Mick52

Tue, Dec 14, 2010 : 1:28 a.m.

I'm with ya MichBoy40. Good point about Stanford and the Oregon game. I'm not sure about DB's decision here. By not announcing now if he knows what he is doing is likely causing a lot of people some serious anxiety. All the asst coaches here and at Stanford, all actively recruiting for a program they may not be working for in January. And the recruits for both schools and their families might be being mislead too. I like what Lloyd Carr did and when he did it. All the chips were on the table and everyone knew what was going on. I suppose that is business as usual for the guys being paid but for players who may want to play for a certain school under coaches recruiting them is a real low blow. If I were a Michigan assistant coach I would want to know if I had a job or not after Jan 1 so I would not be wasting my time working for a school that knows they are putting me in the unemployment line in a couple of weeks. I think if DB has made his decision he should announce it. Any day now I am sure Herbstreit will make his announcement that JH is coming to force the decision making. Maybe this time that would be a good thing.

michboy40

Mon, Dec 13, 2010 : 10:11 p.m.

I am the extreme minority who sees the good in both scenerio's. I like what RR and his boys are bringing back next year. I would also be OK with his being fired as long as DB knows he has his guy, whomever that is. If it's Harbaugh, great. I like the guy even though he is not proven yet. (Stanfords only big stage game this year was Oregon and they got their clock cleaned)

XTR

Mon, Dec 13, 2010 : 5:34 p.m.

LOL! The RR lovers went wild about this article which was doctored by the Stanford AD to keep suitors out his girl errr coach. Thing is, JH did not sign the new contract last year until ND was filled and after entertaining Kansas! JH is a football coach, he will go to the highest profile program that will fit into his acumen! lol! Stanford's meager football resources will not match the high budget programs to maintain a top coach like JH. JH has been mentioned as a candidate for Florida, Miami and Minnesota and those positions are now filled with young coaches. JH has not accepted the new deal with Stanford and should have accepted it when offered if he was to stay. Things are getting clearer by the day folks (Sorry RR lovers)! JH will become the new head coach of the University of Michigan Football team! lol!

'Ken

Sun, Dec 12, 2010 : 10:44 p.m.

This bad defense problem is NOT unique to RRod. Michigan's dad defense goes back 10 years. Just a few years removed from a Nat'l Championship, we were already screaming for Herrman's head. Finally, a few years later, he was let go. The problem continued to get worse until now it's beyond pathetic. Coaching for the last 10 years is not the whole problem. Recruiting is the culprit. The reason we had to endure so many 8-4 seasons under Carr is because he was a mediocre recruiter. The cupboard was quite bare when RRod took over and he has kept it quite bare with good but not MICHIGAN good, players. We need great recruiters who can recruit great players!

TFR

Sat, Dec 11, 2010 : 10:38 p.m.

I would think that Red Barensen's(sp)hat should be thrown into the ring for Head Coach.... He has more wins over MSU at the Big House than Ditch Rod!!!!

Blueman Rick

Sat, Dec 11, 2010 : 9:10 p.m.

I don't believe it a bit. Come home Jimmy. Michigan football needs a leader.

Jello Biafra

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 12:37 p.m.

you Rich Rod kool-aid drinkers (Theo212, Tater, PU MSU) crack me up. I've been watching your posts all season long and you're either 1) totally putting us all on with your "Rich Rod is King" personas or 2) are very young guys with little prior "Michigan football fan experience" and therefore have no previous point of reference about what it's like to be a Michigan football fan. This losing isn't the Michigan football I grew up on. The sinking feeling I get at halftime because I know the game is already over isn't Michigan football. Listening to a coach talk about himself and never his players isn't Michigan football. NO DEFENSE isn't Michigan football. Jim Harbaugh may or may not be the solution to bring Michigan football back, but I am certain that Rich Rodriguez is not up to the task. How do I know? I've been watching for three seasons.

pseudo

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 12:33 p.m.

