss him nor his gimmick offense. The danger with firing someone, though, is that you never know if the replacement is going to be any better. You might say it cannot get any worse, but you might be surprised. You can cycle through coaches like ND and not get anywhere. That's why the AD gets the big money to make the decisions and not us pundits.

virginia_maizeNblue

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 12:01 p.m.

Yes waving the magic wand will fix the defense, when that wand gets rid of that defensive staff. To the AD: Keep the RB coach and let everyone else go. Rich Rod and those he brought in can't coach in the Big Ten and don't seem to have an idea how to coach basic fundamentals of football, such as tackling, blocking or even catching. Saying the talent just isn't there, WRONG it is, but when that talent is not coached right then its just a waste. The best QB on the team is just a freshman and he should be the future not D. Rob. only if coached on how to do things the right way. It wasn't long ago that we had 3 freshman starting in key positions and produced very well from the start. Forever Maize N Blue!

chiro19

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 11:48 a.m.

It is great seeing a offense that can score! It is demoralizing to know that you as the offense have to score every time you touch the ball! If I am to take what some of you have posted seriously then it means we should give RR 7 or 8 years before he gets his players and starts coaching them! So the question presents itself, what is the difference from his first 3 recruiting classes to the ones at the end of his 7 or 8 years? Are they better, faster, smarter players? If that is the case then he should be fired for not knowing how to recruit properly to begin with. All of your excuses for why RR is failing lead to other failures! I personally am torn because I love seeing 35 up on the board consistantly! RR needs to bring in a D coordinator if he is still around next year that has a track record of success! Not a D coor. that has failed at Syracuse, Kansas City, and Denver. And do not talk to the D coord. let him run the defensive show in recruiting, schemes, practice, and game calling!!!!

Howard the Duck

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 11:46 a.m.

Can't reject the bowl bid, need the practice. I'm with Theo, year 8 will be great!

win

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 11:33 a.m.

better days are coming. I have faith in D, Brandon. Not sure if we lose some players over this, but if we get the right guy in here, the right players will stay too. The ones that leave are not guys you want around anyway. Let's hope 2011 is better. 2010 is a done deal. 6-6 at best. If I were D. Brandon I would reject the bowl bid. This is MICHIGAN and that is is unacceptable

Kubrick66

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 11:26 a.m.

Theo212... What you fail to see is that compared to the rest of the Big Ten this team isn't getting better, it may very well be getting worse. They were more competitive against MSU, Iowa, and PSU last year. This year all three games were essentially over at halftime.

Yelmonian

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 10:51 a.m.

I love the argument that so what that Bo, Mueller, and Carr went to a bowl game for 40 years... so what that UM had 9-10 wins a season... so what that Carr was 6-7 in his bowl games... UM only had 1/2 a championship season. OK. RR has not taken his team to a bowl game every season... whether at WVU or UM. RR has not had 9-10 wins every season... whether at WVU or UM. And RR has never won a National Championship. Carr's important stat's were better than RR's in every comparison. More wins, better winning percentage, more bowl games, more national championships... but the old Michigan way was not good enough. As a MSU alumn and fan... you guys completely baffle me. Let's support someone that is less accomplished than the person we had... and trash the person we had. So what is it that makes RR the greatest coach on earth? Oh... because his offense scores 30 or more points a game... and nothing else matters.

heartbreakM

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 10:47 a.m.

You're right THeo. I have seen the light. Of course you've gotta get to the BCS to lose....

stephenlight

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 10:26 a.m.

Ouch Brutus....that sure is some mighty ju jitsu you have working there. I hope Michigan keeps The Rod in place for his total natural life! That said, the sooner they toss this interloper overboard, the faster the revival. We can use a few years to manage the last years of JoePa's reign, which will last as long as he wants it to, and then a few more years to recast the program, so yeah, keep The Rod forever! Michigan has talent. They just don't seem to have a genuine clue on the field.....at least on defense. A good CEO (your AD) knows when to cut his losses. My guess is that it is time to either hang your hat on NCAA violations (Hello? Can you think of a prior Michigan Head Coach that would have had that problem?) OR just pony up the remaining contract dollars and find the NEXT head coach.

heartbreakM

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 10:12 a.m.

You know Goblue: As I left the PSu game on Sat night, and all week, I have had a sort of peacefulness and acceptance of what has happened, knowing that it will likely come to an end soon. That is not to say I was happy w/the results, but my attitude was "well, that is now T-4 and counting". I personally think that the PSU game was the big one that RR needed to get, and to see how unprepared he had his team, well, I can't believe David Brandon will put up with that. This was the year that PSU was ripe for the picking, what with injuries, young starters, a relatively weak O-line, and that was underscored by the Harrisburg writer last week. Well, turns out that Michigan was ripe and clarity is coming.

GoblueinNE_PA

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 9:29 a.m.

