klick12

Thu, Jan 14, 2010 : 5:45 p.m.

YOGI...Have you been following the recruiting boards? UM ALWAYS has a top 10 or 20 recruiting class. There have been teams in the big ten with less or similar talent that have gone further than RR has directed UM. Yes I ABSOLUTELY think Loyd would have taken RR's first team to a bowl. And last years team as well. Thats the whole point. This WAS NOT a last place program in need of rebuilding. That being said, I hope he does well and go blue.

wvtroll

Thu, Jan 14, 2010 : 12:38 p.m.

Sorry, Yogi, I'm not angered. As I stated, I'm not a WVU fan. I live in WV and am more likely to have seen the local newspaper reports of what was going on. We both know about newspaper reports and their accuracy. As I'm old and feeble-minded, I forget some of the facts. As I recall, one of the main hitches that made RR go behind the backs of the WVU admins was that he wanted a web site which would be used to raise money that would eventually end up in his pocket. He wanted WVU to host the site, maintain and develop it, and when they suggested that he should provide the means to do all that, not the school since it was benefiting only RR, he blew up and decided to leave. A man who pledges his life work to his school should have the courtesy to inform them when he changes his mind. Don't be surprised when your new "Michigan Man" leaves suddenly, and especially if and when UM gets a bowl bid, just before that game happens. If I negotiate a contract, I'll stick by it, not try to say I'm dissatisfied after I sign it. But then again, RR never signed the contract after agreeing to it. Was that a way to perhaps get out of it later? There are coaches out there that have my respect. They have character, ability, and they don't necessarily coach for the team I support. I enjoy watching the way they direct their team to victory or not. It's a joy to watch the way they manipulate the game and their players to gain the most from them. Sort of like when you watch a baseball game with a great pitcher. He may not be pitching for your team, but it's a thrill to see him operate. And win or lose, you come away knowing you enjoyed the game because that's what you went there to see. RR sort of did that at WVU, but he had some amazing players that could make or break a coach. The former coach there took a team to the NC, but he had a great QB also. Makes you wonder if it's coaching or the players, or both, doesn't it. I hope you all have a good 2010 season, but hope you keep a keen eye on what might really be going on there. Some coaches really coach for the thrill of seeing how much they can get out of their team and the rewards that it brings. Other care about how much they can get out of others pocketbook, and really don't care about team itself. Mr. Stewart took the job at WVU and really didn't care what the money amount was (so he says). Another coach elsewhere refused to accept a raise unless his coaches who helped him get that raise, received a raise as well. If it's about money, you got the wrong guy.

Yogi

Thu, Jan 14, 2010 : 10:56 a.m.

That is called negotiating the best contract you can and you can't blame anybody for that. WVU could have kept RR there if they wanted to by giving in to some of his demands. If you think that he wanted to leave WVU you are wrong he loved it there. UM gave him what WVU wouldn't (not couldn't)and let's face it UM is the bigger dog in this fight. No one has to ask permission to speak with any coach at another institution that's why there are buyouts. I understand your anger and everyone else's who love WVU but Y'all need to get over it and quit trying to tear him down it's been three years. BTW every head coach in college football has a bloated ego

wolver4ever

Thu, Jan 14, 2010 : 10:48 a.m.

All of you that are always knocking the RR offense as being a qimick and can not work, lets take a real look at it as far as putting up points. W. Michagan 31 Notre Dame 38 E. Maichgan 45 Indiana 36 Michigan State 20 Iowa 28 DS 63 Penn State 10 Illinois 13 Prudue 36 Wis 24 Ohio State 10 Only 2 or 3 time the whole season did UM not put enough points on the board to win and this is with 2 freshman QB's and backfield that lookied like a MASH unit. With more experience in those areas and hopefully improved health in the Running backs, you will see more production next year. The problem is not RR offense, it is the defense that gives up too many points and lets the other team stay in the field way to long, but the problem were I believe is 4 defensive coordinators in 5 years. No wonder the kids don't know were to go. I will be nice to have the same system in "D" two years in a row and give the kids a chance to play instead of wondering where to line up this year

wvtroll

Thu, Jan 14, 2010 : 10:28 a.m.

I'm afraid you might not know what RR is up to. He kept quiet and used the Alabama rumors to get himself a nice, upgraded contract, much like Calvin is doing now. RR didn't comment on the rumors when asked, and WVU felt compelled to up his salary to keep him since RR wouldn't tell them anything. Of course, once he got the better contract, he said he loved WV and would stay as long as they'd have him. He may be secretly negotiating with other schools at this very moment. Guess that would make some of you happy, other not so pleased. Fortunately for WVU, the upgraded contract resulted in a bigger buyout than if RR had just left the Alabama thing alone and been up front with WVU by indicating either he wasn't interested or Alabama couldn't meet his price tag. The only reason WVU fans might be laughing is due to the way the administration up there handled the negotiations, going behind the backs of WVU admins, and not requesting permission to talk to RR. They got what they deserved in the minds of a lot of people in WV. They're probably glad he's gone, as they see what type of scheming he is capable of, and find they might have misplaced their loyalty to someone not necessarily deserving it. And I think they're happy with what appears to be a truly deserving Mr. Stewart, one who genuinely seems to be really grateful to have the dream job of coaching his home state flagship football team. He ain't doin' badly here. RR may prove himself one of these days. I don't think anyone wants to see UM fail so badly, as all want to see greatness, especially from those that once had it. It's just a shame, in my mind, that your players must endure such embarrassment at the expense of someone's bloated ego.