I've read through these comments and the people thinking Harbaugh would come here to coach clearly don't know much about him AND haven't heard too much about what he has said about U of M Football and its academics. He is as much a Palo Alto boy as he is a Michigan man. That said, he is has made it clear that he is proud to be at Stanford. Why? Because Stanford has a well rounded educational environment for its student-athletes. Emphasis on the 'student' part. Perhaps you all missed the part where he described his experience here at U of M in less than glowing terms by comparison

riverraisin

Wed, Dec 8, 2010 : 10:40 p.m.

2423.. I understand what you are saying, but if he fails next year as he has the last three, Aren't we still in the same 'rebuilding' pickle? The only difference is that every year of mediocrity that Michigan suffers through means one more year of young football players not remembering when Michigan was a top 10 team. Consequently, they have no interest in coming here. You can say a similar thing has happened to our Bball team. I believe that hiring a good coach that is a good fit in the Big Ten, as soon as possible, is the only choice we have at this point. I'd like to see a Michigan man coach here...someone who REALLY understands our rivalries and what it means to be a Wolverine. Not someone who wants to be a Michigan man...someone who IS a Michigan man.

michigan2423`

Tue, Dec 7, 2010 : 6:28 p.m.

If Michigan gets rid of RR, they will be at the same point they were 3 years ago, give RR one more year if they struggle again then let him go

TFR

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 11 p.m.

All's Mich has to do is offer the job to Harbaugh and he will come. Mich is the best place in the world to coach college football. Ann Arbor has the smartest people in the world. The best schools in the country are in Ann Arbor. The universe revolves around Ann Arbor, so all's Dave Brandon has to do is offer him the job. He will drop everything and come RUNNING to Ann Arbor. Why would you coach and live at Stanford when you can coach and live at Mich... on the Huron River? I mean, it's OBVIOUS that he will come!

aarox

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 7:26 p.m.

I think RR sealed his fate with the senior banquet and selecting Groban for his swan song. Clearly he needed to pull out Whitney Houston and "You Light up my Life." For an encore it would be Carly Simon's #1 hit from 1973. He need to explain that the lyrics should resonate witha lot of UM supporters. Tongue back out of my cheek, but no less frustrated with this train wreck, my hats off to Stratton above who gets it. To summarize him, its not about us, its about the Big Money, and the Big Money is tired of waiting. They are demanding more for their money. Game over. QED.

Steve

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 7:01 p.m.

I find it ironic that Rich Rodriguez was criticized for leaving his team before the bowl game three years ago, while some here are now saying Jim Harbaugh is allowing his current team to believe he is staying to keep them focused on the game. First, he has too much integrity to allow those kids (his team!!) to believe a lie. Second, the article says Jim Harbaugh has indicated he will accept the offer. It will be best to believe him and move on.

Wolvdoug

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 2:41 p.m.

Thanks Jay

Wolvdoug

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 2:40 p.m.

Joesph...While I can appreciate your sarcastic comment, the point of my post wasn't meant to save you from yourself. My point was nobody is saying anything new that really hasn't been talked about over and over and over again. Same arguments....same talking points....same mean spirited put downs reguardless of where people veiw the issue. Real easy to do when people hide behind a screen name....Maybe somebody might have something new and constructive to say about the situation. Feel free to chime in.

Jaysham

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 2:29 p.m.

@Wolvdoug very good post. For real people lets just let this whole thing play out by itself and wait till after the Gator Bowl. I mean there is so many different scenarios to what can happen that everything is just pure speculation and we as alum and fans need to just let David Brandon do his job and let him make his own decision about the state of Michigan football. Everything will be alright at the end of the day people and Mr. Brandon knows what he is doing and will make that best possible decision for the future.

Joseph

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 2:10 p.m.

Thanks Wolvdog for a giving us the much-needed perspective. The blogoshpere really isn't the best place to speculate and debate our beloved program no matter how far astray or ignorant are comments may be. You are certainly inline with the mods on this board who prefer this to be more like a church bulletin board. Thanks for saving us from ourselves.

Wolvdoug

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 1:48 p.m.

