missionbrazil

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 11:02 a.m.

D-21... I haven't seen The Crazies yet; I'll have to check it out. I read the review at IMBd and it sounds like the Kool-Aid disease with a dark side. Do you know of any plane crashes near AA in the past 3 years?

D21

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 9:34 p.m.

MissionBrazil, Cool icon, this rr kool aid craze reminds me of a recent and pretty good movie, "The Crazies".

ellipsec01

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 8:36 p.m.

John Harbaugh thinks there's 'good chance' Jim Harbaugh stays at Stanford ""I walked right into that one," Harbaugh said. "I don't want to speak for him, but I think there's a chance he'll stay at Stanford. I think there's a good chance he'll stay there. I don't know that for a fact, but I know this: He loves those players." http://voices.washingtonpost.com/early-lead/2011/01/john_harbaugh_thinks_theres_go.html

missionbrazil

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 8:03 p.m.

Ben "But I'm still not going to pin much blame on the offense when the defense gives you ZERO chance to win against a good team." Ben, some of your points are valid points, like the bad D and special teams putting alot of pressure on the O (which again points back to RR's overall failure). However, the offense had 3 major problems this year, and they cannot be totally explained by playing against excellent D's. The first is that our O had a terrible Red Zone efficiency... we were # 9 in the BT. This happened in the MSU game also... how many times did we get into the Red Zone and not score any points? 4 or 5 I believe. A good O gets the job done, and many times the O did not execute. Sure we had alot of yards this year, but execution when it mattered most was not there in many games. The other 2 problems were penalties, especially at crucial times, and turnovers. We were last in the BT in turnover margin, and 6th in the BT for penalties. Poor execution at critical times, penalty problems, and many turnovers are more due to bad coaching than playing against excellent D's.

missionbrazil

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 7:47 p.m.

Thanks D-21. I'm just trying to help in the fight against that dreaded RR Kool-Aid disease. It makes people say and do crazy things.

The Ben

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 7:43 p.m.

"Fact: Our O is rated # 22 in the nation for scoring offense (and only 3rd in the BT), not in the top 10. (34.2 pts/game, and that was before our "great offense" put up 14 pts. on the # 5 team in the SEC West)" MissionBrazil, you do realize that Auburn only put up 17 points on Mississippi State, right? I'm not going to criticize Michigan's offense. Why? Because it's hard to evaluate an offense when the defense is the worst in school history. Having a horrid defense affects the offense in a lot of ways. Enormous pressure to score on every possession, less opportunities to have the football, no chance to get into a rhythm, etc. If you are going to have a championship team, you are going to have to win some games without a ton of offensive production. Auburn beat Mississippi State 17-14. Should we expect Michigan to put up 40 on MSU? No. To have a chance to win, Michigan needed to have a competent defense. That's it. Some games are going to be defensive struggles (if you actually have a defense). If Michigan was capable of holding MSU in the 20-point range, then you start looking at actual in-game strategy (remember those days?). Field position, scraping together enough yards to kick a field goal, etc. Sometimes you have to win 20-19, even with a good offense. That being said, I realize that the scenario I mentioned is impossible with the current state of the program. Defense and special teams are SO important. But I'm still not going to pin much blame on the offense when the defense gives you ZERO chance to win against a good team. Zero.

Blu-n-Tpa

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 6:01 p.m.

D-21? Who's D-21? Sorry my sub-dural hematoma has block some of my memory. Just answer to "others" from now on. Hey, did anything happen this weekend?

D21

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 4:54 p.m.

MissionBrazil, Great posting, man. Time and the truth (to be revealed soon) is on our side. GO BLUE!

D21

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 4:48 p.m.

Blu-N-Tpa, LOL, I had listed you as "the others" due to your non-descript moniker :) Just keep up the good work in rooting out the diminishing RR kool aid disease. GO BLUE!

missionbrazil

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 4:45 p.m.

Tru2Blu76 "A couple years ago, JH stirred anger with his flat-out assertion that Michigan fails to educate student athletes. Ever wonder what prompted him to come out with that - considering he's lived out in California most of his life. Probably, he said that to show Stanford he was "no Michigan lover.' What kind interest could he have in coming here?" Maybe you know better than JH himself as to why he made those comments; check this out from an interview he did: When he was asked why he made the comments: "My motivation was positive," he said. "I see how it's done now at Stanford, and I see no reason to believe it can't be the same there. I have a great love for Michigan and what it's done for me. Bo Schembechler was like a second father. Michigan is a great school and always has been, and I don't see why they can't hold themselves to a higher standard. Did you catch the part about "I have a great love for Michigan and what it's done for me"? and "Michigan is a great school and always has been..."? "Look at the statements he has made: just "I think about doing the job, that's all." You took this one out of context too... he was asked "are you thinking about taking the Michigan job or the SF job if offered?", and his answer was that he was focusing on his job at Stanford and the Orange Bowl. He has been quoted on record that he has loved being at Stanford, and also his players have been quoted on record that they love having him there and playing for him.

leaguebus

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 4:43 p.m.

Well, Brandon didn't schedule the press conference today, so a Harbaugh hire is still possible.

3 And Out

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 4:23 p.m.

rightmind250...No, I was not wrong...I said basically the EXACT thing that you said...he was not convicted of DUI which was what Jason Kovacs said....Kovacs was wrong...you and I are not wrong.....according to reports, he rolled through a stop sign and had a.09 which is.01 above the legal limit in CA. BTW, looks like we will need to fire Red Berenson if we cant hire Jim Harbaugh because they both had the same thing, same legal result basically. (said sarcastically, I dont believe that one mistake years ago should condemn anyone if they have rehabbed and paid for their mistake).

Jaysham

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 4:17 p.m.

D21 Thanks for the props. Rich Rod lovers you really need to just stop and take a deep breath and exhale. Now let me tell youy this real slow and clear for you ok. Rich Rod is getting fired he is a terrible fit for Michigan and has stained this proud and storied program so many times it is unacceptable children. No way will his system work here and he is a snake oil salesman not a head football coach. So if you can't understand what I just told you then you have a feeble mind and you probally rode the short bus to school. So what I'm saying is your"King" is dead! Go Blue

lawrencelaundry

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 3:27 p.m.

Blu n tpa, why don't u do your homework, I just was repeating what espn said.

missionbrazil

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 2:41 p.m.

