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Posted on Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 9:10 p.m.

Dave Brandon says a Rich Rodriguez decision probably won't come until 'the back half of the week'

By AnnArbor.com Staff

Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon plans to talk to coach Rich Rodriguez about his future soon after both are back in Ann Arbor.

"After traveling back in the next day or two, I plan to sit down with coach Rodriguez to go through the evaluation I've been talking about for months," Brandon said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press a few hours after the Gator Bowl. "I probably won't have more to say until the back half of the week."

Rodriguez could not have helped his chances of returning for a fourth season with the Wolverines on Saturday when Mississippi State routed his team 52-14. It was Michigan's worst bowl loss ever.

He told reporters in Jacksonville, Fla., the speculation about his job has been "the elephant in the room."

Brandon has not offered any public support for Rodriguez, who fell to 15-22 and 1-11 against ranked teams. Brandon has said he will evaluate Rodriguez after the game. Speculation has been that he will fire Rodriguez and try to hire Stanford coach and former Wolverines quarterback Jim Harbaugh to lead college football's winningest program.

Rodriguez's buyout dropped from $4 million to $2.5 million Saturday. Asked what case he will make to save his job, Rodriguez said "None."

"Dave's been around. He's doing his evaluation. I don't know when we're going to meet," Rodriguez added.

Michigan lost six of its final eight games.

Comments

Blu-n-Tpa

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 9:01 a.m.

BlueinSC If you had to call anybody because of "too many babes" then you just weren't up to the occasion, much like your COACH.

amazenblue

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 11:30 a.m.

This game was a total embaressment to every guy that has put on a M uniform! None of the M coaches should even be allowed back in AA. RR shouldn't have to wait to be fired, just step up and be a man and say I have ruined the M program and quit. I can't ever remember this kind of dissent at M.

D21

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 9:33 a.m.

JaySham, From what David Brandon indicated, it could be this Friday or next week and when do you also think it (Harbaugh press conference) will happen on? The thinking is Jim would need a couple of days of rest (family & new kid) before he can dress up in a snazzy blue blazer with a UM themed tie for the presser. I wonder if any of Harbaugh's kids are named after Bo?

D21

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 9:28 a.m.

JaySham, Thanks for the "tool" suggestion as I strongly and heartily concur with that, lol. I could be mistaken if Harbaugh doesn't go the UM route but like some others, most indications point directly to A2. Harbaugh, the player whom Bo oft screamed at with a familiar strain, "You will never play a down for Michigan", hasn't signed a contract extension with Stanford and one cannot help but agree that this is the perfect timing for Jim and UM to do something special together. At least, I doubt Bo had screamed, "You will never coach a down at Michigan" to Harbaugh. Happy Maize n Blue New Year!

BlueInBama

Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 8:28 a.m.

Although the game was not quite what I expected, I still had a wonderful time at Tater's Floridian Estate. Other than having to call the authorities to clear the massive overflow of babes from the property once they learned Musburger was chillin' with us, everything went smoothly.

Jaysham

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 10:10 p.m.

Rich Rodriguez is done so get off the Kool-Aid and Nyquil your "King" is finished in Ann Arbor. Anybody that thinks he should remain as head coach is few marbles short of a Hungry Hungry Hippos game. D21 When do you think the announcement of Jim Harbaugh as our new head coach will be? Even Chris Mortenson said tonight on espn said that Jim will probally be the next HC at Michigan. So everyone remember to stop defending RichRod it's pointless people he is a failure and has stained Michigan's legacy with his snake oil salesman tactics and is a drama queen or should I say "king" Go Blue!!!

Jaxon5

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 9:46 p.m.

Bluewolverine writes about one of the many mistakes made with the transition from Lloyd to a new coach. Irreparable damage was done. Time for change.

Joe

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 6:44 p.m.

How happy do you think the WVU fans will be if RR ends up at Pittsburg next week???? MY OH MY!!!!!!!!! LOL

D21

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 6:34 p.m.

It is conceivable that RR may end up as an OC coordinator than a HC unless he accepts a cut in salary.