I think it's pretty obvious where I stand on the current HC. He's Dead Man Walking IMO. That said, I'm as optimistic about the future of the Michigan football program as I've been in probably 2 years. The kids we have, while not perhaps the kids we'd have recruited in the past, are talented, despite what's being heaped upon them. The last 2 classes have been ranked somewhere between 15 and 25, so there are kids here that can play and have raw talent. They just need some one to coach them on fundamentals, provide a solid game plan, and, maybe most importantly, believe in them. They don't have that right now, but I'm betting that a guy that reached CEO of a major corporation knows how to find the right guy to lead the team. I don't know who that is. Harbaugh, Miles, Whittingham, Belloti, Richt, who knows, but I'm optimistic that we will compete next year, every down in every game. Go Blue!

ShadowManager

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 8:53 a.m.

Let's focus on the positives, just like our Trusted Leader recommends: 1) The Little Caesar's Pizza Bowl is played at beautiful Ford Field in scenic Detroit Michigan! 2) With a little more tweaking, and some good oversight from RR, Greg Robinson looks to have a great rebound year next year at Defensive coordinator now that he's really mastered the system! 3) In 2-3 more years, this team will really have the pieces in place...the fast aggressive players RichRod needs...to win! As RR says...Chuckle, chuckle, chuckle...

Ignatz

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 8:45 a.m.

This man and his staff are beginning to test my resolve. Go Blue!

heartbreakM

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 8:40 a.m.

@TrueWolverine: As I said above, your argument is about "potential" vs. "results". I think at this point, RR has shown absolutely no reason to believe he has "potential" because his "results" have been atrocious. As it is still the middle of the season, perhaps he can fool us all and win out for a great record. That is a "potential" outcome. But based on "results" of this season so far, I doubt that will happen. I don't know why you believe in him still. No other coach came into so much and accomplished so little nationally. Ron English may be failing at Eastern, but at least he did not destroy a good tradition. Look around the country. Even middling B10 teams have better results in coaches third year than RR.

wvtroll

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 7:51 a.m.

Many, many coaches have succeeded after having terrible initial years. Some have even succeeded in their first year after inheriting a team that didn't perform the previous year. Some teams have never had successful years before rising to dominance in some fashion. Still, that doesn't mean RR will ever succeed in the B10. You can't compare what others have done to anyone else's future performance. You can only judge for yourself what they have accomplished to date. Just because another coach has succeeded in his fourth year has no bearing on what RR will ever do. Maybe once he's in his tenth year and he finally has an acceptable season, you can then say whatever you want about being patient, but until then, I'd judge him on his current performance and not count on him imitating another coach's ability.

clownfish

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 7:45 a.m.

RR started with a good program, now he wants $8,000,000 (4 years @ $2 mil/year) to "turn it around? Gotta admire the eggs on that guy, and the ability of his supporters to pay his wage for bad results. I wonder, what other "government employees" get the kind of slack a $2,000,000 a year guy gets? Teachers? Nah, fire em... road workers...nah, fire em...corrections officers, privatize em......But, keep the $2,000,000 a year guy, he DESERVES more time...at $2,0000,000 a year? How many teachers could we hire for that money? Tutors, aides, school nurses? Football is WAY more important than any of those, so spend, spend spend, and excuse, excuse, excuse.

Paco12054

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 7:24 a.m.

TRUE, your comments about RR's offense are appropriate but since when has any big time sport team consistently been of championship calibre without a good to superior defense? Never? RR is not a complete coach, our D and special teams have shown that. IMHO it is delusional to talk about a NC calibre team without being being complete in all the areas of football. RR could be a very good OC somewhere but he is a disaster as a head coach. Regarding players leaving: Yes, Bo ran off several players that first year but then look what he accomplished in his very first year after taking over a team whose coach was medicore. To say that the player turnover since RR is the same thing as Bo experienced is simply a stretch beyond belief.

NoBowl4Blue

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 7:18 a.m.

When a coach focuses on offensive and neglects the defense you get what you have!

Bob

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 5:38 a.m.

I don't have the technical expertise to know if we need a coaching overhaul or not, but I know enough to be extremely disappointed when we play as poorly as we did on defense after a bye week. How do we get worse with an extra week to prepare? Is the bye week important? Well, JoePa thought it was important enough that he negotiated one before the Michigan game his first two or three years in the Big Ten. I was a student at Michigan the last time we lost to MSU three straight years and I've really enjoyed the program success we've had from 1968 on - Michigan went though a consecutive winning season and bowl streak unmatched by any other program. I can live with losing, but it's hard to accept the excuses and the lack of improvement from one game to the next. I believe RichRod needs another season, but I'm also beginning to believe he needs to have a signature win this year in order to earn it. Magic? No, we don't need magic any more that we did in 1969. What we need is great coaching and maximum effort from out players.

Macabre Sunset

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 4:45 a.m.

