Rich Rodriguez: It was 'hard to watch' Denard Robinson, Michigan football last season
Michigan fired Rich Rodriguez after a 15-22 record and a 52-14 Gator Bowl loss to Mississippi State.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
The former Michigan football coach went deep into Florida and was able to snag the Deerfield Beach star, largely because Robinson himself wanted to play quarterback.
Under Rodriguez, he went on to set an NCAA record for rushing yards by a quarterback in 2010, his first season as a starter. Then, Rodriguez was fired.
Rodriguez watched as Michigan proceeded to go 11-2 and win the Sugar Bowl with first-year coach Brady Hoke. That was difficult for him, he said in a story published Wednesday by CBSSports.com.
"I would have liked to walk in with the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year coming back," he said in the story. "It was one of those things that was hard to watch."
Rodriguez went 15-22 in his three-year tenure at Michigan, the worst career winning percentage in program history. But there also were signs in his final year that things were turning around, most notably the maturation of Robinson.
"Even with some of the issues, Michigan may not have wanted to believe that they had," Rodriguez said. "We thought we fixed them. We just didn't get to enjoy them after they all got fixed."
Robinson's numbers dipped in his first year with Hoke and offensive coordinator Al Borges, but the offense improved overall. It scored 33.4 points per game, up from 32.8 in 2010.
When CBS mentioned Michigan is trending toward a more pro-style approach, Rodriguez replied: "I've always said: 'Let Denard be Denard.' They've got to do what they've got to do."
Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.
Comments
Tru2Blu76
Tue, May 1, 2012 : 6:49 p.m.
An historic day: I agree with over 90% of the comments on this thread! Well said, gentlemen! But let me just address something which was not said here: it was A SPORTS REPORTER who asked Rodriguez those questions. All Rodriguez did was to let himself be drawn in (again!) to answering the sport's reporter's leading, provocative questions. They all do this: so a large helping of blame can be laid on sports reporters (and those who republish such second-hand material). Just a question based on that: I know that Rupert Murdock (archenemy of America and proper journalism) has bought the Wall Street Journal, but has he also bought AnnArbor.com? lol!
lindor
Mon, Apr 23, 2012 : 1:41 a.m.
You know Rich, sometimes it's just better to keep your mouth shut. You've moved on, UM has moved on, focus on current situation at AZ.
Tom
Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 10:35 p.m.
Hard to watch Denard's 15 interceptions? What's the over/under for 2012?
Jaxon5
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 11:28 p.m.
All together now... "you... raise... me... up!..."
ranger007
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 10:58 p.m.
Rich Rod who?...why is this guy still being talked about or talking about u of m football....let it go little fella...be gone
Ken Campbell
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 7:38 p.m.
Why is RR still gracing the pages of the Michigan Bleacher Report..No one cares what he misses or what he thinks..He screwed up a great program for 3 years..That is his only claim to fame..Just go away..
Michael
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 6:28 p.m.
Wanna know what was REALLY hard to watch, Rich? Your inability to find a defensive coordinator and then give him FULL control. Watching you try to force a defensive scheme on to a team to fit the limited coaching skills of "your guys," most notably Tony Gibson, was sickening. Had you known and assimilated this lesson prior to your tenure in Ann Arbor, you would still be here and your buddy TG would be at another place learning how to really coach in an environment where the protection of his pal wouldn't be impeding his ability to learn to do his job.
ecguy
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 1:58 p.m.
