Michigan football coach Rich Rodriguez: 'Better times are coming'
Michigan football coach Rich Rodriguez said Friday, "We're ready to start getting going with more wins." (File photo)
“We think about it every day and I know a lot of our fans, our great fans do as well, but I’m obsessed and I think our staff and I certainly think our players are obsessed with it, too," Rodriguez told host Ryan Ermanni. "And we know the last two seasons haven’t gone the way any of us would like, but at the same time we’ve made some progress, we’ve kind of put the foundation down and now we’re ready to start getting going with more wins.
"And I think it’s more important for us to understand the process we’re going through. I don’t want our players just having a certain number of wins in their minds, I want them to go through the winning process of how they prepare every day, how they’re doing the things each and every day to make themselves successful, and as a coach we’ve got to give them the guidance and give them the tools to do that, and I think we have. But I think the better times are coming simply because our guys are growing up and understanding that process."
Rodriguez covered several other topics in the interview. The highlights:
• On how much Michigan can get accomplished this spring: “We think quite a bit, especially for the younger guys. Even the upperclassmen, I think there’s always things they can get better at. We gave our players five kind of main goals and one of them is improve their fundamentals, learn their position, that’s an important goal. And the other one probably from a player’s standpoint is prove that they can win, that we can win with them playing. I think that’s important for our young guys in that regard cause they were the guys that were redshirted or guys that were injured. This is going to be a very, very important spring for them."
• On what advantages there are for the seven true freshmen who enrolled early: “I think it’s certainly gonna be beneficial for them, not only from what they’re going to do spring practice but having the six or seven weeks prior to this in the strength and conditioning program I think has helped make some advances. They’re going to learn so much in these 15 practices. We tell them that, 'Listen, it’s a bonus for you to be here.' We don’t expect them to be ready to play or start after spring practice, but at the same time it’s going to be a great proving ground for them. I don’t put too much on them cause we got to remember they’re still true freshmen and they’re still supposed to be in high school, but we’re excited that they’re here and they’re going to have a great opportunity to show themselves this spring."
• On having more competition for starting jobs: "I think offensively last year we made some steps because we had some more competition, had some experience. Defensively, we did not make as many steps, but I think we’re going to have more competition and, certainly, I think we can play at a higher level defensively this fall because we’re going to have more numbers there. Now, we’re going to be young. Some of those freshmen and sophomores are going to have to play and play at a high level for us. But at the same time we’re going to have some bodies there that are competing and I think our guys are anxious to prove themselves."
• On how having Greg Robinson back for a second season should help the defense: “I certainly think the continuity makes a big difference and we’ve been fortunate enough to have it on our staff. It’s made a big difference offensively and it will defensively. Greg and the defensive staff have met quite extensively and come up with a good plan for the spring. I think last year, a lot of times we had to evaluate, 'OK, who are we going to be ready to play with?' And I think our guys have a great understanding of who we have right now on the roster. Now the guys that we have to evaluate closely are the freshmen, and that will start obviously in August after practice starts. But I think Greg and them have a good plan to be able to fit our guys in the right spot because we’re going to have to come out of the gate strong. We have a very good UConn team coming to the Big House for our first game. We got to be ready."
Dave Birkett covers University of Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at 734-623-2552 or by e-mail at davidbirkett@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.
Comments
buzz
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 6:15 a.m.
Plz tell me what a Michigan Man is? Bo and Lloyd were Michigan Men and they didnt go to schiool to UM or even was from Michigan. Yet they were Michigan Men because they were loved by the fans and did well. They what coached atleast 15 years. RR has coached what 2 years. I say 5 years for him to get us a BigTen title. Im not a RR lover, i was a huge fan of UM when LC was coaching but what RR is something that can compete not jus wit the BigTen but wit every power conference. When RR gets to his winning ways he'll be able to beat Florida, Texas, USC, etc. If you guys want Miles and Harbaugh, it will be difficult for them to coach RR recruits a different style of offense because we'll still be losing if that were to happen. Plus none of u ppl even know what u r talking about to RR is till under contract, Miles and Harbaugh jus signed an extentsion wit LSU and Stanford, so it will take alot to get them to Ann Arbor, i think we should stay wit RR for 4 more years. If he still loses then we should get rid of him. A dynasty isnt made in 1 year or even 2 years. Takes years, I see improvement so lets see what happens next year. GO BLUE!!!!