Carr's bowl record was 6-7. Since the bowl selection rules put two teams together as evenly matched as possible and Big Ten teams are often road teams at bowl games, this isn't a bad record. Rodriguez is, of course, 0-0 at Michigan. Before Rodriguez, the last time Michigan wouldn't have qualified for a bowl game under the current rules was 1967. Rodriguez has lost 16 Big Ten games in 2 1/2 seasons. The current Michigan record for Big Ten losses in FOUR consecutive seasons is 17. Michigan football is about winning the Big Ten. The rest tends to take care of itself.

XTR

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 3:44 a.m.

I'd rather have a UM team with the success rate of Lloyd Carr's record than a UM team with RR's record and notoriety. RR even had an NCAA violation. At this point in time, we should not care about national championships, we should just focus on winning games in the big ten like Carr did. I can't believe there are fans who are defending RR at this point. The program is destroyed courtesy of RR.

Kubrick66

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 3:33 a.m.

TRUEwolverine... Furthermore... You want to talk about the offense? Whereas it has more potential then last year, on the field the results are the same... Destroy the likes of Bowling Green, just like Delaware St last year. Look good against UConn, as they did against Western Michigan last year. Get past a Bumbling Notre Dame two years in a row. Win a shootout against Big Ten bottom feeder Indian two years in a row... Throw in another shoot out win against that Division II powerhouse Umass... Then things get tougher... Can't keep up with MSU offensively or defensively and fall behind by 17. Can't keep up with Iowa offensively or defensively and fall behind by 21. Can't keep up with PSU offensively or defensively and fall behind by 21. Opponents have the luxury to get conservative. Then, suddenly- the "great offense" kicks in! But of course it's too little, too late. Michigan actually played both Iowa and MSU tougher last year! So let it be known that there is a big difference between putting up 500 yards of offense while you're up by 21, or in a shoot out... Compared to putting up 500 when you're chasing 21. Offensive potential - Yes. Results - No. Progress?

XTR

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 3:23 a.m.

I'd rather have a UM team with the success rate of Lloyd Carr's record than a UM team with RR's record and notoriety. RR even had an NCAA violation. At this point in time, we should not care about national championships, we should just focus on winning games in the big ten like Carr did. I can't believe there are fans who are defending RR at this point. The program is destroyed courtesy of RR.

Kubrick66

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 3:01 a.m.

TRUEwolverine... My question remains... What has RR done to deserve another day as head coach at Michigan? He has brought nothing but losing, no bowls, pending probation and bad press. That is his foundation. That is his resume at Michigan. He has single-handedly destroyed forty years of winning, bowl games, and national respect. And now you want to make assumptions about how great things are going to be if he reaches 8 wins? When is that going to happen? Certainly not this year. Maybe next year? How about the year after that? Boy, that's something to look forward to. And what an accomplishment it would be since Michigan football has only been around since 2008. Wait... Michigan Football has been around since when... 1879? And prior to RR arrival Michigan went how many years without a losing season... 40? And during that 40 year run Michigan won less than 8 games in season how many times... TWICE!!! It is truly shocking when you add it all up. But now, sadly-- we are past wins and losses. This is about perception, respect-- dignity. It may only be football. But it's our football. And the only way to right the ship is to do it without Rich Rodriguez. Some people, fans, and even writers remain under the illusion that RR can save himself, save Michigan- with wins. But that is no longer the case. The damage is done. He's tainted the program beyond his own personal repair. Deep down even he knows that. Forgive me Michigan faithful, but Dantonio was right- Pride does come before the fall. GO BLUE!!! You deserve better.

TRUEwolverine

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 2:32 a.m.

Great research on Carr, Macabre Sunset. Well done. Now why don't you take that extra step and tell us what came out of it?? What was his bowl record? Allow RR to establish his system before you judge.

Macabre Sunset

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 2:14 a.m.

Carr won 10 or more games six times in 13 seasons. In fact, he won 81 conference games in his 13 seasons. His replacement is kinda stuck at four conference wins in almost three seasons. Do you really see this as progress? Can you name a single school in the country that had 40 straight winning seasons in its conference? That was Michigan before Carr retired. Carr was a fantastic coach who made the most out of his recruiting. Rodriguez is a gimmick who won a few games in a second-rate conference, and is in over his head. Time to cut our losses.

TRUEwolverine

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 12:44 a.m.