As a Michigan grad (both grad and undergrad) here is my assessment of all this: 1) Rich Rod is (in the right environment) probably a pretty good coach. He was an offensive innovator, his teams before Michigan had a lot of success, and I've no doubt that his future teams (e.g. Arizona or elsewhere) will be high achievers at some point. 2) It's obvious he was not embraced at Michigan by the alums, etc. I think he could have had some/more success if the alums would have been open minded about it. People perform better when they know they have support, and certainly I'm sure he felt he wasn't strongly supported. 3) That being said if you wear the Michigan colors you CANNOT STINK IT UP AT YOUR JOB and expect to stay around long. There were many low points but one of the lowest was IF YOU GET 52 POINTS SCORED ON YOU IN A BOWL GAME YOU BETTER TAKE OFF THE MAIZE AND BLUE. I told my son that people at my work (I work on the West Coast) know I went to Michigan and it's my job to represent those colors every day in the right way- with hard work, results, honesty, treating people right, etc. I am far from perfect but if I had such poor performance I'd expect to get axed. 4) Further to (3) Rich Rod is being unbelievably whiney. First when he got here it was "THE CUPBOARD WAS BARE" and now complaining about moving on and not having Denard? He should focus on a fresh start and inspiring his Arizona players. It's like getting married and lamenting about an old girlfriend to your wife- it's just flat out immature for him to be making these comments now. Like I said, nothing personal against Rich, I actually think he will find success in the future. But for gosh sakes accept the fact that you didn't perform and stop whining about the past.
unclemercy
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 1:48 p.m.
beat it.
Ron Granger
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 1:28 p.m.
He did not get it, and he still does not get it. A football team is about winning the "war", and not just a few battles. Having Denard put up great numbers means nothing if the team loses. He was focused on the trees and not the forest. This is a coach who did not understand the importance of a kicking game in the Big Ten. He could not grasp the big picture.
TheWay
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 12:34 p.m.
Why all the hypocrisy? The HC job at Michigan is one of the biggest/best in the world. If any one of you held the position and then were relieved, you'd have just as much trouble letting go. Give the guy a break. It was his dream job, and he lost it. It'll probably sting for the rest of his life.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Fri, May 25, 2012 : 10:41 p.m.
But do you think picking at the scabs will help the healing?
mookienation
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 11:19 p.m.
Thank you for being a human being.
Zak Tillman
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 4:43 a.m.
This man needs to stop talking as if he were still at Michigan we would have been better then 11-2. He did reap the benefits of the team he built. It was one of the most explosive offenses in the country his last year. That's what he built, an explosive offense, no defense at all. He's an O-cord playing dress up as a head coach. The offense was never the problem, it was his 3-3-5 joke of a defense that "worked" in the Big East....this is the BIG 10 doesn't work here. What Mattison and Hoke did for that defense is something RichRod could not have done at all. You weren't a good fit at Michigan, move on dude and stop talking as if "your plan" took affect last season. If he was still at Michigan we would have scored 45 points a game again....but gave up 56. Maybe it will work better in the Pac-12, enjoy the Oregon, USC and Stanford game with that 3-3-5 defense.
TheWay
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 12:36 p.m.
The 3-3-5 could work in the Big Ten. If there was a coach on the team who could run it. Even Mattison himself said it "scheme doesn't matter, it's doing what you know" - I paraphrased that, but the point stands.
jedi1462
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 3:44 a.m.
RR could have been a success at Michigan, he recruited some speed which is needed to win at the top of college football, but he did not match it with enough size and power to stay with Big 10 schools. In the end, he didn't do what successful coaches are able to do adjust with the times, players, and situation. I hope RR has learned from his 3 years in Ann Arbor. As for future questions on the Wolverines he should just say "I wish the players, coaches, and school nothing but the best. And players like Denard and others I recruited I want them to know I hope they win on and off the field."
riverraisin
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 3:09 a.m.
Who is this Rich Rodriguez character and why is he commenting on Michigan football? Reminds me of this nightmare I had. In my dream UofM hired this terrible coach that took the winningest football program in history and turned it into a joke. It was a nightmare that seemed to go on for years. I know it must have been a bad dream because last time I checked, we have a great football team. It was just a nightmare, wasn't it?
Hailmary
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 7:33 p.m.
I thought you at least would know. RR was a guy that brought in a lot of talent to a bare cupboard at Mich., had a lousy defensive scheme and the Mich. fans did not like him from the get-go.
Chase Ingersoll
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 2:18 a.m.
At least RR taught his Michigan kids to stay at Michigan and stick together, unlike the RR predecessor, whose animus toward Les MIles was the primary reason RR was here in the first place. And if you love Brady Hoke and his players so much, why don't you follow their lead and at least consider their statements regarding RR. Chase Ingersoll
cutty240
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 2:02 a.m.
