lawrencelaundry

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 8:19 p.m.

@3andout. Little worried about harbaugh not coming.. even hoke will be an improvement, but for how long. What u think.

3 And Out

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 7:40 p.m.

lawrence....I doubt that Harbaugh is coming, but not because of Michigan...last night I saw that he has built a true powerhouse, a team that is actually improving on its recruiting and its a pretty darned good team right now. They are physical, disciplined (other than that lineman who impulsively caught that safety ball ha ha) and they rally behind coach Harbaugh. One other thing that was apparent was that the whole Stanford alum team is rallying behind Harbaugh and they are going to politic very strongly to have Harbaugh stay there. If you saw some of the famous Stanford faces on the sidelines yesterday, you can see that they have some notable alums. So... a) He already has a strong program that he has built and the future seems very bright IF he stays there... b) he has been totally embraced by the Stanford family and that will never change as long as he is there and c) his team seems to love him and vice versa. Personally...he has young kids, lives in a nice area of the country and it would be very tough to just uproot that.... So, the case could very well be made that Harbs stays at Stanford rather than risk all of that... no matter how strong the pull to Michigan may be based on his past, he would have to have some very bright burning desire to come here, uproot everything and embrace the challenge of building up our decimated RR roster of talent.... that would be asking alot for anyone to do! I know people that knew him as a kid/ball boy at Michigan and he has a Blue Soul...but at this time, it just may not be the "best timing" to make that move. Martin shoulda at least interviewed him in 07 when he was up and coming...but didnt and we lost out on a great opportunity to hire a fine young coach. Imagine how things could have been...sigh. Toss in reports that Stanford is willing to give him $3mil + long term with incentives.... makes it even harder to leave... Now on top of that...the NFL is calling. He could stay in his house and coach the 49ers. The 49ers are still a classic franchise and a destination point in the NFL which is desirable, even if they have been mismanaged for the past 10 years...that could be changed. One thing the 49ers have always had was that historic cache and tradition and atmosphere.... and the 49ers will throw a ton of $$ at Harbs as well...and he wouldnt have to uproot his family to take that gig. Harbaughs picture and stock has changed considerably in the past few weeks and is skyrocketing....again...nothing against Michigan...but we would have a LOT to compete with to try and draw him home, at least at this time. I personally just dont see it happening....UNLESS the Challenge to rebuild Michigan + his alliances to Michigan overweigh everything...and that would be very difficult to imagine considering all of the opportunities that he does have. One thing that was clear after watching Stanford last night: THAT was Classic Michigan football in Red jerseys! So.... to be clear, whoever takes over as Michigan coach needs to get back to that physical, tough, well coached, disciplined, wear you down until we win, pro style, athletic Michigan style football. THIS NEEDS TO BE THE PLAN...and IMO Dave Brandon knows this and it is what he is looking for going forward.

missionbrazil

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 7:05 p.m.

Blu-n-Tpa "JumpnPtagLk Money? You want to talk about money? Jeez, how much money will RR take for his last year at Michigan? $5 MILLION! How much to get him to Michigan? $4 MILLION! The money to defend Michigan before the NCAA? $2 MILLION! Salary for the last 3 years, $6 MILLION!" Yelmonian "I haven't checked the math... but I read on another site, that the cost for each RR win (based on his salary) was $380,000. That's an awfully expensive coach." * The total approx. cost for RR these 3 years is $ 14.5 million (2.5 mil per year salary, 2.5 mil to WVU, 2.5 mil buyout to RR, 2 mil for the NCAA mess) * That is $ 2.41+ million per Big Ten win! * That is close to $ 1 million per win! I'm not sure about this, but if they kept stats for $ per win he probably broke another record in his illustrious, record breaking UM career.

lawrencelaundry

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 6:50 p.m.

@3andout. Little worried about harbaugh not coming.. even hoke will be an improvement, but for how long. What u think.

Yelmonian

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 6:42 p.m.

