CC: RR to Pitt Rumor
There seems to be a RR to Pitt rumor circulating around. Has anyone heard any credible information on this? There is a mention of it on ESPN, but the info requires "insider" subscription status.
To me, this would make sense for RR. He is all but gone here. He knows the Big East and has had success there. Plus, after 3 years of being a whipping boy - caused somewhat by the parting shots that WVU took at him - is there any doubt that a guy with a competitive nature such as RR wouldn't want to come back to the Big East and grind WVU into dust?
January 3rd, 2011 at 2:39 PM ^
No doubt that RR would be successful at Pitt, but that's a lot of "baggage" for Pitt to take on in the wake of the Haywood thing. I say "baggage" because It's not fair to RR, but that's how things work in the sports media, and public perceptions. RR becomes "controversial" because of NCAA violations, a messy breakup with WVU, and a shaky three years at Michigan.
But it is not over for RR at Michigan. If Harbaugh turns down the job, this is not the time to start a search from scratch. RR is easily the most qualified candidate to coach Michigan next year. Bringing him back would be the best thing for recruiting, and would forestall an ugly spate of transfers. Firing RR at this particular point in time comes with more negative consequences than, say, after the tOSU game; accordingly, Dave Brandon is going to have to hit a home run to compensate, and I think he knows this. I would have to imagine that the conversation with Harbaugh takes place before RR's "evaluation," so that Dave Brandon knows what his options are.
January 3rd, 2011 at 2:54 PM ^
Rich cannot survive another year here. He has been irrevocably damaged. No one would take him seriously if he stayed, knowing he was only a Harbaugh head nod from being gone. Brandon has to make a change. Let's hope he gets his man.
January 3rd, 2011 at 3:55 PM ^
I am deeply torn. On the one hand, I 100% agree with you in hoping Brandon gets his man. If there is a coaching change, it's probably the most important hire since 1968, as the program is at a true cross-roads. Jim Harbaugh has an outstanding records, has deep ties to Michigan, and hiring him away from the NFL would be an enormous PR win.
On the other hand, I feel the best chance for Michigan next year, and the year after, is to have RR and the team he has recruited, with a new defensive coaching staff. Many people took RR seriously when he was hired, even though he it required perhaps three head nods (Ferentz, Schiano, and Miles) for him to get the offer in the first place. His team is behind him, I think, and that's what's most important.
January 3rd, 2011 at 4:53 PM ^
52-14 suggests otherwise.
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<br>The guy is toast. Everyone--including RR himself-- knows that. If it is not Harbaugh, then it is someone like Hoke or Whittingham.
January 3rd, 2011 at 2:53 PM ^
That would be effing hilarious. WVU fans would be sooooo pisseduguys
January 3rd, 2011 at 3:05 PM ^
January 3rd, 2011 at 3:06 PM ^
January 3rd, 2011 at 3:23 PM ^
now that would be interesting, dont we go to Storrs in a couple yrs to play them?
January 3rd, 2011 at 4:39 PM ^
...if it is over. I hope he gets a spot that fits him, and makes his family happy. I don't think it is over yet, but reading the tea leaves...