I looked at what Rich said,he does need to move on,its over Rich.But i will say this You Michigan Fans will be brought back to ground Very fast this year.Starting with the first Game against Bama.You will see speed that you have never seen in the last 10 years.You have never played a team in the 10 years this physical either.Plus you don't have 8 home Games and all those cup cakes you played last year either.Uncle Fester and Horse Head Hoke don't have to worry about The Big Ten Championship this year.I can't believe your not taking your band to Dallas either.You'll need something that would be awesome to see.You Have One Hellva of a Band.
DonAZ
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 1:09 a.m.
Here's my beef ... I live in Tucson and I see Rodriguez's face on billboards all over town. There are tons and tons of pictures of Rodriguez in Arizona gear. And yet story after story shows RODRIGUEZ IN FREAKIN' MICHIGAN GEAR. STOP IT. If you want a picture of Rodriguez in a UofA hat I'll send one to you. Or Google it. But for Pete's sake, stop with the Rodriguez in the Maize and Blue.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Fri, May 25, 2012 : 9:51 p.m.
Don...You have yelled this so much, and I love it. I agree. I think they use those pix to make us all cringe, like, "Didn't we get rid of this guy? Why is he still in our gear?!" Please just send a couple of Az pix to AA.com and hope they will use them. How can the guy move on (at least out of my consciousness) when he gets stuck in those togs? Let's see the man in his new weeds. PLEASE!!!!
Hailmary
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 7:11 p.m.
I will be interested to keep up with RR and what he does or doesn't do for Arizona. I hope he's successful as I hoped in the beginning that he would be successful at Mich. My beef with RR was on a different sphere that being bringing in Greg to coach that god awful defensive scheme. I'm not vindictive never have been and I hope Rich the best. I'd like to see RR and Brady face off in the Rose Bowl. I'd like to see Brady wipe up the floor with RR but like I said, "I'm not vindictive" and I mean that.
Steve McQueen
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 11:54 p.m.
Ann Arbor removed my comment, and they were wrong to do so because it did not "violate their blah blah blah" they just didnt like it. Fact 1: Rich Rod had commits from Shavodrick Beaver (yes AA that is his real name) and Kevin Newsome at QB. The class was locked up at QB. Fact 2: Both Beaver and Newsome decommitted and Rich Rod was forced to get other QBs. Fact 3: Tate Forcier committed, as he was offered at the same time that Beaver and Newsome were. Fact 4: It was getting late in the recruiting process, and Rich Rod was scrambling for another QB out of desperation and he offered Denard Robinson from Deerfield Beach Florida ONLY because he was desperate for another QB after the first 2 decommitted on him. Fact 5: Denard Robinson was Rich Rod's FOURTH CHOICE at QB in that class. Fourth. Rich Rod acts like he invented Denard Robinson. The fact is that he lucked in to getting him to come to Michigan. Thank God for luck.
Huron 74
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 10:33 p.m.
He's a windbag, just like Dantonio. I'm sure glad we've got Hoke. No useless flapping of the jaws with him.
Tom
Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 10:40 p.m.
Schembechler patented the windbag. Huron 74? Another EMU dropout who jumped on the M Bandwagon? Yep...
Steve McQueen
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 10:13 p.m.
"But there also were signs in his final year that things were turning around" Absolutely Wrong Mr. Meinke. You were not here for the RR Error. It was a disaster and the team was getting worse, particularly on defense....which was an abomination.
Steve McQueen
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 10:12 p.m.
Rodriguez, once again proves that he is one of the biggest narcissists in college football. He can not let this go. Hey Rich Rod...if you or one of you lackeys are reading this: YOU FAILED. MOVE ON. Geeze enough of this guy already. The biggest thing that is insulting here is that he trys to dismiss Coach Hoke's accomplishments with his little "Walk in" comment. Sad sad sad.. that guy FAILED and was the worst coach in Michigan football history. That was bad enough...but his continued comments like these are starting to make me dislike him personally.
Harvey Morrison
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 10:04 p.m.
