Brandon talks RR with Rittenberg
http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/8978/new-michigan-ad-talks-ric…
In addition, he talks about the investigation:
"...we're going to do what Michigan always does. We're going to do the right thing."
January 5th, 2010 at 11:49 AM ^
Great interview. He says all the right things, hopefully he can do all the right things. Seems to be a good choice based on the limited evidence thus far.
January 5th, 2010 at 11:51 AM ^
"On the current state of the football program: "I am as concerned as everybody is, knowing we're a program that likes and needs to win. We sing about being the champions, the leaders of the best, and that's what we want to be. And no one wants to be that more than Rich Rodriguez. No one wants to win more than Rich Rodriguez and his staff."
January 5th, 2010 at 11:56 AM ^
Hopefully, Brandon will work on flushing those who aren't with the program out of the athletic department, if there are any left. He is a great bridge between the Bo era and the current millenium. This bodes well for getting everyone back on the same page.
January 5th, 2010 at 12:17 PM ^
"Factions and divisiveness are enemies of success. I feel strongly that to the extent there has been any fracturing that has occurred as a result of whatever, it's something that needs immediate attention. It needs to be fixed and truthfully, won't be tolerated."
January 5th, 2010 at 12:52 PM ^
Like you say, hopefully he will act (assuming that he can control such things).
January 5th, 2010 at 11:42 PM ^
I'd be very surprised if he's not able to hardball a few rogues into behaving. If not, I'm sure he'd be able to get rid of people for being detrimental to the organization, if there are any such.
January 5th, 2010 at 2:31 PM ^
That's kind of an odd statement about the fan base, though. The first part of that paragraph:
'On uniting a potentially splintered fan base: "I'm a team-sport guy. I was brought up that way, and that's what I believe in. Factions and divisiveness...'
January 5th, 2010 at 12:01 PM ^
is the word that best describes my feelings about this hire. Hopefully he means what he says, because I think we'll be alright if he does.
January 5th, 2010 at 12:10 PM ^
It all sounds good. Like Tater wrote, I hope he does replace the divisive people in that department. He's going into a tough situation from the start. I wish him well.
January 5th, 2010 at 12:59 PM ^
Ha -- look at the post from Bobcats1981. Is that a Les Miles Fan Club member? :)
January 5th, 2010 at 1:15 PM ^
Those are some very settling and interesting answers. It's nice to know he is not going to to come in an immediately hire "his guy". It seems to me that RR will definitely get a 4-5 year window to start winning football games.
January 5th, 2010 at 3:11 PM ^
However he does seem to leave himself an "out" when asked about the investigation.
-worry about doing the right thing, like Michigan always does. If we'd made mistakes, we'll correct them. We'll deal as we need to.-
By no means is this condemming of RR however at the same time if somehow we get something other then the lead investigator from the USC Bush payments Brandon might still reserve the right to make a change even if the usual penalty is a slap on the wrist loss of scholarship or two.
January 5th, 2010 at 1:31 PM ^
Definitly a breath of fresh air. if this is indeed the case i am happy he will be giving rrod a fair chance and can hold back the wolves.
January 5th, 2010 at 3:00 PM ^
“Two years, my patience are running a bit thin," he said. "So next year it’s going to be really a qualifying or disqualifying year for his ability as a coach to get the program in the right direction. And I don’t think many people will stand for it if he doesn’t do a good job next year.”
Which is pretty much what Brian has said.
Which is same as what I've said. Only I can't post. Ah well.