Yogi

Thu, Jan 14, 2010 : 10:12 a.m.

I have been reading posts about the football program from all over the country and I have to say that the posts on A2.com are the nastiest. I'm tired of hearing how terrible RR is. Do you really think that Lloyd would have taken RR's first team to a bowl game? You're dreaming. The talent just wasn't there even with Ryan Mallett and Justin Boren. There is a reason for a multi year contract because it takes time to rebuild (yes, rebuild) a winner. I wish everyone would get off RR's back and support the team and it's coaches. Without all the injuries last year there would have been to a bowl game. Of course it would not have been the Rose Bowl so that would give all the negative people something else to complain about. My suggestion is if you don't like what is going on don't renew your season tickets (if you even have them) because I would much rather be cheering without you in the stands.

azwolverine

Thu, Jan 14, 2010 : 8:20 a.m.

WHAT!? No job offer for the great and powerful RR from either Tennessee or USC? This is a travesty! Seriously, though...a couple of years ago, this guy was the hot coach...now he's a hot potato that no other program would touch with a ten foot pole. The best thing that ever happened to Alabama football was RR turning them down.

klick12

Thu, Jan 14, 2010 : 1:33 a.m.

WOW! THAT was our coach? THAT is our hope and guidance for the UM future?? Bo, if you're up there, please send down a well placed lightning bolt!

ypsigirl

Thu, Jan 14, 2010 : 12:37 a.m.

2010-you have to be kidding. Even if he is able to turn around the program-which I highly doubt, it will take several years given the performance of the last two seasons. The talent isn't there from the players, the staff or the coach. I still say UM would be better off cutting their losses and finding a coach who is able to organize a better staff and give this program the guidance they desperately need. Keep on dreaming. Sprinkle some fairy dust and find your happy thought. Rodriguez is not respected by the community. People in West Virginia are laughing their butts off at what he pulled over on UM.

Paul the Malcontent

Wed, Jan 13, 2010 : 11:35 p.m.

A 2011 bowl would be preferable.

wvtroll

Wed, Jan 13, 2010 : 11:24 p.m.

I'm new to the forum. I've been following this RR stuff for quite some time, and yes, I'm from WV. Not a WVU fan, so I hope I can offer some views from the past as an impartial college football fan. Firstly, I'm not here to trash the UM football team. I support a team in another conference, not the B10 or Big East. I find it amazing that you all get so worked up over your coach, and can't separate team support from coach support. You know, you can love the University of Michigan and support the football team, and still like or dislike your coach. All three are different things. A college football team is much like a Little League baseball team. Each year you lose some players, gain some players, and each year, your coach must develop a team from what he has. He recruits what he feels he needs and hopes those players decide to attend his school. You have to decide whether he is doing a good job with what he has. Is his ability to "coach", meaning not just be the man with that title, real? Can he teach these young men to be great football player, especially with the abilities each player has? Does he recognize what those individual talents are? I think most of you will agree that a really good coach can make a lot of what he has, and recognizes what he must do with what he has. Integrity is something that naturally shines when a person has it. His honesty is usually not questioned due to what he has proven in the past. Trust is usually only lost after someone gives reason to mistrust them. If you all feel comfortable with the integrity and honesty of your coach, feel that all he says is not a smoke screen without a hint of doubt, then you have to feel he is doing the right thing. If, on the other hand, you have that doubt, you must remember that he is setting an example for those young men on the football team. The team members know the truth, regardless of whether they speak about it or not. I'm sure you want a man of integrity 20 years from now when you're looking for that replacement head coach, and you sure better hope his coach when he was a player taught him the right way. It's truly a shame what has happened the last two years up there. I, myself, think it shouldn't have happened. Won't give you my reasons for feeling that way, cause it'd start a flame war. I will say, though, that the team I support had a very rough year last year (2008) as far as the number of seniors leaving and incoming freshmen were good enough to carry the team to a conference championship. It's a BCS conference, just to tame a few comments. You can make of that whatever you want to, either with respect to my team or your team. I also hope you guys up there realize you are running the risk of being known as WVU-AA if you keep taking coaches from WV (basketball, football head coach, quite a few assistants, and now a Marshall coach). Sort of like UC-Berkeley. Don't see how you can say the Big East wasn't up to snuff if you keep doing that. Anyway, these football players are supposed to be college students, pretty smart supposedly. Hopefully they can learn the RR way of life and things will get back to normal. If not, fire him or wait another year. Some of you are not giving the players much credit - maybe, though, it's not the players.

