Question for those who want RR gone

Submitted by tbliggins on

What kind of coach do you think would want to come to AA after RR was canned after only getting 2 years? Keeping in mind that he wasn't even judged by having his own players, but years w/ an extremely depleted offense and another w/ a depleted defense. Also remember that last time we had a coaching search there really wasn't any A-list candidates on the radar until WV lost to Pitt.

Now I am as frustrated as everyone else about how the season has gone and don't think that RR has performed particularly well. It is even more frustrating considering RR's reputation to do more w/ less talent. That said, he deserves to be judged on what he builds not what he inherited. Also a change now just sets back whoever the B- or C-list coach that we could get that much further.

The King of Belch

November 7th, 2009 at 9:21 PM ^

I am not "hopeful" RR fails. I have never crossed the line into hoping UM would lose so a coach can be moved on. I know TONS of people felt that way when Lloyd was still here--winning games--but not I, and not now. I have nothing against Rich Rod personally; he was the wrong hire at the time, and made the tactical error of ramming his offense down the players' throats, not taking defense seriously, and blowing up a program that in no way needed this much of an overhaul.

In fact, everyone who blames Lloyd Carr, the players, and fans for this are wrong: The blame must be placed squarely on the shoulders of Bill Martin.

I think, from many appearances, this hire appeared to be a great one.

But right now, the transition appears to be too much, the hire too polarizing, and the implosion of the program really, really stupid.

So--let's see what happens next year. If Rodriguez weaves a magical tale of miraculous recovery, wow--double his salary and give him the caysh to hire some qualified assistants.

In reply to by The King of Belch

los barcos

November 8th, 2009 at 4:16 AM ^

yes, you cant really blame lloyd for leaving pro style players behind. and you cant really blame rr for being a stubborn mofo.

i agree, bill martin shouldnt have made the hire. we're stuck with it though, for better or worse

Lumpers

November 7th, 2009 at 8:46 PM ^

But Coach Rod is going to get at least 4 yrs to prove himself, given the following things happen (practice gate is bs, so it will very likely not be an issue)...they make a bowl game next year and they don't go 0-3 vs ND, MSU and OSU. Yr 4 needs improvement to 9 wins.....if it doesn't materialize, the sun will burn like the Mohave desert in A2, the Big House starts to not sell out and people like me stopping giving $ and buying club seats. The apologists can state a million reasons to Sunday about who, what and why......at the end of the day, the power brokers in the alumni base will get what they want, regardless of this terrific blog's opinions.

I want to see Coach Rod succeed and do well. He has the offense progressing...the precipitous regression of the defense is frankly embarrassing. We know the talent is lacking and I have said this before, i don't care if we start 5 walk-ons and get outscored every game, as long as we see improvement. We are seeing the direct opposite. That's the big disappointment in my book.

blues next

November 7th, 2009 at 9:35 PM ^

the thing that i have to keep pushing to the dark recesses of my mind is...the offense wasn't the problem under lloyd. we were branded as the program that put talent in the nfl. 5 star quarterbacks attracted talented supporting casts...

under lloyd the defense devolved every year since 97. it has taken us this long to realize our problem is on defense. could we have made a simpler transition and put $$ into a dc stud?

when we finally are back to respectability, will it be worth all the pain of the past 2-3 years?

go blue

blues next

November 7th, 2009 at 9:36 PM ^

the thing that i have to keep pushing to the dark recesses of my mind is...the offense wasn't the problem under lloyd. we were branded as the program that put talent in the nfl. 5 star quarterbacks attracted talented supporting casts...

under lloyd the defense devolved every year since 97. it has taken us this long to realize our problem is on defense. could we have made a simpler transition and put $$ into a dc stud?

when we finally are back to respectability, will it be worth all the pain of the past 2-3 years?

go blue

MGoJay

November 7th, 2009 at 8:04 PM ^

Agreed with everyone who's faith has waned a bit over the last few weeks, but to change courses at this point would be a horrible mistake.

HOWEVA, I'm tired of all the excuses about walk-ons, youth, and inexperience. While that explains a lot of our struggles, RR has failed to prove he's a savvy game manager. He's been outcoached on several occassions (by Ron Zook and Danny Hope no less!).

Failing to kick the 37 yd FG today with 4:30 to play (what turned out to be the Brown lateral) and all 3 timeouts, instead opting to go for it on 4th and 10, is inexcusable. Just like it was last week when we were down 3 scores late.

There's a difference in being aggressive and being stupid. RR's decision making has leaned more toward the latter.

