Rich Rodriguez 'absolutely' will be coach next year, Bill Martin says

Michigan football coach Rich Rodriguez said after Saturday’s 21-10 loss to Ohio State that he hasn’t been told anything about his job status for next year. Rodriguez’s agent, Mike Brown, said earlier this week that Michigan president Mary Sue Coleman gave Rodriguez a vote of confidence in a private phone call Monday. Rodriguez was asked if Coleman said anything to him about 2010. “No,” he said.

Michigan football coach Rich Rodriguez yells to quarterback Tate Forcier on Saturday. (Photo: Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com)

Rodriguez also said he’s not concerned about whether he’ll be Michigan’s coach next year. As Rodriguez was answering questions, associate athletic director for media relations Bruce Madej stood to his side and said, “He’s fine.” Rodriguez is 8-16 in two seasons as Michigan coach. The Wolverines won their first four games this year, but finished 5-7 and tied for last place in the Big Ten. Last year, they went 3-9.

The back-to-back losing seasons are the first in program history since 1962-63, and Rodriguez is the first Michigan coach to lose his first two games to Ohio State.

Michigan athletic director Bill Martin also endorsed Rodriguez on Saturday. “Rich Rodriguez is our coach,” he said. “I and the administration fully support him, and you’ll see him in the future.” When asked if that meant next year, Martin said, “Absolutely.” Even if Michigan is found to have committed NCAA violations regarding excessive practice time? “He will be our coach next year, today,” Martin said. Asked to clarify what “today” meant, Martin said, “Well then delete the word today.” “He’ll be here next year, no question,” Martin said. 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.