You wake up. You're David Brandon. It's January 2. And Michigan has just beaten Mississippi State

Submitted by markusr2007 on

38-28 in the Gator Bowl.

Michigan is 8-5 in year 3 under Rich Rodriguez.

RichRod is 16-21 after 3 seasons (0.432 winning pct).

The Michigan team will return 9 to 10 starters on offense and 9 starters on defense.

You're David Brandon (I'm Ron Burgundy???):  What do you do? (after ordering 2 medium 2 topping pizzas for $5.99 each, of course)

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shorts

December 6th, 2010 at 7:53 PM ^

I like the confidence. However, wouldn't that subject him to this media circus again if we don't win the Big Ten next year? Just seems like it could create a "Big Ten title or fired" meme that would continue this irritating uncertainty.

These are the days I'm glad I'm not Dave Brandon. Unless Michigan wants to pay me like him, in which case I'd gladly trade him places.

Joined: 08/28/2008

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jmblue

December 6th, 2010 at 8:11 PM ^

You really think that one win would be enough to convince Brandon to not just bring RR back, but commit to him long-term?  I don't know about that.  I'm not sure he could even afford to make a commitment like that, given that there are fears of a higher-than-usual number of ticket non-renewals, and that suites and club seats didn't sell out even this past season.  Realistically, we're looking at either a new coach or another year of RR on the hot seat. 

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MGoShoe

December 6th, 2010 at 8:45 PM ^

...earthly idea if Brandon is waiting for Jim/Bo or not.  I guess I see three possible scenarios:

  1. Brandon is waiting for Stanford to complete its season so he can announce the change without perturbating their season because that's how Jim/Bo wants it.
  2. Brandon is ready to retain RichRod because he sees the 2011 potential but knows that if Michigan loses the bowl game (especially if they look bad in a loss) the negative pressure will be too great. Ergo, the Gator Bowl result is pivotal.
  3. Brandon is truly undecided on whether or not to retain RichRod, he knows Jim/Bo is not available, and he needs more time to quietly develop a candidate list.

Not sure I understand your "long term commitment" comment. If RichRod is retained, Brandon will publicly demonstrate complete confidence in him.  Anything less would be an unmitigated disaster.  Saying this doesn't commit Brandon to RichRod any more than the current commitment (i.e., he's still employed and he's under contract).  Even with the strongest possible endorsement, RichRod will be #1 on every preseason hot seat list. That's a given.

Brandon delivered his most extensive exposition on the factors he considers when evaluating his coaches in the interview linked to in this thread of mine. I guess I have no reason to doubt that he's doing what he said he'd do.

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jmblue

December 6th, 2010 at 7:52 PM ^

I stick to whatever decision I made before the game.  Making coaching decisions based on one game is how guys like Bobby Williams get hired.

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bouje

December 6th, 2010 at 7:57 PM ^

Seriously.  Let's imagine every scenario that runs through our heads and post about it on MGoBlog. It reminds me of this **EDIT** Guess it was the Dana Carvey Show:

 

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