Rodriguez leaving for Michigan

[Marklar MM]

http://www.wvgazette.com/section/Breaking/000001281

The Rich Rodriguez era at West Virginia ended early Sunday afternoon, not with a bang, but with a whimper.

In an early afternoon meeting with his football team, Rodriguez announced he was leaving to become the head coach at Michigan.

Rodriguez walked into a scheduled 1:30 p.m. meeting with his team and emerged 10 minutes later without comment and walked briskly back to his office. Shortly thereafter the players began to file out of the meeting room, somber-faced and generally without comment.

Rodriguez reportedly met with Michigan officials this past Friday in Toledo, Ohio.





PS...Terrell Pryor just added Michigan to his list.

[JamStone]

After a horrible job at conducting their hiring process, I think this is actually a pretty good hire. Not a homerun, but still very strong. I like the fact he's young for a head coach, at 44. He will probably help the offense a lot, but I'm not sure how the defense will be affected by this hire.

[Marklar MM]

After a horrible job at conducting their hiring process, I think this is actually a pretty good hire. Not a homerun, but still very strong. I like the fact he's young for a head coach, at 44. He will probably help the offense a lot, but I'm not sure how the defense will be affected by this hire.


I would assume that English is retained if he doesn't get a HC position. Also assume Debord will be demoted to towel boy or something. Rod also will have much, much better offensive/defensive players than at WVU.

So I would keep English(defense), Loeffler(QB coach), and Jackson(Runningbacks).

I am looking forward to next year.

[ABDENOUR POWER]

Rodriguez's offense combined with a mobile quarterback like Pryor and a speedster like McGuffie would certainly make for a new-look U of M. They could be a lot of fun to watch.

[Thunder Dan]

Hell yeah! more Buckeye dominance :toast

[JamStone]

Hell yeah! more Buckeye dominance :toast

Michigan fans thought similarly when Cooper was fired and replaced by a I-AA college coach from the Gateway Conference. We'll see how things turn out over the next several years.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

I'm not a big fan of Rodriguez or his 3-3-5 stack.

[samikeyp]

Rodriguez's offense combined with a mobile quarterback like Pryor and a speedster like McGuffie would certainly make for a new-look U of M. They could be a lot of fun to watch.


So then does Mallett transfer?

Good hire, IMO.

[Marklar MM]

So then does Mallett transfer?

Good hire, IMO.


I'd think it all depends if Pryor decides to go to UofM.

[samikeyp]

OIC...my bad, I thought he had already committed.

[Marklar MM]

OIC...my bad, I thought he had already committed.

Oh no. He has just added Michigan to his list...which apparently is narrowed down to Ohio State, Michigan, and Florida...then Penn State and Oregon.

Personally, I think it is between Ohio State and Michigan.

[Thunder Dan]

I think it's funny how Michigan fans get all worked up about star QB's every year. Every year there is a new savior to the Michigan program, and none of them seem to pan out to anything more than a manageable QB or a baseball player. I personally think Pryor will go to Florida or Ohio State because he wants to play football and give basketball a shot, but if he does go to Michigan you can put him on this list

-Chad Henne
-Clayton Richard
-Jason Forcier
-Ryan Mallet
-Matt Gutierrez

Michigan fans have someone new to dream about every year and they never pan out to be what they envision in their dreams. Last year it was Mallet, the same guy alot of Michigan fans want to cast away never to hear from him again. If they land Pryor, they will just get someone else next year to talk about.

The funny thing about this hire is it doesn't even come close to what they wanted 2-3 weeks ago. They said it themselves that they wanted a coach that was a Michigan man, ran a traditional run oriented offense, and someone that could coach a stout defense. How does Rich Rodriguez fit into any of those? It sounds sort of like a desperation hire.
-

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

The funny thing about this hire is it doesn't even come close to what they wanted 2-3 weeks ago. They said it themselves that they wanted a coach that was a Michigan man, ran a traditional run oriented offense, and someone that could coach a stout defense. How does Rich Rodriguez fit into any of those? It sounds sort of like a desperation hire.
-


I wanted more of a defensive coach than RR but I definitely wanted the spread offense in AA.

BTW, all those things you described were the way things were for 30+ years. Many of us were ready for a change.

[Thunder Dan]

I wanted more of a defensive coach than RR but I definitely wanted the spread offense in AA.

BTW, all those things you described were the way things were for 30+ years. Many of us were ready for a change.

I'm just saying that the school wanted that type of coach a couple weeks ago. I'm sure the fans just wanted a coach and that RR would be perfect. But the school went out a couple weeks ago and said the type of guy they were looking for.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

That's because BM and that cunt didn't know what they were doing.

They made the process much harder than it should have been.

[NoMoneyDown]

This is both surprising and not surprising as a WVU alumnus ...

Surprising, given the fact he strung the West Virginia football organization, players, staff, administration, and so on last year by "playing" with Alabama in their bid to land a HC. At the last minute, he declined the position and said something to the affect that he had always intended to stay with West Virginia. Surprising, because in the process last year, he basically held the West Virginia administration over a fire to get what he wanted (money, upgraded facilities, etc.). Once he got it and decided to stay, he jumps ship a year later. Surprising, because he has led West Virginia to three straight big bowl games, including a 2006 upset win over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. With Slaton, White, Devine and a whole cast ready to return next year, he had a good opportunity to compete for the NC again. And, surprising, because he was a WVU alumnus.

Not surprising, because it is after all a "brand name" college. Not surprising, because he has shown he is a spotlight coach by leading a better-than-average school (WVU) to big bowls. Not surprising, because he'll probably be offered a huge salary - more than WVU could probably ever pay him (even if they wanted to).