Kubrick66... Since you're inclined to talk about recent history, how did LC's final season start?? 0-2. When was the last time he beat OSU? I'd have to check wikipedia for that answer... How many National Championships have we seen "over the last 40 years"?? Lets up the ante.. 60 years??? 1/2 of a National Championship. Were there great teams? Of course. Were we consistent? Relatively. Yes we were going to bowls, we all know the streak but what came of it? 1/2 of a NC in 60 years. Rich Rod was hired to take our program to the next level (use this quote to pile it on some more to help your cause...) You do not realize what you are asking for. You are essentially begging to be put in ND's and Little Brothers shoes for the past decade... A host of coaches some of whom were bad, but others perhaps weren't allowed to finish what they started. We'll never know. LC had us recruiting the best athletes in the nation and we "consistently" ended up with 8-4 or 9-3 seasons where USC would feed us our lunch at the Rose Bowl. I clearly remember as a young teen hearing on the radio week in and week out after every narrow win or loss "when are we going to open up this offense", "what's the deal with all of these highly recruited players" etc. I hope Brandon and the like have enough sense to see that not allowing RR to finish his job could turn us into MSU or ND with similar coaching situations and results. Mark my words, if the administration lets RR stay, all we need is one solid season with 8+ wins until we start consistently landing 4**** and 5***** recruits again like LC had..... #3 offense in the nation with only 2 complete recruiting classes with 75% 3*** recruits to 50% 4s and 5s? Who would stop us? GO BLUE

Sean T.

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 12:40 a.m.

Great Point LawrenceLaundry! Coaching can do wonders, look at the change in Illinois this year. They hired a defensive coordinator and allowed him to play his defensive scheme, they also hired an Offensive coordinator and he keeps the team very competitive despite losing Juice Williams and their talented WR corps. Actually, they're more productive than Juices senior season with a R-Freshman QB and a new offensive scheme. The apologists must stop making excuses for RR, more years means more misery!

mcflies

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 12:26 a.m.

Or heck, maybe Denard could play cornerback. He certainly has the athletic skill set for it.

mcflies

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 12:24 a.m.

Coaching can certainly make a difference but I have no illusions that Harbaugh or whoever is going to come in here and do a 180 with the defense. Look at ND. Brian Kelly can't coach speed. ND might be one of the slowest overall teams in the country. There has to be some talent in order for coaching to matter. That said, Michigan has talent. Most of it is on offense, but there is talent on this roster. People need to quit with the 'let him get his players' talk. Rich Rod has his players, and whatever one's he doesn't have he's lost himself. Either he never should have recruited them, or he should have been better with them. I doubt anyone leaves this team if a new coach is hired. The talent is here for any scheme. It's not like Denard is ever going to be a quarterback in the NFL. He can get a head start on his WR or RB career if a new coach is hired.

Brutus

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 12:08 a.m.

To all the Maize and Blue faithful: I'm going to flat out say I'm a diehard buckeye fan who roots for Michigan except one game, just registered an account with AnnArbor.com b/c after stopping by this page, and out of respect of the rivalry, I can't help myself but to ask the following question: As disastrous as your team has been under RR (and trust me, I took no joy out of that, believe it or not), what IMMEDIATE good does it do by firing him as far as the football team is concerned????? Yes, no doubt you made a horrible hire, but by firing him now I see another 2-yr set back, at least, with the new scheme and recruiting for new type of players that might as well just be too uncertain to go to Michigan, knowing coaches no longer can have a stable tenure like they used to have. We all seen how Brian Kelly is doing at ND and lord behold he got TALENTS. Would you like to have another 2 yrs of under.500 in the Big Ten, not mentioning potentially 9 game skid against the Buckeyes??? I sincerely wish Michigan gets competitive soon so I'll have the same level of excitement like I had all my life about The Game. I know one sure way to achieve that is to fire RR, eventually, but you should give him his 4th yr in my opinion to get the contract's worth.

lawrencelaundry

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 12:05 a.m.

I can't believe there's still people that think we have no talent at michigan. How does a program like TCU have one of the best defense in the country. COACHING. NOT because they have more talent people. Coaching is king and trumps talent more than people think. A great coach can take a poor player and at least turn him into decent player. We have neither decent defense which means coaching is terrible. Michigan can recruit way better than TCU and crap load of other schools.

BigSexy76

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 11:54 p.m.

I think that everyone has tot ake a step backa nd look at the situtaion here. Rich has had rebuild everything from the ground up. Any true Michigan fan knows that it takes time to turn around a program that has not changed since the BO era. Firing him will set the program back even more!

Alex Ackley

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 10:31 p.m.

A good coach will get results with any players. They don't need to have players "fit their style". Sure, they may want to run a certain style but you have to be able to adapt to what you do have. RR has shown absolutely no ability to do this. He took a 8+ win/yr team and now has an under.500 team. He took the winningest team in college football history which had never had any violations and has had them investigated and given sanctions. Loyd Carr may have had trouble beating OSU but his players played hard, competed each game and always had a chance to win. You never heard about how they didn't have talent or speed or etc. You never hear any of that from any of the other Big Ten coaches. Lack of experience? OSU uses a sophmore QB... who was able to lead them to a big 10 title his first year. By game 8, there are no freshmen, they've played enough games to be able to understand what should be done. If they don't.. it isn't their fault. They can only know what is taught to them. You have to look at the coaches. Sure, you can always say, if he only had his players. That's bullcrap. Play who you have and adapt. As someone else said, play a 4-3-4 if you don't have the speed for the 3-3-5. How hard is that to figure out? Hell, I can find grade schoolers who understand that concept. If you're players are being beat by others because they're slower or weaker, its one thing. But if they're being beaten because they're out of position, can't tackle or don't adjust to changes, that is all on the coach. A good coach, a Michigan Coach would understand this and not blame his players for his failures.

