Fans disappointed by Michigan's performance, want to see Rich Rodriguez fired
Michael Thompson, Novi, center left, and his buddy Gary Dancer, Coldwater, center right, get fired up after watching Michigan take the opening drive of the Gator Bowl in for a touchdown. The two were watching the game at The Arena in downtown Ann Arbor. When asked about the coaching situation at Michigan, Dancer had only one thing to say, "Go Harbaugh!"
Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com
“I felt shock, awe, and disgust,” said Andradd, who gathered with friends and fellow students to watch the game at Buffalo Wild Wings on South State Street in downtown Ann Arbor. “I was (Coach) Rich Rodriguez’s last fan, but he couldn’t even beat a Southern team. I would fire everyone (on the coaching staff.)”
His brother Paul Andradd shared his disappointment.
“This game is a summary of the whole season,” said Paul Andradd. “The first quarter was great and then we fell apart. I love Rich Rod but something’s just not working.”
Michigan student Gireesh Redey took things a bit further: “I think Rodriguez should be fired immediately,” he said.
Michigan's loss to Mississippi State at EverBank Stadium marked the team’s first appearance at a bowl game in three years. Michigan started the 2010 season strong, and finished with a record of 7-6.
“We gave him three solid years,” said Michigan student Sarah Pope. “Our offense will be super strong next season, but it doesn’t help our defense.”
“I’ve always supported Rich Rod,” said Michigan student Brian Salata. “I trust Dave Brandon (Michigan athletic director) to make the right decision. We’re going to get better. Go Blue!”
Michigan alumnus Larry Bowman has been a longtime fan of the Wolverines. He gathered with fellow fans to watch the Gator Bowl at the Ann Arbor Country Club.
“I’m highly disappointed in the coaching, especially the defensive coaching this season,” said Bowman. “We have a young team, and we will be better next year. We need a coach who is going to bring the team back to the winning tradition.”
Michael Bruner, also a Michigan alumnus, said that Michigan’s performance today left him feeling “disappointment and heartbreak.”
“I say no to Rodriguez and yes to Jim Harbaugh as the new coach,” said Bruner.
Wolverines fan Kevin Fitzsimons agreed.
“I think Harbaugh is a strong coach who wouldn’t tolerate losing,” said Fitzsimons. “They’ll be better next season.”
As far as the recent announcement that backup quarterback Tate Forcier was ineligible to play in today’s game because of his academic record, Fitzsimons said that it made Forcier himself look bad.
Michigan football fan Sandy Huizenga added, “A good coach would not have a backup quarterback that’s ineligible.”
Her husband, Ted Huizenga, said, “I think Rodriguez did a good job offensively, and he laid the groundwork to make a good team, but it’s taken him too long to develop the team.”
Huizenga also supported hiring Jim Harbaugh if he is available. Harbaugh, who attended Pioneer High School and was a Michigan quarterback who played under Bo Schembechler, has not yet signed a contract extension to coach at Stanford University. Michigan Athletic Director Dave Brandon is expected to make a decision about Rodriguez's future with the Wolverines soon.
Lisa Carolin is a freelance writer for AnnArbor.com. Reach the news desk at news@annarbor.com or 734-623-2530.
Comments
Jeromy
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 2:12 a.m.
fixing the offense is a matter of putting 15 pounds on robinson, moving him to half-back, and using a passing quarterback. recruit a couple bigger wide receivers and couple tight ends. add some weight to the line. voila. the defense, on the other hand, could start by going back to the 4/3 to fortify run support and add pressure on the qb. unfortunately, the secondary is young. not much can be done there right away, other than reinforcing fundamentals and awareness. 3 guys covering zones all within 10 yards total leaves a lot of grass uncovered. i've seen better defense at my local high school. a kicker is a must. perhaps rr ought to watch the sugar bowl that was on tonight. the kicker kept arkansas in the game (hitting a 47 yarder and a 46 yarder while we have problems with 23.) while the defense mopped up for osu. the spread is not for the big 10. both indiana and northwestern are spread teams and can anyone remember the last time either one won the big 10 crown? i can't. but penn state, wisconsin and ohio state. they do it all the time, share it, or at least have a shot. and with nebraska coming in next year, it only looks worse for michigan's future. robinson? no, not his fault. he did the best he could with what he had. but ultimately, i don't think it will matter. rr will be in ann arbor next year. yea, he may WANT to win, and it can only be done HIS way, but he's not doing it. 2 days of meetings? you only need 2 seconds to say "you're fired." if he's gone, i'll be surprised....albeit happily.
