Uncertainty around Rich Rodriguez's job concerns Michigan football players
Mike Martin, shown in Jacksonville on Wednesday, says concern over the future of Rich Rodriguez is on every player's mind.
Associated Press
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Members of the Michigan football team have done their best to concentrate on the upcoming Gator Bowl.
But the Wolverines haven’t been immune to the uncertainty surrounding their coach.
“It’s always in the back of your head because of how much is said about it,” defensive tackle Mike Martin said. “But we’re playing and he’s coaching, and we’re ready to show what this program has January 1.”
Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon has said since the end of the regular season that he would withhold evaluation of head coach Rich Rodriguez until after the Gator Bowl on Saturday. (1:30 p.m., ESPN2)
In the interim, Rodriguez made an emotional and unusually public case for his job during the team’s senior banquet in early December.
The Wolverines say they’ve had one of their best months of practice in the weeks leading up to the Gator Bowl, in which Michigan faces Mississippi State, but their minds have also been on the status of their head coach.
“I mean, of course it is,” linebacker Kenny Demens said.
Injury report There were four weeks between the start of training camp and Michigan’s season opener, roughly the same amount of time between the regular-season finale and the Gator Bowl.
The Wolverines said Thursday they felt well-prepared for their opener against UConn, which resulted in a 30-10 victory over a team that reached a BCS bowl.
They and have similar feelings heading into Saturday’s game against Mississippi State.
“Look at that UConn game,” defensive lineman Ryan Van Bergen said. “We had four weeks to prepare, and we had great execution in that game. We had the exact same amount of time to prepare for this game, and I think it’s going to show up on the field.”
A 2011 preview Eight true freshmen played for the Michigan football team’s defense this past season. Asked which one gained the most ground during recent practices, Van Bergen revealed a surprise.
It wasn’t one of the true freshmen that played. Michigan’s defensive standout in December practices was true freshman Jake Ryan.
“If you watch him, he makes every tackle when he’s out there,” Van Bergen said. “He’s going to be a special linebacker for us.”
Two other freshmen that impressed Van Bergen in December practices: Two other true freshmen who red-shirted in 2010: Defensive tackle Richard Ash and safety/linebacker Josh Furman.
“When he (Furman) comes along, he will be really good,” Van Bergen said, “but Jake Ryan has stood out to me.”
Pete Bigelow covers the Michigan football team for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at (734) 623-2551, via e-mail at petebigelow@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @PeterCBigelow.
Comments
missionbrazil
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 5:30 p.m.
patrue "Putting a new coach in now would only replicate the problems Bama and Nebraska had after their long years of winning football." You are correct in saying that teams like Alabama and Nebraska had winning traditions and then had problems in their programs and losing seasons. And others did too, such as Oklahoma, Ohio State,... However, these programs' problems & losing or mediocre seasons came about because they hired HC's that did not continue their winning traditions. The HC's failed to produce like their predecessors did. Then these same programs hired new HC's and their programs returned to winning. Alabama struggled for years and then they hired Nick Saban and in his 2nd season they went 12-2 and in his 3rd they won the NC. Nebraska struggled also, and then hired Bo Pelini as HS and they win 9, 10, and 10 games after that. Oklahoma also struggled and then hired Bob Stoops, and he won the NC in his 2nd year. Since then they have consistently been a Top 10 team and in "down" years they still are a Top 25 team. OSU also struggled after Woody, and then they hired Tressel and he also won the NC in his 2nd year. And unfortunately we know what he has done to UM ever since. He has restored the winning tradition at OSU and he has set the bar in the BT... a bar we have been well under in the RR years. So I would say that the exact opposite effect has taken place in the programs you mentioned... a good HC hire restored these programs to their long standing winning traditions.
I love Michigan Football
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 4:50 p.m.
This video clip is for the new guys that are trying to convince all of us that Harbaugh is a shoe in for the NFL. All we do is read and watch clips all day with the hoping that Jimmy will be back in Ann Arbor come the 1st week of January. I have not read or seen one thing that says Jim would ever want to be a coach in the NFL. If you can provide evidence I sure would like to see or read it. enjoy. start at 13:35. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1NQAPTxnvE
patrue
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 3:59 p.m.