Arizona Blue

November 7th, 2009 at 8:42 PM ^

I tend to agree with your argument that RR has not been the best of game managers this season. I think he has been spotty all year and has had trouble adjusting to defenses once the opposing team makes their initial in game adjustments. Regarding the decision to forgo the field goal and try to get a first down I think your criticism is absurd. There is no way any coach in his situation would trust that defense to get a stop.

MGoJay

November 8th, 2009 at 12:27 AM ^

To go for it on 4th and 10 WAS stupid. Plain and simple. There was 4:30 left and we had all 3 TOs. Even if you held them to 3 on their next possession, it was still a one score game. (Likewise, the decision to pass up the FG vs. IL when we were down 3 scores)

I'm ok with the mindset that it was 4-down territoy regardless, can't argue that given the performance of the D to that point. BUT, the playcalling in that situation left a lot to be desired. We were in a huge hole after the holding penalty (negated the Minor TD), and tried to get it all back at once. It would make sense to chip away on 2nd and 3rd downs to get into a 4th and manageable situation.

4th and 5 in that situation? Good call to go for it. 4th and 10? Not so much.

umchicago

November 8th, 2009 at 12:48 PM ^

chip away. did you watch the game??? RR ran a QB keeper that gained 10 yds. i would call that chipping away and not trying to get it all back.

also, "holding them to 3 on their next possession". this really shows your ignorance. in no way ever would purdue attempt a field goal. you do realize the game would be over with probably 2 purdue first downs, right?

going for it on 4th down was the right call, imo. you have to try to get the game to OT in that situation versus hoping your D gets a stop, you get good field position and then score a TD. purdue probably "tries harder" to get a first down if they are up by only 5.

failing to convert would still give the opportunity to tie the game, which occurred. we just failed on the 2pt try. and it's that play call that i have the biggest problem with. but i'll save that for another post.

wolverine061592

November 7th, 2009 at 8:34 PM ^

Michigan football took a beating last year and many of the loyal fans stayed patient and understood that Rich Rodriguez was in a tough situation with no quarterback.

Well, now ten games into his second season a Rich Rodriguez coached Michigan team looks lost and poorly coached for the third game in a row. Rodriguez's excuses are running out and the majority of the fans in Ann Arbor are getting impatient. If Michigan fans liked to play the waiting game and wait for their team to be great again, then Rich Rod is their man. But, the Michigan faithful never want to wait, they want to win now and when they don't there are never good enough excuses. I have supported Rich Rod ever since he was hired until today. I have never been so disgusted watching Michigan games in my entire life and the pain that the greatest fans in the world have been going through must stop now.

If Michigan can win their next two games I believe Rich Rod deserves at least one more year to show the world what he can do. If Michigan loses their last two games and does not make a bowl game, I can't see any other way than to let Rodriguez go. There are no excuses for taking the winningest program in CFB history with some of the most talent in the country, and then turning it into the laughing stock of a mediocre Big 10. Michigan fans deserve better than anything less than a championship contender.

Rich Rods time is running out and unless the team can end the season in spectacular form, he should be gone. Many do not support the hiring of a new coach right now, but I feel that there are several qualified coaches who can bring this exact roster to a top 15 ranking. Michigan will always have talented players and they deserve a talented coach to lead those players to a bright future.

Many fans are looking at successful and current head coaches to come in such as Chris Peterson of Boise State, Brian Kelly of Cincinnati, or Gary Patterson of TCU. These coaches could very well be the future of Michigan football, but I feel that the best choice for head coach would be Kirby Smart, defensive Coordinator from Alabama. Smart is a former Georgia Bulldog defensive back and has worked with Nick Saban for years, including in the NFL. Every position Smart has coached has been nothing short of spectacular and I feel that he would turn Michigan and their defense into a winner right away. Smart is only 33, but as Josh Mcdaniels is proving in Denver, age is overrated and studying under Nick Saban is a plus for becoming a head coach. I feel Smart would turn next years Michigan roster into an immediate winner and he could turn the program into one of the most respected again.

Crime Reporter

November 7th, 2009 at 8:58 PM ^

Until last year, I had never seen a Michigan team with a losing record. Every program -- major or not -- goes through these periods. It sucks, but it happens. We have been spoiled as a fanbase, and now we are being humbled. We will back again, but right now, the identity of this team has to be rebuilt. Egos are going to be bruised during the process. Feelings are going to be hurt. And it will be painful at times. But to sit here and make it sound like Michigan fans deserve better because we're Michigan is idiotic. I'm tired of this bitching. We are not above everyone else, and therefore, entitled to victories. Get over it. The dropoff was going to happen sooner or later. And that's why the climb back will be so sweet. Stay humbled, my friend.