D21

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 6:29 p.m.

Maryland already hired Edsell from UConn today.

a2chrisp

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 6:24 p.m.

Brandon is making the smart play. No one wants a replay of the Les Miles debacle. He has to wait until weds. at the earliest. I personally believe that Michigan and JH have had an secret agreement since the OSU game. The waiting is the hardest part though. I also personally believe that Maryland has an agreement with RR, and I wish him good luck at a school that fits him much better, and a conference that is much easier to win.

D21

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 6:07 p.m.

To the Pope TheoCCXII, Please dazzle us with your literary wit espousing the strengths of RR and how RR will destroy the BCS with a stranglehold on crystal trophies.

D21

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 5:53 p.m.

AD Brandon, please let the great Stefanie Murray "fire" RR for you in a real classy way. Speaking of classy, here's hoping that RR will give his staff some of the buyout money. GO BLUE!

mgoblue48348

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 4:23 p.m.

Lick my You are too young I assume to remember the Cooper-Earl Bruce era when we went 10-1-1 against the bucks oh by the way Harbaugh was the quarterback at the start of that run

mgoblue48348

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 4:18 p.m.

They obviously played great defense as well shutting Cal out

mgoblue48348

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 4:17 p.m.

Love M Football It looked to me like they (Stanford) had lousy field position everytime they started a drive as well. Shifting the whole right side of the O-line to the left side or visa versa looked impressive or anything but boring but the results weren't.

azwolverine

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 3:58 p.m.

Buckeye, I agree with you on all counts. Did I just say that to a Buckeye fan? It's a topsy turvy time in college football.

Buckeye417

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 3:47 p.m.

As an Ohio State fan, I wish you all the best in your search for a new coach. I want our rivalry to return to where it should be. I also want the Big Ten to become significant again. None of this can happen until Michigan returns to prominence.

BlueGator

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 2:59 p.m.

I personally don't give a flying hoot if our next coach is a "Michigan Man" or not, however you contrive to define that term. Let's get real: if RR was winning 10-11 games per year, we wouldn't care right now if he was originally from Mars. I also have little patience for those who insist RR's problem was that he didn't "get" our traditional rivalries with MSU and OSU. Give me a break. Any coach who can consistently dress himself and find his own way to the practice field every day knows you have to beat your arch rivals to keep your job. C'mon, let's not make this thing more mystical than it really is. Just find someone who can win. It doesn't have to be JH-or-bust.

missionbrazil

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 2:32 p.m.

Theo " I have immense football knowledge" And that immense football knowledge led to your prediction: UM 69 MSU 38

John

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 2:13 p.m.

RR is just not a good fit at UM. He never has and never will be. Without Denard UM might only have 2 wins. It is not RR's offense that won 7 games, it was Denard that won 7 games. DB knows what fits at UM and he will do whatever it takes because it will be his legacy. The Michigan base must be unified and he knows that. It may be JH, BH or even possibly LM. It could even be Mike Trgovac or somebody like that (in descending order in my opinion). All I believe is that it WILL be a MICHIGAN MAN coaching MICHIGAN.

Bluewolverine

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 1:23 p.m.

If you want a barometer of the future for Michigan take a look at Rivals.com to see where potential high school players are considering to play their football. I realize these kids aren't proven until they reach camp and perform but look at the top 25 schools right now and Michigan isn't in there anywhere. A lot of discussion is being said about the head job but a good Michigan fan will remember an individual that was very important under Bo, Gary, and Lloyd, Mike Gittleson the strength and conditioning coach. The coaching staff as a whole is important to a program and when RR came to town Mike was let go. One of the most important jobs of a good football program is the strength coach. In Mikes case he also inspired disicpline with these young men and did it under the 3 coaches I just mentioned. This behind the scenes guy did more to inspire these kids than most of us really know and he was let go! Discipline, respect, and tradition is what Michigan football is all about and always will be.

I love Michigan Football

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 12:59 p.m.

Boring? I think not. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hkCG9IPcAg&feature=player_embedded DB, please make this happen ASAP.