Brian "Message boards are always filled with "fans" that blame coaches and oversimplify the game of football." And they are also filled with RR fans who make all kind of claims that are not true, hoping with their spin they will make him look better than he is. "Now he has developed an offense that ranks in the top 10 in the country. When has Michigan ever had a top 10 offense? Does the defense need work? Absolutely. That is why they should get a new D-coordinator. Folks on this board are saying his offense doesn't work? Top 10 in the country doesn't work?" Fact: Our O is rated # 22 in the nation for scoring offense (and only 3rd in the BT), not in the top 10. (34.2 pts/game, and that was before our "great offense" put up 14 pts. on the # 5 team in the SEC West) Fact: We were rated LAST in the BT for turnover margin Fact: We were rated # 109 in the nation for turnover margin Fact: We were rated # 6 in the BT for penalties Fact: We were rated # 9 in the BT for Red Zone Efficiency Fact: We were rated # 6 in the BT for 4th Down Conversions Fact: It has been shown over and over that against any decent BT team the offense struggled, and only averaged 7 points in the 1st half of games vs OSU, Wiscy, MSU, PSU, and Iowa. Not even close to Top 10 Brian, not even close.

Blu-n-Tpa

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 2:08 p.m.

That's not what was said. NFL teams want him but don't think he will be available because of Michigan being offered. Jeez, do your homework. Look, isn't that Elvis in the back of that snowplow?

lawrencelaundry

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 1:45 p.m.

Sounds like Harbaugh going to the NFL. That not for sure but its what espn says. That sucks.

Blu-n-Tpa

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 12:18 p.m.

@D-21 I am VERY disappointed that I was NOT included in your LIST! That does it, I hope RR stays! (Sorry, that last line must a been a TIA, have to get a scan.) To tater, LS, the numbers guy, JumpnPtgLk, RR losers: Quit swinging! The ref counted to 10, It's at the end, The bell has rung, Your guy is DONE!

lawrencelaundry

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 12:14 p.m.

Also kool-aid drinkers, what good coaching staff would stack the box with 3 down linemen on 4 the and short for the opposing team. How ridiculous. RR staff has no common sense.

lawrencelaundry

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : noon

Can't believe Jason is worried about Dee Hart. Im sure he alone will not get us a win against real teams with a defense. Bty, RR put this staff together and will be responsible for it as well. He should have known GERG wasn't very good after he tore down syracuse. Also most great coaches show some improvement throughout the yr. When u have 4 weeks off and prepare for one team with everyone healthy and get blown out the water by a 5th place SEC team that's shows nothing at all. Here's another quick tip for you Kookaid drinkers, Brian Kelly went 8-5 his first yr with a terrible inherited defense that showed progress toward the end of the season. That's called good coaching. How sad is that RR has a worse record then Kelly this yr. If RR stays, then watch the program spiral downward. And most fans will find themselves watching somthing else. Nav faith in the program, not RR. Facts speak for themselves.

D21

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 11:11 a.m.

heartbreakM, Yes, just read Plain Dealer (Cleve) Terry Pluto's article last Friday where he said that the Sugar Bowl CEO admitted that he had lobbied NCAA to allow the suspended Buckeye players to play. NCAA has a double standard when it comes to $$$. I was thinking the same thing as you did about Tressel and if I was the Vested One, I would info the NCAA and the Sugar Bowl that I ain't buying their crap and I will not play them against Arkansas, period despite getting tons of hate mail from some Buckeye fans. Really, the NCAA and Sugar Bowl people cannot win no matter how hard they may argue. Instead, Tressel accepted the easy way out by announcing that he got guarantees from Pryor and other players that they will play next season. If I were an OSU opponent next year, I would ask the NCAA that I choose not to play against Pryor based on what the NCAA did (in preferential selection/treatment by kowtowing to Sugar Bowl).

heartbreakM

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 10:30 a.m.

For the game tonight: I look forward to seeing if Harbaugh will have his team prepared or will he be like his mentor, Bo, and lose a heartbreaker!! I am certain that all the "Harbs leaving Stanford" talk has to affect the team. I choose Stanford in a close one. Tomorrow: I choose Arkansas. I think if Tressel had any gall, he would bench those 5 players even if their so-called suspension doesn't start until the NCAA thinks it should to save their bowl hide. Later: LSU over A/M Next week: Oregon over Auburn. I really like the Ducks defense--their second half defense this year has been nearly impenetrable. And I love the way they are coached. Love Chip Kelly.

D21

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 10:05 a.m.

TXMazienBlue. Yes, it is true. Good article and it is what has happened to UM in the past, too when the bowl system favored PAC 10 when it came to Rose Bowl games with (USC and UCLA unfairly hosting these at times). Speaking of Pac 10, who are you all gonna root for in the Oregon-Auburn game? I'm choosing the Ducks due to the odd Cam Newton situation.

Blu-n-Tpa

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 10:02 a.m.

It's kind of mindnumbing to see some still support RR for another year. There's has to be some kind of relationship there for anyone to overlook the outcome of the last three games Michigan has played. @tater/jumpnPoageLk What did you see in the play of special teams in the last 3 games that make you THINK RR can turn this around? He stated the bowl game was a regular game with normal preparation time. WHAT? When asked about who would handle the placekicking duties after 4 plus weeks of bowl practices following an entire football season, including per-season fall camp, he answered, "I DON'T KNOW!" WHAT? Given the chance to make a statement about his offense, about his defense(which he forces on his DCs), and his special teams, he changed NOTHING! WHAT? I don't know who wrote that this team, this season, and COACHING staff is DB's and it's his responsibility but that is WRONG. He assumed control of the Athletic Dept. with coaches already under contract. He couldn't, and he shouldn't, have made a move without giving those coaches his support until he personally saw what was happening. Any decision DB makes this week will impact that assessment. From now on changes made or not made will be on HIM. To those who want RR, I hope you follow him to his next team. You appear to have his traits. Can't admit making mistakes and thus, can't correct them.

rightmind250

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 9:55 a.m.

3 and out, You are wrong. The "charge" was DUI. He was convicted of reckless operation. Be sure to hide the booze when Harbaugh comes to town. http://www.nctimes.com/sports/college/article_bea1bb5e-79aa-5110-96b3-4a40f9a12b3f.html

D21

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 9:53 a.m.

Regarding aareader's hilarious comments: The pool of RR kool aid drinkers is drying up and you are one of the last (and soon to be vaporized) drops :)

D21

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 9:49 a.m.

JaySham, Great BMW/Pinto analogy.

D21

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 9:47 a.m.

aareader's hilarious comments: It is great to see more and more sensible and concise fans like DonAz, JaySham, Ben, and even PortageLkBlue (he is slowly coming around) and some others in addition to a murderers row lineup of the Ghost, heartbreak, micks, rudejude, 3 n out, i love michigan football, michboy40 and many others (would easily surpass the 300 word limit many times over). As for me, I am just a waterboy who checks the water for any trace of RR kool aid and filter it out asap with the help of the best team of posters. Enjoy the upcoming new chapter of UM football as we once knew it :)

Txmaizenblue

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 9:10 a.m.