Sean T.
Sun, Mar 14, 2010 : 4:30 p.m.
I've never heard of Michigan becoming complacent with being second to OSU. From what I've seen we have had some pretty close games with the suckeyes and we never bowed down to them. I believe RR deserves to get his 3rd season under his belt before canning him but if he doesn't get a 8 win season he should be let go, plain and simple. Even Sparty changed their spread offense into a pro-style and went to 3 consectutive bowls. Dumbtonio used JLS's players and led them to victories using a completely different offense that the players were recruited for. In my opinion any coach at the University of Michigan should be able to out do a Sparty at building a program. Sparty has never had a better recruiting class than us in the last 20 years but yet they've beaten us 2 years in a row on the field. The issue is RR was to stubborn and arrogant to intergrate his style of play and use former players to get some succsess. So he rathered put us through misery on and off the field and give us excuses for the poor outcome. There's no one to blame for our defensive woes either except RR who waited until his third season to pick up sorely needed defensive recruits. Which won't really matter to us now because they'll be too young to make a difference. So even if the offense improves dramatically our defense will be to bad to keep us in the game. 8 or out for RR!
HailToASquared
Sun, Mar 14, 2010 : 1:42 p.m.
assuming makes an ass out of you and me. just cause you're mad doesn't mean I have only watched Michigan since 2000. I'm 28, been watching ever since I can remember- same with all michigan/detroit sports. Anyways- you said the same thing I did! I was the one saying Michigan kept coming up short in second place and then going to a good bowl game (but to lose many of them). Also, I am WELLLLL aware of Michigan beating Ohio State plenty before Tressel showed up. My point was that Carr and his players got complacent with being second fiddle to OSU and often times we didn't show up in our bowl game. It makes me wonder that if Carr/Henne/Hart/Long weren't all in their final college game if they would have beat Florida. Also, just because I don't want rodriguez fired after two seasons- doesn't mean I ever said he deserves five full seasons. Don't be so sensitive. All I'm saying is good luck winning with Threet/Sheridan at the helm.. and true freshman Tate Forcier. Also, with a defense that starts walk ons. In my eyes Rodriguez needs to win 7 or 8 games this year (but who knows, maybe he surprises everybody and wins 9 to 10- MUCH crazier things have happened in college football). Then 2011 MUST be Big Ten championship contenders. Thats all within four seasons- so calm down and go easy on thinking I ever said Rodriguez should last five years even if his best record is.500 during that time.. you're just putting words in my mouth.
HailToASquared
Sun, Mar 14, 2010 : 11:52 a.m.
hey smart guy, if you say you see ive followed them only since 2000 then u dont need to tell me how many orange and rose bowls they went to during the decade. And no, I'm 28 and have been able to watch them and actually know whats going on since about '87ish. Anyways, all you did was repeat what i said. I was the one that said we often finished in second place and made bowl games!! My problem was that for the second half of the Carrs tenure we couldn't beat Tressel and we'd go to a bowl game only to get embarrassed for the most part. That was getting old fast. As for us beating Ohio State, dont be so damn ignorant, all you're doing is trying to insult me because you dont like what I have to say. I'm well aware of our record against OSU before Tressel got there, and our all-time record against them. It's the fact that what had happened since Tressel got there that we needed a change. As for Rodriguez, there you go assuming more things/putting words in my mouth. I'm saying give him some time- if you think Threet/Sheridan and a freshman year of Tate Forcier was such a fair chance for Rodriguez then you're insane. He's bringing in REAL solid players who will be good with experience. I never said he needs five full seasons you're going to the extreme just because my panties aren't in a bunch like yours and i dont want him gone after two. He needs to improve to about 7 or 8 wins this year (who knows maybe it'll be a ridiculous improvement and they win 9 or 10- stranger things have happened in football) and then be a big ten championship contender his fourth year or he's gone.
GoblueinNE_PA
Sun, Mar 14, 2010 : 10:03 a.m.