BigWolverine13

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 12:46 p.m.

Follow I remember a Michigan team that was crushed by Ohio State in 1968 -- by 50 - 14; it was a pathetic blood bath. The next year, lead by a first year coach they beat Ohio State in a game that was considered one of the greatest upsets of all time. That was the beginning of a 40 year era of prominence. A coach can make an incalculable difference. RR must go! We may not get another Bo, but we can't get much worse.

lickmybuckeyes

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 12:38 p.m.

We sold our rings because we had too many. Please keep richrod, because 9 of last 10 still isn't enough. BTW do you also play basketball up there as well?

BigWolverine13

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 11:53 a.m.

Follow I remember a Michigan team that was crushed by Ohio State in 1968 -- by 50 - 14; it was a pathetic blood bath. The next year, coached by a first year coach they beat Ohio State in a game that was considered one of the greatest upsets of all time. That was the beginning of a 40 year era of prominence. A coach can make an incalculable difference. RR must go! We may not get another Bo, but we can't get much worse.

Brendan

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 11:50 a.m.

Im sorry Coach,but you must travel on to further endearvours. You tried and did your best,but this 'HOKEY-POKEY' non-sense,must be more accustomed to H.S. football. We Thank-you,for the admirable job you tried to accomplish1 Please, Brandon, bring us back to respectability.

azwolverine

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 11:16 a.m.

Is there any way that UM can hire Bill Martin back simply to fire him along with RR?

azwolverine

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 11:13 a.m.

Richard, The offense sucked, too. ALL of the coaches need to go and, fortunately, will. UM rushed for only 88 yards and scored only 14 points. That won't win many games, and didn't even come close to winning yesterday. The game prior to that, UM scored only 7 against OSU for a grand total of 24 against the Bucks in three years. 17 against MSU didn't help that cause, either. So, while I agree that the defensive coaches need to go, I understand that they all have to go. Michigan is weak in all three phases of the game, including our offense.

Joe

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 11:05 a.m.

Richard....I think DB will let the new coach hire his own coaching staff. I'm pretty sure that GRob will be gone as soon as, if not before, the new coach is hired. If I were GRob I would get out of Dodge before he is fired. I was at the game yesterday and I came away with one positive from that beating. In spite of what was going on around them, the kids NEVER QUIT!!! They were still busting their butts to try to make plays, and I salute them for that. Great sign for next year. For me, the "horse is in the barn", so all we can do now is wait to see what DB does. BTW - I heard more than once yesterday that the coach at TCU might be in the mix.

Big Daddy

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 10:52 a.m.

See what all you haters are saying next year when what is left of the talent here has transfered. Another 6-6 year with an soft schedule, then get blasted 3-8 the following year when your schedule gets tough again (Alabama,@ND,MSU,@nebraska,Iowa,@OSU....then you will be all hating your "michigan Man" too, what is more sad than the defense is all you know it all arm chair quarterbacks and mouthpieces thinking that anyone that makes the decisions listens to your crying.

Blu-n-Tpa

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 10:45 a.m.

I hope that DB meant the announcement will come in the "back half of the week", not the actual decision, which should already have been made weeks ago.

aareader

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 10:39 a.m.

Drew Sharp at "the Freep" has probably stated it best. About Dave Brandon and his support? of the MIchigan Players and football program. They were set up to fail when athletic director Dave Brandon steadfastly delayed rendering a final verdict on Rich Rodriguezs future, creating an internal lack of stability that couldnt help but negatively impact 20-year-olds whose degree of concentration gets challenged even within the most secure environment." Mr. Brandon's, supposedly great CEO experience, has let down the football family big time. Denard show much more maturity after the loss... Were a team, Robinson said. Were a family. Were going to hold each other up. Coach Rod did a poor job getting the team ready... no argument. But in this fiasco Sharp's final comment about Michigan's AD may be exposing a much greater problem looming within the Michigan athletic Department. "Rodriguez will take the fall, but hes not alone. The blood of this programs worst bowl day is on Brandons hands as well."