There are so many angles one can look at, and so many things to blame, but the bottom line is Michigan football will never again be what it once was. That is hard to say and come to grips with but its just reality. There is so much more parity in college football now because of the spread of talent. And if you notice the bowl outcomes, the majority of the talent get spread among the southern schools. Playing for Michigan simply no longer has the drawing card that it once did. I know that strikes against the pride of us Michigan folk, but its just an honest evaluation. When you can choose dozens of high profile schools to play football for in the south and not have to endure the cold weather of Michigan, it becomes an easy decision to say no to a Michigan offer - especially when they are no longer a dominate program. I get VIP passes to the Army-All American Bowls and I often get comments from the kids that they do not want to play in the cold if they don't have to. It sucks, and I could be wrong, but I don't think any coach is going to fix it.

ViSHa

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 8:32 a.m.

No one was "put" in a situation--they accepted the job $$$. A job that could easily have been researched on the net and on the pipeline. The only ones i feel sorry for are the kids who get uprooted every time there is a coach change, but at least they bounce around from one comfortable home to another.

CMSMW

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 7:45 a.m.

To those talking about what you supposedly "deserve": Dave Brandon's gotta do what he's gotta do, but Michigan football fans could be a little more compassionate in their treatment of a man and his staff who got put into a difficult situation and who are worried about their livelihoods right now. Michigan football doesn't exist just to feed its fans' raging egos.

rightmind250

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 7:14 a.m.

Damn Portagelkblu, Take a breath boy. You sound like a product of the UM english department.

Steve Pepple

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 7:11 a.m.

A comment that violated our conversation guidelines was removed.

average joe

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 7:03 a.m.

Arrogance by people higher than Dave B. will prevent U of m to even be able to offer the job to Jim H. I don't believe they will ever get over what Jim H. said about his alma mater in relation to academics & athletics, & would be surprised if they look past it.

NoBowl4Blue

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 6:59 a.m.

LOL Tater finally surfaces defending Crybaby. Oh how I enjoy this. Bye Bye Crybaby. DB do the right thing open up the purse for JH

A2lover

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 6:47 a.m.

Surely there is a High School wiling to take Rich Rod? (although that might be insulting HS football) Oh, wait, High Schools strive for integrity, responsibility, honesty and no fabrication, none of which Rich Rod has. Brandon is waiting for Jim Harbaugh to return his call. JH is a bit busy with a bowl game right now. Lets hope the call is a positive response to an offer to coach at the U of M.

XTR

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 4:56 a.m.

The RR spinners are still here trying to spin things for RR and also discrediting Lloyd, Jimmy and even Bo. Too bad guys, RR did not help your case. RR was too good at proving that he did not belong in UM. He could have helped your cause by beating MSU, Iowa and Penn State then two more chances in beating Wisco and Ohio State and then this bowl game but everytime you give him a chance, he fails and proves that he does not belong here. 52-14 blowout from Miss State, c'mon this is not Ohio State anymore. Where is the vaunted offense? RR's team is a total failure on all aspects of the game.

OSUbeBetter

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 4:30 a.m.

Come on David Brandon, Rodriguez just needs 3 more years and hell be whooping butt in the Big 10. Size is old, Speed is the direction to move toward. dont let a string of blowout losses affect your judgment, all you need is a new D Coordinator.

3 And Out

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 4:15 a.m.

PS: 52-14 vs. the 5th place SEC West team. 37-7 vs. OSU... 20 pt loss to Wisky...17 to Sparty...outscored 250-125 in games vs. top 6 in the Big Ten (and your vaunted RR offense averaged only 20 pts in those games) Read that and weep RR trolls. The facts speak for themselves. Your man has failed miserably. Hopefully you go with him to whatever small school that he lands as OC at.

3 And Out

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 4:12 a.m.

Jason Kovacs, you are wrong. Harbaugh was not "convicted" of DUI. The charge ultimately was Reckless driving. Just like Michigan's hockey coach Red Berenson who had the same thing back in 94. Perhaps you should check your facts before you condemn someone you dont even know. Im going to go by the assumption that you and the rest of the 'bring RR back' idiocy will be gone and no longer Michigan fans after we hire Harbaugh or another coach who is way better than the joke Rich Rod.

Jaysham

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 1:50 a.m.

@Mick yes I do remember that about the Ford Pinto and that is why I used that analogy lol. I agree with your feelings on all this too. Also people that really think RichRod is worthy to stay as head coach is a few marbles short of a hungry hungry hippos game! This is coming to a end and face it ok it's for the best.

DonAZ

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 1:44 a.m.

Jason, you may be right. I would hope they do show improvement. I'm skeptical... and moreso under the guidance of the current coaching staff. The thing that bothers me most about the defense is the poor tackling. And it's not just me saying that... I've heard from many, many people who comment they can't believe how poorly the tackling is done by Michigan. Those are fundamental skills that any Div 1-A prospect should have under their belt. It looks like they're back on their heels most of the time and they're trying to tackle with their arms. Why is that? I've been deep into Michigan football since 1973 and I have never, ever, ever seen them so bad on defense. I'm not so sure Michigan can beat Notre Dame. I think Michigan would lose to Notre Dame if they played right now. My strong sense is Brian Kelly has that program in gear. Not Alabama good, but certainly well better than Charlie Weis Notre Dame. I think Denard Robinson is actually a pretty good QB. I wish he was a bit taller -- he had some trouble this season with balls batted at the line of scrimmage. And I wish the poor kid had a bruising tailback with him in the backfield. Personally, I've lost confidence in Rodriguez's ability to shepherd this team. I realize my confidence is not worth a plug nickel in the scheme of all this drama. But it's not just me. Lou Holtz was scathingly critical of Rodriguez during the halftime of the Gator Bowl game, saying as head coach all responsibility rests on Rodriguez for the overall team. When asked if Holtz would keep Greg Robinson as DC, Holtz hesitated and said, "He wouldn't be there in the first place." Scathing comments from Holtz, who usually offers praise first and then carefully worded criticism. It's sad. Michigan shouldn't be like this. There's really no excuse. There is, however, a reason: Rich Rodriguez.

Jason

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 1:18 a.m.