As a WVU alumnus this was a big blow. We had some success with Don Nehlen before, but Rodriguez was doing a better job in a shorter period of time than Don. It's also a blow because Rodriguez was also an alumnus and many of us had hoped he was in it for the long haul, a'la Don Nehlen (and Don wasn't even a WVU alumnus). With this announcement, I really wonder if maybe - just maybe - he was thinking seriously of this while playing (and losing to) Pittsburg. Doubtful, but one never knows.

Also, as an alumnus, I can honestly say that this will leave a VERY bitter taste in the mouths of other alumni and for WVU fans everywhere. While it's his right to find "greener pastures" and so on, many strongly feel that he is nothing more than a traitor for bailing on his own school (and putting the school through the emotional roller-coaster last year WRT Alabama).

Based on the reports I've read - including the one from the OP in this thread - it really makes me wonder the short-term and long-term shape this program will be in now. I had high hopes they would beat Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl this year, but I really have to wonder of the players will really be into the game - especially people like White and Slaton - knowing their coach has bailed on them. I also wonder now if White and Slaton will opt to turn pro next year and forfeit their Senior seasons.

Saban, Petrino, and now Rodriguez (albeit, at least he stayed a few years). All about the TEAM, eh?

[ReggieF]

IMO this is a bad fit for Michigan, they don't have the players right now and it might take a while to get the roster configured properly to run the tricked up spread option attack, Mallet might want to go ahead and transfer soemwhere as he will never play in that offense.

[JamStone]

I think it's funny how Michigan fans get all worked up about star QB's every year. Every year there is a new savior to the Michigan program, and none of them seem to pan out to anything more than a manageable QB or a baseball player. I personally think Pryor will go to Florida or Ohio State because he wants to play football and give basketball a shot, but if he does go to Michigan you can put him on this list

-Chad Henne
-Clayton Richard
-Jason Forcier
-Ryan Mallet
-Matt Gutierrez

The only two QBs you mentioned that came with serious hype were Chad Henne and Ryan Mallet. And, Chad Henne was a stud his first few seasons and ends his career as statistically one of the best QBs in Michigan history. And, Ryan Mallet was a freshman last year backing up Henne, so don't know what expectations he was supposed to have.

Richard, Forcier, and Guitierrez did not have that much hype at all, except from a few UM fanatics that want to make bold predictions.



Michigan fans have someone new to dream about every year and they never pan out to be what they envision in their dreams. Last year it was Mallet, the same guy alot of Michigan fans want to cast away never to hear from him again. If they land Pryor, they will just get someone else next year to talk about.

No one expected Mallet to take the starting job from Henne. What are you on? There were and are very high expectations for the long term because of his size, arm, and potential. No one expected him to have a Peyton Manning year. If Henne didn't get hurt, no one expected him to play much at all. Nice way of spin doctoring the truth. As for Pryor, if he's the stud everyone says he is, he'll be fine no matter what school and program he goes to. Not every stud 5 star high school prospect is going to be a stud in their freshman year. You're talking crazy shit.



The funny thing about this hire is it doesn't even come close to what they wanted 2-3 weeks ago. They said it themselves that they wanted a coach that was a Michigan man, ran a traditional run oriented offense, and someone that could coach a stout defense. How does Rich Rodriguez fit into any of those? It sounds sort of like a desperation hire.
-

Actually, that's what media and some fans were saying, that they wanted a Michigan man. That's not what Bill Martin said. That's not what Lloyd Carr said. That's not what anyone associated with Michigan football said. In fact, in Lloyd Carr's retirement announcement speech, he specifically said that Bo wasn't a Michigan man and he changed the program. He went to say that the best available candidate should be the next coach. And, no one from the Michigan program said that the next coach had to coach a run oriented offense. Show me quotes. Are you quoting some fans? Fans don't make the hire. As for Rodriguez and defense, that's what will be very important for his success, to improve the defense, especially in recruiting speed in the secondary. I'm not that well versed in WVU's defense, but I heard on the radio that they were actually one of the better defenses in the country. Don't know how accurate that is.

It sounds like a desperation hire because you are an Ohio State fan, you dolt. Rodriguez has had three consecutive 10 win seasons in a BCS conference. He has had four Big East titles in the last five seasons. He was an alum of West Virginia and played for the school and Michigan pulled him away from that. That's not desperation. Desperation is going to the Gateway Conference and hiring a I-AA coach after firing a guy that couldn't beat Michigan ... oh, but sometimes "desperation" hires actually work out, huh? Even if you could argue it was a desperation hire, which you really can't, that doesn't mean he won't do a very good job or that he won't be able to beat Ohio State.

I'm not ecstatic about the hire, but everything considered, I think it was a decent hire and I look forward to seeing how he continues to build on the foundation of Michigan football. It's not like Carr left the program in shambles.

[JamStone]

IMO this is a bad fit for Michigan, they don't have the players right now and it might take a while to get the roster configured properly to run the tricked up spread option attack, Mallet might want to go ahead and transfer soemwhere as he will never play in that offense.

Do you guys know what a spread offense is? Do you know that Peyton Manning runs a version of the spread offense? As well as Tom Brady? How mobile are those guys? A spread offense doesn't mean you need a speedy runner at QB, but that's what Rodriguez had in Pat White so he tailored the offense to that. A pocket passer can run a spread offense.

As for being a bad fit, when a program gets a new coach, sometimes changes need to be made, recruiting targets change a little, and it may take a few seasons to have the program where the new coach wants it to be. I don't expect an undefeated season next year. I don't expect them to have an unstoppable offense. There will be growing pains. It's crazy to say it's a bad fit because of the roster. Michigan still recruits some of the best athletes in the country, some of the best football players in the country. And, he will work with what he has and with whoever else he can bring in.

[ReggieF]

Do YOU know what a spread option offense is? It requires a mobile QB and I am thinking the statuesque Mallet will not fit that mold. Don't try to bring up facts if you yourself don't have them straight please.