Hail I see you've only followed the program since about 2000, so I'll forgive you're ignorance of the situation. (you do know that we went to 3 Rose Bowls and an Orange Bowl during the 2000's right?) Michigan's history is one of dominance in the Big 10. Even years that we didn't win the Big 10 title, we were usually in 2nd. I understand that from your POV, it looks like we've always lost to OSU, but that wasn't the case. Only a few short years before that, we dominated OSU. Regardless,we didn't embarrass ourselves while playing the rest of the little 8 like we have under Rich Rod. You say people like me want Rich Rod gone and people like you want to give him a chance. Ok, for how long? Are you really willing to give him 5 losing seasons (Ok, maybe he barely breaks.500 in one of those seasons) before letting him go? You would let him destroy the program to the point where no high school player has ever seen a Michigan team put together a winning season, let alone compete for any kind of significant achievement? That's what you're asking for if you give him a full 5 years. We are in a "What have you done lately" world and the kids coming out won't care about our long history of winning. They'll look at a team that's been noncompetitive their entire high school career and find better alternatives. As an alum, I'm not willing to settle for that. You are right, we don't know what will happen when RichRod is replaced, but we shouldnt' be surprised by what's happen since his hiring. Bill Martin was simply continuing his tradition of making horrible hiring decisions. Martin may have got the facilities upgraded during his tenure, but he let the actual athletic programs go to pot. Here's hoping Brandon has more success. It shouldn't be too difficult.
GoblueinNE_PA
Sun, Mar 14, 2010 : 10:02 a.m.
Hail I see you've only followed the program since about 2000, so I'll forgive you're ignorance of the situation. (you do know that we went to 3 Rose Bowls and an Orange Bowl during the 2000's right?) Michigan's history is one of dominance in the Big 10. Even years that we didn't win the Big 10 title, we were usually in 2nd. I understand that from your POV, it looks like we've always lost to OSU, but that wasn't the case. Only a few short years before that, we dominated OSU. Regardless,we didn't embarrass ourselves while playing the rest of the little 8 like we have under Rich Rod. You say people like me want Rich Rod gone and people like you want to give him a chance. Ok, for how long? Are you really willing to give him 5 losing seasons (Ok, maybe he barely breaks.500 in one of those seasons) before letting him go? You would let him destroy the program to the point where no high school player has ever seen a Michigan team put together a winning season, let alone compete for any kind of significant achievement? That's what you're asking for if you give him a full 5 years. We are in a "What have you done lately" world and the kids coming out won't care about our long history of winning. They'll look at a team that's been noncompetitive their entire high school career and find better alternatives. As an alum, I'm not willing to settle for that. You are right, we don't know what will happen when RichRod is replaced, but we shouldnt' be surprised by what's happen since his hiring. Bill Martin was simply continuing his tradition of making horrible hiring decisions. Martin may have got the facilities upgraded during his tenure, but he let the actual athletic programs go to pot. Here's hoping Brandon has more success. It shouldn't be too difficult.
HailToASquared
Sun, Mar 14, 2010 : 3:29 a.m.
"One more season of this crap and then we can get the program back to where it belongs, at the top of the Big 10 and in the national picture." at the top of the big ten? from what I remember Ohio State has been kicking our asses for years now, well before Rodriguez. I know you just LOVE the days of finishing just short of winning the conference and then losing the bowl game, but there's a much bigger picture these days. When Rodriguez's players are older/experienced, they won't be settling for second place and a bowl loss like Lloyd's boys did.
HailToASquared
Sun, Mar 14, 2010 : 3:25 a.m.
GoblueinNE_PA- while you can name some programs that HAVE bounced right back, such as the ones you listed- there's also many examples of teams that struggle to get back after a firing. We don't know what would happen if Rodriguez was fired.. it could go either way. But he would have to be replaced by a very similar coach with a similar offense if you ask me- otherwise we're going to have transfers and be in a major hole. This team that was low on talent and is starting to finally be built up again cannot afford to lose a coach and more players who leave when he's fired. And then you have players who may stick around but are not happy with the new coach, like some of lloyd carrs players who stuck around but didn't play hard for rodriguez. we don't want to have to deal with all that again. Bottom line- people like you who want rodriguez gone and people like me who want to see him given a full legitimate shot with his players to run his offense (who aren't led by a bunch of underclassmen), neither of us know what situation the program would be in if we fired rodriguez and brought in a new guy. It could work out miraculously or it could be even worse.. or just more of the same. I say give him his chance- if he gets this thing off the ground, these type of players he's bringing in can run ALL OVER the slow Big Ten, just like the other conferences that play us who recruit players like Michigan does now.