And it wasn't painful for us to watch the RichRod teams of 2008-2009 and 2011? Havey Morrison University Heights, OH
Harvey Morrison
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 10:28 p.m.
Sorry - My earlier comment should have read: "And wasn't it painful for us to watch the RichRod teams of 2008-2010? Harvey Morrison [UM -L-62] University Heights, OH
Scott Laux
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 9:47 p.m.
He was asked a question. What's he suppose to say, "Oh I hate myself. I'm such a failure." RR failed miserably on the defensive side of the ball- he was fired- it's over- let it go. He brought us Denard and all the guys we are currently enjoying.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Fri, May 25, 2012 : 9:44 p.m.
Simple: "that was then, this is now. Are there any questions regarding my current responsibilities?" Just because a question is asked, it does not mean you have to give a nasty response. RR might benefit from some simple PR lessons.
WWBoDo
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 8:58 p.m.
In the end, I still blame Bill Martin for attempting to put a square peg in a round hole. Bill and Mary Sue Coleman made a terrible choice and hung RR (who was not equipped for the job at Michigan--perhaps other schools--but not Michigan) out to dry. And RR was not smart enough to recogneize what he was getting into before he found himself helplessly in a no win situation. I wish him luck at Arizona and the look forward to the day that we no longer have to hear from or about him.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Fri, May 25, 2012 : 9:42 p.m.
Maybe a coach should live with the big contract he already has rather than jumping ship. Maybe he would still be a hero at WVU.
1bit
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 8:49 p.m.
What is wrong with him? Get over it. Move on. When somebody asks him about it, he should just politely decline to comment. He's said all he needs to say.
Hailmary
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 10:54 p.m.
Doesn't bother me let him talk. The more it bothers us the more it will be newsworthy. 1bit, you know how the press operates. 1bit, the more you, we carry on about the big, bad RR the more we're going to hear about and from RR.
Hailmary
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 8:28 p.m.
Once Denard Robinson is gone we won't hear much more about or from RR.
Bill
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 7:58 p.m.
RR is no longer news in Ann Arbor. I see no point to articles on AnnArbor.com regarding this former, less than stellar, coach.
Terry Star21
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 7:38 p.m.
Didn't read the article, didn't have to - we saw it over and over and over for three years +2 extra now.....an attempt at a one sided cartoon book was even printed, skipping the principles .......the media loves to cause controversy......I have forgotten the past, reveled in last season and live for the future.....this person you speak of above should also....
Tom
Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 10:43 p.m.
Terry - Where did you go to school? Did you revel on October 15th as the Spartans POUNDED on Hoke's team? I did! Where's the threat?
johnnya2
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 7:36 p.m.
It amazes me that somehow there is still talk about a failed football coach at UM, but we never see stories about Coach Moeller,. or about Coach Fisher, OR Amaker or how about one about where did Ellerbee end up? Rich Rod was a failure, I need to hear about him as much as I want to hear about Ellerbee.
BornInA2
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 12:16 a.m.
Those coaches didn't leave the program and continue to run their pie-holes about it at full volume. In other words, they showed some class.
Terry Star21
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 7:40 p.m.
johnny....the media loves this stuff, the live for it....
A2M3
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 7:36 p.m.
Does anyone in this city give a hashtag what richrod has to say? This is a non-story.
mookienation
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 11:16 p.m.
80 comments. I don't think a single Michigan basketball article got that many comments this past season. Apparently, someone cares.
BornInA2
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 7:25 p.m.
RR: All whine, all the time. My sincere condolences to University of Arizona football fans; I think it's going to be a rough few years for you. Get used to excuses and a dearth of accountability. At least his wildly creative interpretations of the facts provide some bit of entertainment.
Terry Star21
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 7:41 p.m.
Got that right....entertainment is right, just like ted likes to entertain us....
a2miguy
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 7:18 p.m.
Good grief. How many more of these stories with there be? Leave it alone, for heaven's sake.
Nic schweigert
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 7:29 p.m.