[JamStone]

I'm just saying that the school wanted that type of coach a couple weeks ago. I'm sure the fans just wanted a coach and that RR would be perfect. But the school went out a couple weeks ago and said the type of guy they were looking for.

The school said none of that. Quotes please.

[JamStone]

On November 19, Michigan athletic director said this on the next head football coach of Michigan:

"I think it can be someone who does not have direct ties to Michigan. It would be helpful if they did, but it's not necessary in my mind. Bo didn't have any experience here, Fritz Crisler didn't have any experience here, Yost didn't have any experience here."

http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/index.ssf/2007/11/michigan_athletic_director_bil.html


Thunder Dan, I'd appreciate it if you stopped claiming things that are untrue and inaccurate just to be critical of the University of Michigan. You shouldn't have to stoop down to lying.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Do YOU know what a spread option offense is? It requires a mobile QB and I am thinking the statuesque Mallet will not fit that mold. Don't try to bring up facts if you yourself don't have them straight please.

You realize that the spread offense has different variations, right? And you also realize that RR has been one of the best coaches in the country at tweaking his offense to fit his personnel, right?

[JamStone]

Do YOU know what a spread option offense is? It requires a mobile QB and I am thinking the statuesque Mallet will not fit that mold. Don't try to bring up facts if you yourself don't have them straight please.

LMAO! You know there are variations of the spread offense depending on what type of personnel a team has, don't you? There is a pass-oriented spread offense. It does not require a mobile QB or a running QB. That obviously helps, but it more so requires recognizing the mismatches and exploiting them. When there are 3 or 4 wide receivers and a linebacker get caught on a receiver, the QB throws it to that receiver. West Virginia ran a run option oriented spread offense because Pat White was so good at running and last year he wasn't as confident at throwing the ball. As I mentioned earlier, both Peyton Manning and Tom Brady run versions of the spread offense but you wouldn't call either of them mobile. Just because you don't know what a spread offense actually is, don't question someone else's knowledge of it.

[j-6]

Do YOU know what a spread option offense is? It requires a mobile QB and I am thinking the statuesque Mallet will not fit that mold. Don't try to bring up facts if you yourself don't have them straight please.

You may have a point. Coach Rod's QB's at the D-1 level have been Shaun King (Tulane), Woody Dantzler (Clemson), Rasheed Marshall, and Pat White (WVU).

[JamStone]

http://www.powerpointplaybook.com/dovadesignsmainfolder/powerpointplaybook/playbookdescriptions/pdfspread.html

The Spread Offense Mission

"The Spread Offense exists to put points on the board. Score one more point than the defense does…and your team wins. By using multiple “open” formations and various motions, the Spread Offense is designed to create mismatches in the secondary and attack defensive weaknesses. The Spread Offense, usually run out of the shotgun, was made popular by Coach Mumme (BYU and KU) and Coach Leach (Texas Tech Red Raiders). Peyton Manning and Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady both play in Professional versions of the Spread Offense. These coaches have used the Spread Offense to destroy defenses and develop solid football programs that are respected throughout the nation. The Spread Offense can be very complex…but it is almost always effective."

[ReggieF]

I tell you what, keep telling yourself that Michigan will run the pass first version of the spread, RR is known for his run version of the spread and nott he passing version, coaches go with what they feel comfortable with and that will be with a running QB similar to what he has at WVa. I am not saying it won't work but I am skeptical due to the pro-style offnese personel that Michigan has recruited over the past decade. Mallet is a square peg in RR's round hole offense and I tihnk Michigan fans better get used to it just like A&M fans had to do with Fran's offenses the last few years. By Reggie McNeal's senior year Fran had turned one of the best passing QB's in school history into a 6th round WR prospect, losses kept piling up and Fran went back to his TCU days of running the ball and controlling the clock. RR will do the same thing after he gets smoked next year trying to re-invent the Michigan wheel.

[JamStone]

At least you admit that the spread doesn't require a mobile QB. Good to see you realize that there is a pass first version of the spread offense.

[Thunder Dan]

The only two QBs you mentioned that came with serious hype were Chad Henne and Ryan Mallet. And, Chad Henne was a stud his first few seasons and ends his career as statistically one of the best QBs in Michigan history. And, Ryan Mallet was a freshman last year backing up Henne, so don't know what expectations he was supposed to have.

Richard, Forcier, and Guitierrez did not have that much hype at all, except from a few UM fanatics that want to make bold predictions.




No one expected Mallet to take the starting job from Henne. What are you on? There were and are very high expectations for the long term because of his size, arm, and potential. No one expected him to have a Peyton Manning year. If Henne didn't get hurt, no one expected him to play much at all. Nice way of spin doctoring the truth. As for Pryor, if he's the stud everyone says he is, he'll be fine no matter what school and program he goes to. Not every stud 5 star high school prospect is going to be a stud in their freshman year. You're talking crazy shit.




Actually, that's what media and some fans were saying, that they wanted a Michigan man. That's not what Bill Martin said. That's not what Lloyd Carr said. That's not what anyone associated with Michigan football said. In fact, in Lloyd Carr's retirement announcement speech, he specifically said that Bo wasn't a Michigan man and he changed the program. He went to say that the best available candidate should be the next coach. And, no one from the Michigan program said that the next coach had to coach a run oriented offense. Show me quotes. Are you quoting some fans? Fans don't make the hire. As for Rodriguez and defense, that's what will be very important for his success, to improve the defense, especially in recruiting speed in the secondary. I'm not that well versed in WVU's defense, but I heard on the radio that they were actually one of the better defenses in the country. Don't know how accurate that is.