BillMK
Sat, Mar 13, 2010 : 11:47 p.m.
"Why is everybody so shortsighted about this...fire RichRod and we are doomed to another 3+ years of rebuilding the football program. Why not give the guy some support and help him build the type of program he has had in the past. " Why/why not? Because it is easier to troll - one needn't even change out of pajamas!
GoblueinNE_PA
Sat, Mar 13, 2010 : 9:25 p.m.
For everyone out there worried about the program falling apart after RichRod is fired, don't be. There are many examples of programs, power programs, coming back from a poor coaching hire. Oklahome did it with Stoops. Their record was 12-22 before Stoops and he won a national title after 2 years and he's not had a losing season. Saban has done it twice now, in the SEC, w/LSU and Alabama, both coming off poor 3 year stretches under the wrong guy. He was able to win national titles in both places w/in 4 years and never had a losing season. Pete Carrol did it at USC, a school that many thought was no longer significant on the national scene. He won a title in 3 years after a below.500 record in the previous 3 seasons by his predecessor. Never had a losing season there. Go back further and look what Schnellenberger did w/a Miami Hurricane program that was about to drop football. He turned them into a national power and won a title in 5 years. My point is that replacing this goofball w/a real coach won't lead to us falling further down the rat hole. It probably means just the opposite. I don't know who the right guy is to replace Rich Rod, but I do know that Rich Rod ain't the guy to do it. One more season of this crap and then we can get the program back to where it belongs, at the top of the Big 10 and in the national picture.
vi4mi4
Sat, Mar 13, 2010 : 6:14 p.m.
portage.. LOL Go Blue! v
sandi
Sat, Mar 13, 2010 : 5:05 p.m.
i agree this year rich rod has to make big improvments. but i'm willing to give him and the team a chance...go blue
PortageLkBlu
Sat, Mar 13, 2010 : 3:39 p.m.
Now, now boys and girls wipe away all those little tears and stop complaining daddy will be home soon with a great big 3 yr. retooled Wolverine football team. Put away your toys cause we're going to have a lot of fun this next year winning. I know all your complaining is becuase you feel like daddy hasn't paid attention to you but daddy RR has been busy and consumed trying to retool an old outdated program that was slipping into a so so program from years of neglect. What was that you say that you miss your old daddy Carr. Well, old daddy just got tired and couldn't keep up with the high tech. and speed of the times and he had to retire and he's not going to coach anymore becuase he's tired of all the effort it takes to build and sustain a winning program at this time. Yes, ol daddy Carr was a nice man kind of like Santa and we'll always remember him that way but we are grown up now and as is the nature of things we have to move on. As is always true in life just like a king or president half the folks like him and half don't but as we all know that doesn't make daddy RR a bad person or coach it's just the nature of things in this world just like so many people wanted daddy Carr's head and so daddy Carr was let go, oh my I mean he retired. Now a lot of people talk about how great he Was becuase he's gone. As all little children you will find that just as soon as daddy RR starts winning all the little children will love him and that's the nature of things. So all you little children be patient, daddy is working hard to make you all happy again in the meantime you keep grandpa Carr and great grandpa Bo in your prayers and remember they would want you to support the team and daddy RR.
Kelly
Sat, Mar 13, 2010 : 1:07 p.m.
HailToASquared, I couldn't have said it better myself. Those who are paid overly extreme amounts of money are indeed expected to produce extreme success. It should not be limited to sports at all. Indeed, this philosophy is indeed found in professional sports worldwide. Being hired does not guarentee one to continue to receive >6 figure salary. We are an "at will emloyment state" for all those not protected under union contract. He is under a contract that we should honor. I have no hate for R2. But he certainly is being overpaid in A2 during this economy. Although the University of MI erroneously agreed to pay this salary, he should have known the expectations that come with this pay level. Want better for the organization you love? Then demand better. R2 is capable for rising to the occassion as are the players. Question is, just how many years does should he get to attempt this goal without penalty or honest scrutiny?