Blu-n-Tpa

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 10:35 a.m.

While I enjoyed the nice weather and the company of my lovely wife and wonderful son, and friends yesterday in Jacksonville, (the place of my birth many years ago), the game was as predictable as snow in the U.P. I had guessed UM would lose by 30, I should have said in the 30s. I also witnessed the last bowl meltdown vs UTenn at the Capital One bowl back in 2002, I think. The difference is that UTenn team put 11 players in the draft that year, and that's not a knock on MSU, it"s just how I remember it. Except for the cowbells, the MSU fans were fine, maybe even a little understanding. The Michigan fans in the bar after the game, not so much. As I have noted before on this site, doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results, is a sign of insanity. Insanity reigns surpreme. There can be no doubt that RR meant it when he stated that this was a "normal" game week with "regular" practices scheduled. The results were "regular" for his teams at Michigan and the addition of another "worst ever" defeat "normal" for his tenure in AA. The question is; Was this loss worth $1.5 MILLION? Would it have been better to fired RR after the OSU game and go with an short-term answer and MAYBE get better results in the bowl game? Since the money savings was a lock the way it was handled, I would have to agree with DB, painful as it was to watch,(in person no less!), this was the proper decision. As for those who still think, feel, write in to support RR, it might be better to just humor them. Engaging with them actually gives them a sense of validation and worth, where none should exist. I don't that it's attacking anyone so it shouldn't be against the web sites rules. (Although it may lower the entertainment level, ignoring them might be the right thing to do.) Let's hope this is the "worst" thing that's going to happen to Michigan football in 2011. Since we won't be doing the same thing anymore, maybe that will stop the insanity.

Tim Demaray

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 9:59 a.m.

Rodriguez is gone and he knows it. No support from Brandon. No word from Harbaugh's camp. Either way, I don't think Harbaugh will be returning to Stanford even if he doesn't come to Michigan. I believe he will be Blue by the time next Friday rolls around.

Chris

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 9:06 a.m.

Wow. I could not have imagined it being this bad. That was quite pathetic yesterday. It's hard to find anything positive to say about it. The entire big11 was subpar. Sparty got smashed, Penn State couldn't hang on, Wisconsin came up short, and Michigan...

orlandomichfan

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 8:57 a.m.

you all post like you know db personally..what a joke...when he doesnt do what you all expect it will be egg in your face..but...something needs to be done...

PortageLkBlu

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 8:55 a.m.

Last I looked RR is still our coach and he very well could remain our coach or not. I don't believe Jim Harbaugh is coming to Mich. I think Jim approaches his decisions in a business like manner and I believe his lofty goals include the NFL and as such I don't believe he needs Mich. to get there. Why would he come to Mich. for 4or5 years and leave to the NFL when he knows that would anger and alienate him from his alma mater. Could be RR is here for 2011 and then again could be some coach we don't have a clue about.

orlandomichfan

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 8:48 a.m.

most people on here make posts as if DB is gonna read them..hilarious...what will be will be..lets just hope the future will be brighter..gooo blue

sweetdaddy1963

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 7:59 a.m.

To be honest with you this db master stroke stuff is getting old, make call db stop playing corporate games this is not some pizza commercial this is go blue football what a control freak you r. Michigan football is'nt about you Dave so just make the call.

DonAZ

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 7:51 a.m.

The only thing more certain that Rodriguez being fired is Greg Robinson being fired. He is gone, guaranteed. Greg Robinson's future won't be announced before the RR announcement because it would simply fuel questions and speculation. The gears of this machine will start turning Monday evening as the Stanford game winds down.

Richard

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 6:57 a.m.

If the athletic director fires Rich Rodriguez,he had better get rid of the Defense Coach as well. The defense is the reason the team looked bad. I can't believe that these players who are supposed to be adults can't learn from their mistakes, week after week. There must be something wrong with the Defense Coach. It doesn't make sense to have these players make the same players go out there and do the same stupid mistakes. I feel bad for the coach and for Denard. He was superb yesterday. If they can't beat Mississippi state, how in the world are they going to be Alabama. I hope the Michigan staff can get out of that game. GoLuck to the offense, you did very well. Go Blue and thank you for those exciting games you did win. `

CoolBreeze

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 6:55 a.m.