Metalc0reJ
Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 5:27 p.m.
Let me just say that I had faith in Rich Rodriguez for the better part of three years, and I really expected him to install a high-powered offense and moderate defense. That faith is entirely gone. This isn't working. It won't work. We need to cut ties and get back to Michigan football, even if it takes another 3 years to even come close to getting good. I want to see a pro-style offense that pounds the ball, and a talented defense that gets stops. And for the love of all that is holy.... STOP BLAMING GREG ROBINSON. THE DEFENSE IS PUTRID TALENT-WISE, JON GRUDEN COULDN'T MAKE THIS DEFENSE ANY BETTER. The defense is attributed to poor recruiting, poor development, poor everything. Everything about this program isn't good. Even the historically good offense was unable to perform in big games. Plus Rodriguez failed to even recruit an adequate field goal kicker. I'm sorry, but that alone is enough to tell me this guy has somehow crumbled beneath the pressure of being the Michigan coach. So much of what has happened is unacceptable and beyond forgiveness. This experiment has failed spectacularly. I want everyone gone, I want Harbaugh in, and I want to watch this rebuilding process back to the old Michigan ways to begin anew.
lickmybuckeyes
Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 6:57 a.m.
Go blow!
wayne
Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 6:31 p.m.
NEVER HAPPY You wanted Beilein from WVU and you got him and all you have done since is whine. You wanted Rich from WVU and you got him and all you have done since is whine. Bill Stewart will be available at the end of 2011 and you can have him for free. Would you guys like some cheese to go with you WHINE????
wayne
Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 5:12 p.m.
Hey guys i know what michigan can do. There is another coach in the big east looking for a job at the end of 2011 by the name of Bill Stewart.He is really good and would surely be some one who could turn the program around.Give Rod one more year and then you can move old Bill right in his place. What you think????
transplant
Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 11:15 a.m.
I can't believe the comment from Vic Andradd "I was (Coach) Rich Rodriguezs last fan, but he couldnt even beat a Southern team". Big 10 teams went 0 and 5 yesterday, and the 5 winning teams were all Southern. Don't forget the reigning NFL champions, either - I believe that New Orleans classifies as a Southern team! I was born and raised in Tennessee, and to the best of my knowledge, football has been around a long time there and in other Southern states.
lefty48197
Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 10:14 a.m.
I think people are being WAY too hard on Rich Rod. His innovative offense takes a few years to properly implement in addition to requiring the right personnel. Also, his 3-3 defense is so innovative that nobody else in the history of football has ever even heard of it, let alone see it operate effectively. Greg Robinson and Rich Rod are GREAT coaches. They should both be given very long contract extensions. Go State!
mikesaline
Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 9:47 a.m.
Time to send Rich Rod packing. Enough is enough. All the hype and "we're improving" is total nonsense. His teams are getting worse, not better. The offense is predictable and dependent on miracles from one player. The defense is beyond a joke. And what has Rich Rod done to adjust as time goes on? Nothing. He stubbornly stays in the exact same offense and that inferior 3-3-5 defense that teams must laugh at when they come up to the line and see their D backs playing 20 yards off the receivers. Rich Rod has failed to TEACH those kids, he's failed to recruit the right kids, and he's failed to adjust his "scheme" when other teams have figured out how to counter it. He is UM's Matt Millen who destroyed the Lions in short order with a similar arrogance, infatuation with a "system" and disregard for the reality of the players he inherited. And, like Millen, Rich Rod ran off some good people and made horrific personnel decisions (GRob is an utter disaster as he was in Syracuse). This is not Michigan football. This team would have a tough time competing in today's MAC. They'd have a winning record in the pathetic Big East and that seems to be Rich Rod's natural frequency. SEC or Pac-10 or even the WAC? He'd be a bottom dweller like he is in the Big 10. The time has come to pull the plug on this mess before the entire program is in shambles and we have to suffer through a lost decade like Notre Dame. Go out and get a pro-style coach (Harbaugh) who attracts players that aspire to play in the pro league. Forget that mickey mouse gimmick "system" and use something that actually has staying power and doesn't expose talented players to injury and endless punishment. In a pro style offense, Tate could actually Shine with Denard being used in the wildcat or even as a slot receiver. Harbaugh could turn this program around in 1-2 years given the relatively pathetic Big 10 right now and into a powerhouse in 4-5 years since he'd be able to recruit the right type guys. It's time to End this Error. And the time to do it is now, Brandon.
Hillbillydeluxe
Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 9:01 a.m.