HailToASquared
Sat, Mar 13, 2010 : 12:54 p.m.
heartbreak, they cant even make the tournament now.. what are you talking about?? anyways- rodriguez and the football team have nothing to do with any of those basketball coaches so your cute "assumption" is pointless. assume what you want I guess- but you're completely wrong.. which isn't surprising. go cry about his WRIST ****ING BAND of all things.. for real, when you "haters" start complaining about his wrist band now you are so desperate.
heartbreakM
Sat, Mar 13, 2010 : 12:35 p.m.
Chelsea--right there with you. I did not think that RR fit with Michigan when his name was first announced in reports, and nothing he has done has convinced me otherwise. I will always root for the players, but that does not mean that I have to support the coach. Of course, all these apologists must have loved Tommy Amaker, Brian Ellerbee, Sue Guevara and all other coaches who have not gotten the job done, too, huh? SPeaking of which, remember the good old days of Amaker when the team didn't make the tournament?
B.Luke
Sat, Mar 13, 2010 : 11:45 a.m.
Michigan lost 3 very close games last year. They lost due to late game mistakes based on inexperience. The Wolverines could have gone 8-4 but they did not. All of the couch coaches that blame RichRod would have been singing a different tune.You can coach them but you can not play the game for them. This will be a short lived slump. When Penn State was in a slump everyone wanted Joe Pa's head. Now he has respect because he has players that are experienced.
scooter dog
Sat, Mar 13, 2010 : 10:30 a.m.
I hope they go 0-10 or 0 and whatever.I love reading the comments from all you cry babies WA WA WA. Makes ya wanna run out and blow another few grand on season tickets don't it.
dollarstoresparty
Sat, Mar 13, 2010 : 9:26 a.m.
sounds like you need a kleenex vi4mi4. i agree with the red wrist band though. i know it stands out and is easier to spot in an instant from the field, but the red needs to go. how about construction orange, or perhaps that safety lime green. anything but red.
vi4mi4
Sat, Mar 13, 2010 : 9:16 a.m.
...what "Michigan Man" wears a RED wristband?? sorry, He Don't Get It!...bandwagon?? rich red hijacked the winningest bandwagon of all time and turned it into a last place mess...before him Blue was smashing florida (with tebow and harvin)...returning 8 D starters, plus Mallett, Arrington and possibly Manningham...then mr. red decides to play flag football, 3rd and 1 shotgun formation? bubble screens? no power game...excuses (the cupboard was bare)...no bowl, losing seasons, that is called failure! get that RED wristband off his arm, baptize him in some Blue fire and WIN! Go Blue! v
Wolverine Convert
Sat, Mar 13, 2010 : 8:53 a.m.
Wow - What a bunch of haters...For those that know what is going on the odds were stacked against us in many ways the past 2 years. (how many winning teams have freshman/walk-on quarterbacks start 2 years in a row). Good things are coming and we better make a bigger bandwagon for all the haters that want to jump on....Or maybe they can move 60 miles to the west and cheer for Sparty...We don't need them.
ChelseaBob
Sat, Mar 13, 2010 : 8:45 a.m.
One more thing. If RR wins the big ten this year, I'll still want him gone. I'm not a fair weather fan. It's about more than winning. This guy just doesn't belong here.
ChelseaBob
Sat, Mar 13, 2010 : 8:39 a.m.
suckeyehater what planet were you on in the Cooper years? They hated him and called for his head at every chance. Support? not a chance. Cooper didn't have the ethics or the appreciation for tradition, and he could never be a true ohio state man. He was guy in the wrong place. I've said since day one, these are our Cooper years. The sooner we end them and get a "Michigan Man" at the helm, the sooner we get back on course. Michigan man doesn't necessarily mean an alum, but it has to be someone with ethics and someone who appreciates our tradition.
stan
Sat, Mar 13, 2010 : 7:27 a.m.
Kelly, Please know what you are talking about before you spout off about your tax money being used to pay for anything Athletic Department related at Michigan. The AD is completely self-funded and does not receive any general fund money.
Bob W
Sat, Mar 13, 2010 : 6:47 a.m.
"better times are coming" One can only hope so. :o(
NoBowl4Blue
Sat, Mar 13, 2010 : 6:42 a.m.
