Post by elp525 on Jan 5, 2011 15:40:36 GMT -5
Jan 5, 2011 3:17 PM ET
All of the drama finally ended Wednesday in the way many thought it would conclude the day before, with the firing of Michigan football coach Rich Rodriguez.
It took a second day of meetings between Rodriguez and athletic director Dave Brandon, an unforeseen twist, to complete the divorce. But the end of Rodriguez's strange and awkward limbo will officially be announced at a 12:30 p.m. ET press conference.
Rodriguez, 47, had three years remaining on a $15 million contract. A buyout reportedly could pay him $2.5 million per season.
Michigan was 15-22 in three years under Rodriguez — 3-9 in 2008, 5-7 in 2009 and 7-6 this season. However, the Wolverines were 0-6 against top rivals Michigan State and Ohio State. They also got blown out in their final three games, including a 52-14 embarrassment against Mississippi State in the Gator Bowl, the only bowl appearance under Rodriguez.
The top candidates to replace Rodriguez include three with U-M ties — Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh, a former Michigan quarterback; San Diego State coach Brady Hoke, a former Michigan defensive line coach; and LSU coach Les Miles, a former Michigan player and offensive line coach.
Rodriguez was hired in December 2007 by former athletic director Bill Martin to replace Lloyd Carr, who was soon to retire.
It was a bold move in a much different direction for the Wolverines' program. Rodriguez had no real Michigan ties. He had spent seven years at West Virginia, coming within a victory of taking the Mountaineers to the national championship game just days before he bolted for Michigan.
Affectionately known as RichRod, he brought a strong reputation for having a great offensive mind to Ann Arbor. He was a hot name at the time and some thought he could turn Michigan back into a national title contender within a few years.
But Rodriguez, 47, wasn't a good fit at Michigan. He was not embraced by former players, who clearly wanted one of their own, someone with Michigan connections.
Rodriguez tried turning the Wolverines into something their fan base had never seen before under Bo Schembechler and his successors.
Instead of relying on a tough and disciplined defense, Rodriguez tried to win by outscoring opponents with a high-powered offense.
Off the field, he suffered through one drama after another, most notably a NCAA investigation that resulted in the program being put on three years of probation for exceeding practice and workout limitations.
On the field, the Wolverines had to adjust to this completely new offensive system, the spread option. It took a couple years, but that offense finally showed signs of developing this season under star quarterback Denard Robinson, although it remained inconsistent and didn't produce against quality defenses.
Michigan's defense, meanwhile, never showed any type of improvement and actually got worse throughout the three-year period. The Wolverines, under defensive coordinator Greg Robinson, rank No. 110 out of 120 teams nationally in total defense (450.8 yards allowed per game) and No. 108 in scoring defense (35.2 points per game).
The kicking game also was a mess this season. U-M made 4 of 14 field-goals attempts with a long of 37 yards.
Put it all together and it's certainly not up to Michigan standards, which is why Rodriguez is out.
All of the drama finally ended Wednesday in the way many thought it would conclude the day before, with the firing of Michigan football coach Rich Rodriguez.
It took a second day of meetings between Rodriguez and athletic director Dave Brandon, an unforeseen twist, to complete the divorce. But the end of Rodriguez's strange and awkward limbo will officially be announced at a 12:30 p.m. ET press conference.
Rodriguez, 47, had three years remaining on a $15 million contract. A buyout reportedly could pay him $2.5 million per season.
Michigan was 15-22 in three years under Rodriguez — 3-9 in 2008, 5-7 in 2009 and 7-6 this season. However, the Wolverines were 0-6 against top rivals Michigan State and Ohio State. They also got blown out in their final three games, including a 52-14 embarrassment against Mississippi State in the Gator Bowl, the only bowl appearance under Rodriguez.
The top candidates to replace Rodriguez include three with U-M ties — Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh, a former Michigan quarterback; San Diego State coach Brady Hoke, a former Michigan defensive line coach; and LSU coach Les Miles, a former Michigan player and offensive line coach.
Rodriguez was hired in December 2007 by former athletic director Bill Martin to replace Lloyd Carr, who was soon to retire.
It was a bold move in a much different direction for the Wolverines' program. Rodriguez had no real Michigan ties. He had spent seven years at West Virginia, coming within a victory of taking the Mountaineers to the national championship game just days before he bolted for Michigan.
Affectionately known as RichRod, he brought a strong reputation for having a great offensive mind to Ann Arbor. He was a hot name at the time and some thought he could turn Michigan back into a national title contender within a few years.
But Rodriguez, 47, wasn't a good fit at Michigan. He was not embraced by former players, who clearly wanted one of their own, someone with Michigan connections.
Rodriguez tried turning the Wolverines into something their fan base had never seen before under Bo Schembechler and his successors.
Instead of relying on a tough and disciplined defense, Rodriguez tried to win by outscoring opponents with a high-powered offense.
Off the field, he suffered through one drama after another, most notably a NCAA investigation that resulted in the program being put on three years of probation for exceeding practice and workout limitations.
On the field, the Wolverines had to adjust to this completely new offensive system, the spread option. It took a couple years, but that offense finally showed signs of developing this season under star quarterback Denard Robinson, although it remained inconsistent and didn't produce against quality defenses.
Michigan's defense, meanwhile, never showed any type of improvement and actually got worse throughout the three-year period. The Wolverines, under defensive coordinator Greg Robinson, rank No. 110 out of 120 teams nationally in total defense (450.8 yards allowed per game) and No. 108 in scoring defense (35.2 points per game).
The kicking game also was a mess this season. U-M made 4 of 14 field-goals attempts with a long of 37 yards.
Put it all together and it's certainly not up to Michigan standards, which is why Rodriguez is out.
