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Posted on Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 1:38 p.m.

Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez grateful for Bill Martin's support

By Dave Birkett

Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said he’s appreciative of public comments outgoing athletic director Bill Martin made supporting his embattled program.

Rich-Rodriguez.jpg

Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com

"I’ve always felt that from our university, from Bill and our administration from the day we got here,” Rodriguez said Tuesday on the Big Ten coaches teleconference. “And I felt it from our former players, our alumni and our fans as well.

“I know that everybody’s frustrated with the record, as we are. I think Bill is close enough to us and knows the process we’re going through and knows some of the issues that we have and that we’re working very hard to have the type of success on the field that everybody wants.”

Martin told The Detroit News on Monday that Rodriguez is “not going anyplace” as coach and “he’ll get it right” at Michigan.

The Wolverines (5-5, 1-5) have lost five straight Big Ten games and need to upset Wisconsin or Ohio State in the final two weeks to make a bowl after missing the postseason last year for the first time in 33 years.

Rich Rodriguez, 8-14 in his second season as Michigan coach, said he didn’t see the comments first-hand - “I usually don’t get on the internet or anything too much right now,” he said - but admitted he'll miss Martin once the athletic director's retirement is complete.

Bill Martin, who did not respond to an interview request by AnnArbor.com, announced his resignation last month, effective next September.

“We're going to miss him, not so much just because he’s been very supportive - even though you always like that - just because I think he’s been great for our university and he’s worked very, very hard to help improve all our athletic programs,” Rodriguez said.

Michigan president Mary Sue Coleman has said a new athletic director will take over as soon as one is hired.

It’s unclear what power Martin, who was investigated by campus police last month for pushing a student employee during a football game, has to hire and fire coaches in the mean time.

Dave Birkett covers University of Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at 734-623-2552 or by e-mail at davidbirkett@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.

Comments

wondering

Sat, Nov 14, 2009 : 5:14 p.m.

MSU fans. Gloat on! Your record compared to Michigans is no match. So enjoy, everybody must find their happiness. I find happiness knowing that this is temporary. I then will like to revisit this conversation. Have fun.

azwolverine

Wed, Nov 11, 2009 : 5:11 p.m.

stevieboy, The demise of Michigan football was not preordained. It happened because Bill Martin hired a head coach who chose to completely tear down a program that did not need to be torn down. This could have and should have been averted by hiring a coach who could have come in and tweaked and improved what we already had in place. Even if RR somehow is able to turn this thing around and win (which I admittedly doubt), it will have been at the sacrifice of 2-3 (4-5?) seasons that never had to be sacrificed. I see coaches all around the country doing far better in their first and second seasons with teams that were not nearly as good as Michigan was when RR took over. At this point Michigan does need to rebuild...but only because RR tore Michigan down. Thank goodness Bill Martin is leaving. We don't need any more of his buddies (ie - Tommy Amaker, RR) hanging around far longer than they deserve to.

Macabre Sunset

Wed, Nov 11, 2009 : 12:59 p.m.

What made Michigan special was the 40-year streak. That's what we had that no one else had. That's what RichRod took away with his failed gimmickry. I have no confidence he's the guy to rebuild the program.

stevieboy

Wed, Nov 11, 2009 : 9 a.m.

I for one am frustrated with the record we have, but I am patient. Being a fan you don't like to see Michigan taking these blows like they are, but it was bound to happen. This is a humbling experience. Michigan has been so dominant for so long that we did think anybody could be us. Thus, made us spoiled, arrogant and a little selfish. All Dynasties must fall and rebuild for a new era. Michigan will be on top again. Bigger and Better than the old. We just have to wait and see, but it will happen. GO BLUE!!!!!!

stunhsif

Wed, Nov 11, 2009 : 7:55 a.m.

As an MSU fan we love Rich Rod. I laugh till I cry every saturday when the Wolverines get their butt's kicked. Perhaps they should switch name from the Wolverines to Hedgehogs!!!! As DZUCK says in his email here, there is more news coming down the pike. HEh, Tater Tot, you seem a bit upset over all us MSU fans "infesting this site". Are only U-M fans to subsribe to A2.com? Sounds a bit elitist does it not?

