RR statement
“I am proud of the dedication and commitment exhibited by the coaching staff and student-athletes who have represented the University of Michigan football program over the last three seasons. While I am disappointed to depart Ann Arbor before we were able to reach the level of success we had in our sights, I am confident that the players who remain have the potential to do great things and to return the Wolverines to greatness. I would like to thank our fans and our student body for their tremendous support. There is great passion for Michigan football and I have made lifelong friends through this experience.”
January 6th, 2011 at 4:16 PM ^
We did. Brandon caved to the big money interests.
January 6th, 2011 at 6:18 PM ^
That's exactly what 'insiders' are saying on Detroit sports radio - that DB caved to the big doners' demands. I thought he was above that. I think Brandon just f'd up big time.
We all hate to acknowledge it but this job is not as coveted as DB seems to think - as the previous search showed when Miles and Schiano said no. TCU is well funded and surrounded by talent. Boise is obviously already a big time player. Miss State is an up and coming program with talent galore in state. Why would coaches of those teams want to come to the state of Mich - the only state to lose population in the last decade with a terrible economy and high unemployment?
Should have kept the good RichRod.
January 6th, 2011 at 7:01 PM ^
Miles was never contacted.
I agree with your point though, I don't think a high-level, proven HC looks at Michigan as any kind of Nirvana in terms of job. Who woulds stake their career on a depleted roster, a skeery-crazy fanbase, an AD with waffling support and, given the current criteria, 3 years to produce 'or else'. That is a shaky career move.
Schiano has to be telling himself over and over, 'good choice, very good choice.'
Going to have to be a Tier 2 option like Hoke, or take a flyer on someone with something to prove.
January 7th, 2011 at 10:37 AM ^
That's what RR started with. There are starters galore coming back if you bring in the right coach. If DB decides to go back to the Michigan family then some guys are probably going to transfer.
January 8th, 2011 at 3:18 PM ^
depleted on defense anyway, for sure
Offense has 9 coming back, but since Tate has likely flunked out and Denard is a likely transfer if they don't hire someone that knows and runs a sread/read-option offense, you are then looking at going back to a redshirt freshman QB to run the O and no matter how talented he may be, he is going to struggle for two years at least.
January 6th, 2011 at 4:13 PM ^
No, thank you coach Rodriguez. You put up with more shit in 3 years then any of our other coaches had in their long tenures. No one could ever question your dedication to the team and what you did for the Mealer family will forever make you a Michigan man in my book. I hope the next program realizes what a great coach they have and give you the respect and support that you deserve. I am still all in.
January 6th, 2011 at 4:16 PM ^
by the fact that I can't pos bang you as I am with how RR was treated by a lot of Michigan "Men".
January 6th, 2011 at 4:14 PM ^
Good luck coach. I truly believe you just needed another year. And I can pretty confidently say at this point that we'd be in far better shape if you'd been retained.
January 6th, 2011 at 4:14 PM ^
Best of luck to you Rich. Classy statement from a classy man. he'll be beating up on the Big East or ACC in no time.
January 6th, 2011 at 4:14 PM ^
I was someone who, from about the time of the PSU game, argued that RR needed to go.
Now that he is gone, I am sad. RR might not have come close to success here, but he was a classy individual, a good person and someone who I believe represented the University well (please, no comments about the Grobin thing - who cares?).
Coach Rodriguez, the best of luck to you at your next school. I think that you may be surprised at how many new fans will be following whatever school you end up at (unless you go to one of the B10 teams).
January 6th, 2011 at 4:14 PM ^
Glad he went out on this note rather than a more sour one.
Thanks to RR for what we all know was a whole-hearted effort to achieve success over the last few years. Just didn't pan out.
January 6th, 2011 at 4:14 PM ^
Good luck coach!!!
January 6th, 2011 at 4:15 PM ^
I hope he encourages as many athletes as possible to stay for the new coach whoever it is and for Michigan. In a perfect world I wish Rich would have the chance to coach for one more season and see how it turns out.
January 7th, 2011 at 10:46 AM ^
Why would rr encourage guys to stay if they were going to lose their spots and playing time? Why should Denard stay if they bring in a pro style coach? A lot of the players came because of the system and the coach. Roundtree left Purdue for RR and his spread. Denard came because he was promised an opportunity to play QB. RR has no responsibility to tell these guys to stay if they no longer fit in. Unfortunately, because of a serious lack of talent left by the previous coach a lot of these guys will be able to use their RS year and not lose eligibility if they do transfer.
January 6th, 2011 at 4:15 PM ^
Thanks coach. You are a class act and will always be a Michigan Man.
January 6th, 2011 at 4:15 PM ^
I will root for Coach to succeed no matter where he goes.
Except if he ever plays M, of course.
January 6th, 2011 at 4:16 PM ^
I appreciate all you've done for the University. Thanks
January 6th, 2011 at 4:16 PM ^
I really wish it would have worked out. You are a good man and I appreciate your efforts.
January 6th, 2011 at 4:16 PM ^
You will always be a Michigan Man in my eyes.
Best of luck in your future endeavors!
January 6th, 2011 at 4:17 PM ^
Good luck to him in his future endeavors. (Unless he meets us in a bowl game)
January 6th, 2011 at 4:17 PM ^
nice statement. anyone know where we can find a link?