Ben

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 10:31 p.m.

What the heck? I can't believe this guy. Please, somebody please tell me how someone who publically insults HIS OWN TEAM still has a fricking job at one of the nations TOP universities?! Seriously, someone please tell me!! Please Mr. Dave Brandon, fire RR, he is doing NOTHING but harming the program, both on an off the field.

heartbreakM

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 10:08 p.m.

The RR supporters all say that "players will transfer, rebuilding will start again" if RR is shown the door. Funny, what players would transfer and get immediate playing time? DR? Tate? Probably. Possibly 1 or 2 of the receivers. Beyond that? Nope. So what's to fear?

mcflies

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 9:56 p.m.

The way I see it is the talent is there on offense for any coach. You bring in a pro style guy and Tate is ready. Gardner can be groomed. Robinson can play WR or RB or a Percy Harvin type role. It's going to take some time to get the defense worked out, but I just don't think Rich Rod is the guy to get it done. I don't trust him. He hasn't produced, and I'm not even sure I see enough talent on the field on defense to develop. Too much attrition. It's time for a change.

Paco12054

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 9:35 p.m.

Oh Boy!! If we win one more game we get to go to the WC (who cares) bowl. The Kool Aid drinkers (aka Lloyd Carr haters) bitched about Carr's 8-4 seasons but seem to now think that 6-6 or 7-5 is simply wonderful. Brandon must wait until the end of the year and the final result of the NCAA mess before making a decision. Keeping RR and firing Robinson makes no sense to me.

heartbreakM

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 9:34 p.m.

@Blood: You claim the offense is really clicking. Well, is it? Outside of DR, who can run the ball? Who is consistently a receiving threat, against great talent? Who is your go-to guy? Is the offense really that good? They are getting a lot of garbage time points and yards, but they are not dominating against the good defenses. And when Molk leaves after this year, do we hear excuses about needing time for the new center to get acclimated? That's college football!! And can you honestly say that this team is better than the last 3-4 years of LC? Or anywhere remotely close? The defense stats have gotten worse each year under RR, and the team looks directionless. There is no leadership, and that is something you can't wait for. And leadership starts at the top.

TIGERS68

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 9:32 p.m.

If Rich Rod stays, those who stay will be LOSERS!!!! Since 1968, Bo and his people brought us all joy and happiness. Then RR brought his carny act to town and screwed us all. Time to bring back one of Bo's disciples(Jim Harbaugh)to put back in the elite group of college football. True_Wolverine_Fan needs to re-phrase his comment to read "I'm with you coach" since he's on RR's island all by himself. I do not know of 1 single person that is "with RR" and I've talked to 100's. Whoever supports RR is definitely not a true Michigan fan, but a STATE fan!!!

BloodAngel

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 9:20 p.m.

Actaully heartbreakM coaches used to get 4-5 years when they were hired. Its been brought up repeatedly about how quickly the coaches have to produce results or get fired anymore. The problem is this country has 0 patience. Everybody wants things now and they want it their way. How is it that a coach can get hired and be on the "hot seat" after 1 year? Look at the Detroit Lions, Jim Schwartz has been the head coach for about 23 games, he took over the only 0-16 team in the history of the NFL. Yet all the NFL experts talk was that if he didnt start winning now he would be on the hot seat. Coaches really should get four years to produce. Now of course they should not be told that, but when a program or team hires a football coach they should have in mind that the coach their hiring is their guy for four years. If they don't wanna stick with that guy for that long then it's not the right coach.

chris rob

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 9:19 p.m.

It's not really the youth every team has youngsters, it's not all the coaching staff, though coach rod needs to pump up the defense sooner than the 4th qtr. when down by 21 points. It's that stupid 3-3-5 defense, it didn't work at West Virginia they won games by out scoring what their defense didn't give up. This is the Big 10 not the Big East I don't care if you have all seniors on this defense if we keep running it we're going to keep getting run off the field. Mark my word when we use this defense against Ohio State their going to score 50 points on us by halftime.

Tim

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 9:18 p.m.