The frenzy shown by some about RRod and the eagerness to replace him suggests a singular lack of history about football and the U. of Michigan. As one who grew up in southern Michigan, I'm unaware that there are granite boulders in Ann Arbor with words writ on stone: Michigan will never have losing football seasons and will always be ranked nationally. Michigan had a remarkable run from 1968 through 2007 winning football games and Big Ten titles. Only one of Bo's teams in the 1980s, that went 6-6, and Carr's 7-5 record in 2005 or so, were so-so teams. No other team with the possible exception of rival OSU has had such a lengthy span of winning football. Notre Dame? Nope. Since Holtz left in 94, results have been fair to poor--and ND certainly has a tremendous ability to recruit nationally. Alabama? After Bear left, some so-so years; same with Nebraska; same with USC. Brandon knew what he was getting in RRod: a coach who ran a spread offense that required players not on the 2008 roster. If RRod had said he would keep the power I football and Ryan Mallet had stayed and integrated his offense when he had the right players, Michigan likely would have had winning seasons in 09 and 10. Even so, it would have been difficult because the best back, Minor, was often injured and Carlos Brown was just an average back. So let's stop this whining about the past three years. I'm not sure that the spread offense is the offense of the future, but it is exciting with the right qb and receivers. Putting a new coach in now would only replicate the problems Bama and Nebraska had after their long years of winning football.
patrue
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 3:40 p.m.
The frenzy shown by some about RRod and the eagerness to replace him suggests a singular lack of history about football and the U. of Michigan. As one who grew up in southern Michigan, I'm unaware that there are granite boulders in Ann Arbor with words writ on stone: Michigan will never have losing football seasons and will always be ranked nationally. Michigan had a remarkable run from 1968 through 2007 winning football games and Big Ten titles. Only one of Bo's teams in the 1980s, that went 6-6, and Carr's 7-5 record in 2005 or so, were so-so teams. No other team with the possible exception of rival OSU has had such a lengthy span of winning football. Notre Dame? Nope. Since Holtz left in 94, results have been fair to poor--and ND certainly has a tremendous ability to recruit nationally. Alabama? After Bear left, some so-so years; same with Nebraska; same with USC. Brandon knew what he was getting in RRod: a coach who ran a spread offense that required players not on the 2008 roster. If RRod had said he would keep the power I football and Ryan Mallet had stayed and integrated his offense when he had the right players, Michigan likely would have had winning seasons in 09 and 10. Even so, it would have been difficult because the best back, Minor, was often injured and Carlos Brown was just an average back. So let's stop this whining about the past three years. I'm not sure that the spread offense is the offense of the future, but it is exciting with the right qb and receivers. Putting a new coach in now would only replicate the problems Bama and Nebraska had after their long years of winning football.
Blu-n-Tpa
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 2:23 p.m.
Mission B. Going to the game tomorrow. Michigan football get me fired up. Plus sometimes the insanity just gets to me. Hope I didn't step on anyone toes! (Too hard, that is.) Go Blue.
missionbrazil
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 2:14 p.m.
MFANINCBUS & Blu-n-Tpa: Samurai Mike >>>>>>>>>> RR JH >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> RR (I think JH is the best choice) Blu-n-Tpa, you are feisty today.
Blu-n-Tpa
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 12:52 p.m.
If successful, JH will be around as long as he wants, which would be long enough for me. Which do you want; A coach you don't want to lose or a coach you can't wait to get rid of?
MFANINCBUS
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 11:38 a.m.
That's why like Singletary he is a MAN and would be a decent choice. But I agree he does not have the college experience but there are many who do that couldn't get the job done. I would love for JH to come but my point is he wouldn't be around long because I still think he wants the NFL.
Blu-dogg97
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 11:14 a.m.
Recently during the Maryland Bowl game, where their coach was fired recently,the question was asked who the leading candidate for the HC job @ Maryland was,and the answer was Rich Rod... Just saying!!He knows the outcome of DB decision,and is Networking?? Good Luck and Best wishes Rich...
Blu-n-Tpa
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 11:11 a.m.
MFANinOH What's your point? Mike is a MAN and it takes a real man to lead young men where they need to go. But back to reality. Does Coach Singletary have any HC experience in college? Has he every had to recruit high school players? Don't you think you are just lobbing out a "nothing bomb" for effect since you got "nothing" to base that on? That's what I thought. Go Blue.
NoBowl4Blue
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 10:41 a.m.