Soon as rich rod stops thinking he's owed something or got screwed out of his coaching job at Michigan. As long as he keeps saying stupid arrogant stuff with regard to his time here at Michigan I'm sure we will keep hearing about it. I mean he did lead the darkest part of michigans football program in forever not to mention the only NCAA sanctions brought onto the football team
a2miguy
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 7:19 p.m.
WILL there be... (oops)
Larry Eiler
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 7:15 p.m.
This is not news. Why belabor the poor performance of RR when here? He is a good offensive coach and will find his way. Leave him be.
Steve McQueen
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 10:18 p.m.
"Leave him be"??? are you serious Larry? Rich Rod brings this negative spotlight on himself.. every time he opens his mouth to spew his excuses and blame.
Fishbulb
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 6:51 p.m.
I'm thrilled with Hoke being at Michigan because it was time for Rodriguez to move on, but read the ORIGINAL article. What you read above is just the snippet about Michigan. The original piece is about Rodriguez and Arizona. He keeps talking about Michigan because people keep asking him. This will all die down once the season starts and Arizona plays their own games. Rodriguez should move on, and so should his 'former' fans here. Best of luck to him. Would love to see a Michigan-Arizona Rose Bowl.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Fri, May 25, 2012 : 9:36 p.m.
Hebner...His WHAT?
Hebner
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 12:52 a.m.
I would love a Michigan-Arizona matchup...we would keep his defense on the field the whole game!
Steve McQueen
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 10:17 p.m.
RR is solely responsible for everything that comes out of his mouth. It doesnt matter who asks him about Michigan or why they do it. He could easily just say "no comment" and move on...but his fragile ego will not let him.
Nic schweigert
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 7:25 p.m.
How about instead of telling reporters who supposedly keep asking him about Michigan "oh we had things fixed then I got fired" and instead step up and say I'm focused on my new team and moving forward. He sounds like a bitter ex who can't get over his former fling. Move on. You sucked it up at Michigan. Thank goodness for all us Michigan fans he is gone. Go blue
Mike D
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 6 p.m.
Sorry no love for RichRod here either. The other posters took the words right out of my mouth. I love Denard, but with a bigger O and D-lIne in the future a pro style QB will be unstoppable.
TheWay
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 12:32 p.m.
The reason we call it the "pro-style" offense is because it was what the pros used. Well, guess what the best NFL offenses look like these days: Yeah, a passing spread. The "pro-style" QB is becoming a thing of the past. With mobile QBs more and more prevalent (even Andrew Luck, mr. pro-style himself, is very athletic) and the spread permeating the NFL, the offense we call "pro-style" now will soon be "old-fashioned" like the wishbone.
Nic schweigert
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 5:52 p.m.
Ya move on rich rod. You failed. Miserably. And you know what was hard to watch? You destroying the mos winningest college football program and completely ignore two important parts of the team, defense and special teams. You made your bed, sleep in it
Macabre Sunset
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 5:45 p.m.
A football coach would understand that success in football is not achieved by individual statistical records. Rich Rodriguez is not a football coach.
Scott Laux
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 3:15 a.m.
I guess all those multi million dollar yearly salaries are just an illusion- since hes not a football coach.
heartbreakM
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 5:52 p.m.
If I could give you 10 thumbs ups, I would!! Well said.
Hailmary
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 5:31 p.m.
Rich was humiliated in his mind. Rich certainly did bring some good talent to Mich. and I'm sure Brady appreciated what Rich left him. The difference in my book is that Brady and Co. are better coaches.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Fri, May 25, 2012 : 9:31 p.m.
So true. A big chunk of stone, and hammer and chisel, even the best ones around, will not make a statue of David that is worth anything. Someone with talent has to do the sculpting.
heartbreakM
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 5:25 p.m.
Here we go again. Key sentence from the above report: "the offense improved overall". To win at football, you have to out-execute the opponent (usually), and the results ON THE FIELD (rather than in some bitter ex-coach's mind) are all the proof I need. Let Denard be Denard? How about "Let Michigan be Michigan" i.e. compete for championships and win. Enough, former coach!!
