This weekend is the big rivalry game between Michigan and Ohio State. Apparently, Rich 
Rod doesn't understand the significance of this game. Apparently, Rich Rod doesn't understand the passion of these fans.
And apparently, judging from his team's pathetic play, Rich Rodriguez doesn't understand coaching.
3-8, probably 3-9? Nicely done, Rich.
Look, every college football fan wants his team to be in a bowl. Not any bowl, but the best bowl.
We aren't unreasonable. Just hopeful.
We donate money to the schools, join booster clubs, contribute to fundraisers, and buy endless amounts of kitschy merchandise to support our team.
We live and breathe football. We exchange smack and banter for the fun of it.
We pull great pranks on the other team, and post blogs making fun of their players or state, as seen in the two pictures.
Conferences now have their own cable channels, and some teams even have their own network. The college football fan is supporting this economy right now.
The school gets the net proceeds from all of our spending. The school, depending on how strong the alumni groups are, can use that money to buy themselves a great coach.
And what a coach Michigan has: 
"It's amazing some of the things that people would say (on a message board) or yell at you of a personal nature," Rodriguez said Monday. "You almost want to tell them, 'Get a life.' "There's a whole lot bigger problems. Look at the economy."
"Get a life"? Are you serious Rich?
Where the hell have you been for the last year? Let's spill this out so you can understand.
Your salary is being paid for by Michigan fans. In fact, your buy-out from West Virginia is also being paid by them. Yes, you owe your former school personally, but since you are paying them out of your own pocketbook, and Michigan is feeding your pocketbook, the fans are paying for it. Capiche?
Michigan is home to some huge corporations, among them, auto manufacturers. Have you taken a look at the recent outlook for these companies? G-R-I-M. Yes, you pointed out the economy is bad, but don't freaking remind us. We know that. Quit deflecting the criticism.
Everybody in the U.S. is suffering from a horrible economy. They are losing their homes. Their jobs. Their nest eggs. Yet they show up in Ann Arbor to support their team and its insensitive coach via season tickets they have had for decades.
While you are guaranteed a home (it's highly doubtful Michigan would let a coach foreclose on his home), a paycheck and the good life, others don't have it so lucky. But they still show up and spend money at the games. Why? To escape the reality of their situations. To have a reason to feel good about themselves.
So you calling out the fans and then pointing out the status of the economy while you're raking in big bucks for ensuring Michigan's worst season ever is really just about as low as it gets.
Are they a little ticked at you? Yep, and you deserve it.
They expected a lackluster year, but not ineptitude.
They expected to a team to be competitive, not fold like lawn chairs.
They expected to beat Toledo. Did they set the bar too high for you? Beating Toledo?
So here they are, the last game of the year, and they know there is no post season play. This is it. After the big game, it's back to reality. This game means everything to them. They live for this game.
They may have posted some nasty stuff about you, but you're a coach, you should expect this. You are either a hero or a goat, it comes with the territory. It's your job to maintain class. Not theirs. They aren't getting paid over 2 mil a year to tank games and embarrass the school. You are.
They're the ones who are paying your salary, and like any good employer, they want to see some return on their investment. Three wins is not exactly a nice return. Six would have been acceptable.
But for you to tell them to get a life is biting the hand that feeds you. You are minimizing their emotional investment with their school. Their team. Their baby. THE RIVALRY. This what they look forward to 364 days from this coming Sunday. It's a constant thing, it never dies, and they are sick of losing to Ohio State four straight years.
Maybe it's because you are not a Michigan Man that you don't grasp how important this game is? Blame the school if they didn't make clear what your priorities were- beat Ohio State. The fans know though. And while they may be just a little too graphic in their message, nod your head and smile. Don't add fuel to the fire.
If a coach doesn't understand how important football is to Michigan fans, and obviously he doesn't when he tells fans to "Get a life," then maybe he really doesn't understand football at all.
Does he?
118 comments Last one added 7 months ago — Leave a Comment
Anthony Orlando 7 months ago
I think you are missing the point a little bit. Every coach deals with the second-guessing and the boos, etc. after a bad game, and even more so after a year like this at a school as prestigious as Michigan.
Here you have this new guy, running a new system, and as you said, UM is paying two mill. to his former school -- the expectations are ridiculously high. And boom, he sets a record for most losses in UM history, some 120 + years later. Amazing.
He deserves to be questioned. Booed, cause fans boo. And second guessed.
He doesn't, nor does any coach, deserve the personal shots beyond just that of sports.
RR can handle pressure and scrutiny, no doubt. Trust me, the WVU faithful are a billion times worse than the UM faithful when it comes to out-spokenness. RR dealt with it at WVU. And guess what, for the most part they worshiped the guy.
When he left, it got personal, and that's when he spoke up. And here, some UM fans, seeing the record and how the team has played is taking it personal. Well, hate to tell ya'll sports is sports. In the greater scheme of life it needs money, and some people who do the threats and PERSONAL shots need to get lives. And in that sense, i applaud RR for that comment. It's the truth and it shouldn't be psycho analyzed anymore than what it is at face value -- the truth.
When coaches get paid this much they need to heed immediate results, no doubt. But guess what, a new system needs new players. And anyone who thought Threet or Sheridan in this system were going to do anything more than KILL UM's season is crazy.
A better QB, fitted for this system, say Terell Pryor, would have Michigan as at least a five win team this year, i'd go as far to say six or seven wins wouldn't be out of the question. But c'mon folks, look who is throwing the ball. Are you serious?
He needs to show a willingness to improve. At years end get a new 'D' coordinator, and be more willing to run the ball next year.
But perspective is needed here. If UM was running a pro style system still they would be a much better team.
But guess what? The guy who runs UM athletics said it was time for a change. It was time for UM to run the spread. And if you thought the players on THIS team were going to win with a spread, you don't watch much football. It's reality.