It sounds like a desperation hire because you are an Ohio State fan, you dolt. Rodriguez has had three consecutive 10 win seasons in a BCS conference. He has had four Big East titles in the last five seasons. He was an alum of West Virginia and played for the school and Michigan pulled him away from that. That's not desperation. Desperation is going to the Gateway Conference and hiring a I-AA coach after firing a guy that couldn't beat Michigan ... oh, but sometimes "desperation" hires actually work out, huh? Even if you could argue it was a desperation hire, which you really can't, that doesn't mean he won't do a very good job or that he won't be able to beat Ohio State.

I'm not ecstatic about the hire, but everything considered, I think it was a decent hire and I look forward to seeing how he continues to build on the foundation of Michigan football. It's not like Carr left the program in shambles.

I just read alot how people in Michigan don't want Mallet anymore and would rather have Pryor insted, that's all I'm saying. You give a guy one year, then it's on to someone else.

Also, Matt Gutierrez had about as much hype as you can get coming out of high school. He never lost a game before and Michigan fans ate that up.


And also, the spread is often mistaken for the run-option-read. Texas Tech runs a spread, West Virginia ran a run option. You don't need a mobile QB for the spread, people just misuse the term.



Thunder Dan, I'd appreciate it if you stopped claiming things that are untrue and inaccurate just to be critical of the University of Michigan. You shouldn't have to stoop down to lying.

I heard what I heard on ESPN. I don't care about Michigan enough to make shit up about them. All I know is that Bo said that Michigan needed a Michigan man to be the new coach, and the University agreed. Rich is about as much of a Michigan man as Bo was.

[JamStone]

"Alot" huh? A few fans say they'd like Pryor and of all of a sudden it's the Michigan fanbase that wants Mallet out? Consider your source. In fact, cite your sources. You make a lot of claims without reference anything. That's fine and dandy, except the claims you make are untrue and inaccurate.

A lot of kids get plenty of hype out of high school and don't live up to that hype in college. Guitierrez did not have that much hype at Michigan except AGAIN by some fanatic Michigan fans that wanted to make bold predictions. And, you talk as if this is unique to Michigan fans. The majority of fans of big name programs hype their own players, especially if they are 5 star blue chippers.

[Thunder Dan]

"Alot" huh? A few fans say they'd like Pryor and of all of a sudden it's the Michigan fanbase that wants Mallet out? Consider your source. In fact, cite your sources. You make a lot of claims without reference anything. That's fine and dandy, except the claims you make are untrue and inaccurate.

A lot of kids get plenty of hype out of high school and don't live up to that hype in college. Guitierrez did not have that much hype at Michigan except AGAIN by some fanatic Michigan fans that wanted to make bold predictions. And, you talk as if this is unique to Michigan fans. The majority of fans of big name programs hype their own players, especially if they are 5 star blue chippers.

www.scout.com go on the Michigan board and read the discussions. If Mallet is so good than why would they even want to waste a scholarship on Pryor? They would have 3 scholarships tied up in 3 QBs while the starter would still have 3 years left to play.

[JamStone]

Right, what fans would want the number 1 ranked high school player to go to their school? Stupid idiots.

And, a lot of college programs have 3 QBs on scholarship, if not more, even in the days of fewer scholarships. That position is pretty important, I heard.

I'm still waiting for the quotes from "the school" about wanting a Michigan man. You read my Bill Martin quote, I presume.

[Thunder Dan]

Right, what fans would want the number 1 ranked high school player to go to their school? Stupid idiots.

I'm still waiting for the quotes from "the school" about wanting a Michigan man. You read my Bill Martin quote, I presume.

I'll find it when I get home from work.

[JamStone]

And did you read this quote from a month ago by "the school?"


On November 19, Michigan athletic director said this on the next head football coach of Michigan:

"I think it can be someone who does not have direct ties to Michigan. It would be helpful if they did, but it's not necessary in my mind. Bo didn't have any experience here, Fritz Crisler didn't have any experience here, Yost didn't have any experience here."

http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/index.ssf/2007/11/michigan_athletic_director_bil.html


Thunder Dan, I'd appreciate it if you stopped claiming things that are untrue and inaccurate just to be critical of the University of Michigan. You shouldn't have to stoop down to lying.

[Thunder Dan]

And did you read this quote from a month ago by "the school?"

I couldn't bring it up because mlive/sports is blocked here. I'll find it, I didn't make it up. It's no big deal he is the coach now. In typical Michigan fashion they failed to find anyone suitable within the whole state of Michigan or the whole Michigan Alumni Association to fill the position. Their coach can now be an implant along with the rest of their team. I find it funny how people in Michigan take such pride in a team that is made up of a bunch of kids from anywhere but Michigan and on top of that, probably 90% of their fans didn't even go to the school in the first place.

[JamStone]

I couldn't bring it up because mlive/sports is blocked here. I'll find it, I didn't make it up. It's no big deal he is the coach now. In typical Michigan fashion they failed to find anyone suitable within the whole state of Michigan or the whole Michigan Alumni Association to fill the position. Their coach can now be an implant along with the rest of their team. I find it funny how people in Michigan take such pride in a team that is made up of a bunch of kids from anywhere but Michigan and on top of that, probably 90% of their fans didn't even go to the school in the first place.


It doesn't matter if you cant bring up mlive. I posted the actual quote. Bill Martin specifically says the next coach didn't have to be a Michigan man. And, you wrote twice in this thread that the school said it wanted a Michigan man. I'm just showing that you were making things up. The "school" didn't say the next coach had to be a Michigan man. Bill Martin didn't say that. Lloyd Carr didn't say that. President Coleman didn't say that. So who said it? Again, I'm just showing your bias in that you have to make up things in order to try to make Michigan look bad.