@ Don AZ I played college football as a WR. I believe the most difficult adjustment in going from HS to College is in the defensive backfield and 2nd at WR. In HS football their is very little emphasis on the nuances of the CB position. You either cover people with natural athleticism, or you stink. The kids in the secondary are going to improve. They should have never been on the field this year. We were taking 18 year old kids like Talbott and Christian and telling them "Go cover Devier Posey, Mark Dell, Darrell Koulianos.... Good Luck" Woolfolk will be back and Floyd should mature into a respectable corner. This will allow them to take more chances with the blitz and not worry about getting torched on the back end. Looking at the recruiting trail U-M has signed 3 CB's who are ranked higher than any other CB who has committed to any other Big Ten school. I would say that is a very positive sign for this team, and with Woolfolk and Floyd being back, they won't be asked to do anything beyond their capabilities. I think Roh is an excellent player, if Martin returns his ability is undeniable. We signed a DE out of Canton who is a bonafide prospect and great athlete. He will contribute right away. I also think Kenny Demens shows potential to be a very good linebacker. I don't think anyone being honest can deny his talent. I also recall their being a couple safeties, correct me if I am wrong, both named Johnson. They were both injured early in the year and never played. They would have probably been better on the back end than Kovacs (I love my namesake but he's just an OK player) and Vinopal. I can agree with your points that none of these games are guaranteed wins, but you must also concede that we very well can beat ND, ILL and a Nebraska team that graduates some serious talent and has an injury prone QB themselves. There also seems to be this idea that Denard Robinson has already reached a ceiling as a QB. I don't see why people don't expect another noticeable improvement in his decision making and passing abilities going into next season. He is obviously a hard working and determined young man, he will be even better than the All American who took the field this year. I could go on, but I feel like it's pretty obvious these guys are going to get better. There is no better teacher than experience. I say that because I know how I felt the first time I stepped onto a college football field and I know how much different it was a year later having had a year to take my licks and learn what it took to succeed. I believe we have talented players in place and I believe the recruiting has directly addressed the biggest needs. U-M is in he running for several other excellent 4 star defensive players. The sooner Brandon commits to the current coach the sooner he can move forward with bringing in the level of talent it takes to build a solid Big Ten defense.

Mick

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 1:10 a.m.

Jaysham in da house yo!! Tell them jay, I don't get it either, makes me shake my head! BTW, in your BMW and Ford Pinto analogy, the Pinto used to blow up when rammed from behind, remember? Kinda like the M program became under RR.

Jaysham

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 1:01 a.m.

All you Rich Rod lovers make me sick to my stomach! I can't understand how you think he will get this turned around and become this so called "King" as Theo says. He is finished in Ann Arbor so get over it. The guy has ran off so many players, bad recruiting, bad coaching, NCAA violatations, throwing players under the bus, not to mention a cry baby and a liar. Really people would you want your kids to play for this guy. Forgot to mention that he does not develope players and no there has not been big improvements in his 3 years. This is Michigan not West Virginia it didn't need to be rebuilt he turned a BMW into a Ford Pinto. So save your breath RichRod lovers he is getting fired and our new "King" will show that a good coach can win with the talent they have in store. Any real Michigan fan knows that RichRod is not the answer and he is Finished period get over it! So stop drinking the RichRod Kool-Aid/Nyquil. REALITY CHECK & PEACE OUT!

Mick

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 12:54 a.m.

DonAZ, Mich has one of the best records imaginable in Iowa City, trust me and look it up. Our normal M teams dominated there often. If Harbaugh or Hoke are our coach next year, we win at least 9/10 reg season games, mark my word.

DonAZ

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 12:19 a.m.

@richard corak -- my other post failed to include a note I put in about you overlooking Carr's 12-0 National Championship third season. I promise you if Rodriguez went 9-4 in his first two years and won the championship this year he'd be crowned King of the World. @Jason Kovacs -- The critics know this team brings back 18 starters and that the ones they lose, aside from Schilling, will be easily replaced and probably improved upon. I agree the seniors we lose aren't going to decimate the team, given they're not playing now anyway. But where exactly do you see the improvement coming from, particularly on defense? Wisconsin loses Tolzien, Carimi, Moffitt, 3 WR's, their starting TE on offense. They lose at least 3 starters on defense and Watt is a potential pro. Wisconsin is going to take a hit for sure. But Michigan doesn't play Wisconsin next year so it doesn't really work into the projection of Michigan winning 9 or more. Ohio State loses Saine, Sanzenbacher, Boren, Browning and maybe Adams, Posey and Pryor if they decide not to take their medicine. On defense they lose Heyward, Homan, Larimore, Rolle, Checkwa, Torrence AND Hines.... 7 senior starters on Defense alone. Tressel is very, very good at keeping his pipeline full. The loss of Pryor would hurt. MSU loses Dell, Gant, 3 starting Senior OLineman, and their fullback on O. On Defense they lose Neely, Gordon, Jones, Rucker, and Hyde. MSU was 11-2 but not a great team despite that record. They got lucky against Wisconsin early in the season, barely escaped Notre Dame, didn't play OSU and got thumped by Iowa. But... Dantonio is showing prowess at recruiting in-state and I think he can reload sufficiently well. Iowa.... loses just about everyone including all 3 dominant Defensive Lineman. Iowa is an enigma next year... Ferentz is in a bit of hot water himself due to the disappointing show for what was expected to be a challenger for the Big 10 title. Still, they prove themselves tough year in and year out. Here's Michigan's schedule next year with my predictions: Sept. 3 WESTERN MICHIGAN W Sept. 10 NOTRE DAME L (I'm laying it out there... watch out for ND in 2011) Sept. 17 EASTERN MICHIGAN W Sept. 24 SAN DIEGO STATE W (My heart tells me this is a potential stretch) Oct. 1 MINNESOTA* W Oct. 8 at Northwestern* L (NW hung tough against Texas Tech despite NW not having Persa, plus Michigan has trouble with NW in Evanston of late) Oct. 15 at Michigan State* L (This could go the other way... at MSU probably not, but it could) Oct. 22 Bye Week Oct. 29 PURDUE* (HC) W Nov. 5 at Iowa* L (Michigan plays poorly at Iowa) Nov. 12 at Illinois* L (Could go for Michigan... toss up at this point in my mind) Nov. 19 NEBRASKA* L Nov. 26 OHIO STATE* L So, based on my predictions, 5-7. 7-5 is the two games I offered as toss-ups go M's way. Granted, I could be wrong. But I doubt I am.

heartbreakM

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 12:14 a.m.

@truebluefan: I think RR brought a lot of the disdain on himself by completely dissing the prior coaches, the players, and embarrassing the university (lawsuit, probation). If he had shown any respect for the program, its history, and its players, he would have gained a lot. But he knew best and threw the players under the bus big time. But I see nobody attacking him personally as a "bad person", just as a really bad coach who had no business at UM or the big ten.

truebluefan

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : midnight

I also now believe that RR's time is up at Michigan. But I don't understand, nor do I care for, the words of disdain for the man. RR tried his best and worked very hard to mold Michigan in his vision and it didn't work out. I wish Michigan fans would simply wish him well in his future endeavors and end it at that. It is mean spirited and ugly to beat the guy up.

DonAZ

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 11:42 p.m.