And you can just snap your fingers and win -- even the best coaches lose. Now, over the next two years when RR is playing his players and has a QB that can run the system, if he doesn't win, we can call for his head.
Now it's pre-mature, ridiculous, and down right dumb. Yes, get a life you people, please. Six wins or bust next year.
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Lisa Horne 7 months ago
I understand your point, but the fans are upset because Rich Rod failed his players by not adjusting his scheme to fit their skills. He forced it. Once the team started losing, the team lost its heart. If you force a group of people to fail, then eventually, they will fail even when they should succeed.
The fans recognize that. The losses and embarrassment could have been minimized.
Am I excusing fans behavior? No. But it's the way this society operates...thanks to the internet. Keyboard cowards who hide behind hateful venom. Nevertheless, he shouldn't stoop to their level. He should have tried to turn it around.
I receive a lot of hate mail. Some of them, I try to turn it around by explaining my position. And it has worked. But most of it? I ignore it. Why feed the fire by responding? And that's just what RR has done.
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Dean Walker 7 months ago
"I understand your point, but the fans are upset because Rich Rod failed his players by not adjusting his scheme to fit their skills. He forced it. Once the team started losing, the team lost its heart. If you force a group of people to fail, then eventually, they will fail even when they should succeed."
I'm not sure I understand your stance here Lisa. I wonder when WOULD be a good time to implement his scheme. I mean, he has a bunch of young untested players so wouldn't now be the best time to overhaul the system instead of teaching them something one year and then teaching them something the next year. RR was not hired to rearrange the furniture, he was hired to do extreme home makeover and tear everything apart before he makes it better than it was. Look at when he was at WVU: He went 3-8 his first season and 9-4 his second. I'm sure the athletic department saw that and expected the same thing, even if the fans didn't.
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C. J. Krasyk 7 months ago
Dean,
I had season tickets to RR first year at WVU. I understand what a 3-9 season feels like but he got lucky with Rasheed Marshall already being at WVU and then fell into Pat White and Steve Slaton. Just remember that at Tulane he throw the ball all over the field. He fails to adjust the scheme to fit is personnel. He got out-coached by Jim Leavitt (USF) and Dave Wannstedt (PITT). Do you really think he wont get out-coached by Ron Zook, Pat Fitzgerald or even the best defensive mind in the Big Ten, Jim Tressel?
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Anthony Elias 7 months ago
Lisa,
I hate Michigan football, for their constant torture of PSU. But after PSU beat them this year, I swallowed some of that hate, and felt compassion for this Michigan team, because PSU went through similar down years of 2 and 3 win seasons earlier this decade.
It hurts, but at least we knew that Joe Paterno and Spanier cared enough about the fans to do something to improve this PSU team. And since 2005 we have had no less than 9 wins if my memory serves me correctly, and that run includes a 3-0 record in bowl games, including an Orange, Outback, and Alamo Bowl victories over the ACC, SEC, and Big 12.
If a program cares about the fans, it will do everything possible to win. And if it can not win, it will be humble to the fans and promise better days. Not deflect the blame.
Boo Rich Rod. I never liked you as a coach. Anyone can win the Big Least with Pat White and Steve Slaton in the backfield.
Great Article!
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Lisa Horne 7 months ago
"If a program cares about the fans, it will do everything possible to win. And if it can not win, it will be humble to the fans and promise better days. Not deflect the blame."
Well said. Well said Anthony.
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Anthony Orlando 7 months ago
clarification: In the greater scheme of life it means nothing**** is what i meant. Also you CAN'T just snap your fingers and win.
my bad on those.
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Lisa Horne 7 months ago
No none expected Michigan to have a good year. But they also didn't expect to have their worst season in history. A mediocre year would have probably been fine for them. They knew they lost a lot of talent, key skill positions etc and RR fired the whole staff. But 3-8? That's as bad as Notre Dame last year. Think about it: their new coach handed them their worst season ever. Not good.
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Joe G 7 months ago
I don't know what was posted on the message boards to get Rich Rod so upset, but if he's sensitive enough to actually give a damn what some of those fans think, then he might want to find a new profession. Nothing is ever good enough for sports fans. If you win by 20, there will always be fans saying you should have won by 30.
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Lisa Horne 7 months ago
Amen Joe! That's why coaches get the big bucks. They are under enormous pressure to win. If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
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Nino Colla 7 months ago
I'm pretty sure threats to your family is something even a thick skinned individual can't ignore.
Did Rich Rodriguez use the word message board, or was it implied? Like I'm sure Rod has time to sit around and read message board posts.
I think his comments stem from the public perception of what the fans (not just Michigan) think of the job Rodriguez is doing. Also judging from the entire quote, there's a little bit of the fact that his family got threatened after he took the Michigan job.
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jordan krumrey 7 months ago
Joe there has been some bad stuff trust me.I've read some bad sh.it.Some people do need to get a life.I have seen many patheitc individuals out there that spend about 8 hours a day bashing RR.As a UM fan i think it is uncalled for and undeserved regardless of record.
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RG Yoho 7 months ago
You got him, Michigan! Just don't try sending him back to us!
Good one, Lisa.
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Lisa Horne 7 months ago
WVU fans must just be enjoying every minute of this. RR is their Schadenfreude.
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Anthony Orlando 7 months ago
well i'd just like to say the great powerhouse that was once WV certainly isn't without RR right now is it. Losing to Cinci and no longer ranked.
Amazing how fans can stomp, stomp, stomp at another mans failures and enjoy it so much just because he is no longer with them. Maybe if he left the team in shambles, but he built WVU into a power.
Sad.
Brian Kelly, now coach at Cinci, left my University a week after he said he was going to stay and he loved it here. I was mad for a week.
