Opinion: Should Michigan Fire Head Coach Rich Rodriguez?
The Wolverines started the year ranked and Tate Forcier, the freshman QB, was even getting Heisman Trophy consideration. But now, the Wolverines will have to beat a much better Ohio State team just to make it to a lesser bowl game.
Expectations were lowered for the Michigan team going into 2009 but Rodriguez was still expected to deliver at least 7 wins. And losing to rivals Michigan State and Penn State as well as likely Ohio State could potentially get Rich Rodriguez fired if he's not careful.
Rodriguez Fired? UM President Seems to Say No
Rich Rodriguez recently received a vote of confidence from Mary Sue Coleman, Michigan's president.
Michigan is stll looking for an athletic director since Bill Martin resigned and that person could have a big effect on whether or not Rich Rodriguez is fired.
Should UM Fire Rodriguez Or Give Him One More Year?
While sentiment is definitely anti-Rich Rodriguez right now in Michigan, part of the shock of a once-dominant program going 5-6 so far and 1-6 in the Big Ten, some worry that a Rodriguez firing would set the program back too far.
The main argument is that two years is not even time to decide whether or not to fire Rodriguez even though his team has underachieved so far. The thing about Rodriguez is that while he should have done a lot better up to this point with the athletes he's been given at Michigan, he's still worth sticking with because his systems have a cumulative effect.
When Rodriguez gets more offensive linemen who can move (or really, develops the guys he has), the offense will be even better and it's already been good this year at racking up yards. When he gets more experience for the young guys and the turnovers stop, the offensive will put up way more points.
The Rich Rodriguez spread offense is all about a quick tempo and getting into a rhythm and overwhelming the opponent mentally and physically but when the defense isn't getting stops like in 2010 everything falls apart.
The offense is forced to be mistake free and the Rich Rodriguez staff struggles calling more set plays against set defenses as opposed to calling a game in rhythm while the defense is trying to line up and play the guessing game as to whether the QB or RB or slot WR's etc. are going to get the ball next.
As for the defense, Michigan doesnt have a ton of hopee for next year but the depth will be way better and finally having time in a system under the players' belts will make a huge difference. It will be strength in numbers for Michigan as young guys finally develop and walk-ons are phased out of the lineup, but the defense will struggle a bit next year too. They should be a little better though, and that makes all the difference.
Regardless, the thought here is that Michigan should not fire Rich Rodriguez unless a true master of a coach like an Urban Meyer or Brian Kelly falls into their laps who can turn things around in one year. Otherwise, UM has too much invested in Rich Rodriguez to fire him now despite all his troubles.
Published by Nick Meyer - Featured Contributor in Sports
I am a 26-year old writer trying to stay sharp and earn some side cash. My specialty is sports writing. I've always had strong opinions but I've become more humble over the years. I welcome freelance writ... View profile
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8 Comments
Post a CommentThey knew he was shady when they hired him. He was a liar and a sneak at WV, did Michigan think he would be any different there? He has some severe moral issues and any school that hired him will get what they deserve.
Mitch, I am with you...show him the door...there were issues right from the start...bring in Harbaugh!!
I say Keep Rich Rodriguez forever!
I'm a Michigan State fan so as long as Michigan has a crappy coach its fine by us.
Now we crush them in both Basketball and Football. Loving it. Long live UofMs crappy coach!
The answer is yes!
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2405534/a_michigan_win_over_ohio_state_wont.html?cat=9
NimRod left WV in a classless way.
He lied about his contract, and U of M paid the bill.
He lied to a business [partner and is being sued.
He lied to the fans when he said he complied with NCAA rules.
He was a bad hire, has turned in bad results. Get rid of him, get U of M back on track with a quality coach/human.
We have gained more yards in the I formations this year than we have from the loss of yardage playbook of Hot Rod! You need a superhero at QB TO RUN THE CRAP. Next year is a wash also. No Bowl game equal no recruits. No more Go Blue! They can't bring in someone in how can get us to 500 with above ave players on the roster?
I'm rolling over!!!!
Wolverines can not go back any further with the talent they have. They won one big ten game this year, and with each loss it becomes obvious Michigan was still a dominant team under the previous coach. No losses back to back to MSU since the 1960's. No back to back losses to Illinois for many years. Back to back games yielding 4 touchdowns in the 2nd half to teams under .500 The defense is his responsibility. If Carr would have remained coach, the bottom line is I can't imagine them having losing seasons. His determination after losses to Appalachian State and Oregon led to 8 consecutive wins. Chad Henne was hurt much of the season and it cost Michigan against Wisconsin and OSU. They BEAT Florida. Under Rodriguez people want me to believe we are making progress. That is better than his first season, worse than any 2 seasons over the previous 40 years. I hope he wins the lotto for a billion dollars and quits. I HATE that the University of MICHIGAN ever hired him.