I to was a RR supporter, but find my self closer to jumping off the wagon. Hopefully we can get one one more victory so the defense can get 3 extra weeks of practice before the bowl game. If Brandon does decide to make a change I hope he considers Pat Fitzgerald. He runs the spread at Northwestern and would have no problem improving Denard. He also knows a little about defense as well, he was a great college linebacker mostly because of his intelligence and tenacity. This year he will take NORTHWESTERN to a third straight bowl. Needless to say that is very impressive. I believe with the much larger recruiting base Michigan has Fitzgerald could have us in BCS bowls perrenially

BloodAngel

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 9:15 p.m.

dtones520, TRUEwolverine, very true and I agree with you both. This is RR 3rd year and he has the offense clicking pretty good. Give him another year to get that defense situated. If the defense can click pretty good in its third year under GR then Michigan will be much improved. Whether you guys want to admit it or not it takes time when a new head coach comes in, with a new scheme, and has to bring in new coordinators and coaches with him on both sides. If he can get to a bowl this year than you give him one more year. Remember as much as you want RR gone, a new coach means the team will have to rebuild and retool again for that coaches scheme. So just relax for now and wait and see how this season plays out. If they go winless fine fire him, if they get to a bowl though you gotta give Rich and company one more year. And just like dtones520 said, Rome was not built in a day.

heartbreakM

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 9:08 p.m.

@dtones: players transfer from every program, yes, but RR has had a lot of players leave who were his own recruits in the last few months. That would have helped depth, and honestly, that reflects poorly on his recruiting if he cannot retain even his 1-2 year players. Is he misjudging talent? Is he bringing in players that can't handle the academics? Are these players not 'character' guys? I don't know, and I hope they succeed elsewhere, but RR can't be given a pass on that. He could have had 4-5 more defenders if these guys stuck. And every coach who takes a new job MUST deal with those players who are there. Otherwise, every coach could use the 4-5 year excuse and we simply don't see that. Should UM say to RR? "Well, since we won't know results from you for 4-5 years when you graduate your own players, we will not pay you until then." (@2 mill per year plus payout?) If he demands that pay, UM and its alums/fans should demand results by now.

dtones520

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 8:55 p.m.

Goblugreg, how do you know how well these kids are being coached? Are you there being coached by Michigan's coaches? Maybe the talent just isn't there. Maybe Rodriguez hasn't had a chance to build up the depth that he would like in his system on defense. If you have no depth, you can't withstand injuries. You don't have guys battling for positions and you don't have guys playing with that competitive boost of knowing their job may be on the line. That is a good thing. But how do you fix that? Recruiting. And he has only had two years to recruit an entirely new system. But, somehow, he has his offense coached up pretty darn well. Chances are the kids on defense are getting coached up very well, they just are young and, in some cases, not as talented as we would like. Rome was not built in a day.

Kubrick66

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 8:47 p.m.

TRUEwolverine... RR took the most stable, consistently competitive program in the country over the last forty years... and in less than three seasons turned it into a Big Ten bottom feeder. He does not deserve, nor has he earned one more day as the head coach of Michigan Football. The kids in the program, fans, alumni, the Big Ten, and all of college football-- deserve better.

dtones520

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 8:46 p.m.

TRUEwolverine, I'm totally with you on this. I think you even let him have 5 years unless they lose out this year and stink again next year. I may consider firing him if he loses out this year, but if you give him another year, I say that you give him two and let Denard Robinson and his first true recruiting class play out their entire career at Michigan. You have an elite talent at QB, don't let that go to waste like you did when you hired Rich Rod and let a talent like Ryan Mallet go to waste. The University of Michigan chose Rich Rod as their coach, they knew what kind of system he was going to run...they should have known what kind of players he was going to bring in and they should have known that the type of players Michigan had WERE NOT THE RIGHT PLAYERS FOR HIS SYSTEM. He got a late start in recruiting when he got hired in and has in reality had two of his own recruiting classes of his own players at Michigan. Give him time. Now, I do think that there needs to be heat on Rodriguez to change his defensive scheme and I think David Brandon may do that and say to Rich that he needs to change that to a Big 10 style defense, but that will still take time to bring in players. Think about this, Michigan should have Donovan Warren (NFL bust), Troy Woolfolk (injury) and Boubakar Cissoko (stupidity) playing on this defense. Those would be his numbers 1,2 and 3 at CB. JT Floyd, their number 1 CB now, should be their 4th on the depth chart. And the fact that those 3 guys aren't playing at U of M this year is 100% out of Rich Rod's control. He hasn't had time to build depth in his system, and if you aren't going to give him time to do that, then you never should have hired him. Don't forget that Rodriguez's system is a complete 180 from the system we had before.

mgoBart

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 8:43 p.m.

Gee RichRod why don't you wave a magic wand and turn your 3-3-5 into a 4-3-4. This may actually help stop the run and put more pressure on the opposing QB, which will help out the inexperienced defensive backs. We already had a stud defensive end leave the program this year. You can't recruit or keep defense line talent with a 3-3-5 scheme and obviously you can't stop a power running big ten offense with the 3-3-5. There is no gap containment with a 3-3-5. The linemen and linebackers do not know which way to go and they are out of position thus big cutback plays happen, plus there is not enough beef up front so the defense gets run over also. The 4-3-4 has two defensive ends containing the outside and the linebackers line up perfectly in the 3 natural gaps between the defensive line. Get a clue RichRod and dump the 3-3-5.