Now, I happily root for Cinci, because I am proud to say, "yeah, that guy making Cinci something that actually matters, started off here, at my school."
Get over your animosity and pettiness people. Geez. My ex-coach lied to my school too, it's like politics, if you believe anything they say have the time, who's the idiot? Not them. You.
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RG Yoho 7 months ago
Thanks, Tony Orlando. How's Dawn?
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Anthony Orlando 7 months ago
Thanks RG. Haven't heard that since my HS math teacher...
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Anthony Orlando 7 months ago
Lisa,
Nice reply. Only thing I would contend is that RR is a spread guy and as much as everyone thinks that he should be able to change in a heartbeat, well, not all coaches can.
This is the system he has been running for a majority of his career. This is what he knows and what his O-coordinator knows. To say "well I need to run more a a pro style here this year to win," well, if it goes against what you fundamentally need to teach the team for future success than you don't compromise. The players need to learn the system now. Some will leave, but a majority will be back next year -- this is a young team. And the best way to learn a system is to go out there with it week-after-week and practice it in a game time situation.
It is a myth that coaches adapt to their team. The team ends up adapting to their coaches.
And remember, RR has not lost this team. He is not forcing them to fail. He is forcing them to go through some heartache and learning.
It is what it is. Year one of a new system and a new coach. And people needed to understand change takes time.
Lastly, personally, I hate political correctness by players and coaches. I like them to say how they actually feel. And what RR said was no PR line of BS. And i respect that. And like I said, it's the truth.
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Lisa Horne 7 months ago
Anthony-
I strongly disagree with your statement that "coaches adapt to their team" because you are implying I said that. I did not.
Of course teams have to adapt to their coach. That goes with out saying.
But a good coach makes adjustments to his schemes based on his players' strengths and weaknesses.
Schemes and coaches are two different things.
You don't run a passing offense when you have a weak QB, and you don't run a power running offense when you don't have a RB.
If you don't have a strong NG, but have strong linebackers unit, you run a 3-4, not a 4-3. You compensate.
Perfect example: PENN STATE. They switched to the spread because they realized they had the personnel to run it with a mobile QB. It worked.
I do like players saying what's on their minds, but to diss their fan base is another thing. Those fans support the team. Rarely do college football fans diss the players, albeit it has happened. They mostly diss the coach, and usually, he deserves some criticism. I am not advocating any disrespect towards RR.
BUT...he has said before his family received death threats, but there were never any police reports filed and when the police investigated, they determined the claims unsubstantiated. So I'm not so sure he always is speaking accurately. His past statements have been proven to not always be completely forthright.
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Ken 7 months ago
As a Bama fan, I feel for UM fans. If you are paying the big bucks, you expect production, or at least an indication that things are going in the right direction. When RR accepted the Bama job after Saban refused to talk to us, we were excited and anxious to move forward with what we thought was a going to be a great hire. Then the wheels fell off the deal and he backed out of his commitment. So Mal Moore hopped in Paul Bryant Jr.'s jet and headed south to Miami. Somehow he came back with the prize and the rest is history (as Moore put it, he told the pilot if he didn't come back with Coach Saban to keep headin' south!).
Looking back at it... I sure am glad it happened the way it did. Maybe RR will end up being the one for you guys. But not in my wildest dreams did I think he would have started out 3-8. Good Luck.
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Lisa Horne 7 months ago
Ken-
And you fans have certainly gotten your money's worth. Saban was a great hire. Fantastic hire. So was Butch Davis at UNC. And Pete Carroll. While we never expect to see immediate results, improvement is always expected, even if it's minor. Anything else is a bonus. :)
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Nino Colla 7 months ago
It's interesting to see how Saban was regarded as a jerk for leaving Miami the way he did.. Now he's getting praised for having Alabama at an undefeated mark.
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Ken 7 months ago
Yep. Saban was villainized through the whole process. His situation doesn't compare to what Tubberville did to Ole Miss ("The only way I will leave Oxford is in a pine box) or what Franchione did to Alabama ("Hold the rope together as a team"). But many want to compare him anyway.
Bottom line is he wasn't happy in the pros. The players do not react to his style of coaching like they do in college. Moore showed up willing to cough up the bucks. Why not bail? He did it. Everyone hates him for it. And now he is proving to be the standard in which other schools are searching for.
Similarly to RR, Saban doesn't bleed Crimson and White. But over time... he just might.
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Scott Pusich 7 months ago
Lisa, you make a good point. Perhaps not immediate results, but improvement. For RR, that means next year needs to be 6-6 (at least) or better!
As for a lesser program, I was here at Kansas when Mangino was first hired, and the program was languishing at the bottom of the conference. His first year in 2002 was painful: 2-10. And also there was a backslide in 2004, at 4-7, but a closer look at those games reveals some heartbreaking close losses (including home games vs. Texas and Texas Tech in which KU had a lead late but couldn't hold it).
But for long-time Jayhawk fans, Mangino is most likely the best coach the program has had in about 40 years.
I know that Michigan is right there at the top of the pile in terms of prestige, though, and I don't think RR will keep his job if he doesn't at least get the Wolverines to a bowl next year (i.e. 6-6 or better). A three-game improvement at minimum.
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Jim Cowan 7 months ago
I hate to say it, but that's the kind of guy he is. Actually I don't hate to say it as much as I thought I would. The guy is a DB and I don't believe he will do what everyone thought he would do which is install a WVU type offense but with Michigan caliber recruits.
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Lisa Horne 7 months ago
db?
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Jim Cowan 7 months ago
Douche bag
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Lisa Horne 7 months ago
I'm so naive!
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Eric Johanssen 7 months ago
I think there's a line in the relationship between fans and coaches. Complain or lose your head all you want about the Xs and Os, but the second you make things personal, you have crossed a line.