Jim will come home to save us from this experiment, guaranteed! And he will win championships,do it with integrity, and IMO, be our coach for years to come. They will name buildings after JH after he retires someday but in the meantime, enjoy our new beloved coach as he rips off many victories against MSU, tOSU, and the rest of the Big Ten! Thank God this ugly chapter in our history finally over. GO BLUE!

D21

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 5:44 a.m.

Jaysham, Thanks for the props and your insight. The "Nyquil" comment is cool especially for those who are overdosed on kool aid. However, I take "umbrage" to your labeling Tater, Theo and Lorraine as the Three Stooges as they are more of the Three Clowns :) Besides those three cannot live up to nor merit the high standards of the Three Stooges. GO BLUE AND THE REAL HAPPY NEW YEAR'S DAY BEGINS LATER ON THIS WEEK WITH THE HIRING OF _____ __________ (fill in the blanks).

Papabear151

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 2:07 a.m.

I don't know whether to feel bad for RR because he just wasn't up for the challenge... or to feel like he's a greasy salesman who's product wasn't up to standards. I bleed maze and blue but you have to look at one possibility and that is what Joe Tiller warned us of; RR being a snake oil salesman. Either way, it's time to move on. I wish the man a happy and successful future somewhere else but it's time to move on to some real Michigan football. A lot of signs point to JH, no doubt about that. JH himself says he'd rather stay college than pro "more of a college man" something of the likes. His father early in the season says JH would be waiting on the phone to talk to michigan. On top of this, the only way for waiting until late this week to hire a coach would be good is if you had a good one lined up and you were just waiting for the bowl season to end out of respect for them and to save money on the contract buyout. JH and RR both fit that category, conveniently... but that may mean nothing. I've read the stories of JH and Bo, see all of this, and feel that my money will say JH will be the next coach at Michigan. Michigan will pay, a resurgence to successful and classic michigan football could ignite booster funds as well as bowl money through the roof and JH did this at stanford in just a few years with a team that had been 1-11 and absolute garbage when he arrived. read this story, seriously. Imagine being in JH's shoes throughout this experience. If you were a coach and this is where you became a "man". This is what made you everything you are, which also happen to be in the same line of work. JH's IDOL in Bo made him everything he is, he knew he was playing for a legend when he played for Bo, can you imagine him not wanting to go back to Michigan (who will still pay a DAMN GOOD salary) for a chance to be a legend himself? I Imagine, JH within 10 years with his branding, his Michigan tradition. There has been nothing but positive hype around this guy. Stanford will most likely crush VA Tech. JH could land some massive recruits. He has a slightly gelled offense, I could honestly see tate staying and being successful under JH. Wisconsin, Michigan State, and Ohio State (even if they win) all just got kicked in the nuts. Harbaugh has a chance to take a slightly veterened but coached up team (in 2 years with some of his sophomores and some senior starters for like 3/4 years and a D he's been able to coach for 2 years that will be juniors that had been starting as freshman.) Crush the B10 and win a NC and establish dominance among the conferences for the B10. He could establish his legacy very quickly if he's up to the challenge of creating a NC or B10 champ team with Michigan calibre recruits. Now you look at the man we know JH is now, what he has done, who he is. Then read this story I'll link and you tell me its not hard to be convinced he's coming to coach at The Big House. Link for story http://mitchalbom.com/d/journalism/787/coach-and-qbschembechler-harbaugh-have-special-relationship

Mick

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 1:45 a.m.

Thx for the response Mich40, well at least I like your line of thinking. And I truly understand you needing to be sarcastic to cope. Coping with this nightmare has been very difficult indeed.

michboy40

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 1:39 a.m.

Sorry Mick, I was being sarcastic. That is how I deal with my frustration.

Mick

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 1:25 a.m.