Michigan didn't narrow its scope of possible candidates to just the State of Michigan or Michigan alums. I don't understand this criticism. It's stupid. You are obviously just saying stupid shit just to put down Michigan. Get over the little kid shit. Typical Michigan fashion? Our greatest coach came from Ohio State in Bo. Our presidents have often not been Michigan alums. And, that's with many great schools and great college football programs. I don't understand why you want to harp on this point. It's childish.

You find a lot of stupid shit funny.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

I find it funny how people in Michigan take such pride in a team that is made up of a bunch of kids from anywhere but Michigan and on top of that, probably 90% of their fans didn't even go to the school in the first place.


Are you kidding me? Every big name school is like that.

And if 90% of OSU fans did go to school in Columbus, that's not something I'd be proud of personally.

[NoMoneyDown]

And if 90% of OSU fans did go to school in Columbus, that's not something I'd be proud of personally.

:lol

[Thunder Dan]

Are you kidding me? Every big name school is like that.

And if 90% of OSU fans did go to school in Columbus, that's not something I'd be proud of personally.

Typical Michigan fan. Michigan fans think that because they root for Michigan they are all of a sudden smarter than Ohio State fans. It doesn't matter that they probably went to Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, or better yet, didn't even go to college, they are still smarter than anyone that went to Ohio State because they root for Michigan. It must suck when your football program has fallen so far down that you have to knock the academics of the rival school of a college you didn't even attend one class at. That is the state of Michigan football right now.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Typical Michigan fan. Michigan fans think that because they root for Michigan they are all of a sudden smarter than Ohio State fans. It doesn't matter that they probably went to Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, or better yet, didn't even go to college, they are still smarter than anyone that went to Ohio State because they root for Michigan. It must suck when your football program has fallen so far down that you have to knock the academics of the rival school of a college you didn't even attend one class at. That is the state of Michigan football right now.

Being smarter than someone else has nothing to do with what college one goes to. Are you implying that one who goes to Central Michigan is automatically dumber than someone who goes to OSU?

And I wasn't knocking the academics, I was taking a direct shot at the fans.

[NoMoneyDown]

Hilarious! I'm surprised someone already did this, but here it is ...

http://www.wvaq.com/upload/file/CoachRodSong.mp3

[ReggieF]

At least you admit that the spread doesn't require a mobile QB. Good to see you realize that there is a pass first version of the spread offense.

Clearly the spread has a pass fist version otherwise you wouldn't run out 4 and 5 wides in the formation, I am willing to go head to head with you on football knowledge. The fact is that RichRod runs the spread option attack with a heavy emphasis on the option part, and the fact is Mallett will not be succesful in that type of offense he's 6'-7" and 250 lbs... Pryor would be ideal for that type of attack and if it means Mallett transfers out then its better for the kid and for Michigan.

[samikeyp]

Being smarter than someone else has nothing to do with what college one goes to. Are you implying that one who goes to Central Michigan is automatically dumber than someone who goes to OSU?

Fire up Chips!

:smokin

[samikeyp]

Typical Michigan fan. Michigan fans think that because they root for Michigan they are all of a sudden smarter than Ohio State fans. It doesn't matter that they probably went to Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, or better yet, didn't even go to college, they are still smarter than anyone that went to Ohio State because they root for Michigan. It must suck when your football program has fallen so far down that you have to knock the academics of the rival school of a college you didn't even attend one class at. That is the state of Michigan football right now.


So in order to root for a school, you must have attended that school??

[JamStone]

Clearly the spread has a pass fist version otherwise you wouldn't run out 4 and 5 wides in the formation, I am willing to go head to head with you on football knowledge. The fact is that RichRod runs the spread option attack with a heavy emphasis on the option part, and the fact is Mallett will not be succesful in that type of offense he's 6'-7" and 250 lbs... Pryor would be ideal for that type of attack and if it means Mallett transfers out then its better for the kid and for Michigan.

Coaches run offenses that best suit the personnel of the team. Rich Rodriguez does not run an option spread. He runs the spread. Depending on what type of QB he has, he will design sets and schemes to suit that QB's strengths. I don't know why it's such a difficult notion to comprehend. There is a version of the spread offense that is pass oriented. Because Mallet is not as mobile as Pat White, the sets will be based more on the pass. It's ridiculous that you can't comprehend this.

[j-6]

I have no axe to grind in this one (and frankly, you UM / tOSU guys are way more civilized than I expected) but my point from earlier remains legit. Coach Rod was blessed with mobile QB's in every season he has been successful since joining D-1 as an OC at Tulane.

According to coacheshotseat.com (http://coacheshotseat.com/SalariesContracts.htm) Rodriguez now makes about 300K a year more than Tressel. For that money, I would hope he can utilize his preferred spread O with an immobile guy like Mallett. But it goes against his track record.

Carr went 6-2 in conference play after getting beaten by App State and Oregon, winning 8 straight games overall after an 0-2 start. Then they lost to a nine win Wisconsin team and then to national finalist Ohio State. It's rare enough that a 8-4 team wins all eight in a row midseason, and I can understand why the Blue wants more.

If Rod goes 8-4 and loses to Ohio State, are you going to run his ass out of town?

[JamStone]

I was actually living in New Orleans when Shaun King was at Tulane. I was there when Tommy Bowden had his undefeated season. Shaun King was not really an option QB. He was very much a pocket passer with a big arm (by college standards) who could run. While mobile, Shaun King was more of a pocket passer than a option scrambler at QB. I agree Shaun King was mobile, but it would be a misrepresentation to say he was similar to Pat White or that he was an option QB.

He threw the ball a lot. And, one thing about Ryan Mallet, he is supposed to be pretty agile and mobile for 6-7, 250. Now, that's not saying he's Vince Young agile, but from what Michigan football insiders say, he's capable of moving around the pocket. Whether that would equate to him being able to scramble 40-50 yards per game, probably not. But, he's not a frankenstein under center, plus in a spread, he'll likely be in the shotgun a lot which will give him extra time to scramble in the pocket if need be.