I also think people hiding behind screennames is, yes, keyboard cowardice. In particular, people who use the alias "Straight Edge" to post on rival message boards! Get a life!
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Lisa Horne 7 months ago
Eric-
I have heard about Straight Edge, but haven't seen the venom. I hate trolls. But I ignore them. They feed on getting responses!
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stefan 7 months ago
I have to say I agree somewhat with RR, but with that said he really needs to be above this kind of talk. If you want to be the head coach of one of the biggest football programs in the nation you better grow some thick skin.
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RedRaider Red 7 months ago
There are times when others can express you far better than you yourself can. This is one of those times.
5 stars and a POTD, Lise... you pulled the words right out of my mouth.
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Thomas 7 months ago
I like Michigan way more than Ohio State. SO therefore, I'm hoping Michigan wins. Great article once again Lisa.
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Lisa Horne 7 months ago
T- thanks...I'm rooting for Michigan because the fans would love to see a win....they have suffered enough this year. I feel horrible for them.
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David Arreola 7 months ago
Lloyd Carr was ran out of town because he couldn't beat Ohio State, even though he won every other game.
So if Rich Rodriguez wins this game, he keeps his job at 4-8 right?
Somewhere, Lloyd Carr is laughing.
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Nino Colla 7 months ago
Rome wasn't built in a day Sir
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Anthony Orlando 7 months ago
If you think Lloyd Carr was run out of town you know nothing about Michigan football.
He left solely because he wanted to and for that reason and that reason only. Bill Martin, UM AD, wouldn't fire, or push out Carr if his life depended on it.
And even if UM loses this game he keeps his job. Bad AD's and GM's are the ones who don't let a process take it's due course -- especially in college sports. What? He should be fired for losing with Carr's recruits? Give me a break.
Only way he is even fired next year is if he has less than 5 wins. Which he won't. RR is a very good coach and it's amazing how all of the sudden the same people who agreed with that statement a year ago, think he is awful now.
Those are the people who know nothing about CFB.
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Lisa Horne 7 months ago
David-
Carr left because coaching escaped him. But he was a class act and represented the school well. The epitome of a gentleman. Glad he is still at the school.
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David Arreola 7 months ago
Well Anthony, I don't know anything about Michigan football.
I'm not saying, i'm just saying
Coaching escaped him? You're going to have to explain that one
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Lisa Horne 7 months ago
It simply means that the game had evolved to more speed, and he was an old schooler, and ran the team too conservatively. Traditionalist. Nothing right with that, but the payday for Bowls are huge, and you have to keep up with the Joneses.
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Lisa Horne 7 months ago
Nino-
Rome wasn't built in a day? I would expect that theory from a team like North Carolina or Arizona- teams that have not had much success in football. But this is Michigan. It has been built for 129 years! It's not like he's working with putty here...these are blue-chippers we're talking about. Not one or two star recruits.
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Nino Colla 7 months ago
Lisa, you know what kind of system Rodriguez is installing. Don't even feed me that argument. They lost their entire offense minus one lineman and the third receiver. Those guys that are playing may be talented, but they are extremely green and most do not ideally fit the system or haven't picked it up fully. If Rodriguez doesn't implement his system this year so he can "baby" the players into college football and win a few more games, then when is he going to do it? Seems like the perfect year to do so if you ask me.
What excuse does Charlie Weis have for what happened last year with Notre Dame? and hell this year.. Aside from Navy, has this team beat anyone above .500? You can make any type of argument about why Weis deserves a break, but using that argument, I could say.. But It's Notre dame, he has talent, they shouldn't struggle like this.
Also, David. I felt that Lloyd Carr was going to retire before last season even started, no matter what happened. At least that was my impression. I think the decision to retire was in his mind for awhile. He knew that was his last good chance to win big, and after that he'd be getting a lot of new players next year and it would take awhile to contend for a National Title. It didn't turn out the way anyone hoped it would, but I think he realized that was his last chance. Granted we might still have Ryan Mallet, maybe maybe not, and probably still have someone like Adrian Arrington if Carr stayed, but it was still a lot of talent that he was losing.
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Jeff Contizano 7 months ago
Mallett was out of Michigan regardless of the coach. I can understand his reluctance with the spread offense, but he hated Ann Arbor anyways.
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Nick Martin 7 months ago
I don't know how much Michigan fans actually pay his salary.
The money for his salary is put up by boosters deffinatly not coming out of the ticket prices.
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Lisa Horne 7 months ago
Boosters are a schools biggest fans. They are alumni with deep pockets, hence they are fans.
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Nick Martin 7 months ago
Yes, but they aren't the fans already calling for Rod's head.
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GatorJon 7 months ago
Lisa, well done. Rich Rod just doesn't seem to "get it".
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Lisa Horne 7 months ago
Well, he "didn't get" Michigan fans. They are an elite school. "That dog don't hunt," as they say. Or did I mess that one up too? If he beats Michigan, it will save the season...I'm actually pulling for the Wolverines. Seriously.
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Long John Silver 7 months ago
HOW beautifully put - i hadnt checked on you for a bit mate - right up the alley hah ...
yeah - they are pissed in Ann - about him
I can see his point of 'there are many bigger problems than a busted ball game' - but this wasnt the place nor time to say it
yeah - he probably understands how important it is to us - but he is prob. frustrated just like us ... very frustrated -
i dont think we are beating this buckeyes this time around though mate
cheers Lise
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Long John Silver 7 months ago
i think he does get it - but he just is as irritated as us - about the result ...
like you said, we always know federer is beating fish -
but the point is we dont want fish to lose 0-6 1-6 0-6 - thats hurts !