Waiting to see if Dave is scared to make a big decision.
xmo
Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 8:30 a.m.
I think you are not looking at the positives! Rich Rod has made Michigan one of the most interesting programs in the country.
glimmertwin
Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 5:42 a.m.
The Big 10 has completely lost relevance - the bowl games show that. The college football world is passing by leaving teams like Michigan in the dust. It is obvious that RR is not capable of leading a Big 10 program. Brandon - making no decision is as bad as making the wrong decision. Having no kicking game, a high school caliber defense, confused players not even getting on the field in time is a sign that you have lost it.
Jay
Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 2:34 a.m.
Vic Andradd you are a bigger idiot than Rich Rod. Your comments were hilarious. Southern Teams have always whipped up on you little girls.
lickmybuckeyes
Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 12:42 a.m.
C'MON STEPH.....IT ISN'T A PERSONAL ATTACK WHEN THE FACT IS THAT THE BLUE BLOWS. DON'T FIRE RICHROD....GIVE HIM A CONTACT EXTENSION....PLEASE!
dae
Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 11:32 p.m.
Problem is: It takes about three years for a coach to get a full group of his recruits to turn around a failing team. Eastern Michigan's football team has been in turmoil since the late 90s and have had a revolving door for coaches there. If RichRod goes, then the next guy will have his work cut out. RichRod took a team and installed a completely different system - one that needs a specific type of player that UM was not gaining: Denard Robinson is no Tim Tebow or even a Dan Lefeveour which what a spread offense needs to succeed. Plus, the defense has been horrible for years. Two routes to go: if you hire Harbaugh, you have to give him time to install his pro-style offense which requires a different type of player that RichRod does not recruit. The other route is to hire another spread offense guy but you need the type of talent the SEC, Big XII or less, and Pac-10/12 get for the spread to work in the Big Ten/12.
Msgirl
Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 10:48 p.m.
I felt shock, awe, and disgust, said Andradd, who gathered with friends and fellow students to watch the game at Buffalo Wild Wings on South State Street in downtown Ann Arbor. I was (Coach) Rich Rodriguezs last fan, but he couldnt even beat a Southern team. I would fire everyone (on the coaching staff.) Can't beat a "Southern" team? Don't feel bad, Rich Rod was not the only coach to lose to a "Southern" team. Your brethren at MSU lost by 42 to Alabama (thereby disproving JaJujuan's comment about MSU getting all the talent) and Joe Pa at Penn State lost to a very no-where-near-as-good-as-they-regularly are Florida team. Until the Big 10 gets SEC speed all over the field, they will not be able to compete on a regular basis with the "Southern" teams. Layoff the beer and for goodness sakes don't start drinking the kool-aid that Herby, Corso, and Howard were drinking this morning when they predicted UM would win. Don't insult the South when the fact is your just not that good anymore. PS - Tell lickmybuckeyes not to get too cocky, they still haven't beaten the SEC in a meaningful game in ANY sport.
lickmybuckeyes
Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 10:33 p.m.
Looking to go 10-1. See you next year to humiliate YET AGAIN!
lickmybuckeyes
Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 10:16 p.m.
He's a great coach (for us). I say he's a keeper!
Smiley
Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 10:12 p.m.
"...I love Rich Rod but somethings just not working." Sums it up perfectly.
Smiley
Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 9:59 p.m.
Bash Rich Rod all you want; the guy's a great coach. That being said, he isn't a good fit for Michigan, obviously. He has been successful in the past, and he will be in the future. Time to move forward..GO BLUE!!
michboy40
Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 9:57 p.m.
Goodbye RR. I don't think Harbaugh is coming to AA, but I believe Dave Brandon has a plan. Let me be the first to say that our next HC will surprise everyone, and it will be a "what? Who is that?" kind of hire.
David Briegel
Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 9:53 p.m.
Michigan Football is a total embarassment! They don't even know the status of their 2nd QB. How could you NOT know he was a flunky? NO D, no kicking game, no special teams. Is there a Head Coach? And that Great offense either can't score early or can't score late! They could barely compete in the MAC! I do NOT understand the clamor for Harbaugh. He is certainly a success but I believe he wouldn't stay long at Mich. Canham hired Bo from Miami, Ohio, and OSU hired Tressel from Youngstown St. Both brilliant hires. Why not go the same route with a "Head Ball Coach" that would be THRILLED to stay and make MICH a winner once more? And why would A2.com have an article written by someone who didn't know where Harbaugh was schooled? Heck, I knew that much!!!
Bones
Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 9:45 p.m.
That looked like a tryout for the Lions. I did not know that they were recruiting.
shipdog7
Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 9:20 p.m.