As for what you say about Carr, I'm not sure why you brought any of that up. Lloyd Carr was not fired. He retired. And, just because fans wanted more especially out of the offense in terms of creativity, it doesn't mean what Lloyd Carr did wasn't appreciated. He always had winning seasons. He always got Michigan into a bowl game. He won a National Championship. He would always win 8 games (only one year he didn't). But, it's not wrong for fans to want more. You go from bad to good, good to great, great to outstanding. Fans wanted outstanding. Fans of all schools want that.

If Rod goes 8-4, he'll be fine, especially his first few seasons. He won't be run out of town. But, at the same time, there will be plenty of Michigan fans who will still be disappointed by 8-4. That's just how some fans are.

[ReggieF]

Coaches run offenses that best suit the personnel of the team. Rich Rodriguez does not run an option spread. He runs the spread. Depending on what type of QB he has, he will design sets and schemes to suit that QB's strengths. I don't know why it's such a difficult notion to comprehend. There is a version of the spread offense that is pass oriented. Because Mallet is not as mobile as Pat White, the sets will be based more on the pass. It's ridiculous that you can't comprehend this.

OK, I think its you who does not comprehend, I will bet you whatever amount that when Rodriguez has success at Michigan it will not be Mallet who is leading the team, 2:1 odds that Mallett transfers out. Go look at what Rodriguez calls his offense, he runs the spread option just like Meyer does at Florida, they are the two leadres of that movement. Take a little time from trying to be an internet bully and look it up. I did one google search and got this:

"A newer form of the option offense, the spread option, combines an option running offense with a spread formation. Spread option offenses generally run out of the shotgun formation, usually with a single running back. Depending on the quarterback's read, he will generally hand off to the running back, run the ball himself, or pass This offense was primarily devised by Rich Rodriguez, the current head coach at Michigan, and has been adopted by several other important college programs. Notably, Urban Meyer adapted the offense to add more passing elements, and has used it successfully first at Bowling Green, then at Utah (becoming the first team outside the BCS conferences to participate in a BCS bowl game), and now at Florida, where he won the 2006 national championship with it. In the second-tier Division I FCS, the Appalachian State Mountaineers won three consecutive national titles and managed a historic upset of Michigan with the offense."

So you can comprehend I highlighted the important parts...

[j-6]

I'm pretty sure that Mallett (if this is the Texarkana kid I remember) runs a 5.2 or higher. Rod could make him a spread legend if the scheme is right but I don't think he's fast enough on his feet to handle the variety of defenses that a D comes up with to stop that attack. Mallett has a tight end and at least one starting lineman faster than him 40-wise.

[JamStone]

OK, I think its you who does not comprehend, I will bet you whatever amount that when Rodriguez has success at Michigan it will not be Mallet who is leading the team, 2:1 odds that Mallett transfers out. Go look at what Rodriguez calls his offense, he runs the spread option just like Meyer does at Florida, they are the two leadres of that movement. Take a little time from trying to be an internet bully and look it up. I did one google search and got this:

"A newer form of the option offense, the spread option, combines an option running offense with a spread formation. Spread option offenses generally run out of the shotgun formation, usually with a single running back. Depending on the quarterback's read, he will generally hand off to the running back, run the ball himself, or pass This offense was primarily devised by Rich Rodriguez, the current head coach at Michigan, and has been adopted by several other important college programs. Notably, Urban Meyer adapted the offense to add more passing elements, and has used it successfully first at Bowling Green, then at Utah (becoming the first team outside the BCS conferences to participate in a BCS bowl game), and now at Florida, where he won the 2006 national championship with it. In the second-tier Division I FCS, the Appalachian State Mountaineers won three consecutive national titles and managed a historic upset of Michigan with the offense."

So you can comprehend I highlighted the important parts...


How many times do I have to type this before it actually sinks in? Good coaches structure their offense to their players strengths. Rodriguez has had mobile QBs in the past and that's the reason his offenses have been more run oriented with the QB. That is not Mallet's strengths. But, Mallet's talent and potential is undeniable. Rodriguez can easily tweak his offensive sets to take that into consideration.

I won't sit here and say it's completely out of the question that Mallet could transfer. I don't know what Mallet is thinking about the hire and I don't know what Rodriguez's plans are for the offense. Anything can happen. My point is and has been that a mobile QB is not a requirement to run the spread offense or have success with the spread offense.

Your little quote does nothing to counter that point.

[ReggieF]

How many times do I have to type this before it actually sinks in? Good coaches structure their offense to their players strengths. Rodriguez has had mobile QBs in the past and that's the reason his offenses have been more run oriented with the QB. That is not Mallet's strengths. But, Mallet's talent and potential is undeniable. Rodriguez can easily tweak his offensive sets to take that into consideration.

I won't sit here and say it's completely out of the question that Mallet could transfer. I don't know what Mallet is thinking about the hire and I don't know what Rodriguez's plans are for the offense. Anything can happen. My point is and has been that a mobile QB is not a requirement to run the spread offense or have success with the spread offense.

Your little quote does nothing to counter that point.

Your point was that Rodriguez runs a spread and not the spread option, and I think I have proven my point, you can throw out the good coaches taylor thoer offense around personel bit but the fact of the matter is coaches go with what they are comfortable with and Rodriguez is more comfortable coaching the spread option version. Shawn King did run his offense in college but that was before he added in a lot of the option stuff, his offense has evolved into what he is doing at WVa, so a mobile QB IS a requirement to run Rodriguez's offense. There is no way to end this argument other than to wait and see, however I don't think you stating that you can run a spread with out a mobile QB is a real break through, of course you can but that is not the point.