Imaloser

Wed, Nov 11, 2009 : 6:06 a.m.

RR is definitely a spin-meister. UM is on the way down, and is far from being an "outstanding" team. Unless he means "out standing" in the rain while the big dogs eat. Typical UM overconfidence. If it wasn't for being entertained so much by such empty bragging, it would be a terrible year.

Macabre Sunset

Wed, Nov 11, 2009 : 2:38 a.m.

Actually, Michigan has only 1 since 1948. But is ahead of MSU, 11-6, all-time. MSU is 7-12 in bowl games, Michigan 19-20. Most importantly, Michigan has 42 Big Ten titles while MSU has only 6.

newe82

Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 10:49 p.m.

At this point who cares. The 2009 season will be over after the OSU embarrassment and we can focus on the 4 win season upcoming in 2010. Has anyone looked at the recruits for 2010? It is going to take a lot longer than 5 years to rebuild this program if those are the players RR is bringing in. I will be raking leaves at noon on Saturday-good luck to all of you willing to waste your time watching the blowout.

Blueman Rick

Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 9:27 p.m.

The program is ruined for the foreseeable future thanks to RR. Unfortunately, RR will probably be at UM through 2011. We will never rise above mediocrity w/ him as head coach. Sure glad Dr. Prez/defacto AD Mary Sue weighed in on the matter of RR job security to the Wall Street Journal. Wonderful.

1998pa

Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 9:21 p.m.

tater: ooooh...you're going to "permanently revoke" our bragging rights! that's the best you could come up with after spending the better part of 72 hours telling yourself to take the.38 out of your mouth? p.s. don't you worry...i'm enjoying every second of our bragging rights by laughing at your misery. no, truly, i cherish it.

azwolverine

Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 8:01 p.m.

At least he wouldn't completely run our program into the ground.

Maize&Believe

Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 7:16 p.m.

LES MILES WILL NOT COME HERE!!!!! keep dreaming people.. he's not a "savior" like everyone is making him... GO BLUE

rightmind250

Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 6:59 p.m.

fresh121 urban meyer won a NC in year 2. He has already won 2. It will take RR 5 years he said just to get the right recruits in place for a successful program. We are talking apples and oranges whenit comes to urban/saban and Richrod.

goodthoughts

Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 5:18 p.m.

I am a little frustrated with RR's coaching and style, but I will be the first to admit I am happier when they are winning. Also, since my sports expertise doesn't go much beyond watching I have a question for all you more knowledgeable arm chair quarter backs-why didn't U of M pursue Jim Harbaugh?

Macabre Sunset

Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 5:09 p.m.

MSU's record against Michigan, by decade: 1890s: 0-1 1900s: 0-2-1 1910s: 2-8 1920s: 0-10 1930s: 4-4-2 1940s: 0-8 1950s: 7-2-1 (MSU joined Big Ten in 1953) 1960s: 7-2-1 1970s: 1-9 1980s: 2-8 1990s: 4-6 2000s: 3-7 Total: 30-67-5

golions34

Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 4:45 p.m.

Tater, it's like you're on the Titanic claiming that there was no iceberg and if everyone waits a few hours the boat will even itself out.

a2miguy

Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 4:20 p.m.

@dzuck: No, his retirement did not "come down a bit suddenly." You might try reading his resignation letter before making such comments. http://www.mgoblue.com/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/mich/genrel/auto_pdf/martin-retirement-102109

treetowncartel

Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 3:55 p.m.

I think RR will stay, but if he were to leave, John Grudin is the man they should pursue.

Fresh121

Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 3:49 p.m.

Yea les miles wants to leave the best conf. SEC for the big ten just cuz hes a "Michigan man" plz you people have to be joking with even thinking him. RR will be fine just a few years ago florida alabama all were down befor urb and nick got there, it goes in cycles.

John Galt

Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 2:25 p.m.

"Thanks for the Job Bill!" -RR

hellofans

Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 1:37 p.m.

Anyone conside how BARE,,,,Lloyd left the cupboard?