Fire RR...Don't fire RR....JH is coming.....JH isn't coming...Good lord people.... UM is kinda in a can't loose situation here. If they keep RR and either let Robinson run the defense he is use to running and hire the guys he wants or they hire a new DC the team will be better with experienced players coming back. If they hire JH or even LM they could keep RR's OC or hire a new OC familar with running the spread to utilize the talent of players they have until they get the guys in there they want and concentrate on shoring up the defense. The spread isn't the worst offense to run and with a decent defense could be just what Mich needs to propell them upward. Brandon has a lot to consider and I'm sure he will make the right decision based on the direction he wants this team to go in. Only David Brandon knows at this point and sounds like he is constantly evaluating. So if you like RR he might be gone and if you hate him he just may be around a while....no sense arguing or losing any sleep over it til something happens either way. Those of you thinking it's JH....maybe it isn't him at all.....Maybe it's LM or some other up and coming head coach....who knows... it's certainly not you or me.

Chad Williams

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 1:22 p.m.

Stanford will lose. Va Tech has speed similar to oregon and always have good defense and special teams. The james madison loss really hurt them cause they would be a top 5 team. Even losing to boise was a tough loss but obviously you can excuse that one. Stanford will once again look average against a team that can be as physical as them running the ball and stopping the run. Stanford has more to prove in this game.

D21

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 1:21 p.m.

Ben, My Grobanian tweet to you: YOU IS SO FIVE YEARS AGO!

The Ben

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 1:05 p.m.

I understand all of the negative feelings towards RichRod. He is an easy target, and he makes it easier. Now, ask this question: Do you think Michigan has underachieved in any of his three seasons? In my opinion, the worst coaching jobs are when a coach underachieves with an experienced team. Lloyd Carr losing to App State with a highly-rated team is a good example. Has this happened yet? No. RichRod has not yet fielded a team that was stocked with his players AND experienced. I think it's irresponsible and unfair to fire the guy before he has a chance to at least attempt to win with an experienced team full of HIS guys. If he gets that chance, and still fails, then send him down the road.

7718

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 12:50 p.m.

Blah, blah, blah...more of the same "educated guesses" that won't play out. Harbaugh isn't coming to Michigan...get over it and move on.

Joseph

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 12:22 p.m.

Shadowmanager said, "I bet if Harbaugh died and ascended to heaven, there'd still be people giving assurances that soon he'll rise from the dead and come back to Earth to coach Michigan after all, just you wait." That would make Harbaugh Jesus-like. How appropriate for Christmas time to make such a great analogy. I only wished I was smart enough to think of it. Well-done sir. Merry Harbaugh everybody!!

ShadowManager

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 12:07 p.m.

There's more delusuional thinking in these Harbaugh comment threads than the whole rest of the paper combined. I bet if Harbaugh died and ascended to heaven, there'd still be people giving assurances that soon he'll rise from the dead and come back to Earth to coach Michigan after all, just you wait.

blueinwestpenn

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 11:57 a.m.

This is hardly concluded. Everyone knows the legacy of contracts at Stanford and how they are way below market value. Great place to go to school, play football, coach football.. then move on. You coach there as a stepping stone to better things. you are not in it for the money. Jim probably got a $10,000 raise. woop de do.

win

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 11:50 a.m.

I am confident that MICHIGAN will make the right decision. If RR is back we are in trouble for years to come. Sad but true. IF he is back, it will be another rough 7-5 season with poor defense and special teams. An offense that doesn't score against the big boys (when it matters). ANd a coach who is embarrassing the university. This is not the Michigan I grew up watching the last 40 years. Dave Brandon better make the right decision. If RR stays, he may still be Martins mistake, but he becomes Brandons coach and RR is tied to his legacy. Does he really want that?

Joseph

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 11:17 a.m.

@sjs, well-said, and presented better and more succinct than I.

sjs

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 11:11 a.m.

If Brandon were keeping RichRod for another year, there is absolutely NO reason he wouldn't be saying so NOW. U of M is suffering collateral damage with recruiting as a result of the uncertainty regarding RichRod's future & it's not like U of M's performance against Mississippi State will be the determining factor in the decision. Brandon is waiting until after the bowl game in order to avoid the same fiasco that occurred when Carr stepped down. One month of uncertainty and its detrimental effect on recruiting is the price that must be paid. Actually, opening up a few slots for a new coach's recruits might be less of a detriment than one thinks. The new coach may be able to bring some of his recruits with him.