The Army All-American Game is next Sat. I believe, I hope this doesn't take too much longer past thurs or so. Maybe just the name Jim Harbaugh will convince players to committ to U-M. Please DB, be the man on this situation.

Mick

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 1:13 a.m.

@Michboy40, is that really true that you know something about DB staying in FLA for the Orange Bowl? Or were you just being sarcastic? Please be true, cause I like the thought of DB going to Miami for that Bowl Game. As i thought back on the game throughout the day, I just couldn't help but shake my head at the gameplan(or lack there of),the dropped passes, matador and shoddy defense, the clueless look our whole squad had in that game made me so sad for our program. Absolutely shameful!!! I just want to have hope for the program, not this dark cloud that Bill Martin bestowed on AA.

beanie wells

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 12:49 a.m.

@FRED: very true. big ten not looking so good......and yet richrod is 6-18 against the big ten (only 3 of those coming against big ten bowl teams). hmmmm...

FRED

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 12:41 a.m.

Don't get bend out of shape. Big Ten is having a terrible bowl season. and been overrated for a long time - long before RR came on board. Teams of Big Ten needs better coaches - not just Michigan.

beanie wells

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 12:38 a.m.

@GoblueinNE_PA: spot on. he's lined up everything. execution (i.e. contract, etc.) may take a couple of days. "back half of the week", meaning thursday... so, he meets wtih harbaugh's agent tomorrow. meets with harbaugh on tuesday morning. gives richrod his evaluation and walking papers on wednesday. press conference to announce harbaugh's hiring on thursday. ok, enough of my dreaming... i've gotta go sell some of my big ten championship rings (i hear they're going for a lot of money).

beanie wells

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 12:27 a.m.

...'Asked what case he will make to save his job, Rodriguez said "None."' are we sure richrod didn't say this BEFORE the game?

azwolverine

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 12:26 a.m.

By the way, did anyone read on the Freep that Miss State's linebacker said UM offense was totally predictable? He did. So much for RR's dynamic, exciting offense. It was exposed over the last two games for the joke that it is.

azwolverine

Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 12:22 a.m.

If this loss gets RR out of town, then I guess it was the most worthwhile 38 point loss in the history of 38 point losses.

hoodlum

Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 11:40 p.m.

he is waiting for stanford to play the bowl game and not have all the drama and disrespect for stanford as we did for LSU and miles.Brandon is classy and will be respected through time.Negotiations will take place after the bowl and jim or brady hoke will be the new coach.Both guys will a great hire.

Jaysham

Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 11:11 p.m.

When Rich answered "none" to what cases he will make to keep his job that is all you delusional Kool-Aid/Nyquil drinkers needed to hear that your King has given up and knows he is finished. You guys should of taken heed to what D21, 3 and out, GoblueinNE_PA, Ghost was saying cause we knew what was going on and look what your"king" has done now. His new song that should inspire him should be "The End" by The Doors. I love how we have no comments from the 3 stooges either. Go Blue and Happy New Year to all!

Winging It

Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 11:10 p.m.

Momma's call'n Jim! Coach Bryant presser when he left Texas AM for the head coaching job at Bama. Momma's calling! the bear played for the Tide years before and returned as a coach to put them back on top! Hey Jim Momma's calling!

azwolverine

Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 11:04 p.m.

He might be saying the "back half of the week" just to buy as much time as possible and throw people off the JH track. If he said "I'll make my decision Tuesday," everyone would surmise DB is simply waiting until the Orange Bowl is over to sign Harbaugh (as most are doing anyway). He's giving himself as much time as possible to get everything worked out before anything becomes public.

obama from kenya

Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 10:56 p.m.

Harbaugh's bowl game is Monday night. If it is a foregone conclusion that he is taking the job I understand waiting until after his bowl game to make the announcement. But why wait until the end of the week? Seems like something else might be in the works.

riverraisin

Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 10:44 p.m.

I too agree with goblueinNE_PA. I believe there will be one moving van leaving AA and one arriving on the same day.

heartbreakM

Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 10:29 p.m.