January 6th, 2011 at 4:17 PM ^
Good luck, Coach Rod.
January 6th, 2011 at 4:17 PM ^
Good luck coach! I'm sure he'll do very well at which ever school he ends up in.
January 6th, 2011 at 4:17 PM ^
The only one who got sort of misty reading that or am I just a big wuss?
January 6th, 2011 at 4:22 PM ^
I wanted to cry yesterday just a little bit when it all became official. I feel incredibly bad for RR, his staff, family, and the players. I wish him the best, the players, and the program the best. Now let's go find a coach clear the dust and as always, GO BLUE!
January 6th, 2011 at 4:24 PM ^
Nope just a big wu--damn it! Something's in my eyes. They're both watering. Stupid dust...
January 6th, 2011 at 4:17 PM ^
... I'd been waiting to hear something. It's sad to see it end like this after three years of rooting for him.
January 6th, 2011 at 4:18 PM ^
Now that RR has coached at Michigan, does he have the connections and pedigree necessary to be our next head coach?
January 6th, 2011 at 4:21 PM ^
I can't vote, otherwise I'd +1 you. Instead I'll just tell you that your comment made me laugh.
January 6th, 2011 at 4:23 PM ^
A week from now DB and RR held a presser where they were just laughing say haha jokes on you! I dont know if I would be happy or really fuckin pissed.
January 6th, 2011 at 6:24 PM ^
My ideal situation is DB makes the media look incredibly stupid, RR gets hired and some coordinator changes happen.
I got my hopes up that RR might not get fired when they delayed the firing last week, maybe we could disguise him and bring him back under some kind of alias that is also a cheap shot at michael rosenberg.
January 6th, 2011 at 4:27 PM ^
I wouldn't have clicked twice and double posted?
January 6th, 2011 at 4:28 PM ^
he first gets himself hired as OC for Brady Hoke at SDSU.
January 6th, 2011 at 4:18 PM ^
in your future endeavours RR.
January 6th, 2011 at 4:18 PM ^
One of the best departing statements I've ever read. Good luck coach.
January 6th, 2011 at 4:19 PM ^
You are a class act and look forward to supporting you at your next stop.
January 6th, 2011 at 4:35 PM ^
Thanks Coach for all your hardwork and the time you put in, and for the time you spent at Mott. You will be a "Michigan Man" in my eyes for life. GOD BLESS you and your family. I will be watching you and your next team for sure.
January 6th, 2011 at 4:37 PM ^
Great first post. Here's an imaginary +1 for you.
January 6th, 2011 at 4:19 PM ^
Rich was a good coach, and a good man. He was one of us. He was a man who loved the outdoors... and football, and as a coach he explored the sidelines of the east coast, from Glenville to Clemson and... up to... Morgantown. He died, like so many young men of his generation, he died before his time. In your wisdom, Lord, you took him, as you took so many bright flowering young men at Khe Sanh, at Langdok, at Hill 364. These young men gave their lives. And so would Rich. Rich, who loved football. And so, Richard A. Rodriguez, in accordance with what we think your dying wishes might well have been, we commit your final mortal remains to the bosom of the Big East, which you loved so well. Good night, sweet prince.
January 6th, 2011 at 4:20 PM ^
just hire him back? RR>Hoke
January 6th, 2011 at 4:21 PM ^
Will continue to root for you no matter where you land.
January 6th, 2011 at 4:21 PM ^
Thanks Coach Rod!
I greatly appreciate all you have done and all the positives you’ve brought the University of Michigan both as a coach, but more importantly as a person. Never once did your fortitude waver during the obstacles and challenges presented over the past 3 years and for this I’m truly thankful. I wish you the best in your future endeavors and can honestly say I’m extremely saddened by those not seeing the fruits of your labors while donning the maize and blue.
January 6th, 2011 at 4:21 PM ^
Good luck Coach, I hope you win many games wherever you go.
January 6th, 2011 at 4:22 PM ^
I hope RR and his family know that a lot of Michigan fans appreciate what he endured to be our coach the last three years and not all of us are as arrogant as some of the vocal ones getting press. The personal attacks, the false characterization of his recruits as petty criminals, the lack of patience and confidence, the idiotic idolatry of the mythical 'Michigan Man'... there are a lot of us who cringed as the complaints about him became more shrill and outlandish. I'm not overlooking RR's missteps but I think he was a stand up guy when he was here and that's how he's leaving. I hope he's successful wherever he goes.
January 6th, 2011 at 4:38 PM ^
Another great post by a new member. Imaginary +1 to you.
January 6th, 2011 at 4:46 PM ^
Man you are tossing +1s out like candy....you must of hit the mega million.
January 6th, 2011 at 5:00 PM ^
I wish. I just can't take the emotional low I've gone through the past few days and thought a little love was in order.
January 6th, 2011 at 5:34 PM ^
that NOW PREVENTS YOU FROM UPVOTING ALL OF MY POSTS PER YOUR NOW REMOVED SIGNATURE
/TANTRUM
January 6th, 2011 at 4:23 PM ^
Coach Rod I will miss you and will cheer for you wherever you end up. Great coach, great man.
January 6th, 2011 at 4:23 PM ^
Why couldn't he have just talked a lot of shit about michigan and say how he can't believe how he was treated?
It would have made this departure so much easier....Now I just have to feel worse and worse about this firing.