In 2003 the Nebraska team went 9-3 in the regular season. However this level of success was not judged to be adequate by second-year Nebraska Athletic Director Steve Pederson, who fired Coach Solich before the bowl game, justifying the move by stating he would not "let Nebraska gravitate into mediocrity. And would not "surrender the Big 12 title to Oklahoma and Texas". Folks...we are definitely in a state of mediocrity at UM. Welcome to the Big Ten Nebraska! Maybe your integrity will be a wake up call to us.
the leprachaun
Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 9:19 p.m.
Michigan has high school talent in football just too bad MSU gets all the Michigan talent. The whole system has to be replaced
breadman
Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 9:04 p.m.
If RR is there for the 2011 season in football!! You bet ya, I will stand on the corner and sell my seasonal tickets. I will not sit on a metal bench freeze my but off tooooo watch the team loose a fourth year in a roll.
Go Blue
Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 9:03 p.m.
Well, there you have it - that wasn't a loss UM suffered - it was annihilation, pure and simple. Consider the few teams we played against and won. We can no longer compete with top notch teams! What an embarrassment to go from a top notch team, respected, looked up to and challenging on the field, to the disaster it is now. Ah for the Fielding and Bo days. When the HC was a true leader and Michigan man. When there WAS leadership, ownership of mistakes without trying to pawn it off on someone else. When the buck stopped with the HC and he took full responsibility. And was able to inspire the team and give them a reason to be proud. No such luck with the current.............
3 And Out
Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 8:40 p.m.
yes Stefanie...after Harbs dad took a job at Stanford, he left Pioneer and went out there to finish his HS. Hope he comes back!
missionbrazil
Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 8:08 p.m.
I'm not even sure I would hire RR as an OC at this point, let alone have him as a HC. Our O wasn't as good as some people want you to believe, and would have been worse without a great season by D Rob. Before today our O was rated # 23 in scoring in the nation, and only # 4 in the BT. And many of the points came against teams like Bowling Green, UMass, and the 3OT game against Illinois. Against the better BT teams it was not very good. Plus we were LAST in the BT in turnover margin and # 9 in Red Zone efficiency. And today we scored only 14 points against the # 5 team in the SEC West (although MSU is a pretty good football team).
TrueBlue95
Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 7:58 p.m.
RR has lost his fan support, and I believe his locker room now. A lot of talk has been made about the time to transition to a different offensive system...this on the surface would seem plausible. However, this doesn't explain total failure on defense and special teams??? I suspect announcement of JH will be Jan 4th.
LSUWolverine
Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 7:27 p.m.
BTW, to bash Greg Robinson, a man who has had successful defenses on both the pro and college level is yet another tool the kool-aid drinkers use to defend Rich Rod. Not only did RR force the 3-3-5 down Greg's throat, he also was unable to hire assistant coaches that he was familiar with. If you don't believe me, look at the success that Scott Shafer is having at Syracuse. The DC position is just another thing that RR uses as an excuse for his poor management and coaching skills. As a leader, one must take responsibility for his actions and I have never seen RR do so.
LSUWolverine
Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 7:24 p.m.
I understand Mort, that's what I was referring to.
golfer
Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 7:19 p.m.
LSUWolverine i do not think you can have a deal without going thru the school he is at now. i am sure by way of third or fourth party they got his feelings.
golfer
Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 7:15 p.m.
need to call three men and a truck. i was one that said give him one more year. now after today. i think i rather go into another rebuilding year. what i do not want is for harbaugh to come her for say three years then go pro. that would really get me mad. time for change.
LSUWolverine
Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 7:12 p.m.
Even though this is a disappointing loss, I just want to say that DB is playing his hand almost perfectly. From what I've read in other blogs and articles, and what I've heard from people close to the program, DB already had a deal in place with JH a few weeks ago. Its only a matter of Stanford finishing the Orange Bowl for the announcement to be made.
3 And Out
Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 6:58 p.m.
Lisa..im fairly certain that Harbaugh graduated HS in Palo Alto and did not graduate from Pioneer.
3 And Out
Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 6:57 p.m.
Note to fans: Rich Rod did a terrible job offensively. This team scored 14 points today, 7 vs. OSU and only scored about 35 total points in the first half vs. Iowa, MSU, Wisky, OSU and PSU. Not good production... RR is a total and absolute failure and is completely overrated as an offensive coordinator too.
Robert
Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 6:47 p.m.
I say keep him and fire Greg Robinson... then kick him in the pants on the way out. He's an embarrassment to all of college football.