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Lisa Horne 7 months ago
Hey, I am rooting for you guys to beat the Buckeyes. Seriously! I'm so sorry for the dud season...I;m waiting for SC's seasons to get bad. It's coming, I dread it. Misery loves company. Have some brats, and a couple of pints, and cheer them on...you just never know in this game!
hugs
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Joe Mama 7 months ago
Nick,
You need to review the facts. U-M FOOTBALL ticket prices and personal seating licenses pay not only RR's salary, but the the salaries of ALL 25 Varsity coaches at U-M. There is no separate "booster fund".
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Anthony Orlando 7 months ago
Let's also be clear however.
UM is not hurting for money.
And if every decision was made based off of boosters or fans contributing via tickets and PSL, then sports would truly be screwed up.
UM just set a public university record for private fundraising...3.1 billion. 3.1 BILLION!!! That is amazing. The University will always make money, have money, and honestly, don't need to worry about pissed off fans (nor should they) because it's not about the money to UM.
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Lisa Horne 7 months ago
In either case, no fans = no money. The fans pay for the coach, indirectly. Without them, the school's athletic programs suffer. And so does their windfall from BCS Bowls. Millions of dollars, plus the bucks from TV and conference championships.
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Michael Collins 7 months ago
Lisa,
The article seems to revolve around one statement Rodriguez made. From the context you provided - that "It's amazing some of the things that people would say (on a message board) or yell at you of a personal nature." - I would have to agree with Rodriguez. But I would want to have seen a transcript to come to a final judgment - and wish that you would have provided it.
I finally located the statement at the bottom of his Monday's press conference transcript. Here's the question and full answer.
• On what he has learned about himself this year?... "I've learned. I think you've got to keep learning. There's probably a lot of fans that think I'm dumber than I was a year ago or two years ago, back when we were winning games. I'd like to think I'm smarter. We showed up on Saturdays. I think you've got to learn a little about personality, about your place. I've learned more about this place. I learned a whole lot more about our team -- which I think is important -- your team, your staff.
"Obviously you've got to learn to have thick skin, I learned that a long time ago with coaches. The last 10 months, even before I started the season, we've learned the effect it can have on your family, and the things that you've got deal with as a coach.
"This is a public position. It's not like a politician. I'm not running for office. I mean, God bless them. They choose to have that public scrutiny. As coaches, we know it's part of the job, but we don't choose to have it. Most of us would rather not.
"The biggest thing that is disappointing is when somebody, not necessarily the media, but when a fan or somebody would make it personal to your coach or to your players, especially to the players, because those guys are amateurs. When they would make a personal comment or say something that's not related to coaching or not related to playing.
"I don't get on message boards. I don't think anybody, any of our players or family should, but it's amazing some of the things that people would say or amazing things people will yell at you of a personal nature. You almost want to tell them get a life. I mean, there's a whole lot bigger problems. You lose a ballgame, and then you look at the economy or after every game I usually get to meet one of our veterans or somebody. To take it personal on a coach or player to me, I don't think it's ever right.
"I'm glad fans have passion, but it's still kind of, I guess, a lot more bolder. You all would know. It's a lot more bolder what people would say and write. Not you all, but bloggers or whatever, than it used to be. We've seen it coming for a few years."
He also addressed the importance of the rivalry with Ohio State:
On convincing the team about the importance of the rivalry?... "I say at least I shouldn't have to worry about it. That's the message we send to the team. I would think anybody that has an opportunity to play in this game would play as hard as they can.
"I've told the team. I said not a lot of people are going to expect you to do well and win the game, but we expect them to do well. It's a challenge, but we are capable of playing pretty good football. We just have not done it consistently."
After reading the transcript, I think you took some unfair shots at him, plucking the one statement out and generalizing:
- "You are minimizing their emotional investment with their school. Their team. Their baby. THE RIVALRY. This what they look forward to 364 days from this coming Sunday. It's a constant thing, it never dies, and they are sick of losing to Ohio State four straight years.
Here's the transcript: http://www.mgoblue.com/football/article.aspx?id=156654
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Lisa Horne 7 months ago
After reading the entire context again, my position hasn't changed.
I am sure our President wouldn't tell his public to get a life. Sorry.
He even compared his position to politicians who undergo constant criticism, but he admitted that his job "is a public position." That was my point. When you are in the public's eye, you're either a hero or goat. It comes with the territory. He needs thicker skin.
Finally, yes, he needs to remind his players about the importance of this rivalry...he needs to get them fired up. What was this? "I say at least I shouldn't have to worry about it. That's the message we send to the team. I would think anybody that has an opportunity to play in this game would play as hard as they can."
That's not Michigan football. That's not getting it. He doesn't have to remind them? yeah, he does, he needs to get them insanely fired up, and they might have a chance.
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Anthony Orlando 7 months ago
Michael --
I would just like to say, as a long-time Michigan fan (in my currently young-life however), thank you for doing some digging and finding those comments.
You are correct, that one little section of his entire presser was highlighted so people could find something to talk about.
I think true Michigan fans, actual Michigan fans, are upset about the record, bottom line. And nothing else matters. And I for one, sure as hell don't think RR in anyway has disrespected anyone since bing here -- his coaches, players, fans, the rivalry or that fine university.
Contrary to what the premise of this article goes to -- RR's character -- I think he revealed a lot of it from what he said. Especially the beginning of it, when he talks about learning. And i loved the statement he made about "well, a lot of people prob. think i'm a lot dumber than i was a year or two ago when we were winning." That was an awesome statement because it is so true.
He's not getting dumber. He is growing and adjusting, just like his players. And when the system is in place, and the players are in place -- he, his players and the football program at Michigan will be better off because of the learning that went on this year. Great post.
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Anthony Orlando 7 months ago
http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/football/index.ssf/2008/11/video_rich_rodriguez_weekly_pr.html
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Michael Collins 7 months ago
Perhaps Lisa read the transcript - perhaps just my excerpt. Rodriquez continued to say:
"I know that sounds like coach speak, but if we can play consistently like we have at times this year, and you know get a few breaks in there, anything can happen.