RR was and is wrong for a traditional power house football program like U of M. All he has done is bring shame and disgrace to the school. What are you so called "king' lovers going to be happy with? 6 wins 7 maybe. A minor bowl? Close games with MSU and OSU? Pathetic.
jb82
Sat, Mar 13, 2010 : 3:54 a.m.
Voice of reason, you are a true voice of reason! Thank you, for exposing the idiot "townies"! Rich Rodriguez gave the football team a much needed edema to take the program to next level. All of the poo poo has been discharged and the team is ready to crack some Buckeyes! Go Blue!
voiceofreason
Sat, Mar 13, 2010 : 1:14 a.m.
You people make me sick. Ann Arbor townies should not be allowed to publicly opine about Michigan football. Yes, "The Grinch"(Who was probably a gymnast) knows more about football than the man who invented the spread offense. Just because this site provides you with the means to offer an opinion, doesn't mean you need to necessarily do so. I can't wait until the Summer Arts & Crafts circuit gets going. At least you people will have something to do besides complain.
HailToASquared
Sat, Mar 13, 2010 : 12:51 a.m.
flyfish- you try to be controversial/interesting... but its just not happening. sure, some michigan "fans" are spoiled and are a bunch of whiners- but i'm not worried for a minute. like the other guy said, when michigan is back here very soon, these "fans" will be running as fast as they can to catch back up to the bandwagon.
Flyfish
Sat, Mar 13, 2010 : 12:50 a.m.
Ahhh but all the moral victories this year...weren't they grand! U of M fans now seem to long for a rebound to respectable 8-4 campaigns. Not too long ago at 8-4 we wanted the coach dismissed now we hope for 8-4 as a best possible result? Interesting new territory no doubt. Be it a conductor of an orchestra, CEO, of head coach of a team...the LEADERSHIP is huge.
Flyfish
Sat, Mar 13, 2010 : 12:46 a.m.
Ahhh but all the moral victories this year...weren't they grand! U of M fans now seem to long for a rebound to respectable 8-4 campaigns. Not too long ago at 8-4 we wanted the coach dismissed now we hope for 8-4 as a best possible result? Interesting new territory no doubt. Be it a conductor of an orchestra, CEO, of head coach of a team...the LEADERSHIP is huge.
a2miguy
Sat, Mar 13, 2010 : 12:27 a.m.
Attention all RR Haters: Your services as Michigan fans are no longer needed. When you are proven wrong this fall (and the next, and the next, etc.), you will find that the bandwagon that you so desperately want to leap onto again has left your sorry butts in the dust. Go away. The Michigan I know, love, and SUPPORT doesn't need you.
Engineer
Fri, Mar 12, 2010 : 11:32 p.m.
We can only hope that Mr. Brandon can make things brighter.
HailToASquared
Fri, Mar 12, 2010 : 9:16 p.m.
Kelly, if thats your agenda, then fine. but why only rich rod? how about you start doing it to every employee in michigan who is paid millions but isn't performing so great. Start with players on the Tigers/Pistons/Red Wings/Lions.. and some of those coaches and gms. And then even outside of sports,there's tons of people being paid beyond their production. Why such HATE for rodriguez? He was given a contract that the university was willing to pay.. I highly doubt he is just being lax and doesn't care what happens now that he has a big salary. I'm sure he'd love to win and continue to be the coach and getting this salary for years and years down the road.
Kelly
Fri, Mar 12, 2010 : 8:27 p.m.
He hasn't earned his pay. When the MI unemployment rate is combined with those who no longer are eligible for benefits and those who are underemployed (ie less than 40 hours/week and/or below poverty line), then we see about 22% of Michiganders are without jobs. I will not apologize for not approving of R2's pay in A2 given his performance. I am proud to want my tax dollars spent more wisely. If he isn't providing Big 10 quality, he doesn't have to be fired. But his salary should reflect his performance.
RudeJude
Fri, Mar 12, 2010 : 8:10 p.m.