FrankMurphy

November 7th, 2009 at 9:56 PM ^

Look man, Rodriguez should get at least 4 years not because he deserves to, but because the consequences of firing him now would be disastrous. As we painfully learned over the past year and a half, coaching changes are bad for recruiting and cause attrition. You think our defense sucks now? What do you think would happen if we had to bring in our 3rd head coach in 4 years and our 5th defensive coordinator in 6 years?

Absent misconduct or a winless season, only an incompetent AD would fire a head coach after only 2 years on the job. At this point, the costs of instability outweigh the benefits of a change in direction.

KBLOW

November 7th, 2009 at 8:43 PM ^

You have zero understanding of the problems with the team or the coaching. Please go back to the Mlive forums.

EDIT: and by "you" I mean "wolverine061592"

Lumpers

November 7th, 2009 at 8:57 PM ^

wolverine061592 has likely not done his or her homework to really understand what has led up to the current fiasco.....but his/her points are very valid, in that this is the growing perception/sentiment in A2 and the majority of the fan base as a whole. This matters, whether the mgoblog faithful want to admit it or not.

wildbackdunesman

November 7th, 2009 at 8:47 PM ^

There were a few people openly bashing Rod at the game. They all seemed to have below average IQs. They would shout things at the end of the game like "Rod is gonna take a knee he is such a good coach"

wolverine061592

November 7th, 2009 at 9:07 PM ^

So are all of you guys telling me that any coach that Michigan had hired would bring in a new system and have this little of success. What homework haven't I done? What don't I understand? I supported Rich Rod this whole time until now. How is it acceptable for a team to look so unprepared for three weeks in a row? I understand every great program goes through a tough time once in a while, but this roster has proven they can perform well...they just haven't consistently which is a form of poor coaching.

The King of Belch

November 7th, 2009 at 9:30 PM ^

Is to write a 1000-word diary containing at least 10 excuses for Rich Rod's failure to this point and also recites this line at least five times: "The future is so bright I need sunglasses"

In this essay, you must blame Lloyd Carr at least three times. You will also be expected to mention all of the players that have left the program at least twice. And don't forget to blame Nick Sheridan and Steven Threet for not being good spread quarterbacks at least 8 times.

All of this will demonstrate your complete understanding of the New Michigan Football--which is: All in for Michigan, No Matter How Long it Takes for Rich Rodriguez to Get His Guyz

Lumpers

November 7th, 2009 at 9:35 PM ^

an hour ago to vent......here's a tutorial for starters...

http://mgoblog.com/diaries/decimated-defense-part-ii-statisticating

There are plenty of us that have expressed our game mgmt criticisms and lack of improvement by the defense...but you will just get shellacked, joining a blog right after a loss and spouting off... I am surprised you can even post with your low point totals... Doesn't matter much anyways, Brian will be limiting access an hour now to mitigate the incessant flame factor that will continue to grow as people continue to drink...

wolverine061592

November 7th, 2009 at 9:12 PM ^

I will always be faithful to Michigan but when I see great athletes and a great program pour so much money into their athletics and coaching and get beaten so badly, I want to think things will get better but they haven't and the team is looking worse especially on D.

wolverine061592

November 7th, 2009 at 9:12 PM ^

I will always be faithful to Michigan but when I see great athletes and a great program pour so much money into their athletics and coaching and get beaten so badly, I want to think things will get better but they haven't and the team is looking worse especially on D.

TIMMMAAY

November 8th, 2009 at 12:57 PM ^

Why is this so hard to see? There have definitely been some questionable coaching moments on RR's part, but Jesus you guys, DEFENSE, we need it. Our offense is leaps and bounds beyond last season.

I think GERG is doing an ok job, but I just don't understand continually putting Warren 10 yards off his receiver. I. Just. Don't. Get. It. Man.
I do understand certain situations call for it, but he's back there at least 75% of the time. Play some fucking press, man.

Also, I don't want to see us rush five on third and long, ever again. PLZKTHXBAI

wolverine061592

November 7th, 2009 at 9:26 PM ^

Offense did look better this week for sure but you act like its ok for the defense to suck and that Rich has nothing to do with that. He is the HEAD coach and I know Robinson is to be blamed for the large part of the defensive struggles, but Rodriguez has to be blamed as well. The team was winning both of these games at halftime yes, but in second half situation football Michigan has been awful lately. People are out of position, giving up big plays, and missing tackles. These are things they should be stressing in practices and they obviously aren't doing a good job. They made no adjustments of defense and they got burned bad in 3 straight games. My friend literally puked during the Illinois game because he couldn't believe lack of execution.

wolverine061592

November 7th, 2009 at 9:26 PM ^

Offense did look better this week for sure but you act like its ok for the defense to suck and that Rich has nothing to do with that. He is the HEAD coach and I know Robinson is to be blamed for the large part of the defensive struggles, but Rodriguez has to be blamed as well. The team was winning both of these games at halftime yes, but in second half situation football Michigan has been awful lately. People are out of position, giving up big plays, and missing tackles. These are things they should be stressing in practices and they obviously aren't doing a good job. They made no adjustments of defense and they got burned bad in 3 straight games. My friend literally puked during the Illinois game because he couldn't believe lack of execution.