P U MSU

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 10:40 a.m.

What is Stanford/Harbaugh's signature win this year? They are 11-1 but do not have a win against a Top 25 team. A 3 point win over a 4 loss USC? That is their closest signature win. Sure Harbaugh is a good coach, but he is way overrated at this point in time. What school gets rid of a coach who is returning all but 4 relevant players? Does't make sence.

NoBowl4Blue

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 10:29 a.m.

It is rumored that if Rich Rob Theo's king were to return he will use the crybaby routine before every Big Ten game. Cry Baby

Joseph

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 10:19 a.m.

@Skippy, it's not being a 'know-it-all'. It's having wisdom and the ability to apply simple logic and not falling for negotiating tactics.

Joseph

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 10:11 a.m.

@PUMSU, yeah sure. This is David Brandon's philosophy of running off all of RR's recruits now so RR he can have more excuses and tears later. Sure, nice logic. Do you really think that DB would so inept to complete his evaluation of the football program on Jan 2, 2011 and then begin his new coach search if he deems necessary? Is that how you would expect a CEO-type (like DB) to manage? David Brandon will not keep a coach that he did not hire when: 1. More than 1/2 the alumni/former team wants RR gone. 2. Big House luxury boxes are not selling out. 3. The team fielded does not resemble the elite Big Ten programs that Brandon envisions for Michigan. 4. The current slate of recruits still lack the size and profile of what is needed to beat the upper-tier Big Ten teams. Whichever coach steps on our sidelines in 2011 will define Brandon's legacy. Does he want RR or Harbaugh? You do the simple math.

Skipit3

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 10:09 a.m.

So many "Know-it-alls" on these forums these days! What tune will you be singing when the news come out that JH has indeed signed his new contract with Stanford? One of you even claims to know that JH will come to Michigan. I'm curious how he got access to such information. You people are beginning to sound sillier and sillier... I can't help but to laugh at some of these comments.

Blu-n-Tpa

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 10:06 a.m.

Note the wording on the statement coming out of Stanford. He is "hopeful" that Harbaugh will "accept" it. This is both sides posturing to look good to everybody involved. The Stanford AD is looking like he is doing his best and Coach Harbaugh looks like he is interested in staying at Stanford. Accepting a contract offer is not signing a contract. Stanford is a private school so no one knows the fine print. The games continue and will until the Orange Bowl is over. Enjoy!

P U MSU

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 10 a.m.

RR will be back next year. And I will laugh at all of you.

TrueBlue95

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 9:57 a.m.

Come on folks...didn't everyone expect Stanford to make this move? It's negotiating 101. A little more money isn't the main lever that Brandon has, and JH wants. Stanford is not a destination program. Either JH goes to NFL for a lot more money (not likely, and don't think he wants it), or he goes to destination college job...Michigan. Just recall what his dad, Jack Harbaugh said about a month ago...Jimmy will always consider Michigan to be home....he will come if Michigan calls. Well managed by DB.

Joseph

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 9:47 a.m.

The NFL is not a great option for any first-year coach due to the pending labor-stoppage. Many NFL teams won't even fire their existing coaches until after as there is no benefit in revamping the team/organization on the eve of it being shut-down. Then to expect a first-time head coach to do something in their shortened first-year really limits the teams that would be interested. The NFL is not in the immediate future of Harbaugh. Let's not forget it took Harbaugh three months to sign his last deal with Stanford so yesterday's news is just pretty window-dressing to help maintain the focus of his current team. That's what a good coach is supposed to do. After the Stanford bowl game, the sentiment will change as UM can offer a package that dwarfs what he is considering.

rensational

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 9:38 a.m.

