fiascoes
david brandon
rich rodriguez firing whatever

Press Conference Recap Comment Count

Brian

Note: stop emailing me about the logins and read the front page: mostly disabled so the site stays up.

brandon-rr-firing

If you didn't submit yourself to the press conference in which Rich Rodriguez was raptured up, you need to know these things:

  • Rich Rodriguez is fired.
  • Dave Brandon all but said Harbaugh would not be the next coach.
  • A "national search" is about to be embarked on. Yes, on January 5th.
  • The recruiting weekend is cancelled.
  • Michigan's paid in the middle of the pack in the past and Brandon says that is "not appropriate."

Brady Hoke was not mentioned by name, nor was anyone save Harbaugh.

Here's the official presser:

Rodriguez Dismissed as Michigan Football Coach

ANN ARBOR -- University of Michigan Athletic Director Dave Brandon announced today (Jan. 5) that football coach Rich Rodriguez has been relieved of his coaching duties with the football program.

“I have completed a systematic and thorough review of our football program and believe that a change in leadership is necessary,” said Brandon. “We have not achieved at the level that I expect.”

Rodriguez compiled a 15-22 overall record and 6-18 mark in Big Ten play during his three seasons at Michigan (2008-10). He had an 11-11 record at Michigan Stadium, a 4-10 road record and lost his only bowl game vs. Mississippi State in the 2011 Gator Bowl. U-M was 3-9 in 2008, 5-7 in 2009 and went 7-6 this season.

Rodriguez became the 18th head coach in Michigan history on Dec. 17, 2007, replacing Lloyd Carr who announced his retirement following the 2007 regular season.

“Rich is a good person and coach,” added Brandon. “It’s unfortunate that it didn’t work out at Michigan, but I’m sure that Rich and his staff will find opportunities at other institutions. I wish Rich and his family all the best in the future.”

Brandon will immediately begin a national search for a replacement.

/presser

This is a total failure on Brandon's part and he has about a week to prevent this program from becoming Notre Dame. He probably won't.

Comments

Sgt. Wolverine

January 5th, 2011 at 1:26 PM ^

...at least he put awesome new lights in the stadium!
<br>
<br>In all seriousness, though, I'm willing to call this only a preliminary failure. Let's wait to see the hire before we pronounce ultimate failure.

Joined: 06/30/2008

MGoPoints: 3742

Geaux_Blue

January 5th, 2011 at 1:35 PM ^

Considering it might all be window dressing to make it seem RR wasn't out weeks ago and feelers have found 5 targets that will be vetted in the next 5 days.
<br>
<br>Just bc he didn't say HERE'S WHO WE ARE TALKING TO doesn't mean he's failed. Yet.

Joined: 01/25/2009

MGoPoints: 24096

swamyblue

January 5th, 2011 at 4:10 PM ^

I hope you're right but based on the swing and miss today I'm not sure he ever engaged past a discussion with anyone.
<br>
<br>My feeling is he's not being aggressive enough. A coach should have been lined up this week.
<br>
<br>He killed the recruit visits this weekend and the Army/HS game is this weekend. Not good at all.

Joined: 11/01/2010

MGoPoints: 2168

Geaux_Blue

January 5th, 2011 at 11:17 PM ^

Made the channel 4 sports guy look like an idiot when he asked if DB had someone in mind:
<br>
<br>"Do you mean am I going to get on an airplane and not know where I'm going? No, I have people in mind"
<br>
<br>He's keeping it quiet. It's getting ridiculous people are beginning to demand transparency and full reveal. Bc that worked SO WELL last time.

Joined: 01/25/2009

MGoPoints: 24096

d_blue

January 5th, 2011 at 1:38 PM ^

isn't the AD or anyone in his office. Not that DB looks like he wields a pimp hand at this moment at all; quite the contrary, he (& unfortunately UM) come across as bumbling & behind in a coaching search late in the recruiting calendar.
<br>However, especially if the stuff about not even seriously considering JH on the basis of DUI or prior divorce has any merit, then MSC has some tough ?'s to
<br>answer about 2 poorly executed coaching searches in 3 years.
<br>I remain hopeful a home run choice exists, but not based on prior search or this one this far.

Joined: 10/07/2010

MGoPoints: 79

elaydin

January 5th, 2011 at 1:43 PM ^

I know his name has come up before, but Tressel was hired after a 2 week search in January. Sure, that first recruiting class wasn't great, but he recovered. Think long term.

Joined: 04/17/2010

MGoPoints: 2350

Ben Mathis-Lilley

January 5th, 2011 at 1:53 PM ^

It would be rude and impolitic and potentially self-destructive for Brandon to discuss today what he's already done so far to find a new coach. That answer about starting a search HAD to be his answer unless he had a contract done. He might still screw this up, but we have no idea yet if he's actually done so.

Joined: 10/08/2009

MGoPoints: 446

HHW

January 5th, 2011 at 1:55 PM ^

He's a little emotional with the thought that Hoke might be hired. I don't think there is any way that DB is just starting the search. He's too smart for that, he's had to have vetted some choices. That's how business works, if u think there may be an issue you start to take preliminary steps to solve or fix the problem.
<br>By saying Brandon has failed befor it's over is something the freep would do (or is going to do).

Joined: 10/26/2008

MGoPoints: 7777

jabberwock

January 5th, 2011 at 5:19 PM ^

We already ARE Notre Dame.
<br>
<br>So when whomever we squire goes 9 - 4 next year we're going to fire them right?
<br>Right?
<br>Looks like RR was on track to deliver that next year, but apparently that may not have been good enough as a 4th year?
<br>
<br>We are getting exactly what we deserve.

Joined: 07/04/2008

MGoPoints: 51146