What Bill Martin should really do

Submitted by DesHow21 on

Give RR a six year extension at the end of the season (regardless of the results of the next two games) while bumping up his buyout to 8 million (Even if this can't be made public now, I say do it in secret).

What a lot of people don't realize is that, the danger to our program is NOT:

RR sucking and dragging the program

But Actually:

Going through this 2-3 year rebuild and losing him 1-2 year after this team hits fifth gear (notice no IF's in this statement. This (our domination) is going to happen people). I am just terrified that all the crazies are pissing RR off so much that he might just say eff you guys and leave ( There would be AT LEAST 10 other programs willing to offer him the same money or more to come).

The good news is, BM and MSC are on the same page and have come out publicly supporting our coach. WE GOT FREAKING LUCKY IN DEC07 people. The sooner you all realize this the better.

willywill9

November 13th, 2009 at 3:44 PM ^

I'm a believer in Rich Rodriguez and what he's doing, but I don't think I agree with this. Is your opinion that it is definitely a sure thing he is THE coach we want, and that he'll be a bargain now, versus 4 years from now after we begin dominating? If so, then I understand.

But if you think the fans will dissuade him from returning, I think you're mistaken. He's a professional and this will happen anywhere he goes. Plus, if he really is dominant in the coming years, he won't have to worry about fans scrutinizing him.

The King of Belch

November 13th, 2009 at 3:49 PM ^

Any coach who can't stand the heat is out of the game or on his way out.

Gotta believe that a rabid fan base that expects bigger and better results and is impatient will come with the territory of ANY job Rodriguez would ever be after.

Holy shit, can you imagine if he'd have taken the Alabama gig and put up numbers like this his first two years?

He'd be dead by now.

BlueinLansing

November 13th, 2009 at 3:53 PM ^

anywhere to go if after 2 or 3 years Michigan football is a complete disaster.

He wouldn't get anything but low D1 offers if even that.

RR knows he's in this long term, he's just frustrated because of all the stupid media things and of course that he has a team thats only a couple plays from being 8-2 and everything if fine.

michman79

November 13th, 2009 at 4:04 PM ^

Couple plays from 8-2? Also a couple plays from 3-7.

Tothe original post: why would you extend his contract for no reason. Contracts ar "this for that". We pay you money, you give us results on the field. If results come, contract extensions and more money come. If results don't come, we look elsewhere.

If ND has shown us one thing, it is that unnecessary contract extensions used to show public support for a coach lose their luster after about 2 losses.

Martin and MSC have spoken publicly that they support RR. That's all they should do.

bluebyyou

November 13th, 2009 at 4:15 PM ^

I agree. Notre Dame provides living proof as to why jubilation should't take precedent over reality.

RichRod signed a five year contract. That should provide adequate time for results. Over the period of his contract, he will have adequate opportunity to bring in players who work in his system and to build a coaching staff. If the results are there, then let's talk contract extension.

I will support him for the term of his contract. But I want to see results before making him coach for life.

those.who.stay.

November 13th, 2009 at 4:21 PM ^

will make Rich the new Bo if the gets this machine up and running.

Winning will solve all of his problems. I just hope it happens sooner rather than later for his sake. The pressure of this job is unreal.

brianshall

November 13th, 2009 at 4:36 PM ^

My heart tells me that next year will exhibit a clear upward trajectory and I believe in Rich Rod.

But, having outgoing ADs sign extensions seems like a bad practice and just shouldn't be done. Rather he put all his efforts into making sure we get the best AD in the country.

Blue_Bull_Run

November 13th, 2009 at 5:01 PM ^

Not to be a homer, but I can't really see him leaving. There isn't really a better place for him, unless he wants to go to the NFL.

If RichRod delivers at Michigan, he'll get all the money and fame he could possibly want.

I just cant imagine a scenario under which RichRod would rather go start over somewhere else (and probably suck again for a few years).

a2bluefan

November 13th, 2009 at 5:28 PM ^

I support RR fully and think those calling for his head this early in the game are just irrational and wrong.

However, I'd be willing to bet that if the folks at WVU (and across the whole state of WV for that matter) would forgive and forget, pay his buyout, and resolve the things that led to his departure from there, he'd be headed back there tomorrow.

jmblue

November 13th, 2009 at 6:04 PM ^

Doesn't he have four years left on his contract after this one? I don't think he needs to worry too much about his deal. And for an outgoing AD to give one of his employees (no matter how successful) him a new contract at this late stage would be in questionable form. Martin is now effectively a caretaker. He shouldn't make any new major financial commitments at this point.

Blue Balls

November 13th, 2009 at 6:43 PM ^

It will take time for sure, the quick fix was never an option for any coach following Coach Carr. I believe Coach Rod's approach to this mess was let me fix first- what I know the best, the offense. Michigan was last in the Big Ten in points per game last year and now leads the Big Ten in points per game and did so with a pair of freshmen quarterbacks. With Schaffer unable to show progress, Coach Rod looked for someone with a proven ability to coach the defense. I believe Coach Robinson is that guy. With the offense at least respectable, Coach Rod's efforts will begin to show with an improvement on defense.

The King of Belch

November 13th, 2009 at 7:22 PM ^

With the "Michigan leads the Big Ten in scoring" bullshit. That stat includes all games (Delaware St). Against Big Ten competition, there is a significant dropoff to a level that is just a lil bit better than last year.

And uh, last year's team had, if not two freshmen, two guys who had never taken a college snap before, and are regarded around these parts as pretty much Reasons 1 and 2 for the horrible season that was 2008.

jmblue

November 13th, 2009 at 8:52 PM ^

Every Big Ten team played at least one garbage non-conference opponent. If you throw out the DSU numbers, you have to toss out a lot of other results, too.

MaizeNBlue

November 13th, 2009 at 7:09 PM ^

I think Bill should Just Sail Away and let all of his troubles work themselves out. After all, last time he went sailing, we landed a great football coach who just hasn't had a chance to shine yet.