KBLOW

November 7th, 2009 at 9:35 PM ^

Do you honestly think that the coaches don't stress fixing the problems of out of position players, giving up big plays, and missing tackles? Seriously, do you live in a world where you just say something to someone else and it happens just the way you want it to? For most of us that world ends about the time we're out of diapers.

Also, your vomiting friend needs professional help.

wolverine061592

November 7th, 2009 at 9:51 PM ^

I am not saying in one practice a problem will be fixed. I am saying that after 3 weeks the defenses problems are getting worse and in no way better. Are you actually thinking the coaching staff is doing a good job with the defense lately? The players aren't idiots they want to play well and it is the coaches jobs to teach them technique and execution. I think the coaches are working on tackling and staying home in practice, but however they are doing it the players don't seem to be getting any better. I have a question for you. What in your opinion needs to change for Michigan to win these next two games, and to win in the future after this season.

tbliggins

November 7th, 2009 at 11:12 PM ^

In order to win either game remaining the offense has to execute flawlessly. There is just too big of a hole in the middle of the defense that is easily exploitable. There is nothing that can be done this season to fix this.

Going into next year they really need development in the back 7. Guys like Fitzgerald, Emelien, Bell, Turner, ect are going to have to step up to ensure that we no longer have to rely on walkons starting on defense.

ToledoGoBlue

November 7th, 2009 at 9:29 PM ^

For all of the detractors, why is Michigan football sooooo great in the 1st Halves of games and absolutely horrendous in the 2nd Halves of games.

Did RR get dumber during halftime? That is ALL ON THE DEFENSE!!!

kurpit

November 7th, 2009 at 9:32 PM ^

i understand that michigan's defensive talent was not up to par with what we've seen in recent years past (not last year) but good lord, how many times are people going to say that all the talent was depleted before somebody points out that basically every player on this team was recruited by tons of top D1 teams? THEY'RE ALL 4 STAR TALENTS! Cissoko, Warren, Graham, Mouton, Brown, Williams. weren't all of these guys highly sought after?
Why is this defense so atrocious while at the same time Iowa, Wisconsin, and Michigan State are putting together better defenses with basically nothing better than 3 star guys? so, I don't buy that this team is without talent.

There is some inexperience going on here, but come next year basically every starter will have a full year or 2 of weight room and playbook development. If there aren't real strides next year, there is something wrong going on here other than Lloyd Carr not leaving enough talent.

A Case of Blue

November 8th, 2009 at 1:18 AM ^

No, but I'm going to go out on a limb and say that having a different DC for the past three years has probably not helped develop what talent we do have.

Also, week in and week out, Warren's and Graham's play on the field shows why they were so highly recruited.

And lastly, I think we have seen some strides made by some players, which is a reason to keep moving in the same direction for a little longer, at least. Look at Stevie Brown, who was a goat on every defensive snap the previous two years, and who has been playing quite well this year after a position change.

We can develop talent, but more coaching changes are not going to help.

TIMMMAAY

November 8th, 2009 at 1:04 PM ^

Look at Stevie Brown, who was a goat on every defensive snap the previous two years, and who has been playing quite well this year after a position change.

Stevie Brown was most definitely, not a goat on every defensive snap last season. He was horrible in coverage, yes, but was pretty effective stopping the run. As he is still.

wolverine061592

November 7th, 2009 at 9:37 PM ^

Agreed...I am tired of people making excuses for this team. It is not lack of talent. Michigan recruits well every year and when people say Michigan fans have no right to think they are better than any other is a little strange to me. The actual fans aren't better than other fans, but the Michigan football team should be one of the better teams in college football every year, and not the worst in the big 11 two years in a row.

bronxblue

November 7th, 2009 at 11:00 PM ^

Um, they looked pretty bad at the beginning of the season on defense as well. And that was before Cissoko left the team and freaking walk-ons were passing scholarship players on the depth chart. Just because the damn didn't burst then first day doesn't mean cracks weren't forming.