Post by elp525 on Jan 6, 2011 8:36:20 GMT -5
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
The Associated Press
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Michigan fired coach Rich Rodriguez today, ending a disappointing three-year tenure marred by too many losses and NCAA violations at college football's winningest program.
Athletic Director Dave Brandon announced the decision after meeting with Rodriguez on Tuesday and again this morning.
"I have completed a systematic and thorough review of our football program and believe that a change in leadership is necessary," Brandon said. "We have not achieved at the level that I expect."
Rodriguez was just 6-18 in Big Ten play and went 11-11 at home.
"Rich is a good person and coach," said Brandon, who marked his first anniversary on the job today. "It's unfortunate that it didn't work out at Michigan, but I'm sure that Rich and his staff will find opportunities at other institutions. I wish Rich and his family all the best in the future."
Brandon said he will immediately begin a national search for a replacement amid speculation that Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh, a former Wolverines quarterback, and former Michigan assistant Brady Hoke, now San Diego State's head coach, are possible candidates.
Rodriguez, who was the head coach at West Virginia when he was lured to Ann Arbor, finishes 15-22 at Michigan. The school can buy out the final three years of his contract for $2.5 million.
Rodriguez was not immediately available for comment.
The Associated Press
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Michigan fired coach Rich Rodriguez today, ending a disappointing three-year tenure marred by too many losses and NCAA violations at college football's winningest program.
Athletic Director Dave Brandon announced the decision after meeting with Rodriguez on Tuesday and again this morning.
"I have completed a systematic and thorough review of our football program and believe that a change in leadership is necessary," Brandon said. "We have not achieved at the level that I expect."
Rodriguez was just 6-18 in Big Ten play and went 11-11 at home.
"Rich is a good person and coach," said Brandon, who marked his first anniversary on the job today. "It's unfortunate that it didn't work out at Michigan, but I'm sure that Rich and his staff will find opportunities at other institutions. I wish Rich and his family all the best in the future."
Brandon said he will immediately begin a national search for a replacement amid speculation that Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh, a former Wolverines quarterback, and former Michigan assistant Brady Hoke, now San Diego State's head coach, are possible candidates.
Rodriguez, who was the head coach at West Virginia when he was lured to Ann Arbor, finishes 15-22 at Michigan. The school can buy out the final three years of his contract for $2.5 million.
Rodriguez was not immediately available for comment.