F-Bombs are common with Rich Rod aka crybaby. I don't doubt the allegation one bit. The guy is classless as well as clueless and that is why he doesn't belong at Michigan.
MFANINCBUS
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 10:27 a.m.
I can't wait to see all you JH lovers get stunned when DB names Mike Singletary HC at UM. Harbaugh wouldn't be around long because he wants to eventually be in the NFL.
missionbrazil
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 10:25 a.m.
Blu-n-Tpa & Sean T.... spot on gentlemen about the whole situation being on RR. It ultimately falls on the HC, period: Recruiting, coaching players up to or above their potential, getting them ready to play for the games, making the necessary adjustments during the games, keeping at least the majority of the fan base & boosters & donors happy,... He gets paid $2.5 million+ to be responsible for these things. He is well compensated, and he knows the deal. ANY coach would be under the magnifying glass in this situation. Here is yet another example of a high quality man & HC properly taking responsibility (which is very similar to what "Samurai" Mike Singletary said after he was fired at SF): "I'm embarrassed," Nebraska coach Bo Pelini said (after his shocking loss to Washington). "I obviously didn't get them ready to play. I thought we were ready to play. I liked our plan. We didn't execute very well. Obviously we didn't play our best football. It starts with me." IT STARTS WITH ME (the HC).
Sean T.
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 9:43 a.m.
Matt, Holding Oklahoma to 28 isn't a great feat, nor is it a big chore. In the 2010 season 4 teams held the Sooners to 28 points or less, including one of the service academy squads. There were 5 teams that held them to 28 points or less in 2009 and it was 4 teams in 2007. During the 2006 and 2005 season 10 teams held them to 28 points or less between both seasons. And 4 of those teams finished outside of the top 25 in both years! The 2008 season was the only year where an opponent couldn't hold them to such a score.
umgoblue47
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 9:31 a.m.
3andout... you posted that richrod was talking to high school coach's on a message board and was dropping the f-bomb left and right... could you let us know what message board that was and who the high school coach's were? boy that's the kind of story you just can't make up? but then again some people can be more left then RIGHT... GO BLUE...
Blu-n-Tpa
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 8:20 a.m.
@RR backers How can you feel sorry for the players but not assign any responsibility to the COACHES for not getting the TEAM ready for games over the last three years? Man, that's like blaming the passengers for a train wreck! Players are COACHED up to play the next game or they're not. Whose job is that? Players can't be COACHED up because they don't have the skill to play their assigned position. Who's responsible for making that decision? COACHES don't/can't coach the position(s) they are assigned to and the team is unable to perform at the required level to compete in the BT. Whose job is it to correct that? Obtaining COACHES who CAN select and prepare the proper player to play the best position that helps the team be competitive. Just who in the hello is the man in charge of that? Bottom line is after 3 years the UM HC has failed to make enough progress to be retained. I don't believe there will be ANY dropoff next season. I'll say it again, 8 wins minimum, and more wins for the first year coach than RR did in his first two years. AND, he'll do it with defense and improved special teams so those of you out there who will want to say, "That's all RR's doing", won't be able to. Women's BB beat Ohio St. at home last night for the first time this century. Way to go Coach Borseth and the BB team.
XTR
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 5:07 a.m.
"Adam Schefter used terms like "buzz" and "feeling" and "this is the sense I get" over and over in his podcast. Sure, I'm sold..." Schef would always have that feeling unless DB goes out and says RR stays or JH goes out and says he stays at Stanford or he goes to the 49ers. Funny that both are mum till now.
XTR
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 5:01 a.m.
All this talk of uncertainty is all RR's fault! lol! If RR won three Big Ten and National championships in a row while beating MSU and OSU in the process, all of this talk will not be here now. But RR wanted controversy, he went 3-9, 5-7 and 7-5, sucked 0-3 against MSU and OSU and had some NCAA violations as toppings. Any coach with that kind of record will attract controversy if they are not fired on the spot.
NoSUVforMe
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 3:55 a.m.
3 and Out, Dave Brandon knows a lot about running a $1 billion company - into the ground. What other food/dining company do you know that spent millions of dollars promoting that their products aren't still horrible? Of course, this promotion and change of strategy began just as the chief pizza man took a new job as UofM AD. Dave Brandon was associated with the Michigan athletic program all through its struggle and decline. Now, the same person who couldn't figure out pizza is going to figure out Michigan athletics? SURE! Just keep jerking and lurching. It is the only certain way to destroy the UofM sports program permanently.