@Suckeyehater I'm not jumping on the Anti-Coach Rod bandwagon, and I agree with you a true fan supports his school in thick or thin, but it seems funny to compare John Cooper with Rich Rodriguez in light of the major violations. I do not recall John Cooper's teams violating any what the NCAA considers major rules. I also recall that John Cooper had many winning seasons, including five seasons with double-digit wins and 10 seasons with eight wins or more, one of them being in his second season as head coach. His coaching term included a Heisman win and several near National Championships, denied by our Wolverines, thankfully. Maybe you had a different perspective than I did living in Columbus, but I recall John Cooper being under immense scrutiny by the Ohio State fanbase during his tenure because he had trouble beating Michigan. I am not saying Coach Rodriguez deserves his treatment, but I think Ohio State fans have been just as critical of their own coaches in the past, just under different circumstances. Put it this way, I would much rather have a coach who has trouble beating a rival than one whose team has broken major violations. Sadly, we have both. I support coach Rodriguez on the field, but "misinterpreting" the rules off of it is no excuse. He should know the limits and set the limits for his staff. If a coach does not know how to manage that, he should not expect to be a coach. I hope the NCAA goes easy on Michigan and that Coach Rod gets control of his team and starts gaining some winning seasons of his own.
SuckeyeHater
Fri, Mar 12, 2010 : 6:51 p.m.
Michign fans traitors. I live in Columbus and even when the Suckeyes we getting smashed every year by Big Blue, they still supported John Cooper because he was the coach at the school that they love. Sure they hated losing the big games but they stuck with him for 13 years. RR has been at UM for two whole seasons and have done a much better job recruiting the Lloyd. Yes, he has lost more games than anyone but when was the last time UM played with as much youth as we have now. You speak of this great football machine at UM but give me the dates of the last 3 national championships. When was the last time UM won 3 Rose Bowls in a row? When was the last time UM won a BCS championship? When was the last time UM won a nations championship outright? You see, most of you have obviously been hoodwinked by myth. I have had to suffer though 9 years of OSU torture and it's not because Rich Rod has been the coach at Michigan for all 9 of those years. Appreciate what he's trying to do with program. Sure, the road has been bumpy but UM fans make it difficult for the man to do his job. Now, when he starts winning championships I would like to see all of you fans who are complaining now take your support to MSU because true Blue fans are fans through thick and thin.
HailToASquared
Fri, Mar 12, 2010 : 6:45 p.m.
what buzz said. say you "fans" get your wish and Rodriguez is fired. then what? you think your "fantasy world" will come true and all the players rodriguez just recruited for his spread offense are gonna be happy with a new coach who wants to dumb it down? you think we won't be crippled by some big transfers (when we already don't have many players to spare)? You think YOU will be patient and say "lets give this guy a time to get his players in for his system and weed out rodriguez players"? No- you'll call for the next guys head too if he doesn't miraculously come in and win big the first year. I'm not rodriguez slappy whatsoever.. I didn't care for the hire when it happened and I never cared for WVU. But he is catching us up with the times. The big ten gets spanked by other conferences because we simply cannot keep up with the athleticism of other schools. Rodriguez is bringing in guys who should be able to run backwards past the slower big ten competition.. and he showed PLENTY of dedication to the defense with the last recruiting class. calm your whiney asses down- he is our guy and he will win. I know you miss the days of being good enough to compete for the title of a two, sometimes three team conference and then lose the bowl game but there's a much bigger picture here for the future.
buzz
Fri, Mar 12, 2010 : 6:32 p.m.
I am also disappointed that UM last season didnt go to a bowl game but to be real RR did try to bring his unique stly offense to a power por-style, wit players that had no experience, and all the good juniors left b4 RR came in. But getting rid of RR is actually goin to hurt UM even more. The only way we would be to get anohter coach who can run the spread-option. Also we would lose many players that RR recruited, so it would be worse. i think the team is improing and many of u are arrogant fools. It may take longer than at WV but thats because BigTen is a tougher conference than WV. But also UM could get better players than WV so RR could bring UM a crystal ball if he keeps his job. Also no other program tried to change an entire system like wat UM did. A school always known for power pro-style to a fast spread-option. for that BBall game, atleast we kept it close, OSU was heavily favored. Next season will actually be better. even witout Sims. GO BLUE!!!
Kelly
Fri, Mar 12, 2010 : 5:58 p.m.
Better times are coming....hmmmm.....I suppose that means he will be giving back 3/4 of the money MI has foolishly given him. If teachers are expected to produce to profit....I certainly believe RR should not be profiting from so many losses. Shame Shame MI. All that money and nothing good to show for it.
The Grinch
Fri, Mar 12, 2010 : 5:28 p.m.
