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Although the loss at the Gator Bowl was tremendous, Rich Rodriguez was not fired for that reason. Some Michigan football fans might welcome the change, others may not, but there may be a few reasons for this shift in coach.
DETROIT, M.I. – Michigan football team the Wolverines and their fans have had a bit of a hard week. First with the devastating loss at the Gator Bowl and, announced today, a coming change in coach as Rich Rodriguez was fired from the team.
Rodriguez was the Wolverines coach for three seasons, but his record ended at 15 – 22 as Dave Brandon, Michigan Athletic Director, announced there would be a national search for a replacement coach. Unfortunately for Rodriguez, there were more losses on the field under his coaching than any other time in Michigan history.
Last reported by MI Auto Times was the calm before the storm as reserve quarterback was not able to play the Gator Bowl due to not meeting University academic requirements.
[Rewind: Michigan Football Team Wolverines Lose Reserve Quarterback Tate Forcier for Academic Ineligibility]
This could have been a problem for the team if quarterback Denard Robinson had been injured. Although Robinson was not injured and played the complete Gator Bowl, the Wolverines were routed by Mississippi State as the final score was 52 – 14. The first quarter was the only time Michigan was able to get ahead of Mississippi, and from that point on it was completely Mississippi State’s game. As in the last game against their rival Spartans back in October, the Wolverines could not defend their side of the field.
[Recall: Michigan Football Rivalry Ends in 34-17 Victory for Spartans]
According to the Detroit Free Press, there are a few negative marks against Rodriquez as he leaves a legacy behind that most coaches would not want attached to their name:
• A record of 15-22 overall and 6-18 in the Big Ten. He lost all three of his games to Michigan State and Ohio State that the team played over the three seasons.
• An end to Michigan’s streak of playing in a bowl every season since 1975. He missed a bowl each of his first two seasons and this season lost to Mississippi State in the Gator Bowl, 52-14, the worst bowl loss in school history.
• The first losing season at U-M in more than 40 years. His first team went 3-9; U-M’s last losing season, at 4-6, had come under Bump Elliott in 1967.
• Three years of NCAA probation for five major violations. The storied program had never been on probation.
Hopefully the Michigan football team will have no problems as Brandon works quickly to find them a new coach. Only time will tell how a new coach will work out with the Wolverines.
Check back as we follow the search for Michigan State’s new coach.
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