Ossification

For those non-Michigan graduates:

os·si·fi·ca·tion // ", "6"); interfaceflash.addParam("loop", "false"); interfaceflash.addParam("quality", "high"); interfaceflash.addParam("menu", "false"); interfaceflash.addParam("salign", "t"); interfaceflash.addParam("FlashVars", "soundUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fcache.lexico.com%2Fdictionary%2Faudio%2Fahd4%2FO%2FO0140200.mp3"); interfaceflash.write(); // ]]--> <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/audio.html/ahd4WAV/O0140200/ossification" target="_blank"><img src="http://cache.lexico.com/g/d/speaker.gif" border="0" /></a> Audio Help (ŏs'ə-fĭ-kā'shən) Pronunciation Key
n.

1. The natural process of bone formation.
2. 1. The hardening or calcification of soft tissue into a bonelike material.
   2. A mass or deposit of such material.
   3. The process of becoming set in a rigidly conventional pattern, as of behavior, habits, or beliefs.
   4. Rigid, unimaginative convention.
3. 1. The process of becoming set in a rigidly conventional pattern, as of behavior, habits, or beliefs.
   2. Rigid, unimaginative convention.

Is there a more appropriate word for the last years of the Lloyd Carr regime? I believe it applies to all coaches generally and football coaches in particular.