Hebner
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 12:49 a.m.
heartbreakM, I agree! Football is a team sport not about any one player. Denard is awsome, but it is about Michigan.
ted
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 4:57 p.m.
Only Al Borges does not have the capability to put 2 and 2 together. This offense will only start trending downward under his reighn.
TheWay
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 12:29 p.m.
Let's all hope Al Borges' offense doesn't go south like it did at Auburn after a great first season.
Hebner
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 12:45 a.m.
A team is not built on offense, it starts with defense first. But, I think Al Borges does a great job of mixing it up. I thought the time of possession was outstanding last year, as we ran the ball well from the running back position. In addition, Denard was healthy late in the season, as he peaked against Nebraska and Ohio. Al not only puts 2 and 2 together, he just signed a well deserved contract! Go Al!, Go Blue!!
Terry Star21
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 7:33 p.m.
Teds a comedian, he has made it clear over and over to us.....nothing he has ever said has made any rational sense.....but I love him and enjoy his comedy immensely, I love to laugh......it is what it is.....
Hailmary
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 5:18 p.m.
Ted, when you make these kinds of comments against Al who by the way was a major part of Mich. good record and conclusion in the bowl it would help if you present facts to back up your attacks. Ted, without facts for your attacks on All folks just won't take you serious. Ted, I don't take you serious because I know your not serious but other folks may not understand your humor like I do and appreciate.
Blue1st
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 4:54 p.m.
I debated on whether to read this article, then to read the comments. now that i have, i have to comment on what in my opinion doesn't surprise me is RR's arrogance. I spoke with him briefly once and his mouth spewed it....Good luck at AZ RR, you'll need it GO BLUE!!
7718
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 9:03 p.m.
You spoke with him briefly one time....everyone's entitled to their opinion.
ypsi 1
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 4:42 p.m.
Ditto on the other comments. Rodriguez was a failure as a head coach because he ignored the defense and special teams. The joke of a defensive coorinator Robinson from Syracuse was incapable of doing the job. I have to say that the spread offense has a place in the game if it is mixed with other schemes and Denard is exactly the man to make it work. When you add in good running backs we now have an offense that will make most teams cringe. Not everything Rodriguez brought was a failure, just the failure to have a complete picture.
Hebner
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 12:38 a.m.
I agree, Greg Robinson was just not that good of a coach... but remember the popular clique during RR's tenure, 'cupboards are bare'. It was sickening to listen to press conferences and hear about the lack of talent or experience as a built in excuse. Fans were tired of hearing excuses and just wanted to see improvement from game to game. I remember a head coach who forced a system on a team, never considering the nuances of the game such as designing game plans around the type of team you have. That is why I have an appreciation for our coaches now, they consider the strengths of the talent and design plays that result in high percentage successes. RR says 'fix it' as a punchline...Brady Hoke and coaches continually work with our guys to get them better every day. Saying something and doing it are two different things...Michigan men know the continual processes of playing football at an optimum level.
Alex Migda
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 3:56 p.m.
I'm sure Leveon bell would set QB rushing records too... if he were erroniously assigned the position. I guess Barry Sanders should have been a quarterback too!
TheWay
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 12:26 p.m.
If you're going to insult Michigan student-athletes, like you're doing to Denard right now, please go to an MSU or OSU publication to do it.
WolverineBruin
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 3:53 p.m.
After years of reading articles and comments online here, I finally had to make an account...just to leave feedback here. To Rich Rodriguez: You are obnoxious. Please stop your whining. You took a decent team and destroyed a program, and now you continue to imply that had you gotten one more destructive year you would have succeeded. However, your inability to develop a RUNNING game beyond Denard made it impossible for you to win in the Big Ten. Furthermore, your LAST ranked defense showed no signs of improvement. You've never led a great defense onto the field (let alone a 'good' defense), but you got away with it because you played in terrible conferences. Enough is enough. You had your chance and acted like a spoiled, self-entitled child. I have no doubt you could be a great offensive coordinator somewhere, but to be a head coach at a real program you need personal qualities and characteristics that you simply do not posses. Sincerely, The Class of 2008
TheWay
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 12:25 p.m.