If Harbs comes to Michigan, it will not be over money. It will not be a "bidding war", IMO. He will come because it's coming 'home'. He will get paid a lot, yes, but it won't be about money for JH. I sorta feel that way about Miles, too. The good thing about DB's position is that alumni will be tripping over themselves to support the new coach if it's the right guy. And please, not Schiano!!

bossfan23

Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 10:20 p.m.

I consider it quite telling that when asked "what case he would make to save his job," rr responded with, "none." It appears to me that rr has already accepted the inevitablity that he is gone. As for waiting until the end of the week, I am sure that GoblueinNE_PA is right on the money. If rr was coming back, it would have been announced today. No vote of confidence, evaluation later in the week, etc., are just buying some time. Look at it this way: the cost of sending rr packing just got 1.5M cheaper. The reality is that it will take all of that savings, and a whole lot more, to win the Harbaugh sweepstakes. Personally, I hope that it happens (Harbaugh coming) and if rr leaves and becomes the greatest college coach in history somewhere else, so be it. If Robinson leaves with him and wins a Heisman somewhere else, good for him. Neither of those things will ever happen here, so we would be wise to accept it and move on.

heartbreakM

Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 10:18 p.m.

I wonder if the corner of South U and Church will be as wild as when M won the bball championship in April 1989

Greg

Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 10:15 p.m.

Dave, The WORSE bowl loss in Michigan history? How many "storied" Michigan records are you going to allow these incompetents to destroy? Plus, the wins at the beginning of the season were against teams the Little Sisters of the Poor would have given a contest. Are you the winner of the nice guy award or are you too way out of your league? The Peter Principle is screaming at me here! Is there even a decision to be considered? Fire them ALL!! Signed, Perhaps my last year for season tickets!

Greg

Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 10:13 p.m.

Dave, The WORSE bowl loss in Michigan history? How many "storied" Michigan records are you going to allow these incompetents to destroy? Plus, the wins at the beginning of the season were against teams the Little Sisters of the Poor would have given a contest. Are you the winner of the nice guy award or are you too way out of your league? The Peter Principle is screaming at me here! Is there even a decision to be considered? Fire them ALL!! Signed, Perhaps my last year for season tickets!

Just Blue

Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 10:11 p.m.

When Mr. Snake Oil is fired this week they better call all the cops out in Ann Arbor when the announcement is made because its going to be one big party.

GoblueinNE_PA

Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 10:10 p.m.

No OFK, waiting doesn't mean that RichRod is coming back. There are contracts and buyouts on both ends that need to be worked out. Interviews and the like. None of that will happen, at least publicly (who's to know what's happened through back channels) until Harbaugh's bowl game is played.

michboy40

Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 10:02 p.m.

Dave Brandon did not make the flight back to Michigan. He is staying to watch the Orange Bowl and...

BigWolverine13

Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 10:01 p.m.

Give him the boot!

obama from kenya

Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 9:57 p.m.

If his decision won't come until the "back half of the week" is it possible that Harbaugh is not the man? Or worse, RR is coming back!

tulsatom

Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 9:56 p.m.

I agree 100% with GoblieinNE_PA. I think Brandon is the type to have all his ducks in a row on the new coach before making his decision.

NoBowl4Blue

Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 9:51 p.m.

DB you are only delaying the inevitable. If you care about our football program you have no choice. I feel for Theo, steelman, and tater

GoblueinNE_PA

Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 9:50 p.m.

My take: DB will have the new coach, whomever that is, signed, sealed, and delivered by the time he makes any public statements.

BigWolverine13

Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 9:48 p.m.

Run the bum out of town!

obama from kenya

Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 9:37 p.m.

Let's hope DB is better at picking coaches than his predecessor.

3 And Out

Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 9:36 p.m.

""But the fact of the matter is the Bulldogs finished fifth in the SEC West. The football team at the University of Michigan should never, ever lose by 38 points to the team that finished fifth in the SEC West. Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/andy_staples/01/01/gator-bowl-michigan-rodriguez/index.html#ixzz19qF0rDI4