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.  

sammylittle

December 4th, 2010 at 2:15 PM ^

I do like the fact that DB has an in charge attitude and sticks to his word.  However, most AD's either fire head football coaches or give them a vote of confidence immediately after the regular season.  DB has done neither and has left RR and staff twisting in the wind.  A vote of confidence at this time would remove uncertainty and help recruiting.  Firing the coach would allow RR and staff to begin looking for employment for next year and allow Michigan to begin its coaching search.  It looks like DB is stringing RR along while he tries to finalize a deal with JH and biding his time until the buyout becomes cheaper.  This is not a good way to treat an employee and may affect the willingness of other coaches to work for the UM athletic department.  I'm not sure who you work for, but if you boss planned to fire you, I'm sure you would rather he went ahead and did it rather than wait until it was legal to give you less severance pay and your successor had been found.

burtcomma

December 4th, 2010 at 4:26 PM ^

I have lots of people that work for me, and I report to a CEO.  The good ones that are successful and have shown true leadership give you feedback and pointers on a daily basis.  If they have an issue with something, you know it right away.  DB strikes me as that kind of professional from his time in the real world at Domino's based on conversations with people who worked for him.

We will get to see who is right or wrong in another 30 to 45 days or so.  Thanks for the intelligent feedback and response.  That's how a board filled with Michigan graduates should function!

Ring19

December 4th, 2010 at 2:06 PM ^

DB and M Fan Base are learning that success in the corporate world does not always translate to success in Major College Athletics.  DB's stubborn time table is causing us to lose recruits and leaving RR twisting in the wind.  Not a good way to treat any coach...whether you like and support him or not.  A good leader makes the call and moves on...

Pea-Tear Gryphon

December 4th, 2010 at 2:18 PM ^

will take the time necessary to make the best decision possible. I don't think RR is twisting in the wind. Brandon said he would evaluate the program after the season. Just because every Tom, Dick and Harry are talking about RR being fired doesn't mean that Brandon should change the way he does things. RR knows the evaluation process as I'm sure Brandon has talked to him about it. I want my leader to make the best decision for the program and not just make a call to make sure Ring19 can sleep well at night.

Ernis

December 4th, 2010 at 2:46 PM ^

is bad leadership. Has it occurred to you that more important things might be at stake here than a few high school athletes? Did that cross your mind, for even a second?

You have no clue what's driving this process. Just shut up, rabble, and let qualified people do the thinking.

mackbru

December 4th, 2010 at 2:17 PM ^

DB knows this, I'd imagine. He seems to be making a point. If he were confident in RR, there'd be absolutely zero reason to drag this out. He's waiting to negotiate with/hire JH. If that doesn't work out, RR stays. So he's giving himself wiggle-room.