If RR doesn't make it past next season...

Submitted by ATLalumni on
I was having a conversation with a fellow alum about this yesterday. I am an RR supporter, and want to see him succeed. But let's be real, at this point if he doesn't get it done, he's gone. But the point of our coversation was that regardless of who the next head coach would be, Rich Rod would leave us with better talent and athleticism across the board than before he got here. The great thing is that regardless of what "system" is ran, he recruited ATHLETES, that I feel can play in ANY system. Agree?
MGoBoard

Huntington Wolverine

February 25th, 2010 at 9:27 AM ^

... but I would hate to see that. I think RR stripped things down to bare studs in his remodeling when many of us were expecting a fresh coat of paint. One would hope that he is able to turn it around and if not, that his successor would have enough veterans and athletes with skill-sets that transfer to any system. But it still wouldn't be guaranteed for the new guy we can't predict how attrition would affect that cupboard. You mess with a tight knit family group atmosphere and there's no predicting the outcome. I also agree with Magnus' post on his blog that firing RR would set the program back even further than it is now. Here's hoping he gets it done.

Joined: 10/26/2009

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jtmc33

February 25th, 2010 at 10:07 AM ^

This situation unfortunately reminds me of Callahan at Nebraska. He came in with great promise and changed the entire offensive game-scheme at Nebraska -- but fans turned on him when his system proved a work-in-progress rather than an instant success. After a couple horrible seasons he was fired for not having it "fixed" by year 3. Letting Callahan go (whether it was a good/needed move or not) set Nebraska back a couple more years... they brought in a defensive minded coach who is struggling (but succeeding) to get Nebraska football back where the fans want it.

Joined: 04/15/2009

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victors2000

February 25th, 2010 at 10:26 AM ^

and if Coach goes 5-7 with one win in the Big Ten next year, most of us might let him go too. I think by year three- this year three, which has been followed by the worst year one and two EVAR-is a reasonable amount of time to see results; not undefeated, one loss or two loss seasons, but improvement and play that reflects better things ahead. It's on his shoulders; I believe those of us who support Coach Rod are the finest of 'Michigan Men' in that we support the program through thick and thin, but as HC if Coach Rod fails to improve and give the AD a feeling that things are getting better, I think it would be justifiable to head in a different direction. That said, I do feel Coach Rod will continue to forge ahead, improve the team from last year, and be our HC for years to come.

Joined: 03/21/2009

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Bando Calrissian

February 25th, 2010 at 11:47 AM ^

They also turned on Callahan because he did pretty much everything he could do to piss off alumni, alienate former players, the University community, etc. etc. etc. Which is why Tom Osborne stepped in and set it all straight and all was once again well in the cornfields. I do agree, though, there are very, very significant parallels between the RR situation and Bill Callahan at Nebraska. Unfortunately for us, we don't have Bo to come in and take care of it anymore.

Joined: 07/02/2008

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Carcajous

February 25th, 2010 at 11:54 AM ^

Of course there is a glaring difference between the Callahan and RR situations. RR has been a highly successful college head coach before. Callahan had not been when he took over Nebraska. In fact, Callahan had never been a head coach (I believe) before taking the job (see Weis, Charlie for another example).

Joined: 07/05/2009

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Augger

February 25th, 2010 at 12:26 PM ^

Carcajous pretty much nails it but did mess up the former job Callahan had. Though having zero experience may have actually been better than being a guy who actually got canned by the Raiders, dear god the Raiders... Aug

Joined: 08/13/2008

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speakeasy

February 25th, 2010 at 9:35 AM ^

While crazy slot ninjas are a deadly breed, and I am a fan of our current crop of QB's, I don't know. Our offense is certainly built for operating the running spread, so if hypothetical replacement coach runs it, then great. If hypothetical coach runs a pro style a la Michigan for the last 30 years, we might be in a little bit of a personnel screw given our not super massive lineman and 5'6 bantamweight running backs. Edit: and our incoming all universe QB with potentially questionable mechanics.

Joined: 04/24/2009

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Carcajous

February 25th, 2010 at 9:50 AM ^

In general I agree with you, but you do realize that our offensive line will average 300 pounds next year (and maybe more if Q Washington starts), assuming just a little growth/development in the off-season.