Alvarez took over a Wisconsin team in shambles. Look at team records for the four years preceding Alvarez: 1986 39 1987 38 1988 110 1989 29 Alvarez's first three years is not impressive, but he was truly starting with a failed program. And look what he did next: 1993 1011 Now, before anyone uses that as a reason to say Rodriguez can do the same next year... ask yourself: Really? Does anyone really expect a 10-1 season next year? Bielema's start was: 2006 12-1 2007 9-4 2008 7-6 That 12-1 start buys extra time; the 9-4 second year was a disappointment but not a deal-breaker. After 2008 there was quite a bit of concern about the direction of the program. But the 12-1 and 9-4 seasons bought him some time. And then the turned it around: 2009 103 2010 112 Back in the saddle. For Mark Dantonio at MSU... again, let's look at the records leading up to his reign: 2003 85 2004 57 2005 56 2006 48 2007 76

heartbreakM

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 11:33 p.m.

@Jason Kovacs and Richard: You answered your own question. A REAL coach, one who knows how to get his team to perform, should really do great next year, and if there is time to have a down year yet stay competitive, this is the time to do it. Fact of the matter, Alvarez came into a Wisconsin program that had 10-15 years of futility. LC in his two years of "mediocrity" were not great years, but eons better than RR's best year, Dantonio beat his rival Michigan though last year underperformed big time; RR: 0-9 against MSU, OSU, PSU (and PSU has not even been good). Biggest bowl blow out in his only bowl game in 3 years. 3-5 in Big Ten in best year overall. hmmmm, something smells rotten in Denmark. ------ @Portage: I can't even respond to your message before because it is long and blends in. PLease hit the "enter button" a few times to break up your paragraphs. The AA staff has removed my message to you twice regarding this.

Mick52

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 11:29 p.m.

Brian's post makes good points, and Hearbreak has a great counterpoint. I thought the same myself during RR's first year, do you put your offense in right away without the talent, or ease it in as you get it? I suppose Mallet would have bolted anyway maybe a year later. I am not real happy with DB's decision making so far. If he decided that RR has to go, he should have done it by now. The only reason I can imagine why he is doing this is what happened in '07. Any coach in a bowl, like JH, will not want his school demanding a decision before the game, as in what happened with Les Miles. So perhaps DB & JH are waiting until after the Orange bowl to talk. I suppose sometime tomorrow morning Herbstreit will announce JH is coming to Michigan and Stanford will demand a contract extension before kickoff. What DB is doing must be hurting recruiting. For Michigan and whatever school our new coach will be from. Lots of wasted recruiting all around. Oh well, new recruits seldom turn a program around, you have to win with what you have. And DB is supporting Coach Beilein, who hasn't done much better with basketball as RR has done. I never cared much for Dominos pizza either.

Ben

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 11:25 p.m.

@ richard corak RE: LC No, you're right. Going to a bowl BOTH of your first years isn't a good start... The next year in 1996, which was actually one of LC's poorer years, he UPSET Ohio state 13-6 (I think). Now, what has RR actually won? He's beat some MAC teams... woo hooooo! Someone give this guy a 5 year ONE BILLION dollar extension. RR MUST be Jesus for you people to follow him so blindly! Okay - question: If RR goes, do all the RR leg-humpers go with him?

Jason

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 11:21 p.m.

Richard: You make a very good point about the struggles of other coaches in their first 3 seasons and the success that followed. Of course the Rich Rod critics don't want to hear it, and will now scour the stat books to come up with coaches who did better. Rodriguez himself was 3-8, 9-4, 8-5, 8-4 at WVU before reeling off 3 consecutive 10 win seasons. Fact of the matter is the game has passed the old timers by. Michigan can no longer recruit a top-10 class every year just because they are Michigan. Look at the Rivals Recruiting rankings. Out of the Top-20 classes in the country only 2 come from schools that experience a real winter. Those are OSU at #8 and Notre Dame at #16. Every other school is from the south or the west coast. In fact look at Penn State, they are currently sitting on 9 recruits and ranked behind such schools as Southern Methodist and Houston. The reality is that if Michigan wants to be a Top-15 team year in year out they need a coach who can do more with less. A guy who can take someone like Denard Robinson and make him an All American. Lining up in a Power I and running the ball up the middle 35 times a game is not going to work for this program year in year out when we no longer bring in the best Offensive Lineman in the country. Rich Rod critics are in a panic. As you said his win total has trended up every year. These same people who are calling this season a disgrace are the same ones who said this team would be lucky to win 6 games at the beginning of the year. The critics know this team brings back 18 starters and that the ones they lose, aside from Schilling, will be easily replaced and probably improved upon. Wisconsin loses Tolzien, Carimi, Moffitt, 3 WR's, their starting TE on offense. They lose at least 3 starters on defense and Watt is a potential pro. Ohio State loses Saine, Sanzenbacher, Boren, Browning and maybe Adams, Posey and Pryor if they decide not to take their medicine. On defense they lose Heyward, Homan, Larimore, Rolle, Checkwa, Torrence AND Hines.... 7 senior starters on Defense alone. MSU loses Dell, Gant, 3 starting Senior OLineman, and their fullback on O. On Defense they lose Neely, Gordon, Jones, Rucker, and Hyde. Iowa.... loses just about everyone including all 3 dominant Defensive Lineman. The people who want Rod out realize that he is gonna win 9 or more games next year and they know he cannot be fired if that happens.

DonAZ

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 11:07 p.m.

Black Canoe wrote: "RR was hired because of this style of play. You need to be kicking the butts of whomever made the decision to hire him, not HIM." I'd agree to some extent had you written, "kicking the butts of whomever made the decision to hire him in addition to him." Yes, Martin and Coleman share some of this blame. But Rodriguez does not deserve immunity from criticism. Rodriguez was hired for the up-tempo spread offense. To that I agree. Where those up-tempo spread offenses have worked, and are working, they are based on appropriate balance. Oregon, Auburn -- those are not one-dimensional, predictable offenses. Early on the lesser teams didn't know how to contain Robinson; later the better teams did. That is an absolutely rock-solid fact, supported by game stats. Take away Robinson and you take away near the whole Michigan offense. Iowa, Wisconsin, Ohio State and Mississippi State knew this. And thumped Michigan every game.

richard corak

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 10:58 p.m.

From the start, I have been disappointed with RR's off the field escapades. However, nobody among us is perfect. I say 1 mnore year. Bo was special. But consider those atop the Big 10 in the not too distant past: Barry Alvarez - took a while to get good 1990 1-10 1991 5-6 1992 5-6 Bret Bielema - doesn't look like the right direction 2006 12-1 2007 9-4 2008 7-6 Mark Dantonio - not an impressive start 2007 7-6 2008 9-4 2009 6-7 At least Rodriguez improved each of his first 3 years. And better or equal than any of these 3 coaches for year 3. Lloyd Carr - not a spectacular start 1995 9-4 1996 9-4

ViSHa

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 10:45 p.m.

what would Bo have thought of the NCAA violations? and once the WVU investigation is complete who knows what will shake out. @Hebner, thanks for the insight. Watching on TV, it did seem a little "going thru the motions" Next several days are going to be hard, i just can't imagine a scenario where DB keeps RR...

black canoe

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 10:44 p.m.