Dave

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 8:39 p.m.

Rich Rod: You and your bunch of clowns will not be here next year...you can count on it! Better start looking for a new job. We are tired of your losing ways. There is no excuses for your defensive struggles. It took Bo 4 games into his Michigan career to have one of the best defenses in the country with a bunch of no-name players. He was a fundamentally, sound, and disciplined coach. You and your cast of dummies couldn't coach in the Pony league!

stephenlight

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 8:38 p.m.

Kubrick66, as much as I selfishly hope your advice is not taken, you have it entirely right.

dading dont delete me bro

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 8:35 p.m.

now where'd my comment disappear too? i laid down some constructive critism. not like these other posts are saying anything worse. i see some creative names for rich rod too. what the heck? he got schooled by a walk on qb. he's the head coach, responsible for both sides of the ball. he needs to tighten things up on that defense, or pack his bags. he sure has a ho-hum attitude toward these rivalries that are dear to true u of m fans.

heartbreakM

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 8:33 p.m.

Potential: What might happen if circumstances play out appropriately. Results: What actually happened. So, are 3 years of results worth anything if potential is there? I mean, Danny Hope has potential that Purdue will win the B10. Minnesota has potential that they might hold an opponent below 40 points. I take results over potential any day of the week, especially when I see no improvement.

TRUEwolverine

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 8:15 p.m.

To the TRUE wolverine fans... Do not overreact out of emotion. No one was more frustrated than I am at that last game, but brighter days are near. We have two more home games left in this season. One against Illinois and one against Wisco (you know, the team that had one of the three losses against the 3-9 Michigan team when they came to the Big House). We will beat Purdue to qualify for a bowl game this year, and have shots against Illinois and Wisconsin to get into a better one. While I am not expecting a victory against OSU this year, we weren't blown out last year and RR conjured up some plays with Denard and Tate on the field at the same time... you never know what will happen there. We will have three weeks of extra practice to coach up the young guys. The #1 all purpose RB will come to campus THIS WINTER to learn the offense, which will be perfected by DRob and the rest of the squad. More defensive recruits will come (we have **** commits), along with the return of Woolfolk and other injured players to provide more depth on defense. We have one of the youngest teams in the B10, teams like MSU, Iowa, Wisco graduate many of their best players. Our best player we lose is David Molk. Next year we have an easier schedule where 9 wins is not out of the question. Firing RR will scare our recruits away and prevent us from competing for a B10 championship for at least another 3 years. Let RR finish out this year and see what happens next year... We will have GRob for a third year straight and that will help development too. I know the pessimists and trolls are going to jump in on this comment, but I'd rather have a.500 or better season this year and wait to see this thing through next year than to throw out our potential. Last and most important point: Just look at little brother's experiment. Many said Dantonio was on the hot seat this year after their disappointment last season(which was his third year), look at what he has done with his fourth year. That was without major attrition and without significant schematic changes on both sides of the ball. Dantonio had a 6-7 season last year. I doubt I'll have much support, but we HAVE to give RR his fourth year...

win

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 8:13 p.m.

I admit that I have come on hear in support of RR and this team. I have also bashed those who I felt were piling on and looking for reasons to hate this guy. But Saturday night, I saw the light. This has become a very frustrating season. And as much support as I have for this team and this program it is becoming impossible to support this coaching staff. I tried for a very long time (three years) to defend RR but it has gotten ridiculous. For the first time in nearly 40 years of watching Michigan Football, I actually felt sorry for our players. We looked like a bunch of little kids out there. Overmatched physically with no talent (other than Drob) out on that field. If you look at this roster, ask yourself one question. How many guys on this team could start at their position anywhere else in the big ten. I bet you can't come up with more than 3 or 4. 5 years ago, you could say 15-17. The talent just isn't there. And what little talent is there isn't being coached very well. I wasn't a big fan of LC when he left and was actually very excited about RR. But after being fooled for two and a half years, I've come to realize that this is truly a disaster. I will still attend the last couple home games and cheer for the team. But it is unlikely that we will win another game this year I really thought 8 wins was possible. I was wrong and I admit it. After seeing what I saw Saturday night, I have to say this is by far the worst Michigan football team I have seen in 40 years. My wife was yelling at the TV " here comes another screen" and then we'd shake our heads. That is sad. Two weeks to prepare and that is what we come up with? I know this is horrible to say, but a part of me hopes we lose the rest of the games in order to guarantee his departure. If some how we win one or two more games and get blasted by Wisconsin and OSU, we go 7-5 and beat a weak 5th place SEC or BIG 12 team in a bowl game. RR could return only to let us down again next year. What a horrible feeling to have about your team!

Kubrick66

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 8:11 p.m.

If your house stinks and you find a dead animal under the porch you don't just spray it with lysol and hope the smell goes away. You put on a pair of gloves, take a deep breath, and remove the source of the smell. Problem solved.

JimB

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 8:08 p.m.

