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Posted on Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 7:58 p.m.

Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon discusses his decision to fire football coach Rich Rodriguez

By Jeff Arnold

After meeting with football coach Rich Rodriguez, Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon announced Rodriguez's firing at a press conference Wednesday afternoon.

Among the topics discussed: His decision to delay making a move until after Michigan's Gator Bowl loss, his feelings on whether the next Wolverines coach needs to be a "Michigan man" and more.

Comments

David Muzzatti

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 3:28 p.m.

Ok David. Now, do everyone a favor & tell them it will take four to five years to build the program into a nationally competitive program so that WE CAN ALL RALLY BEHIND THE NEW COACH - without asking for his head after year one or two.

aareader

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 12:14 a.m.

These comments makes it appear Hoke is signed sealed and delivered. Be fun to see how accurate it is and when will we know if so.... ******* From Channel 6 news in San Diego Ca. (earlier) "Ermanni ( a reporter is Detroit) told San Diego 6 News, "No matter what the situation is, Brady Hoke will be named the head coach within a couple of days."........ Ermanni said he has had text conversations with those close to Michigan's Athletic Director and President of the school and says, "Michigan's AD, David Brandon, wants/loves Brady Hoke. And Mary Sue Coleman, the president of the university, wants Brady Hoke.".........We contacted the SDSU athletic department as well as President Stephen Weber's office but both declined comment except to say that Hoke was not in San Diego and not available for comment."

lawrencelaundry

Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 11:28 p.m.

@formerly 3and out, do you know this hot chick too? Lol. Anyway. Im glad RR is gone but a little nervous about Brady Hoke. I hope they go after les miles before Hoke. Chris Peterson only lost 5 games in the last 6 yrs or even Patterson would be better then Hok e. IT SEEMS like Hoke overall record is not that great.. I just hope DB makes a home run hire even if he isn't a Michigan man.

1st Down

Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 10:44 p.m.

Dave Brandon just tweeted his new blog: It was time for the University of Michigan football program to make a change. This wasn't a pleasant day or a pleasant decision but it was something I felt had to be done. read more at: http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/brandon/spec-rel/010511aaa.html

1st Down

Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 10:05 p.m.

I like what he said at the end about how he gets 1000 opinions and all are valid but ultimately he has to make the best decision for Michigan football.

michboy40

Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 10:03 p.m.

Brilliant job DB. Exactly what I hoped for. Now go find us a leader!

GoblueinNE_PA

Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 9:51 p.m.

You da man Dave!

azwolverine

Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 9:33 p.m.

I'm extremely relieved by today's news and look forward to the next chapter of UM football. Thanks, Dave!

BlueGator

Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 9:14 p.m.

DB looks in total control. He's the right man for the job and is handling this well. I like the fact that there is no search committee, per se. Committees just gum up the works. And as far as Harbaugh not coming to A2, it's far from the end of the world. Impossible to believe that he's the only good coach available out there. GO BLUE.

BigWolverine13

Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 9:01 p.m.

Coherent, well thought out comments. Good answers to tough questions. Michigan athletics is in good hands. We will have a great football coach -- soon!

3 And Out

Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 8:49 p.m.

Thumbs up. Nice job DB handling this.