I don't know where you all see these "lots of excellent coaches" at, particularly the ones whom we could feel pretty confident that they'd come to Michigan. Remember the 2007 search? And for the record, I vote no on Leach. He's about as embarrassing as RR is, just in a different way. No class whatsoever. In other news, Michigan is getting dissed for programs like Wake Forest. Actually, even though Sousa's not on the defensive side of the ball, he's an example of my point regarding recruiting being the biggest problem at Michigan under RR's staff. On ESPNU, they are saying Sousa had scholarship offers from Vanderbilt, Louisville and West Virginia. These are the kind of programs RR is competing with for players, especially defensive players--not Ohio State, Florida, USC, Texas, etc, for the most part. Every now and then there's a Dee Hart, but we need some more Dee Harts on the defensive side of the ball.

chiro19

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 9:30 a.m.

J.Dean, the contract was bumped up 1.25 mil. per year which means it was probably in the high 800 per year (I could not find exact numbers). So the numbers are tiny compared to the NFL for one and michigan would probably pay him around 3.5 mil a year. Also the rumor that I have heard is that there is a clause in his contract that allows him to leave without penalty to Mich. that was established when he first became Stanfords coach (dont know if it is true but that is what I have read and is mentioned by Pac-10 boosters). Stanford is a stepping stone for Harbough the question is where is he going to go if anywhere. Most likely michigan! But he could fill the spot of an NFL coach at possibly Carolina or some other woeful team. I agree with Joseph, this is what big wig ceo's do. They thrive in uncomfortable situations and typically the best ones are ruthless and dont care about someones feelings and do what is best for their business! That is the difference between Brandon and Martin. Martin was an institutional guy that let things come to him and was more concerned about appeasing people. Brandon is a hard nose business man that will rip you apart if you get in his way and make you feel good about yourself after he has done it!

Sallyxyz

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 9:23 a.m.

Even if Harbaugh accepts this deal from Stanford (can he put off signing for the next 4 weeks?), I don't think that makes a difference in RR's fate. RR is likely toast regardless of the outcome of the bowl game. Lots of excellent coaches around the country would be better than RR. If for some ridiculous reason DB keeps RR another year, then DB needs to go back to his cardboard pizza empire.

Joseph

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 9:12 a.m.

@Theo, thank you. It's an honor to be in the presence of your great wisdom.

timeatwork

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 9:12 a.m.

didn't see this one coming at all....ha of course jim h. won't be coming to michigan. his next stop is the nfl. why abandon his stanford team to help rebuild michigan when staying at stanford is a sure way to get the nfl's attention??

NoBowl4Blue

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 8:54 a.m.

Stanfords AD either seals Harbaugh up or increases the money Michigan has to give. Pizza guy has to do something as crybaby isn't the answer. If LSU loses to Texas A & M les Miles may be back. He is a Bo wantabe and a major improvement over crybaby.

D21

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 8:47 a.m.

J Dean, It doesn't matter if Harbaugh comes to Michigan (although I know he will come here) or not as long as RR is shown the door. There are many other better coaches than RR that are available like the bit quirky Mike Leach who lives in an island in the Key West area which would make him an ideal coaching candidate for the Hurricanes down the road. If UM keeps RR for next season then it is their privilege to reach more lofty heights as a laughingstock.

Joseph

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 8:24 a.m.

@ JD: People who understand negotiations and the hiring of head coaches in college football still aren't listening to you. You can either see this process from all angles or you can just fall for the wag the dog.

J. Dean

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 7:59 a.m.

I told people that Harbaugh wasn't going anywhere, but nobody listened...

Joseph

Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 7:43 a.m.

Negotiations...blah...blah..blah.... I recall Les Miles signed his extension the moment it was handed to him- not the case here. Stanford indicating that Harbaugh will accept the 'sweetened deal' helps the Stanford team stay focused on their bowl game without a legal commitment from their coach. This is the cross-country tap dance being played so that DB and JH abide by collegiate rules. Besides, wouldn't we be concerned if Stanford didn't make such as offer? Harbaugh is valued greatly. We would have wondered what they know that we don't if an extension wasn't offered before the bowl game. Lorraine and the rest of the goblue, kool-aid drinkers will relish in this temporary moment of artificial good news. I am happy for them, they deserve it on this Monday morning. I look forward to their cheery posts and their claims of my/our delusions. Brandon has this under control.