No excuses for Worst Rod. 2005 through 2008 the recruiting class was ranked from #2 through #10 in the nation by SI/ESPN. He was set up for success by Carr for his first year. Something is obviously wrong with Worst Rod's logic. Maybe offensive players don't fit his system or don't want to come here to play his style of ball but the defensive players should show interest in the program for no other reason than it's U of M. So either he can't manage his players or they simply don't want to play for him. Big problems.

The Fan

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 7:38 p.m.

Someone convince Mike Bellotti to leave his job at ESPN and come Michigan. I think he would be a great fit. He has the experience with spread type offenses and is a hell of a coach.

GoBlue95

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 7:38 p.m.

To me the bottom line is Michigan has won 4 Big 10 games in 3 years (4 out of 20) There is no way we will stop Illinois from scoring next week so Denard will have to have another 500 yard total performance just to keep us in the game. It is very likely we will be 4 for 17 in the Big 10 by this time next week. I have been behind this coach from the first day they announced it. I can no longer support him or his staff. I am Go Blue all the way and will be at the Purdue game in two weeks cheering for those kids, but I will be cheering harder for Mr. Brandon to pick up the phone and make that call to Jimmy Harbaugh so we can get this thing back on track.

heartbreakM

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 7:35 p.m.

Again, he complains about 'lack of speed' on the defense. If I were a player, I'd be totally pissed about his lack of support and public humiliation yet again. And speed is overrated. Why is it that every other team does not need "speed" to have a good defense. Is Iowa's defense fast? Wisconsin's? Even MSU? Nope. But they're solid and fundamental. Don't make too many dumb mistakes. Tackle with their bodies and not their pinkys. Speed is nice, but way way overrated. Royster is not exactly a speed burner, yet he is now the all time leading PSU rusher, including KiJana Carter, John Cappelletti, and many others. How about if Rodriguez looks honestly at the press and fans and says "I've been failing as a coach, and we have to reassess how we do things, and figure out a way to coach these players better. They and the university desrve that". But rather, he once again dogs the players. Best news: It's now November, quite possibly RR's last month as head coach. (Uncertainty, yes, but maybe the end of the darkness).

freemill

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 7:07 p.m.

The 1970 Pogo comic strip, in celebration of Earth Day, delivered one the more famous one-liners when main character quipped - "We have met the enemey and he is us." RR needs to look in the mirror.

gobluegreg

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 7:05 p.m.

I only spent a few years coaching high school football here in Ohio as an offensive line coach. Early on in my career I spent some time complaining about my guys, "they look like a beer drinkers anonymous club" too fat, too slow. The head coach, a GREAT guy brought me aside and said look around, see anyone coming in here now to change this? They are all you got, don't bad mouth em and go out there and coach them harder than any player you ever had. You don't coach talent, you coach skills and confidence. Being slow, fat or less talented than someone else doesn't mean you can't be well coached. And never throw them under the bus. So stop it GRob and Rich Rod. Take ownership and fix it NOW!

3 And Out

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 6:58 p.m.

We want you canned Coach, the true Wolverine fans that is! Go Blue! We have had enough of you trashing our formerly great program.

Macabre Sunset

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 6:50 p.m.

But Rich Rodriguez has made great strides in his quest for a better defense. Last week, he introduced himself to the defensive team captains, and memorized the names of most of the kids starting in the secondary. At this rate, in about five years, maybe he'll actually start taking responsibility for the mess on defense. Of course he'll be coaching Montclair State's junior varsity in five years.

clarklaker

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 6:40 p.m.

i bet a new coaching staff would help.

orlandomichfan

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 6:27 p.m.

im old school what can i say i love my team but hate the defense but will stick with this team no matter what yes i will repeat, no matter what

orlandomichfan

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 6:25 p.m.

it got took off so i will say it again much to yelmonians disdain.....gooooo blue

jaxie

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 6:22 p.m.

Nah, RichRod is too expensive to fire.

orlandomichfan

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 6:20 p.m.

to bad it isn't that easy to fix, but im sure he will get criticized for being honest, though i think he should make it clear that he cant stand for this nonsense and let Robinson go, doing that will still not help, but having him is not doing anything either, heck i could do just as well as well as many others could, of course im be ridiculous, but the point is rr needs to send a message to somebody...we just have to beat Illinois this Saturday, we just have to,,i will be as positive as i always am..goooo blue

Yelmonian

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 6:18 p.m.

OrlandoMichfan, Isn't that line from Old School?

GoblueinNE_PA

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 6:14 p.m.

The scary part in this article is the King of Fools solution to this problem is bringing in more new players. The end result? Next year, we'd still be complaining about how we're starting a bunch of inexperienced Freshmen. Next to last stop in Ann Arbor for the RichRod farewell tour happens this weekened.

True_Wolverine_Fan

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 5:46 p.m.

We're with you Coach, the true Wolverine fans that is. Go Blue!