NoSUVforMe
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 3:55 a.m.
3 and Out, Dave Brandon knows a lot about running a $1 billion company - into the ground. What other food/dining company do you know that spent millions of dollars promoting that their products aren't still horrible? Of course, this promotion and change of strategy began just as the chief pizza man took a new job as UofM AD. Dave Brandon was associated with the Michigan athletic program all through its struggle and decline. Now, the same person who couldn't figure out pizza is going to figure out Michigan athletics? SURE! Just keep jerking and lurching. It is the only certain way to destroy the UofM sports program permanently.
Dusty
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 1:53 a.m.
Adam Schefter used terms like "buzz" and "feeling" and "this is the sense I get" over and over in his podcast. Sure, I'm sold...
3 And Out
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 1:20 a.m.
Call me crazy....but I am pretty certain that David Brandon knows a bit more about how to manage a $100 million dollar 'company' which the UM athletic Dept. is..... than a couple of the posters calling him out here, do....
Matt
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 12:07 a.m.
Ah, but remember -- he held a pretty amazing Oklahoma offense to 28 points in the Fiesta Bowl. The 3-3-5 isn't completely handicapped when it's deployed effectively.
azwolverine
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 12:01 a.m.
Matt, The problem with Casteel is that all he runs is a 3-3-5. That just won't work against elite power football programs like OSU, Iowa, MSU, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and PSU. Casteel is a genius of defending against Big East style teams...not Big Ten style. He would not be the answer, imo.
Matt
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 11:22 p.m.
@az, I'd definitely agree with you that a substantial change needs to occur, hence my caveat that keeping RR needs to come with the requirement that he allows for more flexibility with the defensive schemes. On another note, rumor is that Casteel isn't going to be retained at West Virginia. If Michigan could somehow secure him, I imagine we'd see some magic on the defensive side of the ball. If RR chooses a platform of stubbornness, which I think Dave Brandon could easily identify, then it would be time for him to go.
Sallyxyz
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 10:46 p.m.
ESPN's Adam Schefter expects Jim Harbaugh to go to Michigan Posted at 9:20 pm today Read more: ESPN's Adam Schefter expects Jim Harbaugh to go to Michigan | freep.com | Detroit Free Press http://www.freep.com/article/20101230/SPORTS06/101230091/ESPN-s-Adam-Schefter-expects-Jim-Harbaugh-to-go-to-Michigan#ixzz19epWRV9q
azwolverine
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 10:36 p.m.
Matt, I appreciate your rationality in your answer. My concern in brining in a new defensive coordinator is, will Rodriguez actually let the guy run his defense or will he force his own brand of Big East defense on him? I think both Scott Shafer and Greg Robinson are decent coordinators and have proven it over the years at other schools/teams. However, under RR they have been forced to run defenses that they are unfamiliar with and assistant coaches who are closer to RR than they themselves are. It has not been a good combination of things, and it has been, imo, RR's fault. If RR truly wants to have a quality defense, he has to give up a lot of things that I don't know that he's willing to give up. First, he's got to let the new D-Coordinator bring in all of his own assistants and get rid of RR's boys Gibson and Co. ASAP. Those guys are not Michigan quality coaches. Next, he would have to give up all thought of a 3-3-5 and let the coordinator run his brand of defense. Finally, and I think this would be a major sticking point, Barwis would have to go. His brand of training does not build physical, B10 caliber players. His style works for the needs of the spread offense (although not when we play MSU/OSU), but due to the more physical nature needed to stop B10 caliber offenses, the Barwis style of player does not work and has helped lead to Michigan being physically manhandled over the past three years. I don't know that RR would be willing to do that, or even if Brandon would ask him to, but it is my feeling (and I have worked as a physical trainer over the years) that no matter who comes in to coach the D, they will have an uphill climb trying to compensate for Barwis' speed-first training mentality. That may work for DB's, but when you're playing OSU, MSU, Wisconsin, Iowa, PSU, and now Nebraska, you need big time muscle in the front seven. Yes, you need speed, but if you track a man down simply to get plowed over, what's the point? So, imo, RR's defense is not a quick, or even probable, fix. It would require wholesale changes in philosophy, coaching, and even weight room infrastructure.