Fundamentally. His "small and fast" model worked well against smaller teams in the Big East. The Big 10 has bigger and just as fast. So when speed is equal, bigger beats smaller every time. RR was hired because of this style of play. You need to be kicking the butts of whomever made the decision to hire him, not HIM.

tresselowns

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 10:40 p.m.

heartbreakM: The Dark Ages, or how about The Lost Years? Anybody think Miles is a possibility? IMO he's a great coach. He can beat the SEC, has recruiting connections down there, and has never uttered a bad syllable about UM. When he met with Mary Sue after the 07 fiasco, he must have said "Give me a call if Rich doesn't work out." And Baton Rouge is hardly Palo Alto.

PortageLkBlu

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 10:35 p.m.

Amen to you Brian, you make sense. Brian, all of this stuff is not about whether RR can succeed it's just a few boys and girls that jumped on the get rid of RR regardless bandwagon. I think Brandon is going to keep RR of course with stipulations which most of us understand. Now that's my opinion and I don't care if anyone agrees or not. Also, if RR goes and a new coach comes in I won't dislike him just because RR got fired I will give a new coach at least 4 years. Sometimes in life rash decisions can jump up and bite you as some of you think happened in the hire of RR well, firing RR before he has time to turn this thing around could just as easily jump up and bite us. I would tell RR that year 4, 2011 has to show more improvement substantially or by seasons end in Nov. after either the Bowl game if there is one or the last game Ohio State the door will be open for coaches to start the interview process. RR will understand and I believe all parties involved including the fan base will feel this is fair. Now there are those of you that hate the guy but there are many like me that have said since the first year, we've got to give this guy 4 full years and many of us believe that the University of Michigan has that kind of integrity even if some of you hate RR and want to evict him and his family now. I don't believe and never will that any of you boys and girls ever believed that RR could completely change a tradition or style if you please, a mind set of athletes and fans alike and a type of Big Ten athlete in 2 years let alone 3 years. Many of you were calling for coaches head after year 1 many more after year 2 and many still after year 3. I ask you is that right let alone fair in your way of thinking? I hope your employers in life don't treat any of you the same way because it's wrong look, this football is a passion for some of you but you don't financially rely on it RR is passionate about it and it supports his family. We went after RR and brought him to Mich. If we're going to fire him and coaches and families connected let's take the time to make sure we've been fair about the process no excuses. The one thing I miss most about Mich. are the vast majority of honest, hard working, fair minded folks with great family traditions. This is not a game folks this process if we fire RR involves many people I ask you one thing, what would Bo have done in this situation and don't give me an answer that suits your immediate mood be fair and think about it.

Jaxon5

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 10:33 p.m.

Not blaming the head coach entirely, this failure is a team accomplishment. From the beginning, the hire was ill-fated with Martin grasping at any straw he could to fill a gap. Poor planning and execution led to a sub-optimal hire. Then, the free reign to fire all coaches was granted to the new head coach. Disastrous results in terms of throwing out the winning tradition with the coaches. The Schafer firing was disastrous. His defense was 67th in the nation. The program can only wish to achieve those heights again, now that the defense is #120 or so for the last two seasons.

DonAZ

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 10:28 p.m.

It is not a foregone conclusion that another coach has to spend 2 to 3 years to retool to whatever offense they are known for. A good coach adjusts the scheme to the talent on the roster. A good coach gets the talent on the field to play to their limits. Michigan has many good players: the offensive line is pretty good. David Molk at center is very good. Denard Robinson is a good run-threat QB, but when the offense is just him it makes the opposing defensive coordinator's job easier. Odoms, Roundtree, Hemingway, Stonum, Koger -- a good fleet of receivers. We lack a power runner to compliment Robinson's speed. Or we have one but nobody saw fit to develop him. The defense was awful, but I don't believe for one minute the skills are simply not there. They are not being properly used. Michigan may not have the talent on the roster to have a top-flight defense, but I guarantee there's more there than 108th in the nation suggests. Coaching matters. Rodriguez was given sufficient time to develop a pattern of improvement in key areas and in key games. I can't think of a single area in which Rodriguez has provided that improvement.

Hebner

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 10:01 p.m.

I read several posts that were very interesting, as DB really has us guessing. It is almost certain RR is gone, as there is a trunk load full of reasons to fire him. I was at the Gator Bowl and I really sensed a bunch of kids just going through the motions, no inspiration to play. Miss. State was a very talented team, however we played right into their hand on many occasions- we were out-coached again... I observed RR and the UM sideline; there was no motivation only negative body language. Most of the UM fans left in the middle of the third quarter, as it was painful to watch. The only players I was impressed with were Junior Hemingway, Shaw, Odoms. Denard was frustrated most of the game, as the three and outs caused desperation to throw bad passes...same story. DB hopefully will get a coach who the players respect, and one with high morale standards...a motivator. I could care less about DHart; it's about the team not one player. A coach is more important than a running back. Get rid of the spread! go back to the NFL factory we were; get a serious motivator who builds team spirit and good men. We need football maniacs! Hitters like we used to have, guys who can lay the wood! RR go back to the mountains.

Peter Finamore

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 9:59 p.m.

HeartbreakM -- I like dark era if we need to pick a name -- I would like to totally erase the record -- like it never happened -- gone without a trace!!

aareader

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 9:43 p.m.

Mr. Brandon's, supposedly "great CEO experience", has let down the football family big time. Denard show much more maturity after the loss... Were a team, Robinson said. Were a family. Were going to hold each other up. Coach Rod and staff did a poor job getting the team ready... no argument. I would hope Mr Brandon would man and apologize to the team for his lack of support to them while they prepared for the Gator Bowl. As RR commented that uncertainty by calling it "the big elephant in the room" for him and the team really showed on New Years Day -- as everyone saw. As Drew Sharp at the Detroit Free Press noted - "Rodriguez will take the fall, but hes not alone. The blood of this programs worst bowl day is on Brandons hands as well." Let us hope Mr. Brandon also learns from this experience and becomes an AD Michigan deserves.

unlearn

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 9:38 p.m.

I tried to give Rich Rod a chance. As a UM fan, you have to realize that some people are not going to work out. He may be a good coach somewhere else, but in the B10, players have to be physical-and coaches have to prepare them to be physical. The time has come and gone. In any other profession, if you fail to produce positive results, you do not keep your job. He is making WAY too much money to have that kind of record and still keep that job. A new coach will be able to coach to the players talents. There will not be "rebuilding" years. If there are, they won't be that bad. I just saw Notre Dame in their bowl over the weekend. They were supposed to "rebuilding" under Coach Kelly also. There record this year is 8-5, and they destroyed Miami. (It's his FIRST YEAR). Notre Dame is not any more talented than Michigan (we beat them). He is a good coach who coaches to the talents of his players. He doesn't have the "my way or the highway" attitude of Rich Rod. I've said it before; coaches are teachers. Good teachers are flexible in their styles and teach to their students learning abilities. Bad teachers stick to their old ways and never adjust. Those who want to give Rich more time need to wake up and realize that he is not working out in A2. I hope Harbaugh is the new coach, but if he's not, I hope it's a coach who understands the conference he is in and can be a better teacher to these players.

heartbreakM

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 9:30 p.m.