[Thunder Dan]

If Rod goes 8-4 and loses to Ohio State, are you going to run his ass out of town?

did you see him melt during the pressure of the Pitt game? I can't wait to see him at the Shoe in front of 107k people, he will probably shit his pants and run home to mom. I can't wait to see him face some of that Michigan/Ohio State pressure. He seriously looked like he wanted to cry during a game against Pitt (PITT!). He will probably die of hypertension before the Sparty game next year.

[NoMoneyDown]

did you see him melt during the pressure of the Pitt game? I can't wait to see him at the Shoe in front of 107k people, he will probably shit his pants and run home to mom. I can't wait to see him face some of that Michigan/Ohio State pressure. He seriously looked like he wanted to cry during a game against Pitt (PITT!). He will probably die of hypertension before the Sparty game next year.

I doubt it's true, but I've heard rumors abound that say Rod threw the game just so he wouldn't have to go through this mess (saying bye to WVU and hello to Michigan) while being one of the two teams in the NC. I also heard a rumor where Pat White may be investigated by the NCAA for throwing said game, too. The rumor is he had a friend who placed two $5,000 wagers on the game for Pitt to win SU. Of course, I don't believe either rumor at all.

[JamStone]

Wow you want to look at every little thing to bash Michigan. The guy cares about winning and losing. He was emotional after losing to his school's chief rival and losing the opportunity to go to the National Championship game. What a lame!

How many more retarded blasts do you have?

Where are those quotes from the "school" that Michigan wanted a Michigan man for the next coach?

[NoMoneyDown]

Rodriguez (after declining the HC job at Alabama last year and getting what he wanted from the WVU administration in a form of a contract extension, upgraded facilities, etc):

"When the details [of the new contract with WVU] come out, you’ll see that I’m committed to West Virginia University for a very, very long time."

Michigan can have the two-faced SOB. Kind of tells me what kind of coach they are willing to get.

[Marklar MM]

Rodriguez (after declining the HC job at Alabama last year and getting what he wanted from the WVU administration in a form of a contract extension, upgraded facilities, etc):

"When the details [of the new contract with WVU] come out, you’ll see that I’m committed to West Virginia University for a very, very long time."

Michigan can have the two-faced SOB. Kind of tells me what kind of coach they are willing to get.

And if you read everything, you would know that Rodriguez had a declining relationship with their athletic department, and was mad at them for failing to provide the facilities and such that were promised to the team. FYI...during the Michigan thing, he had no problems with his salary staying what it currently was...it was all about the team.

[NoMoneyDown]

And if you read everything, you would know that Rodriguez had a declining relationship with their athletic department, and was mad at them for failing to provide the facilities and such that were promised to the team. FYI...during the Michigan thing, he had no problems with his salary staying what it currently was...it was all about the team.

Yes, while I'm aware that there was a rift b/w he and the athletic department over some issues. However, if he was that disgruntled (which at this point is debatable), why would he make such a bold (and public) statement? Regardless, to leave the team hanging in that matter just pours salt in the wound. You can have him. Just better hope he doesn't have a tantrum at UM (if he's around that long).

[Marklar MM]

Michigan can provide him whatever he wants...WVU couldn't

[TheZackAttack!]

Thats the nature of college football head coach. Coaches continually take the bigger job untill they become head coach of a major program. Its always been that way. Mack was bashed by NC for leaving for Texas, but its a better job. Same thing with Urban Meyer, now Rodriguez for taking the Michigan job??? Its an easy choice.
Michigan>West Virginia. And while you are with a program, you have to say the right things like "Im commited to this job". Why say something like "I'll be here untill the next best thing becomes avaliable". Who is going to follow someone who says that. I don't blame guys like Rodriguez for taking a better job, just like I won't blame Harabaugh(sp?) if he leaves Stanford for a better job. Its eventually going to happen.

[j-6]

Rodriguez (after declining the HC job at Alabama last year and getting what he wanted from the WVU administration in a form of a contract extension, upgraded facilities, etc):

"When the details [of the new contract with WVU] come out, you’ll see that I’m committed to West Virginia University for a very, very long time."

Michigan can have the two-faced SOB. Kind of tells me what kind of coach they are willing to get.

Well, remember what happened when Michigan poached your hoops coach six months ago.

http://msnbcmedia2.msn.com/j/apmegasports/200704061440528407030-pf.hmedium.jpg

April 6th, 2007



http://www.nmnathletics.com.edgesuite.net/pics27/400/SA/SAJLSWQCERCBWFG.20060327161427.jpg

March 23rd, 2006

[BeerIsGood!]

I don't get the notion that coaches (or any employee) should have some sort of undying loyalty to their employer. You think an employer is going to give you notice and take care of you if they want to fire you?

You do the best job you can and do whats best for you and your family. If that means moving on then you move on.

[NoMoneyDown]

I was going to respond to some of these comments, but I feel I'd just be beating a dead horse. Suffice it to say we agree to disagree on not WHY he left, but the circumstances of HOW he left.

BTW, some interesting things are beginning to surface ....

http://wboy.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=32693

WVU went to the ends of the earth to keep the coach here – and clearly, some of our major donors assisted the school in that effort. ? His salary was increased by 70 percent. ? His assistants salaries were increased ? We built a $2 million academic center for the team ? We have started construction on a $6 million locker room renovation

There were some very minor issues that he raised with the administration – and people were working on them. I think you will agree that the things that are being talked about are pretty minor in comparison to what has been done already.

But he clearly was looking for excuse to leave—he looked last year, and again this year.

But when he went to visit another team, and then came back to campus with demands based on those minor issues – university officials simply told him they would continue to work the issues. He was asked to focus on the student athletes and the upcoming bowl game. There’s a long off-season coming up to work out those sorts of minor issues. Whoever comes in as coach will know that they can count on support from WVU on big issues and small issues.”

[NoMoneyDown]

Well, remember what happened when Michigan poached your hoops coach six months ago.