"We know we're going to get their best effort as well. It's a huge game for them as it is for us. I do believe our guys need to get the confidence early. You train them to the point where they're not thinking about anything but the next play, you have a shot.
"I think that's what our focus has to be on. Just whatever that next play is. Not worry about the scoreboard, not worry about the environment, not even worry about the rivalry. When you start playing the game as what am I going to do in this next play and go from there."
And a further statement on preparing for rivalry games:
• On his philosophy for rivalry games?... "I think you probably spend a little more time in the offseason in the summer or spring than normal. I think that most coaches will tell you that. We don't designate like we did in spring practice with Ohio State, but there are things that we would maybe work on in a practice or two that could be relevant to this game.
"Obviously, over the summer when you do your summer breakdown -- like for us, we do a little bit of off teams, but we do more for the rivalry teams as far as breaking them down. You have to do it over again in the fall because teams have changed and they may do different things, particularly Ohio State. They've got a new quarterback, and they'll do some different things with Terrelle (Pryor) than maybe they were doing before, so you have to adjust a little bit.
"Most coaches probably spend a little more time on that rivalry game than in your summer months."
• On how he personally responds to a rivalry game?... "I've always -- well, I think you get -- I don't know if you can get any more intense. It's so important anyways. It's not like I'm going to catch grief if we lose any game, but I do think the rivalry games are a little more intense for everybody involved in the program. They certainly are for the fans.
"I've heard the fans. I haven't been in a game in Columbus. Last time I was there was for a JV game my freshman year of college, so things are a little different now.
"I hear it's going to be a very intense atmosphere. The fans are intense and into it. That's what you expect from this type of ballgame."
Sounds to me like he has been working on Michigan vs. Ohio State since last summer and keeping the fans in mind.
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Justin Potts 7 months ago
Thank you, Michael. Leave it to Lisa to jump on one comment, taken out of context, and use it to bash someone, since Michigan/Rodriguez-bashing is so en vogue this year.
Lisa, I don't read everything you write, but I have read a lot of your stuff, and I appreciate most of your work. However, taking one comment out of context and using it to write an entire article to push your agenda is completely off-base. Just admit that you don't like the guy. Just write an article that says, "Hi, I'm Lisa, and I don't like Rich Rodriguez." Why keep writing articles to bash him when you don't even do the work to read the whole statement and keep it in context? Oh, right, so you can get more reads and POTD's.
There's nothing wrong if fans want to criticize him for winning only three games, etc. He even said so. It's the people that attack the players and the coaches on a personal level that need to get a life. He said it exactly right. He's not calling out all the fans...it's journalists like you, who take his words out of context, that make it sound like he is.
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Lisa Horne 7 months ago
Anthony-
Don't let your loyalty to the team blindly let you follow sheep off a cliff. The best fans care about their teams...you seem to care. But four years from now, if things haven't gotten progressively better, don't be afraid to speak your voice. If no one complains, they'll keep a coach.
The seats are filled in the Big House, so everyone is happy. Look at ND....the fans are starting to not believe in Weis anymore. It took them awhile, but they're taking off the green-colored glasses. They love their team, but it's becoming clearer that Weis may not be the right coach for ND.
Michigan is currently No. 16 in recruiting (Scout.com)....Stanford is ahead of them- a school with more stringent academic restrictions- and for the last five years, Michigan has always been in the top ten in recruiting classes. Of the 18 commits, 12 are three stars. That's not up to the usual standards for Michigan, however, recruiting sites have been wrong before. I'm just sayin'....
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Anthony Orlando 7 months ago
Lisa --
rest assured, one thing you never have to worry about with me is speaking up. I am one of the more outspoken sports people there are. I have my say in everything that goes on. When I don't like what's going on, I say it, and i criticize -- mind you however, i criticize about coaching, the game, adjustments -- not personal attacks like some people. My point is this Lisa, you have to be weary about judging so soon. You need to fully realize the drasticness of the change Michigan is going under. This is NOT the same Michigan that is the winningest football program of all time. This is the new Michigan. There is no more pro style, pound the rock style football here. it's a new era. And i think it will be as successful as the old era, but that is where the comparisons stop. I will not be a big RR fan if we don't have at least 6 wins next year -- trust me. I expect a lot, this is Michigan. Everyone is allowed a down year, all the greats have it at some point, but it can't be consistent. And I don't expect it to be here. If we have a 4 win team next year -- unacceptable. But I need more time to see what RR can do with HIS PLAYERS. And that's what you have to understand. That's when a coach should be judged. If he can't do the job then...goodbye.
To your later point about him not having a typical top 10 UM class. Well to that I say, a spread coach like RR who goes after more athletes, tends to have a lower recruiting ranking sometimes because pure athletes, who aren't positionally assigned to what they will be in college ball usually end up being 3 star guys. Not as flashy, but fast and can play multiple positions, and they end up perfect for the spread. You will see classes like RR had while at WVU -- and no one complained their right? And eventually they will get even better here because this is Michigan not West Virginia. But to have a top 12 class, as ESPN has him at, after a year like this, don't underestimate the impressiveness of that either.
Perspective Lisa, perspective. In the wold of sports, I have learned, we all want to hop on or off a bandwagon real fast -- week to week -- day to day. I used to do it a lot. But I have learned over time and following sports closely, you can't get too high or too low after one game, or one week, or even one season. Because the next could be completely different and change what you previously thought in the blink of an eye.
That's why TIME is key, Perspective is important. And you keep everything in stride.
This has been a very fun debate though. Been a pleasure.