Brian: I absolutely blame RR for his first year performance. He knew when he took the job that he did not have "his personnel" for "his offense". As soon as he took over, those players became "his players" and he did not coach that team to its strengths. He did a horrible job coaching that year. Led the nation in 3 and outs. With no good passer on that team, why did they not have more traditional runs? The O-line was coached poorly--really everything. I think you give him a pass way too easily. And it's funny--you say that the offense is so great? In half of the games this year, the offensive numbers were mediocre to bad. Yesterday was a great example of that. Teams challenged DR to pass to win, and DR showed that he could not do that. After the first 2 drives yesterday, we hardly moved the ball and DR and the running game stunk plain and simple. And why do you blame the defensive coordinator for the team's woes while giving RR "credit" for the offense? Isn't the O-coordinator responsible for that? RR is in charge of the whole team, and if 2/3 of the team are a total disaster and 1/3 is mediocre to poor, what does that say about the coach? He is a disaster. He is in charge, and our record stinks. He needs to go.

Brian

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 9:20 p.m.

Message boards are always filled with "fans" that blame coaches and oversimplify the game of football. RR came into Ann Arbor with a roster that was not capable of playing in his offensive system, so blaming the first season on his coaching skills does not make sense. Now he has developed an offense that ranks in the top 10 in the country. When has Michigan ever had a top 10 offense? Does the defense need work? Absolutely. That is why they should get a new D-coordinator. Folks on this board are saying his offense doesn't work? Top 10 in the country doesn't work? The defensive struggles definitely hurt the offense late in the season, so shoring up the defense will only improve an already developed offense. Do you all really believe that it possible to recruit enough players in two full recruiting seasons to have a complete roster of offensive and defensive players? I think not. RR has only had two full seasons with players that can play in his system. Not enough time. I will guarantee you this. If Harbaugh comes in and has to change the offense back to his style of coaching, he will need as much, if not more time to bring this team back to a winning program. Will you be calling for his head after 3 years?

bigblue

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 9:20 p.m.

in reality it's going to take a lot longer than "2-3" years of "rebuilding" if rr is fired! if brandon is going to fire rr, he should have already done it. i hope brandon is all he was cracked up to be, but this is starting to look like the keystone coaching search that brought rr here in the first place.

heartbreakM

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 9:03 p.m.

Let's have a contest: What should we refer to 2008-2010 years as: 1. The scarlet years 2. The dark era 3. The plagues (let's get biblical) 4. The "O"-fer years I vote for the "dark era"

heartbreakM

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 9 p.m.

Though I hesitate to respond to anything Tater says (since he does not engage in conversation): He claims that this will be another 2-3 years of "rebuilding" if JH takes the job. What he actually meant is that this will be 2-3 years of "rebuilding" (not another) from the 3 years of destruction at the hands of the WV hack. We have not rebuilt in years--well, actually have not had to fully rebuild. Each year in college football is rebuilding, but whoever takes over as coach now will definitely have to rebuild. And rebuilding not so much in personnel, but in winning attitude. The prior 40 years just expected to win, knew how to win, was part of winning. Now, he will have to coach them in the art of winning again. Yet another legacy of the RR blight.

D21

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 8:27 p.m.

We will see what happens soon then and I will gladly eat my own words with a dash of sea salt if Harbaugh isn't coaching at UM. Have a good week! P.S. James, Harbaugh "badmouthed" the prevalence of general studies majors taken by the UM football team which drew the ire of Carr and other people. But it is mostly in the past. Also, it was Jack Harbaugh, Jim's dad, who admitted that UM is still his son's dream job.

riverraisin

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 8:27 p.m.

Interesting info on TCU coach Patterson. I wasn't sold on him as a big time winner until I read this...impressive http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Patterson

GoblueinNE_PA

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 8:25 p.m.

Well, I guess it's a good thing that these kids don't have to actually commit to ANYTHING until signing day in February. That gives the new coach, hopefully Harbaugh, the opportunity to convince the recruits, including a kid like Hart, that his best options are coming to Michigan and becoming part of the biggest story in college football over the next couple of years. Get the right coach and the kids will come, just as we saw getting the wrong coach means the talented kids won't. I'm hoping Brandon's back on a plane tomorrow heading back to Florida.

XTR

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 8:25 p.m.

"When Michigan doesn't get Harbaugh, and loses Hart in the process it will only be one more great example of U-M fans and alumni undermining the potential success of their own program." And who is the "success of their own program"? Rich Rod? lol!

azwolverine

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 8:16 p.m.

Jason, 10-2 for Miles is hardly failing. His team is in the SEC and has consistently won around 10 games per season. He's won a NC. If that's failing, I'd like to see him lead UM to the same type of failure. As for Harbaugh, I'm not certain he's coming here. However, whether it's him, Miles, or Hoke, I believe any of them can get UM, with the players they currently have, playing tougher, more physical UM style football and competing against the likes of MSU and OSU. Hart would definitely be a bonus, but every single year there is "THE PLAYER" out there. UM will still get it's share. Dee Hart is but one player and won't single handedly beat OSU. A great coach can do more, because he can help to get all 22 players together playing great football. THAT is how we will ultimately beat OSU and win the B10.

Jason

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 8:07 p.m.

AZWolverine, Of course it is a big deal. This "One Recruit" happens to be one of the best players in the entire country and by far the best player that has committed so far. You are still operating under the assumption that Jim Harbaugh is just dying to take this job, which I don't believe is true myself. When Michigan doesn't get Harbaugh, and loses Hart in the process it will only be one more great example of U-M fans and alumni undermining the potential success of their own program. As for the Pro- Les Miles sentiment. Give me a break. He gets less out of more down there. His offense this year was ranked behind Eastern Michigan in Yards Per Game. They are as bad offensively as U-M was defensively. The only difference is that Miles is failing with 4 star talent at every single position.

ecmichman

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 8:05 p.m.

Harbaugh never interviewed in 07. As for Dee Hart - whatever. We already have one of those backs - his name is Vincent Smith. This whole "speed" experiment has failed miserably. U-M has gotten much smaller and outside of D-Rob they can't outrun anybody. It is painful to try and watch Smith or Shaw get to the corner.

azwolverine

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 7:59 p.m.

Jason, It's worth losing one player to get the right coach in place. The right coach can develop the players we've got and get more 4-5 stars next season. Hart won't make or break UM football...the head coach will. In the end, it will be worth it for the long term success of UM football.

michboy40

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 7:57 p.m.