3 And Out
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 10:26 p.m.
wow Carolina almost just blew this game...bad clock management by their coach.... replay saved them... anyway.... does anyone not think that Harbs to Michigan is not a definite possibility now? with all of the speculation this week and DB still not making any kind of comment?
2sweetblue
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 10:03 p.m.
Can anybody confirm if Dee Hart is still committed. I heard he was visiting schools this next month even if RR is still at Michigan. I also heard Alabama is practicing at his high school this week. Not looking good!
Matt
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 9:52 p.m.
Look guys, I understand where some of your points are coming from, and I'm glad that some of you have some rationale behind your support for RR (or his removal). I'm certainly in the camp that believes another coaching change is going to set the program back another few years, mainly due to the massive offensive adjustments that will inevitably be made. @Mick: given that logic, RR could also have pointed to his development of Pat White and Steve Slaton as Heisman-caliber candidates, but that wasn't enough to convince Ryan Mallett and several of our recruits to jump ship. Furthermore -- and I know many of you aren't willing to believe this -- it's clear that RR has earned a lot of these kids' respect. Attrition is going to be inevitable (and especially if it's Harbaugh...he's not exactly known for being the most humble, friendly guy both on and off the field). @af3201: nice retort. @azwolverine: I refer to the first quarter of the OSU game as an example of progress. It was inevitable that our depleted defense was going to get torched. Would Tressel have received the same amount of grief if his defense was relegated to six freshmen, including two walk-ons, playing on the road against a top ten team and ended up losing? This is why I call for patience with all this. Bring in a new DC and let him work with a defense bringing back ten starters. What's the harm in that?
NoSUVforMe
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 9:29 p.m.
I repeat. Brandon is either incompetent or a fool, or both. If he made his decision months ago, he should have acted. If he is making it based on one game, he is a fool. Why would you expect different from someone who shilled the worst pizza on the planet? Fire the PIZZA MAN.
Blu-n-Tpa
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 9:04 p.m.
Hey Michigan's womens team BEAT OSU soundly tonight at home for the first time in this century. Great win and maybe it will set a trend for the weekend. That's back-to-back wins vs Top 25 teams for Coach Borseth and the women's BB team. Go Blue. (Tied it in with this weekend's game. Close enough.)
PortageLkBlu
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 9:03 p.m.
It really is a waste of energy to think that just becuase Harbaugh played at Mich. that he's dying to get back there. Is it that hard to comprehend that Jim does not want to coach at Mich? If Brandon is planning on firing RR maybe he's using this time to plan, it is his nature. Maybe he's using this time to be careful, some of you believe the last AD was not careful and made a rash choice in RR. Maybe Brandon wants to wait until after the bowl to see which way the wind blows after either a win or loss. I believe RR is here for 2011, either way I will support whoever is the coach becuase to do otherwise hurts the program. It's not my position to badmouth the coach becuase I don't personally like him and either way if we have a bad coach his job will be terminated by the folks that are paid to do so, for me to slobber on these sites about how much I know about football and how much I hate our coach is of no use to you guys or our team as a whole, Go Blue.
NoSUVforMe
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 8:42 p.m.
Brandon, the pizza man, is the culprit of this destructive team concern. If the man was any good, he would act on his decision as soon as he made it. If the pizza man is making the decision on the outcome of one game, he is a fool. I guess we know he is either a horrible manager or a fool, perhaps both. Michigan deserves better. Why isn't pizza man's job on the line? What has he done since he has been in position? NOTHING.
azwolverine
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 8:18 p.m.
Too bad Michigan doesn't have 4-5 weeks to get healthy and prepare for every game. Unfortunately in the B10, UM has one week (two for PSU game) to prepare and get healthy...and it's not nearly enough. UM could take 8 weeks to prepare for OSU with RR and the results would still be the same. By the way, Matt, if you're happy with the "progress" being made under RR, especially in relation to our performance against our chief rivals MSU and OSU, then objective results have no bearing in your personal evaluation of the coach. Hopefully they do having bearing in DB's evaluation process. FUrther, losing by a combined 50 points in the final two games is not in any way the fault of a "witch-hunting media" or a "knowledge-deprived fan base." It's the result of a team that is ill-prepared for championship, B10 caliber football. The RESULTS speak for themselves. Again, I hope DB is paying attention.