... as soon as RichRod is gone, that is.
Larry Eiler
Fri, Mar 12, 2010 : 4:36 p.m.
Let's not get too excited. The first four M games this year are with team with decent records last year and some good returnees: Connecticut 7-5 Mass 6-6 Bowling Green 6-6 Notre Dame 6-6 including losing last four by a total of 17 points. LTE1
azwolverine
Fri, Mar 12, 2010 : 4:26 p.m.
John, What kind of program has RR 'built' in the past? In 17 years as a HC he's had 6 losing seasons (SIX!!!) and only 4 10+ win seasons. Not a very good ratio. Further, when looking back at his past, his teams have a habit of going up and down from season to season and hovering around 8 wins. This great 'past' that fans speak of covers only his last three seasons at WVU, while completely discounting the 14 other seasons of his career. The fact that he blew a shot at a National Championship game by losing to an inferior Pitt team is also conveniently overlooked. Sure, he has a chance to rebound at Michigan and should win no less than 8 games this year (4-0 non-conference, 4-4 B10) by simply beating 3 losing teams we lost to last year, but he will never, imo, beat the Buckeyes or win a NC while here at Michigan. It's not in his pedigree.
PR of AA
Fri, Mar 12, 2010 : 4:22 p.m.
All of you nay-sayers need to understand that every team in the nation is 0-0 right now. Rich Rodriguez has my support, he has built winners everywhere he has gone. Yeah the last two years have been very tough but give the man a break, don't blast the guy until he's been given a fair chance. I think he'll turn it around this year and wouldn't be surprised to see Coach of the Year next year. Just my 2 cents
HailToASquared
Fri, Mar 12, 2010 : 4:13 p.m.
The only thing thats sad is Michigan "fans" putting the win/loss record the past two years solely on rodriguez. sure he is a part of it, he doesn't get a pass- but the players have to do their jobs and so do the assistants. its not the easiest thing in the world to change a traditional offense with traditional athletes to play rodriguez ball. we'll get a real glimpse this year of what some of his players can do who have at least a season under their belt (mainly the QB- which is key). Yes, qualifying for a bowl game every season way cute- but a team built with these types of players (after a few years of having them all in system and experienced- aka rodriguez players coming in and graduating and coming in) its a team that can make national title runs. Michigan has won ONE national title in the last 60 years... but i guess you "fans" just care about making a bowl game and losing.. our all time bowl game record being a losing one and all.
No Answers Just Opinions
Fri, Mar 12, 2010 : 4:04 p.m.
'Better times are comming' They better be!
trigg7
Fri, Mar 12, 2010 : 3:42 p.m.
The refs fault..sniff snifff. your OSU B.
john
Fri, Mar 12, 2010 : 2:53 p.m.
Why is everybody so shortsighted about this...fire RichRod and we are doomed to another 3+ years of rebuilding the football program. Why not give the guy some support and help him build the type of program he has had in the past.
vi4mi4
Fri, Mar 12, 2010 : 2:48 p.m.
aw, look at his fashion statement...a red wristband to go with his wvu blue and gold...tsk. Go Blue! v
dading dont delete me bro
Fri, Mar 12, 2010 : 2:44 p.m.
Michigan football coach Rich Rodriguez: 'Better times are coming' does this mean he's leaving?!?;P
Macabre Sunset
Fri, Mar 12, 2010 : 2:42 p.m.
But... he already turned the program around. From a program with 40 consecutive winning seasons in Big Ten play to the doormat of the conference. In just two years. It was amazing. I wish he'd just shut up. I don't want to hear another word from Rich Rodriguez until the day he's fired and we can get back to winning football at Michigan.
chosen1
Fri, Mar 12, 2010 : 2:39 p.m.
Let's just sustain any fast start we have this year. That's all im wanting from this team. Don't tease me like last year. I'm hoping year 2 of same DC will be a plus.
rightmind250
Fri, Mar 12, 2010 : 2:35 p.m.
Oh yeah Richy, don't forget about those quality control forms. Please don't use them for toilet paper again. That was embarassing trying to explain that mess to the NCAA.
rightmind250
Fri, Mar 12, 2010 : 2:30 p.m.
Yeah, say October 2010. When UM is 1-4 and they fire your sorry excuse for a coach right before the michigan state game.