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rich rodriguez

Don't Take This Michael Wilbon Rumor Seriously Comment Count

Brian

Since Orson and Dr. Saturday have both pinged me about this assertion from Michael Wilbon captured by On The DL's Dan Levy…

Mike Wilbon just said on Kornheiser's radio show that 'on pretty good authority' both Charlie Weis and Rich Rodriguez are both 'done.'

6 minutes ago from TweetDeck

…let me make a futile attempt to stop the rumor storm coming down the pike. At this point if there were things afoot in the athletic department, someone would mention it to me. I don't have anything in the inbox suggesting that Rodriguez is in trouble, which is about as good as a denial when the idea in question is firing a football coach with Rodriguez's track record and a four million dollar buyout after two years.

Mike Wilbon doesn't know what he's talking about and is irresponsibly throwing stuff on the wall to see what sticks because he heard from a friend of a friend who's got a guy who says he doesn't like Rodriguez. This is almost literally the case:

He says he talked to a guy who played for Rich Rod who 'threw his wallet down' and would bet it all

So… yeah: Wilbon is asserting that Rich Rodriguez is "done" because one of his old players has a hunch. Sounds rock solid to me.

NYC radio host Mike Francessa did the same thing a couple days ago. Insert default complaint about laughable assertion that mainstream journalists are more responsible with facts here.

[UPDATE: I forgot to mention the delicious comparison between Wilbon on Weis—one of the all time slam-dunk predictions—and that guy on Bleacher Report* who asserted "inside sources" told him Weis was fired after the Navy game. In other news, Allies favored to win WWII. Wilbon == Bleacher Report.

*(nofollowed)]

Comments

brianshall

November 16th, 2009 at 12:02 PM ^

The only thing worse than getting rid of Rich Rod after this season is waiting until after the 2010 season. My hope, of course, is that they do not get rid of Rich this season and next season is a huge improvement. I've been reading Wilbon long enough to know that his sources are pretty solid fwiw.

Joined: 11/08/2009

MGoPoints: 44

mgoBrad

November 16th, 2009 at 12:04 PM ^

I don't understand how people can even compare the two situations. Charlie has had 5 years to put together a program and make progress. RR hasn't even had a full two years. Let's not forget Wilbon isn't the most reliable/unbiased source here - Northwestern grad who hates ND and UM. I mean it's pretty much common sense at this point that Charlie is done but argh MSM

Joined: 09/16/2009

MGoPoints: 2026

bacon1431

November 16th, 2009 at 12:07 PM ^

If this does prove to be true, I'm going to be extremely disappointed with the university. Every coach deserves AT LEAST 3 years. Minimum. I'm saying this and I don't think RR is the right man for this team, but I'm giving him a chance. Unless there are violations to be found, I want RR as our coach next year.

Joined: 07/26/2008

MGoPoints: 25294

CRex

November 16th, 2009 at 12:07 PM ^

This is the ESPN hype machine at work. They want to be able to tout the tOSU-UM game and get eyes on the TV. They can't do the "Showdown for the Big Ten Title" storyline this year or "Rose Bowl Bid" storyline, so instead we're getting the RR has to win to save his job storyline.

Joined: 09/28/2009

MGoPoints: 9010

BBA1994

November 16th, 2009 at 12:09 PM ^

I fully support Rich Rod and am excited about the offense he has installed and the future for UM football. Obviously the defense sucks and I don't know if it's the coaching, or the extreme lack of talent but it's probably some of both. That said, if folks are going to put a time table on Rich Rod that he has to get 8 wins next year or he's gone, then I would say just let him go now. His recruiting is relatively specialized and to bring in a bruiser coach like Miles (or Harbaugh) would just be another setback for several years for him to bring in "his guys". IMO if a coaching change is made it would have to be a spread offense guy and someone like Brian Kelly won't be on the market past this year. There is still the problem of the bad defense so let's all just relax Wilbon and let Rich Rod have his entire contract to see if he can bring UM to the promised land.

Joined: 10/19/2009

MGoPoints: 217

evenyoubrutus

November 16th, 2009 at 12:10 PM ^

Mark May also went on ESPN radio last year and literally said that Michigan had worked out a "deal" with Clemson to get RichRod off their hands. Actually, his exact words were "they've ALREADY worked out a deal" that is in the final stages blah blah blah. World wide leader, right.

Joined: 11/04/2008

MGoPoints: 178353

Blue in Yarmouth

November 16th, 2009 at 2:12 PM ^

I'm not the resident espn expert, and in fact never watch it other than on gameday. To be honest though, for a formwer Buckeye I find Herbsreit to be quite fair where UM is concerned no sarcasm. I'm not saying I love the guy or anything, but I think a person who didn't know his background would look at him and say he is at least impartial in his assertions. That is just my e-pinion though, FWIW.

Joined: 02/18/2009

MGoPoints: 6528

markusr2007

November 16th, 2009 at 12:18 PM ^

So, we find ourselves in the greatest economic depression since the 1930s and people are actually using metaphors like "throwing his wallet down!" as if that would add a "wow, it must be true then!" underscore to the rumor. A post-2007, post-housing market crash metaphor might have been a better choice. If some guy "throws down is wallet" these days, it's either freaking empty, or contains one of two things: a pink slip, a notice of mortgage default, or both.

Joined: 10/21/2008

MGoPoints: 19372

Tauro

November 16th, 2009 at 12:18 PM ^

It would be extremely disappointing if such a move was made. We've seen a lot of progress with the offense this season with a freshman QB at the helm. More talent is coming. To make a change now would be devastating - to recruiting and our prospects next year (unless, perhaps, it is someone who can run a similar system). The defense will hopefully show improvement next year - enough for Michigan to pull out a couple of the close losses. Making another change at DC (which would likely occur) could only set Michigan back further. As everyone is saying, we need to give RR another year or two.