Actually, WVU had pretty good defenses while he was there. They were top 10 nationally in 2007, and I believe 11th in 2005. There is plenty to dislike about Rich Rodriguez' tenure here. But making things up just shows ignorance.
Scott Laux
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 3:19 a.m.
That decent team lost to Appalachia State.
thecompound
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 9:46 p.m.
I wish I could vote this up a million times. It pretty much sums everything up.
MRunner73
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 3:46 p.m.
It is not that difficult for me to imagine that Rich Rod had things "fixed". In his mind, he's convinced Michigan would have had 9 wins or better in year 4. My belief is that inspite of the the extra home games in 2011, he would had no more than a 6 or 7 win season and a disasterous Big 10 conference record. BTW: We saw what happended to Ron Zook at IL when his team collapsed during Big 10 play in 2011. Rich Rod was establishing a losing culture in Big 10 play. The way Michigan was getting blown out by the better conference teams has humiliating, and I doubt it would have been any better in 2011. The defense would not have improved that much over the 2010 version. On offense, Fitz Toussaint would not have anywhere close to 1000 yards. I gut feeling is that the team would have collapsed after a Michigan State loss. Besides, the better teams in the conference would have shut down Denard and the offense as they did the previous years. In Hoke, we trust...GO BLUE!!!
JGS
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 3:44 p.m.
It was hard to watch RR dismantle the Michigan Football program for 3 years so I guess we're even. Move on RR and stop thinking that you built this team.
mookienation
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 11:07 p.m.
If he didn't make it realize its potential, he didn't build it.
TheWay
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 12:19 p.m.
Well, technically, he did build this team. He just didn't make it realize its potential.
SemperFi
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 3:32 p.m.
So, RR had a difficult time watching last year. Well, the entire UM family had difficulty watching the sad product that he called a defense for 3 years. I really don't care about his difficulties watching TV. Glad he's gone. Go Blue!
HeimerBoodle
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 5:36 p.m.
I had the same thought - no one paid me millions to live through RR's years here, but he was, and still is, well compensated. Now let me get the world's smallest violin...
81wolverine
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 3:32 p.m.
To Coach R: Time to move on. You have a new team to concentrate on. And by the way, when you say "We thought we fixed them. We just didn't get to enjoy them after they all got fixed." I hope you're not talking about the defense. That was a disaster the whole time you were here and would not have been better in year 4 if not for Coaches Hoke and Mattison fixing it. But, good luck at Arizona!
7718
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 9:15 p.m.
To CBS Sports: time to move on and ask different questions. RR probably should have pulled a Lloyd and said "that's a stupid question" but that is a little tacky.
Hound313
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 2:45 p.m.
RichRod has moved on, but it hurts the guy. He's a very emotional passionate guy. He's very disappointed at what happenend on his watch at UM. Wouldn't you be? He made some mistakes, mainly stepping onto such a big stage governed by blue bloods with no lattitude towards change , trial and error. But I tell you what, Denard Robinson is arguably the most exciting player Michigan has ever had, Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard included. I'll tell you something else, ole RichRod would make a better OC than Al Borges. He just isn't, in my opinion, a head coach. He may be now after the learning curve at Michigan. As a true UM fan I am really afraid that our tradition has made us all slavers to the past afraid of innovation and the desire to keep up with, or to chase the future. The National Title game, 2 pro-style offenses was terrible. I really dred that Michigan might fall back amongst the ranks of slow boring football. OMG! It was all a dream, but I would have loved to have:: Brady Hoke (Head Coach), Greg Mattison (Defensive Coordinator) and RichRod (Offensive Coiordinator). Mark my words, we gave Al a raise for nothing. Old smash mouth football is a thing of the past. It's all about getting your playmakers into SPACE, and Al dozsen't understand that, he himself is a dinasour. The NFL has even abandoned that smash mouth mold and is more a pass happy league. Good RB's aren't even commodoties any more. Most teams are doing a RB by committee thing. And dual threat QB's are begining to emerge. Drew Brees. Eli Manning. The exceptions, of course, are Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. Go Blue, for life, but those are my thoughts.