This is all on Bill Martin and whoever leaked to Herbstreit. We should be three years into the Les Miles era by now.

azwolverine

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 7:53 p.m.

James, Harbaugh was interviewed in '07? I've never heard that before in my life. He wasn't an established D1 coach then and I don't believe UM interviewed him. The only names I've ever heard mentioned from '07 were Miles, English, Schiano, and Curly Howard-I mean RR. The "bad mouthing" incident was totally unrelated to any interview process.

Jason

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 7:47 p.m.

Dee Hart is gone. He was at the Alabama-State game and is on Rivals.com saying "Roll Tide". Great job Mr. Brandon, you just cost U-M their best Running Back recruit since Tyrone Wheatley. This guy is a bigger failure than RR. It's a good thing the Alumni don't give a damn about basketball or he would have fired Beilein after last season.

James

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 7:44 p.m.

D21 New flash Michigan is NOT his dream job! he was interviewed to 07 and bad mouthed us instaed he's NFL bound,

missionbrazil

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 7:39 p.m.

I'm hoping it will be JH. It seems to be a perfect fit. The timing of the decision & announcement after our bowl game and after the Orange Bowl could easily be interpreted as pointing to JH, but you never know. This has nothing to do with DB's decision, but what Gary Patterson has done at TCU is impressive, and they beat a very good Wiscy team yesterday. Their D is the # 1 scoring D in the nation, and their O is # 5.

heartbreakM

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 7:34 p.m.

If Dee Hart switches his commitment, so be it. He did not sound like a sure bet regardless, and we have not had good success with running backs from Alabama (recall Max Martin). Though I do not like Shaw and Smith a whole lot, we do have a number of serviceable running backs--including them, Hopkins, Touissant. And re: transfers, I just don't see it happening en masse. Teams just do not have openings up the wazoo for all these players who could not cut the mustard here.

D21

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 7:10 p.m.

JH will not head to SF, period. His dream job is UM and the NFL aspirations were in case if he didn't land the UM job.

D21

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 7:08 p.m.

Don AZ is right on the money as I had the same feelings as him on RR in becoming hired as an OC first. RR simply has too many red flags on him to become a HC unless his salary is cut.

EightySeven

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 7:07 p.m.

It truly kills me when people commit on RR and say "I like RR as a person". How many people really know RR and what has he done for the program to be a good person? Now we had a GREAT PERSON in Lloyd Carr who is a true class act. Lloyd gave himself to many great causes and molded many a football players into better people. Was he perfect? No, but I would take Lloyd as a person over RR any day. Plus Lloyd was good for 9-10 wins a year!!

saban101

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 7:06 p.m.

4* RB Dee Hart is switching his commitment from UM to Alabama.

James

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 6:58 p.m.

Brandon's going fishing!!! Harbaugh has already met with the 49ers and Elway is in Miami ready to talk to him. His going to miss the bus just like Martin!!!!!

Mick

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 6:57 p.m.

HeartbreakM- We M fans are the ones that got the raw deal, like wayyyyy!! DonAZ- If that is the case that RR will never be considered for a big time gig, well then it serves him right for the suffering we've endured during his ill-fated tenure.

heartbreakM

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 6:48 p.m.

@DonAZ: I don't know if you are right on that. I think a lot of schools and announcers think he got a raw deal at Michigan, and really think he's the best offensive coach there is. I think they are nuts--I think he is a horrible head coach, but I am an idiot on these boards, not a decision maker (like all the rest of us idiots).

Tom Joad

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 6:47 p.m.

Rich Rodriguez is bad for Ann Arbor's economy. His pocketbook is flush with cash from being a millionaire loser coach, but the average football fan disappointed with the home game loss is not going to spend as much on post-game festivities. Bye, Rich, Bye. Walk away, your time is up...

DonAZ

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 6:42 p.m.

Jer, I doubt Rodriguez would ever have been successful at Michigan, now or ever. He fundamentally misunderstood the game played in the Big 10. Fundamentally. His "small and fast" model worked well against smaller teams in the Big East. The Big 10 has bigger and just as fast. So when speed is equal, bigger beats smaller every time.

DonAZ

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 6:33 p.m.

Meyer will not be the new coach at Michigan. Rodriguez will not be the new coach at Pitt. Rodriguez will not be back at Michigan. Greg Robinson will not be anywhere near this program next year. He has likely already packed up his office. Rodriguez will land on his feet somehwere... probably as an OC to start, then maybe working his way back to HC at some mid-level school. He will never again be considered for any major school position.

Jer

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 6:33 p.m.

RR is just in the wrong place at the wrong time. The way his hiring was handled, his first year players departures, the bad press and then the NCAA mess just got RR in a hole he will have a tough time overcoming! I like him as a person but he is just the wrong fit at the wrong time. I just hope DB handles it better that the last hiring and I'm sure DB will make the best decision....and what ever it is lets all support THE DECISION.

Joe

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 6:30 p.m.

I also heard the name Gary Patterson at TCU at the game yesterday.

Joe

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 6:27 p.m.

How happy would the WVU fans be if RR ends up at Pittsburg??? You think they howeled and cussed when he came to A2...WHOA BABY!!! LOL

tulsatom

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 6:22 p.m.

I like the fact that Brandon is not being goaded into a decision before it is ready to be made.

michboy40

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 6:22 p.m.

Dee Hart has officially decommitted, going to Bama. All signs point to Randy Edsel going to Maryland as soon as tomorrow. So I think we have Harbaugh, who is just as likely to go to the Niners or Bronco's as he is to come to AA, and we have Brady Hoke, who it seems would jump at the job. All other suggestions are just too far fetched. (Meyer, Gruden, etc.)

D21

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 6:09 p.m.

DB is right in taking his time (hopefully without any malice towards RR). The Maryland HC job position is already filled up.

I love Michigan Football

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 6:07 p.m.

Urban Meyer will NOT be the new head coach of the Michigan Wolverines.

EightySeven

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 6:02 p.m.

If the choice is Harbaugh I think DB is doing the right thing. Let Stanford play its bowl game without the disruption. Just look at the UConn situation their coach left the day after their bowl game. I'm pretty sure DB has at least one coach in line, but the first domino has to fall. This should all play out pretty quickly lets get past Monday night and see where we might be heading. I still have a feeling Urban Meyer just might be the new guy. Anyway let DB give RR his walking papers and I'm sure the new coach will get the program back on its feet and flying high again.

Mick

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 5:58 p.m.

My personal wish list for the Football staff: Head Coach - Jim Harbaugh Off Coor/QB Coach - Scott Lofler Def Coor - Chuck Heater That would be a nice trio right there IMO

Mick

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 5:38 p.m.

DB, no matter who you get, just get it done by the end of the week like you promised please. So many people are so passionate about this, we deserve the best decision possible.