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mpesky 7 months ago
Lisa..You understand..I understand..This comment by RR is a slap in the face to Michigan fans. Thank goodness he did not accept Alabama's offer to be the head football coach. I wrote a article about this same thing before I saw yours. I would count it an honor to have you read my take on this subject. Roll Tide...We have Nick Saban.
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BabyTate 7 months ago
Michigan fans to Rich Rodriguez: Get a job!
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Lisa Horne 7 months ago
maybe some are thinking that...I have to think they are begrudingly supporting him at this point.
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Jason Capley 7 months ago
Lisa good read. I'm sure glad he backed out of the job at Bama.
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Lisa Horne 7 months ago
Jason-
Thanks, and looks like Bama got a great one. HOF'er. Amazing job he's doing there.
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Scott Rieger 7 months ago
Lisa,
Not to discredit Nick Saban's coaching job this year, but this guy stunk up the place in Miami and was terrible as a coach and gameplanner. Maybe he was in over his head, but just like Petrino screwed Louisville for the Falcons and then screwed the Falcons and the way that Saban screwed Michigan St. to go to LSU and then LSU to go to Miami shows that they are quite similar to Rich Rod. They all took positions with a degree of selfishness and moving on to better things, but I've done that in my career and i'm sure others have too. Nobody cares when I took a better offer with another company because it is what was best for my family. When a coach leaves though, the fans needlessly ridicule them because they are emotionally invested. That is the problem. They need to look at the situation objectively and cannot. That is why things with WV got blown out of whack. Rich Rod may not be a saint, but I don't think he's a creep either and he's just as stand up as Saban or Spurrier who both had less than happy departures from big time colleges.
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GatorJon 7 months ago
Good thing for Michigan fans that Lisa is the only journalist running with this story.
Or not ...
"Michigan's Rodriguez tells some fans to get a life" - The Associated Press - November 18, 2008
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Lisa Horne 7 months ago
I'm sure that nasty Michigan website will call me out...but it's OK..I have thick skin! (They accused me of not getting my facts straight about Kevin Craft when I said he was JUCO transfer, and said that he transferred from SDSU...they were wrong, he was a Mt Sac transfer, and never apologized to me.) The site is Wolverine Liberation Army. Nice guys there. :p
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Michael Collins 7 months ago
I wouldn't make too much over the fact that the other stories on Rodriquez's "Get a Life" statement came out 6-12 hours prior to Lisa's. She's entitled to her viewpoint.
However, she should consider a story where a coach pocketed $6.88 million for four years for only eleven wins. The state taxpayers paid him $625,000 per win or $983,000 per win against a BCS opponent.
And he then called it the "most acidic" environment he has coached in, referring to comments, the media, etc.
Not exactly Lisa's idea of a return on investment and a demonstrated example of biting the hand that feeds you.
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GatorJon 7 months ago
Michael, not sure if your first comment is directed at my comment about the AP story, but I have no issue or concern with the timing of Lisa's story compared to any other stories, articles, or blogs that have been written or surely will be written about the "get a life" comment. I agree with Lisa's viewpoint.
I suspect RichRod's comment will fail to inspire anyone to "get a life" and will likely exacerbate the very situation he was commenting on. A coach will never win a war of words with the fans or the media, even if the comments are true in some real or abstract sense.
I am inclined to think his comments are further evidence that RichRod is ill-prepared and possibly ill-suited for the job a hand.
But, hey, I'm biased because I'm a Gator fan who had to live through Ron Zook referring to the message boards as mere "noise in the system" while week-after-week telling us the team was "getting better and better". Suffice it to say, the team wasn't getting better and the noise got louder.
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Dean Walker 7 months ago
GatorJon
"I suspect RichRod's comment will fail to inspire anyone to "get a life" and will likely exacerbate the very situation he was commenting on."
Yeah, that happens when irresponsible reporters take things out of context to stir up drama and up ratings. Look at the whole story and his comments. People look at the headlines of the AP story or what was posted yesterday on ESPN or FoxSports yesterday without reading his whole comments. They just see "Rich Rod To Fans: "Get a Life" and think that he's talking about every single one of us who have been bleeding Maize and Blue their entire lives. I agree with him, to all those people who are cowering behind keyboards and talking the big talk and attacking him on a personal level, please, do something more constructive. I'm not going to defend him on some accounts, I think he lost a lot of personal credibility with the way he left WVU, but I'm going to give him the benefit of a doubt for the next 2 years unless he proves me wrong.
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GatorJon 7 months ago
Dean, RichRod cannot control the media or the fans, but he can control what he says in front of a microphone. Comments can and will be taken out of context or generalized. Its the nature of the beast.
I understand how you could agree with what he said, but do you think it was a good idea for him to say it?
I think he should get three years to show what he can do. I also think it is going to be a long off-season for Michigan fans.
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Lisa Horne 7 months ago
Michael-
Well, it sounds like a story you should write! Go for it.
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Michael Collins 7 months ago
Lisa,
That info was included in the Willingham article I wrote three weeks ago. I appreciated your comment on the article.
The rate this is going I'll next be defending Pete Carroll.
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Greg Cooksey 7 months ago
This is beatiful! Michigan fans are going through just the same heart ache that Ohio State fans had to when we had John Cooper as our head coach. Don't worry Michigan fans it get's better. Hopeful your school will act a little more quickly then Ohio State did when it got feed up with Cooper. Then agian us beating you nine or even ten straight times would be sufficent pay back!
great artical Lisa
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
I can't believe Rich. Him telling fans to get a life is worse than cavs fans booing Lebron over a chalupa.
Dear Michigan,
I am sorry to hear that your team is positively horrid this year. But would a little help about the whole Utah situation have killed you?
