Rich Rodriguez: Out Again

Early today it was learned through a source within the University of Michigan that President Mary Sue Coleman has requested the immediate resignation of embattled coach Rich Rodriguez. 

According to the source, who disclosed this information on the condition of anonymity, the University has learned Rodriguez has been meeting with Atlanta Falcons' owner Arthur Blank regarding the head coach position.  President Coleman, in an effort to avoid any further embarrassment to the school, requested the resignation "so the school and its boosters can move forward and get on with the business of replacing its head coach," the source says. 

A visibly upset President Coleman spoke just recently of how Coach Rodriguez had assured her "I am a Michigan Man and this is my dream job and I will be here as long as you and the University will have me."  When asked about the recently agreed upon buy-out clause within Rodriguez's new contract, President Coleman assured all concerned that UM would pursue the collection of the buy-out and would not agree to any settlement. 

Coach Rodriguez, who was unavailable for comment, did refer us to his agent Mike Brown, who confirmed Rodriguez was offered the head coaching position with the Atlanta Falcons, but had not accepted.  Mr. Brown said that his client would be willing to hear any matching offers from Michigan and that if Michigan failed to match or better the offer, Rodriguez would seek to void the current buy-out agreement since Michigan had failed to live up to their agreement within the contract. 

Mr. Brown stated UM had agreed to rename the stadium known as "The Big House" to "The Big Rod's House," and since they had not done this, had forfeited the buy-out.   

A spokesman for Rodriguez, Ken Kendrick (part owner of the Arizona Diamondbacks), has stated he will immediately withdraw all support and will no longer be donating due to the administration’s "poor handling" of the situation.  Mr. Kendrick did say Rich is an Atlanta man and this is his dream job and he will be there as long as the Falcons will have him.