PortageLK, I'm not sure MSU gauged itself based on UM. MSU gauged itself based on Wisconsin. There are certain years that things seem to come together, and MSU was having that type of year. The ND win, coming back against NW, coach having a heart attack and the OC stepping up, etc. I think MSU (and myself as a fan) forgot how close many of the games were. I knew UM wasn't a good team, and predicted a double digit win against UM prior to the game. The part that MSU (and the fans... myself) forgot was that Alabama was the #1 team for half the year, has a Heisman winning running back, is loaded with 4 and 5 star talent, and their last 6 opponents had a bye week prior to playing Alabama. MSU had a great season and is improving, but as much as I hate to admit it... is not on par with Alabama. We have big recruits including MSU in the last 2 to 3 teams on their list, but haven't gotten over the hump to get them. I can't explain Wisconsin's loss.

D21

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 6:38 p.m.

It is apparent that Brandon has a coach lined up prior to making this decision to fire RR.

Yelmonian

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 6:31 p.m.

DonAZ, Quality post. I think you summed it up best.

PortageLkBlu

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 6:30 p.m.

Yell, funny I heard Eddie George say the same thing about Mich. being successful that Ohio State always gauged their year on the outcome of that game. The Big Ten seems out of focus maybe with Nebraska coming in and Mich. hopefully getting on track balance will come back when we step into these bowl games. Mich. State really gauged themselves on that Mich game with us. Wisconsin really thought they could bully TCU and it just did not happen. Teams in the 10 are for some reason under the assumption that when they beat Mich. as of late that they(other teams) must be real good. I really would have bet on Wisconsin and I thought Mich. State would give Alabama some bloody noses but with Mich on a down cycle I really couldn't judge those schools and current talent.

DonAZ

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 6:18 p.m.

The term "Michigan Man" does not necessarily mean he must have played at the University of Michigan. Some of the people on ESPN have simply misconstrued that. The term "Michigan Man" is more about a philosophy of hard work, sacrifice and striving for excellence. There is no path to cheap and easy victories. After the Stanford game last night you heard echoes of this from Harbaugh and Luck. Harbaugh spoke of "respect for the process and the game." Luck spoke of Harbaugh making them do things they did not want to do, but the players realizing it would make them better football players. That, ladies and gentlemen, is why Rodriguez was not a "Michigan Man" -- he did not respect the process; he did not understand the concept of blistering hard work to lock down fundamentals. Argue all you want about the unfairness of my comment... then look at Stanford (or Wisconsin, or OSU) and compare it to Michigan in terms of missed tackles and fumbles. It seems like cliche, but that doesn't mean it's not true: Football boils down to relatively simple things -- blocking, tackling and protecting the ball. Rodriguez and his scheme did not value that as highly as speed and high scores. Rodriguez could have been a "Michigan Man" had he embraced a love for discipline and fundamentals. But that's not him and it's not his style. Never has been, never will be. I wish Rodriguez well... he will do well somewhere. But for Michigan we need a coach who, if not Harbaugh, is like Harbaugh -- demanding of his players when it comes to hard work, discipline and focus on fundamentals and execution. I don't care where that man hails from or where he played or coached. Embody the mindset of Michigan Football and he will be a Michigan Man.

Yelmonian

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 6:17 p.m.

PortageLk, I have said in the past, that I think RR is an average to good coach. I would not classify him with the likes of Saban, Tressel, Meyer, etc as a great coach. RR is a career.500 to.550 coach. I believe MSU landed a better coach with Dantonio because he coached the players, not the system. Again, this is all opinion. I lost respect for RR while at UM, because I do feel like he did not take personal responsiblity for failures of the team. I feel there was a lot of finger pointing. I don't think he is capable of handling a major program that is always under the spotlight, such as UM. And I have posted repeatedly, a full spread is not going to work in the Big Ten. Just won't. Too many factors between weather, big beefy teams like Wisconsin, etc. I watched MSU with JLS, and MSU did the exact same thing every year... start 5-0 or so... and then fail miserably the second half the season. I think a hybrid system (OSU) where you run aspects of the spread are utilized, but the ability to run a power game when needed might work. Just not a full spread like RR ran. Again, these are my opinions. I know many will cuss me, and disagree. I've stated repeatedly, I'm an MSU boy through and through, but I am also smart enough to know that the Big Ten needs UM to be successful for the overal success of the conference.

jalittle12

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 6:12 p.m.