Yep. BTW, how is Michigan doing this year in BB? And how is WVU doing?

[NoMoneyDown]

link (http://wboy.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=32735)

[WVU Athletic Director Ed Pastilong] was one of three men that arrived on a plane late Tuesday night from Mount Pleasant, Michigan. That is the location of Central Michigan University. Former WVU Assistant Coach Butch Jones is currently the head coach at Central Michigan. He led the Chippewas to a MAC championship in his first season as head coach. Central Michigan will meet Purdue in the Motor City Bowl on December 26th.

...

In a related story, an anonymous and reliable source confirmed that former Auburn head coach and Morgantown native Terry Bowden officially interviewed for the WVU head coaching position Tuesday morning in Morgantown. Our source said Bowden felt the interview went well. He also called this a dream job.

[samikeyp]

Yep. BTW, how is Michigan doing this year in BB? And how is WVU doing?

Michigan 4-7

WVU 8-1

[Marklar MM]

Michigan 4-7

WVU 8-1

He didn't want the records. Its something that people use against Michigan because Beilein was WVU coach as well. They think that he sucks because his record is bad. They just don't know the program was shit when he inherited it.

[samikeyp]

He didn't want the records. Its something that people use against Michigan because Beilein was WVU coach as well. They think that he sucks because his record is bad. They just don't know the program was shit when he inherited it.

My bad.

I think Beilein has a chance to be good....he just needs to be shown some patience.

[NoMoneyDown]

He didn't want the records. Its something that people use against Michigan because Beilein was WVU coach as well. They think that he sucks because his record is bad. They just don't know the program was shit when he inherited it.

Time will tell. Hey, the WVU women's BB team is 10-1 and ranked #13. About time for Michigan to come calling, eh? Can't grow 'em themselves, so have to go out and take 'em from other teams. Payback from WVU getting Nehlen years ago, perhaps?

[samikeyp]

First it was "Bring in Les Miles...he's a Michigan man"

Then it was "Rich Rodriguez is perfect, we need a change, its ok that he is not a Michigan man"

Now that Rodriguez announced that none of the assistants would be retained...its all "What? They are Michigan men! He can't do that."

Its not all Michigan fans obviously but damn people, use some turn signals or something!! :lol

[Vizzini]

First it was "Bring in Les Miles...he's a Michigan man"

Then it was "Rich Rodriguez is perfect, we need a change, its ok that he is not a Michigan man"

Now that Rodriguez announced that none of the assistants would be retained...its all "What? They are Michigan men! He can't do that."

Its not all Michigan fans obviously but damn people, use some turn signals or something!! :lol


Those Michigan fans who are crying b/c he let go every assistant coach has to ask themselves one question: Are you happy with the status quo? If Michigan football wants to get to a level of of O$U or USC, broad changes need to be made. For too long Michigan and its fans have tried to live off of the program's history and tradition. Well, history and tradition might go a long way in putting asses in the seats, but it doesn't do jack about the on the field performance. Fresh blood and a different approach are whats needed to take the next step, and I am glad that coach Rod had the balls to do what he did. It tells me he isn't scared or intimidated by the Big Blue wall, but that he sees it as an oppurtunity to take a huge leap up and become a top tier program. I, for one am not crying for those coaches, as Lloyd got them two year deals last year, so they can sit on their ass next year and collect a six-figure paycheck and look for another coaching job.

[samikeyp]

Well said. It seems like some of them think that a new approach is somehow dishonoring Bo or the program. They forget that one of the biggest transitions in Michigan football history was when Bo was hired. Every so often you have to shake things up to prevent stagnation which is exactly what has happened in Ann Arbor.

[Marklar MM]

They re-hired Jackson.

[samikeyp]

Is that a good move?

[j-6]

It's to keep the stud tailback from Houston that committed there, correct? It also can't hurt to have a black dude that's been coaching up there in Ann Arbor for fifteen years to continuing combing the South for talent.

[Marklar MM]

Is that a good move?


yes. keeps McGuffie here, plus he gets very good rb to come here.

[JamStone]

Yep. BTW, how is Michigan doing this year in BB? And how is WVU doing?


Michigan's basketball program has been in shambles for nearly 10 years now. I don't think too many realistic Michigan basketball fans were expecting a trip to the Final Four in Beilin's first season as head coach. In fact, since it's less than a year removed, West Virginia's current record should be a good thing for Michigan as it reflects on Beilin very well in terms of what type of talent he recruited there. I think being competitive and changing the mentality and approach of the basketball program is integral this year. Next year, hopefully they'll be good enough to compete for a chance at the NCAA tournament. And, then in following years, three or four or five years down the line, hopefully they can be a consistent sweet sixteen caliber type of basketball program. Looking at the records this first year is being very naive about the hire and what the hire was supposed to do for the program.

[JamStone]

Those Michigan fans who are crying b/c he let go every assistant coach has to ask themselves one question: Are you happy with the status quo? If Michigan football wants to get to a level of of O$U or USC, broad changes need to be made. For too long Michigan and its fans have tried to live off of the program's history and tradition. Well, history and tradition might go a long way in putting asses in the seats, but it doesn't do jack about the on the field performance. Fresh blood and a different approach are whats needed to take the next step, and I am glad that coach Rod had the balls to do what he did. It tells me he isn't scared or intimidated by the Big Blue wall, but that he sees it as an oppurtunity to take a huge leap up and become a top tier program. I, for one am not crying for those coaches, as Lloyd got them two year deals last year, so they can sit on their ass next year and collect a six-figure paycheck and look for another coaching job.

Co-signed. Well said.

[Trainwreck2100]

Lol 3 years

[Blake]

Lol 3 years

This is incredibly similar to how Nebraska fell.

the UT fans I see every now and then that call for Mack Brown's job should take note.