Joined: 06/30/2008

MGoPoints: 1378

EZMIKEP

November 16th, 2009 at 12:20 PM ^

2girls1irrelevantsportsnetwork.com - I clicked and it had Michael Wilbon & Pat Forde playing naked twister - I threw up and posted my reaction on you-tube

Joined: 10/13/2008

MGoPoints: 1070

jsquigg

November 16th, 2009 at 12:21 PM ^

Doesn't ESPN stand for the Especially Stupid People Network? Years ago I used to watch Sportscenter all the time, but that network has become useless to me outside of game coverage. Unless we're getting Brian Kelly ESPN should refrain from releasing rumors about UM. Rodriguez deserves an opportunity to succeed.

Joined: 09/06/2009

MGoPoints: 9621

jsquigg

November 18th, 2009 at 12:34 PM ^

Even though it would be hypocritical, our AD should make a secret, middle of the night call to Kelly and offer him the contract of his dreams. If he refuses you can always continue with the Rodriguez era. BTW, I know this isn't how it would happen, but if there was a way I would be in favor. Kelly is the only coach I'd take over Rodriguez at this point for multiple reasons, non of which are worth wasting space over.

Joined: 09/06/2009

MGoPoints: 9621

mgofootball4

November 16th, 2009 at 12:21 PM ^

Thanks for the immediate post to dispute this rumor from tard-card Wilbon. Despite the fact that MSC and B Martin have came out publicly to defend RR - he still says this garbage. Again, anyone who takes the time to understand the dynamics of RR's system, Michigan's existing personnel, and the Decimated Defense - understands that you can't just fire RR because he hasn't produced.

Joined: 06/21/2009

MGoPoints: 159

KSmooth

November 16th, 2009 at 12:21 PM ^

I'm not a RR fan but if there's any truth to this rumor I just hope that the administration has his replacement all picked out in advance, 'cuz the absolute last thing we need is another badly-planned scramble for a head coach.

Joined: 11/14/2009

MGoPoints: 3783

Senator Bluetarsky

November 16th, 2009 at 12:23 PM ^

These guys need to lay off the crack pipe. Even Weis isn't a certain goner because he can recruit like a mofo. ND might install a new offensive coordinator who actually coordinates their O on game day and keep Charlie around as team coordinator. RR will only leave if there is a massive scandal and the mandatory/volitional practice hoopla doesn't qualify as such. Terminating RR for his record after two years is not The Michigan Way and with Martin's departure announcement Mary Sue will provide continuity in this respect. I don't see RR leaving voluntarily, period. Why revisit Hell with a further-diminished reputation, which program would take RR now, and where do they have resources and draw superior to Michigan? You know it's time to check-in for rehab, commentators, when you're caught masturbating, mentally or otherwise, in a prominent public space. Let's hope they beat the disease.

Joined: 11/04/2009

MGoPoints: -580

My name ... is Tim

November 16th, 2009 at 12:32 PM ^

Here's my thing, I completely agree with Brian. Michigan's downfall is, at best, only tangentially related to the RichRod hire. But here's the catch, I think it may still be prudent to hire Jim Harbaugh right now if the situation presents itself. Why, even if RichRod is not to blame for the putridity of the past 2 seasons? Because the perception of RichRod and this program has made recruiting difficult. Let me explain. Here's RichRod's pitch right now: "Come to Michigan. There's a great tradition. Let's turn this thing around." Here's what recruit X is thinking: "Hmmmm. Hasn't Michigan's tradition gone by the wayside right now. Didn't ****insert team that hasn't done X to Michigan in X years here***. Didn't the offense completely change? I remember RichRod was good at WVU, but what about now at Michigan in the Big Ten? Jim Tressel/Joe Paterno told me that RichRod has ruined Michigan's traditions and that the program isn't going to return to where it was. Here's Jim Harbaugh's pitch right now: "Come to Michigan. I played QB under Bo Schembechler in the 80's. I know all about Michigan's tradition. I lived it. I breathed it. Hey, I just beat USC by 4 TDs... at USC... for the 2nd time in 3 years. I once banged a chick at Mitch's. I'm pretty awesome. So is Michigan. Trust me." I think Harbaugh's sell is better. Our offense is still VERY capable of being run in a pro-style set. I don't think RichRod's to blame, but if Jim Harbaugh (and only him or maybe Les Miles) calls today and wants the job, I give it to him. I don't to Brian Kelly, or another coach who is essentially RichRod in another school's clothing. Thoughts? Sorry I can't diary apparently.

Joined: 12/20/2008

MGoPoints: 1613

IanO

November 16th, 2009 at 2:20 PM ^

Do you really think a hotshot high school football player, born in 1991 or 1992, cares about an 80's QB under Bo and the ties to that tradition? I love the history and tradition of Michigan football, don't get me wrong. But as a fanbase, we tend to overestimate the importance of the Schembechler tradition with respect to recruiting. These kids were 5 or 6 when Carr won the NC. You might as well be telling them that if they come to Michigan, they could be the next Tom Harmon.

Joined: 11/21/2008

MGoPoints: 455

Koyote

November 16th, 2009 at 12:33 PM ^

BREAKING NEWS: I have it on "pretty good authority" that Mike Wilbon is full of shit. I also have it on "pretty good authority" that random former West Virgina player likely has about as much inside information on the Michigan program as Mike Wilbon. Which is all of none.

Joined: 09/17/2008

MGoPoints: 346