Now there are reports on Rivals that UM has not "officially fired" RR. That a decision will be made tomorrow, and that there is a team meeting rescheduled for tomorrow at 4 pm. What is Dave Brandon doing? Can you say Martin all over again? Wow, please tell me he has a plan in place. It can't be JH or bust, can it? Please DB, tell me you have a back up plan other than Hoke!?

PortageLkBlu

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 6:03 p.m.

Yelmonian, that 2.5 that RR makes is chump change if Mich. goes after a big time already established coach and your going to pay through the teeth for assist. coaches make no doubt on the other hand you take your chances as Mich did way back when with Bo. I think Bo was a rare gem don't you Yelmonian? I have one question for you, looking at RR's overall career record do you think he is bad coach or a bad fit at Mich?

PortageLkBlu

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 5:56 p.m.

They are already laughing on ESPN about the new famous quote," Michigan Man". Most TV people Jim Rome included agree, Michigan better just try to find an excellent coach and don't worry about the,"Michigan Man" stuff course that kid that played for Ohio State is is on college game day and with the other 2 guys announcing games on game days says Michigan needs to find a "Michigan Man" at all cost that's what they need, we all know he hates Mich. I think his name is Herb Kirtstreet or something, I just know under all those smiles he hates us as any good Buckeye should and vice verse.

Blu-n-Tpa

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 5:50 p.m.

JumpnPtagLk Money? You want to talk about money? Jeez, how much money will RR take for his last year at Michigan? $5 MILLION! How much to get him to Michigan? $4 MILLION! The money to defend Michigan before the NCAA? $2 MILLION! Salary for the last 3 years, $6 MILLION! How much for you to stop defending RR. PRICELESS

Yelmonian

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 5:50 p.m.

Vandemme, I understand the concept of paying a lot of money for a coach. There is one basic flaw in your logic. You are paying a lot of money for the coach you have right now, and he is not providing a return on your investment. What is the cost? A 2.5 million dollar buy out? Is that really that much, considering the loss of potential national revenue from sales on UM gear? I know that UM fans don't like to hear it, but I live in a non UM state, and people are laughing at UM football under RR. That simple. That doesn't help sales. I haven't checked the math... but I read on another site, that the cost for each RR win (based on his salary) was $380,000. That's an awfully expensive coach. And you mention seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I'm not sure I saw it. He didn't take responsibility for the defense. He went as far to say (paraphrasing) that's not his side of the ball. He blames having young players. After three years, he shouldn't have that many young players. Special teams was awful (heck he left his punter home for the OSU game). The only light was the offense, and that wasn't very good against good teams. Differing of opinions I guess.

vandamme

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 5:41 p.m.

"Michigan Man?" Maybe Ted Nugent should be head coach.

Marc

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 5:36 p.m.

Set this slide show to Coldplays fix you.

PortageLkBlu

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 5:36 p.m.

They are saying right now on ESPN that the University of Mich. has not confirmed RR's termination and they are laughing about it. They are saying that RR's problem at Michigan was that he was not perceived as a "Michigan Man" not his record and not the violations but, "not a Michigan Man". I really hope that's not true because that truly would reflect poorly on the schools integrity let alone trying to find another coach that is not a "Michigan Man".

vandamme

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 5:34 p.m.

Yelmonian I'm not going to get into some pseudo-Pardon The Interruption type debate with you about a coach that is on his way out. What's done is done. All I know is that Michigan better be ready to fill briefcase after briefcase with Madoff-type money to get the kind of guy that is the 100% flaw free, Groban music-hating, 1st year BCS bowl winning coach that alot of Michigan fans demand. Too bad like Portage said we'll be paying $50 at the M Den for a pencil to pay for it.

PortageLkBlu

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 5:30 p.m.

Yelmonian, great question and real important regarding this coming year which really is right around the corner. Tate needs a good spanking I just can't imagine him as a leader of young men, I hope I'm wrong. DR seems like a likable kid and if a new coach is hired quickly I think it's possible to work with DR and give him his, props so to speak I'm speaking of assurances. I think this mess could be salvaged if the right moves are made. Can anyone tell me our first 4 games? I think those games will be important in this mess.

