Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez grateful for Bill Martin's support

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.