Rich Rod vs Harbaugh - What it really comes down to

Submitted by skone82 on

Although it's difficult to step away from this enticing Cincinnati/Pittsburgh matchup on ESPN, I decided to pause for a second, and really debate Dave Brandon's upcoming decision.  Do we keep Rich Rod, or go after Jim Harbaugh?

And while coaching records, past performances, Michigan Man status, etc etc all fall into the "debate bucket," I think the one, TRUE factor that will make or break this decision comes down to the all-important matter of nicknames.

While Rich Rodriguez has been blessed with such catchy nicknames as "Rich Rod," "RR," and even the infamous "Dick Rod" by our rivals (as well as many bitter alum), Jim Harbaugh's name brings about no such catchy/witty nicknames....

"Jimmy H?"

"Jimbo Harbo?"

"Har Har?"

"JH?"

Unless we can come up with a better nickname for this potential future head football coach, I think Dave Brandon has no choice but to go with the coach that's the easiest to refer to without going over 2 syllables.  

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bleuadams

December 5th, 2010 at 1:14 AM ^

Dave Brandon is not an IDIOT.

Does anyone really think that a smart guy like Dave Brandon is going to let one game move him from the side of the fence that he's already on to the other!?  Hell no.  He already knows what he's going to do...and if that was keeping Rich Rod, he'd say so...as opposed to letting it linger and ruin our recruiting class.

But, Brandon can't fire RR right now, because his replacement - Jim Harbaugh - wants to finish his season and coach his team in it's BCS game; and we can't go for an entire month without a coaching staff in place (or a one man Fred Jackson band).  I mean...we need the bowl game revenue, we need the returning players to make strides, and we need to land some recruits.  So...what's better than convincing RR and his staff that their jobs are on the line based on the bowl game!?

It sort of back fired a little bit, because that idiot Rodriguez thought he could still save his job with that ridiculous plea at the banquet.  But, in the end, it's all going to work out just fine.

Joined: 09/05/2010

MGoPoints: -784

Njia

December 4th, 2010 at 1:04 PM ^

Being forced to perform parental duties and help my son with some bathroom issues. I stopped, thinking this might be a better use of my time than being forced to smell his poop. I was wrong.

Joined: 09/15/2009

MGoPoints: 35773

sammylittle

December 4th, 2010 at 1:04 PM ^

I agree that DB is taking his time considering the implications of possible coaches's nicknames on the football program.  This is why he will not review RR until after the bowl game.  It takes a while to ponder the effect of the coach's nickname on the program and JH has not been assigned a unique moniker thus far.  I think you missed a major angle.  Often nicknames are not simple derrivations of a given name.  This is why Wayne Gretzky is not know as Wayne Wayne G. 

JH has a reputation for fisticuffs.  Maybe a nickname like BullyBaugh or the Coachinator would work.  Also RichRod has taken the offense to another level.  So maybe Shredder or Rip n' Run Rod would be a better nickname.  There is much to consider and, though it may cost many good recruits, I am happy the DB (the Procrastidecider) is taking his time to with this important issue.  Hopefully DB is consulting with W. the former POTUS.  No matter what you thought of his politics, you have to agree the man knew his way around a nickname.

Joined: 09/29/2008

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bluesouth

December 4th, 2010 at 1:07 PM ^

“Every sport I’ve got a whole protocol set up where you do a complete review of all aspects of the program, and we don’t only look at the head coaches and the assistant coaches,” Brandon said. “We look at the trainers, the doctors, the strength and conditioning staff, the equipment managers, we look at all aspects of the program to see where we’re getting it right and where we’re getting it wrong.

“If there are things we can correct by training and investment, we will do it. If there are things we have to correct by personnel changes, we’ll do that, too.”

DB

Joined: 11/02/2008

MGoPoints: 2362

ST3

December 4th, 2010 at 1:08 PM ^

If Harbaugh does get hired, I imagine this blog will be inundated with mind-numbingly large numbers of Jimmy jokes from that epic Seinfeld episode.

Jimmy can jump high. Jimmy can coach the defense. Jimmy was a former quarterback.

You get my drift. In other words, Jimmy doesn't need a nickname.

Joined: 09/11/2010

MGoPoints: 52246

Pea-Tear Gryphon

December 4th, 2010 at 1:29 PM ^

Count me as a rider on the Harbaughndwagon (trademark pending). I know this means there may not be front seats available on the Coach Rod bandwagon should the Harbaughndwagon not leave the station for UM country. It is a risk you run when trying to travel standby via bandwagons.

My $.02 on the nicknames while I'm here:

  • Harby (like, Mmmmmmm I'm thinking Harby's)
  • JimLoMoBo (ties the whole lineage together)
  • Coach Whatsyerdeal

Joined: 10/31/2009

MGoPoints: 2324

burtcomma

December 4th, 2010 at 1:44 PM ^

All we know is that the AD is going to stick to his timetable to discuss the season with our coach after it is over.  That means to me that the current internet and MSM sign is that all the noise and hoopla is a lot of hand-wringing over nothing.  The AD and the coach will discuss what to do next and the AD will formalize in writing during the review what he has been telling the coach all along all season long. 

That's how real companies that have been successful over time and real executives who have been successful over time operate.  This is all about teaching the MSM, our fan base, our players, and our entire athletic department about how the ship is going to be run by DB going forward in all sports, not just football.

That's the kind of intelligent and professional personnel management I would expect from a man with DB's education and experience.  Contrast that with Goss and Martin's handling of various situations relating to coaches over the past decade or so......

Joined: 11/01/2009

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