3 And Out
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 8:14 p.m.
I just read on another message board, a High School coach posted it... Rich Rod spoke to some HS coaches after practice at the Gator Bowl yesterday and was "dropping F Bombs left and right" in the conversation... stay classy Rich Rod!
NoBowl4Blue
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 7:22 p.m.
The players will be happier when a better coach arrives and they can man up
wpm
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 7:13 p.m.
Mick - it would resonant with me if I fit into Harbaughs formula... or was one of the 3 best players in the room... but if I was a middle of the pack role player I'd be thinking differently. I also think JH knows that - and will make no such speech or claim. I think he'd take a page out of Bo's book. "the team, the team, the team" but after what these kids have seen and been through... it might take a bit more than that to get them to buy it. No quick solutions here I'm afraid... regardless of who is hired. The only fast fix is the status quo... the question the DB needs to answer is what's right for the long term.... satisfying the quick itch of the folks on this board is an impossible task. So my bet is you will all be ignored.. myself included.
af3201sps
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 7:11 p.m.
@Mick It will be just a few seconds before Matt can answer you. He is busy taking a couple more sips of the koolaid!
tulsatom
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 7:08 p.m.
I am starting to become more optimistic about U-M's chances in this game. However, keep in mind that Miss State is a much more talented team than UCONN and we shouldn't forget that. I hope the players dig deep and play their hearts out, especially the defense. If they can step up it would be enormous.
razzberry
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 7:04 p.m.
Wow. Do the players really sound all that concerned? Hopefully Brandon really understands the only way to get Michigan football back to where it belongs is the fire nim-rod. This guy has been a complete disaster in every conceivable way.
Mick
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 6:38 p.m.
Matt, I appreciate the response and that you are an M fan,Go Blue!! However, if JH is our next coach, all he has to do is sit the team down for a meeting and state the following: I have coached 2 different players at 2 seperate positions to finish 2nd in the Heisman in CONSECUTIVE YEARS AT STANFORD!!!! So with that being said, if I was a potential returning player for U-M, that might just resonate w/me, don't you think Matt?
orlandomichfan
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 6:24 p.m.
we love you richrod, you will get this program back to where it belongs...whip miss st. this saturday...go blue always...
Matt
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 6:10 p.m.
And another thing: those of you that believe no attrition will occur with a new coach -- you have another thing coming. Prepare for another three seasons of mediocrity and another call for new leadership in three years. This is the last time I'll say it: our ideal situation is that RR is retained for 2011 under the requirement that he finds a new DC (Casteel is rumoured to be available).
Matt
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 6:07 p.m.
Mick, the only person with complete knowledge of the situation is Dave Brandon, and his words haven't wavered: evaluation will occur after the bowl game. The media, and an oh-so-clever fanbase (one that REALLY thinks that Brady Hoke would make a good coach *forehead slap*), has essentially prognosticated ad nauseam about the situation. It's festered about ever since the Ohio State game, even though two weeks earlier, at 7-3, we were discussing how much better our team under RR could be in 2011. The mob, it certainly is fickle.
michboy40
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 6:05 p.m.
Im surprised that these three did not see the field this year. Where they behind in training came?...did the guys that saw time enroll early? Where they hurt?
Mick
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 5:58 p.m.
Matt, so RR has nothing to do with this situation? At all? I thought he was the coach, wouldn't he have a say in matters on the field? He has been doing his job, a really bad one at that. Don't worry current players for M, the new coach will coach you up greatly.
Matt
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 5:47 p.m.
Sean, that's ridiculous. The intense speculation brought on by a witch-hunting media, combined with irrational opinions from a knowledge-deprived fanbase, caused all this. Yes, go blue. And let Rich do his job.
DonAZ
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 5:40 p.m.
Yeah... can't say the execution of all this has been ideal, but it is what it is. I suspect there are dynamics at play none of us understand. I like the cut of Brandon's jib, so I suspect in the end the right thing will be done.
D21
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 5:22 p.m.
Players, rejoice for the new beginning of a post RR era! GO BLUE!
Sean T.
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 5:22 p.m.
This is unfortunate for the players to have to go through such a "Black Cloud" during bowl preparation, but it was brought on by their coach. Play hard fella's and Go Blue!