Joined: 07/05/2009

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mgowin

February 25th, 2010 at 1:53 PM ^

True the personnel would not be perfectly suited for the pro-style, but I would rather have Forcier, DRob, and Co. running it than Mallett or Threet operating a run oriented spread. Athleticism works both ways. BTW, I don't have a problem with the OP, he just said what IF, and doesn't sound like a OMG 2 B10 WINZZZ IN 2 YEARZZZ RR $UCK$ type of raging, lunatic flamer. Like it or not that is a question that might have to be answered in 10 months, its not fair but it is the instantaneous gratification factions that rule the world we live in.

Joined: 03/03/2009

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Double Nickel BG

February 25th, 2010 at 6:21 PM ^

I believe Tate could be a decent pro style QB but I question if Gardner or Denard would be able to fit in as QBs. Now, part of the good thing about spread OLmen is they can usually fit into a pro style offense. That can't be said for alot of Pro Style offense linemen. Rbs are more of a crap shoot. Hart wasn't a huge prototypical pounder you look for in a Pro Style offense. Backs with good vision and feel can fit in both types. I think Smith and Touissaint could do fairly well in a Pro Style, as could Hopkins. Also RB is a position where a true freshman stud can come in and compete from day 1.

Joined: 02/04/2009

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PeterKlima

February 25th, 2010 at 9:35 AM ^

It is undisputed that he would leave the next coach more dreadlocks than he has ever seen before. He also leaves a group of cool, laid-back Florida kids. I think any coach would be happy to hang with them.

Joined: 08/24/2008

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Firstbase

February 25th, 2010 at 9:38 AM ^

...on the players would be substantially detrimental if RR were forced out, IMO. I think you'd see at least several notable transfers, too. Plus, the arduous process of finding another coach who would be willing to step into the politically frazzled fray would be monumentally challenging. Then add the problems of recruiting quality athletes into a program that's in a confused state of suspended animation, etc... That's why I think RR is safe for at least one additional season beyond 2010, unless there is a complete digression (say, back to 3 and 9 again). I think we'll be safely bowl eligible this year (whether we're allowed to attend a bowl or not). As such, I think positing about this is rather moot. (My positing notwithstanding.)

Joined: 09/30/2009

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um4life

February 25th, 2010 at 9:45 AM ^

While I agree on this comment, I must say I thought the same thing going into last season, and after starting 4-0. While I expect the team to improve and we SHOULD make a bowl...lets manage our expectations and not "safely assume" anything. Either way, IMO, RR deserves through the 2011 season. We are still an extremely young team with a very high ceiling.

Joined: 07/01/2009

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bluebyyou

February 25th, 2010 at 9:53 AM ^

I think if we are not at least 7-5 next year, RichRod is toast. At this juncture, he is on thin ice. While not his fault, as we on this blog know well, the NCAA investigation happened on his watch along with a lot of other crap which did not help our football program. My read of the presser of Tuesday showed a coach who said the right thing but who looked really beat up. Frankly, I am not sure how much more of this RichRod would want to take before he needs a valium drip to make it through the day. I feel really sorry for the guy, but he needs to win and soon.

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BlueRaines

February 25th, 2010 at 11:14 AM ^

Wasn't his "dream job" West Virginia? I mean, he played there and grew up there. The NFL is not going to come calling (yet) for the implementation of the read-option spread that RR runs. Other than that there is really nowhere in college football he would go that would be anything more than a lateral move. A lateral move in which he would have to rebuild all over again.

Joined: 12/10/2009

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UMMAN83

February 25th, 2010 at 10:21 AM ^

want. Through the on-going bashing of RR, the situation has only gotten worse. If you don't like him, to me, the best route is to support the team. Sounds like that is what "All In" means. I think RR will still be successful. When hired, no one expected the unfair, biased onslaught from local media. Perhaps his biggest mistake will be promoting an open, tranparent program vs. "The Fort" approach.

Joined: 11/26/2009

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BigCat14

February 25th, 2010 at 10:53 AM ^

the selflessness of this comment. that is how it should be if you love Michigan the University (not just one sport or one program but the University) it is in the best interest to be "ALL IN" for whoever is here in the now. i cannot stand Obama, however i hope that he succeeds in doing the right things because if he does not our country will be worse for the wear. Michigan fans should turn this thing around and become the most loyal fans in the country. not loyal to self, loyal to UofM, period.

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