PortageLkBlu

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 5:22 p.m.

Vandamme, it's nice to hear someone with a responsible thought process. Some of these kids haven't been around the block yet. I don't like the way this is shaping up I see you seen the picture as a whole and that's good, cooler heads usually prevail lets give Mr Brandon our support this thing could get ugly. The only sure way out of this current mess is if Mich. opens the treasure chest, course we'll pay for it at the ticket booth and concession stands.

3 And Out

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 5:19 p.m.

Ladies and Gentlemen, our Long National Nightmare is Ova!

Yelmonian

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 5:16 p.m.

PortageLk, It will be interesting to see how the new coach utilizes DR. Bigger question... will DR stick around? He has already been asked the question, and avoided answering it directly.

PortageLkBlu

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 5:14 p.m.

NoBowl are you still carrying on about RR, didn't anyone tell you he's gone and I thought you were on top of things oh well, see what I know. Now look boys and girls, RR is gone it's time to stop being silly and support Mr Brandon. Wow, some incredible, unbelievable records were broken by a first year QB he should be something in year two. Let's hope a new coach uses him to his strengths as some of you thought RR should have used Mallett.

Yelmonian

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 5:12 p.m.

Vandemme, I couldn't agree more with you! Heck, RR brought nothing but pride to UM. Heck, he was the coach the first time UM football got put on probation...er, heck. He beat MSU sensless... er, heck, didn't do that. Beat OSU regularly...er, heck, not that either. Had a top caliber defense... er, nope. Coached up a heck of a special teams... er, um, maybe not. Won one more Big Ten game in the Big House than MSU's Mark Dantonio in the past three years! We'll give him that! He has more Big Ten wins in the last three years combined, than MSU had this year.... um, nope. Cried on the national stage to Groban's Raise Me Up... we'll give him credit for that too! Lost to a MAC team for the first time in UM history... yep, on him. Yep... RR is a peach of a coach! Did a wonderful all around coaching job, if all around means the offense (as long as it was against a weak opponent).

vandamme

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 5:02 p.m.

Well now that we've got rid of the RichRod virus we get to wait another 3-4 years for a 9+ win team. Hell yes!!! He was a big problem anyway. Hell he didn't even go to Michigan like Bo Schembechler went to Michi.....er wait. His win-loss record didn't get better every year...what, it did? He didn't produce the Big 10 Offensive Player of the Year ever...ughhhh my bad. Obviously my sarcasm is as thick as the heads of the uppity, suddenly self-righteous, drive-thru lane instant gratification, mega-A.D.D. Michigan fans that hated RichRod because he didn't win a BCS bowl, make MSU fans burn their Sparty gear and make Tressel strangle one of his players in frustration with his sweater vest. Yes, RichRod isn't Bo Schembechler or Fielding Yost but for the love of Gary Moeller give the guy more then 3 years!!!!! At the risk of making an understatement as large as the Big House, RichRod had a wee bit of issues at Michigan but u could see the light at the end of the M Club tunnel. I would at least be partly comforted if we had Jim Harbaugh ready to plug in at Schembechler Hall but the last time I checked he'd rather play the hot college coach/failed NFL head coach circuit with any NFL team but the Houston Oilers at this point. Way to bend to the will of the "gotta have it yesterday" crowd Mr. Brandon. This decision tastes as bad as Dominos Pizza when you were the CEO.

NoBowl4Blue

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 4:43 p.m.

The people selecting these photos neglected to show some Rich Rod tears. We do know Theo, Tater, Lorain Steelman and Portugkblu are weeping. The rest of us can celebrate as Michigan moves out of the most miserable period ever in Michigan football.

Yelmonian

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 4:39 p.m.

I was looking for the picture of RR having the gatoraid poured over him after beating MSU or OSU! Couldn't they find a picture of that? hehehehe! That's ok... listening to Groban for some inspiration!

obama from kenya

Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 4:23 p.m.

Where's Mike Barwis?