Searcher

Wed, Jan 13, 2010 : 10:50 p.m.

Hey Tom, Maybe I was wrong. Maybe you aren't a better man than that. If your ego is that fragile, perhaps you should find job with less public exposure, but then we would all miss your great writing. Honestly, keep those insightful article coming!

GoblueinNE_PA

Wed, Jan 13, 2010 : 10:43 p.m.

I don't even know what to say about this guy any more. He takes a perennial power, a team that played in 33 straight bowl games, 40 years w/o a losing season and 3 years later he's knows he's finally going to a bowl game. LMAO!!!! I root for the kids and I root for the team and hope like hell next year will be better, but this guys results give no indication it's heading in the right direction. Unless he gets 8 wins in the regular season, I think he's gone. I don't think he gets the 8 wins.

TXteacher

Wed, Jan 13, 2010 : 10:30 p.m.

RR is still putting teeth under his pillow hoping for a dollar, too.

LakeErieMaize&Blue

Wed, Jan 13, 2010 : 9:55 p.m.

No one on this site knows for certain WHAT Michigan will do next season or WHO they can beat next season until they PLAY next season!That much I do know.IF they play hard,play as a team,EXECUTE the plays(minimize mistakes and turnovers), and play to their POTENTIAL,then they can beat ANY TEAM they face next season(that's the beauty of sports).You don't know who will show up and compete until the ref blows the whistle!!Hopefully we do better than 5-7.GO BLUE(for next season)!!!

Fresh121

Wed, Jan 13, 2010 : 9:16 p.m.

8-4 9-3 and the haters keep on hatin cuz the real U is back UM

JimRhatt

Wed, Jan 13, 2010 : 9:12 p.m.

Screecher, "Tom"? Maybe Tony. What's immature about being specific? I've liked the decision to change the style of football since RR was hired. UM fans will also, during this coming year. The offense will win games this year and the defense will be just good enough. The following years, both will be great! Go Blue!!

BlueInBama

Wed, Jan 13, 2010 : 9:03 p.m.

Of course he has to promise a bowl next year and follow through, or he's out. The out-of-touch mentality of some Michigan fans is disturbing. RRod's beloved "system" is a gimmick that's already been exposed. Yet, the bigger problem is the DEFENSE, which RRod doesn't have a clue. 2009 was the worst defense I have ever witnessed in Michigan football. For 2010, the D-line will be WORSE without Graham, and the secondary will be WORSE without Warren. While 2010 could very well shape up to be ANOTHER train wreck of a football season, at least it will be RRod's LAST season at Michigan IN MICHIGAN WE TRUST

ERIC MEYERS

Wed, Jan 13, 2010 : 7:37 p.m.

Only if we go get Jim Harbaugh to coach

azwolverine

Wed, Jan 13, 2010 : 6:51 p.m.

We'd just better hope Tennessee doesn't come calling. I hear RR is a hot commodity!

Chango

Wed, Jan 13, 2010 : 6:13 p.m.

Oh and I also have a gut feeling Denard Robinson is gonna prove a lot playing QB next year. Shoot, he may be the "Chosen One" that Coach Rod is looking for in playing QB. I'm pulling for him.

Ignatz

Wed, Jan 13, 2010 : 5:43 p.m.

The proof will be in the pudding. The are a lot of positives going on with the program. I think and hope he'll be right.

Chango

Wed, Jan 13, 2010 : 5:35 p.m.

I think he should have said "AHAHAHAHAAAA big ten teams have got something coming to them after we are through playing them AHAHAHAHAHA just watch us plow through and beat everyone"

NoBowl4Blue

Wed, Jan 13, 2010 : 5:11 p.m.

At best the only bowl RR can get U of M into is a cereal bowl. OK maybe the Pizza Pizza bowl but 6 wins look to be difficult AGAIN!!

Torgoman

Wed, Jan 13, 2010 : 5:09 p.m.

Read the article. With respect to the bowl: Q: Do you see yourself playing in a bowl game in 2010? A: Yes I do. The word "probably" does not appear in the article. And yes he does say "hopefully. I don't know." but that is in reference to the defense being fixed. He said recruiting is balancing that out and it might show next year. Going forward he believes strongly that he'll win at Michigan. He just considers this transition harder than he expected. That said, I'm not in support of him or against him. I'm not defending his opinions. Just criticizing that the people who comment don't even seem to read the article.

Lokalisierung

Wed, Jan 13, 2010 : 4:55 p.m.

Wow that is really pretty bad. I thought it was just a weak headline but he actually said "probably?" Brimming with confidence alwasy rubs off on the kids in the program.