Sincerely,
Boise State fan
Good one, Lisa
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Andrew Kahn 7 months ago
Hey, good stuff here. Check out my article on THE GAME.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/83083-season-saver-only-because-um-has-nothing-to-lose
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Doug Kraus 7 months ago
I agree Lisa. He needs to shut his big fat whining pie hole and absorb the abuse - whether deserved, personal or whatever. What he has done to that team, that school and that state is unprecedented (and of course as a Buckeye I LOVE IT). The fact that he doesn't understand that is the problem. He is in no way ready for this level of football. As I've said before that school up north made a huge mistake hiring this guy and now they have to live with it until they are ready shell out more money to send him on his way. Or, I guess, suck it up until his recruits match his game plan.
Sad situation.
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Scott Rieger 7 months ago
Doug, I am sensing a little disdain from you. Even though you are a suckeye's fan, I will admit that your team is head and shoulders above ours and that is okay. I expected it, and so did Rich when he came here. Listen, Tressel came from a 1AA school so don't give me the "not ready for this level of football" schpiel. Bottom line is that this team would've struggled even if we didn't lose half of our offense to the NFL. Likely not to the magnitude of this year, but they wouldn't have been great either. This season has just been a product of the coaching/scheme change and inexperienced players. Hell, we were starting a walk-on and a pocket passing GT washout on any given saturday.
Rich Rod is a good coach. I haven't agreed with all of his moves but he didn't exactly inherit a gold mine in the way of talent. The defense should've been more stout but were put on the ropes too much by the offense, and therefore gave up a lot of big plays.
He is a wonderful recruiter though, as he showed by plucking Noel Devine from the grasp of the Florida conglomerate. Look at our committed recruiting class...and ask yourself, if Michigan will be bad for long?
Good luck this weekend.
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Doug Kraus 7 months ago
Scott, you are right I have much disdain for the guy. I understand it takes time to turn things around but the way he handled the move from WV leads me to believe he is a dirt bag on the level of Charlie Weiss and Urban Meyer. He seems to care more about himself than the team and doing what is right. What I love about Tressel (especially compared to Cooper) is that he is first and foremost a class act. The kids are going to class, getting their degrees and for the most part being respectable off the field. That is hugely important to me.
I have a ton of respect for that school up north which is why why the rivalry is so great. I think just think it was a bad move for you guys. I hope you can return to a level of being great, but just not good enough to beat OSU.
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Lisa Horne 7 months ago
Well, if he improves greatly next year, Michigan fans will forgive him. The "way" in which they have lost is disheartening though. I know they weren't expecting much, but they weren't expecting ineptitude either. If they give OSU a good game, that will be a nice way to make a statement for next year.
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GatorJon 7 months ago
"I understand it takes time to turn things around but the way he handled the move from WV leads me to believe he is a dirt bag on the level of Charlie Weiss and Urban Meyer."
The comparison you are attempting to make here escapes me.
I wasn't aware that Charlie Weiss or Urban Meyer left their alma mater one year after holding them hostage for a new contract and then proceeded to break the deal and threw his alma mater under the bus.
IMHO, Meyer handled the transition at Florida extremely well. He said and did all the right things. He acknowledged the past (Spurrier and the 90's) while establishing a clear path for the future. He adapted the offense to the players and won a national championship. Pretty much the exact opposite of what RichRod has done in year one, but it is still early.
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Doug Kraus 7 months ago
Sorry about the confusion GatorJohn. I wasn't trying to compare the way the all left their previous jobs, only that I dislike them all immensely.
I'm not a Florida hater, in fact I think they are clearly the #1 team in the nation (god help Alabama against you guys). I just don't think much of your coach as a person. He does differentiate himself from Weiss as Urban can coach well.
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GatorJon 7 months ago
No worries, Doug.
For whatever reason, there are only two coaches that I have a visceral response to when I hear them speak: Rich Rodriguez and Mike Gundy @ OK State. Can't explain it, but those are the two.
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Scott Rieger 7 months ago
Good read Lisa. Solid work as always, even though I don't necessarily agree with your points on this one.
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Lisa Horne 7 months ago
Thanks Scott. I appreciate that.
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HD Handshoe -- BlockONation.com 7 months ago
The MOTHER of ALL Rivalries
http://blockonation.com/OhioState-Michigan
Check it out -- It's AWESOME!
5/5 Lisa -- POTD!
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Doug Kraus 7 months ago
Every time I watch that intro it brings a tear to my eye. It is the biggest day of the year for me. Christmas, Thanksgiving, my birthday, Arbor Day all pale in comparison.
Good luck stinky ones... but GO BUCKS!
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Lisa Horne 7 months ago
Thanks HD.
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B GOBUX 7 months ago
I agree with POTD.
Any coach should be able to win 4-5 games with the players Michigan attracts, losing at home to a bad Toledo team tells you how far this team has fallen. Implementing a new system is no excuse for Michigan's record. RR is arrogant and he really brought down the program....telling fans "to get a life" shows you how little he knows about Michigan's storied history. Michigan will be back, just not under RR. As a Buckeye fan, I hate all that is Michigan but respect their past and am certainly enjoying the present.
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Shaun Ahmad 7 months ago
I don't think he was referring to just the boos at message boards. When he said "get a life", it's directed at those who use various venues (internet, radio or in person) to take personal shots at the man or his family - which regardless of how much he makes or who pays his salary, is unacceptable.
I would say the same thing to my boss if he was taking shots that were of a personal nature at me, putting aside the fact that he pays my salary. Coaches get paid to win ballgames. That doesn't make them a slave to the fans and open them up to hateful remarks.
That's what I think he was talking about when he said "get a life".
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Shaun Ahmad 7 months ago
just the boos OR message boards* (typo)
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Lisa Horne 7 months ago
Shaun-
Well, that may be true, but he is pouring more gasoline on the fire. It only angers more people because of a lack of sensitivity.
, I think he should have tried to endear himself more to them...sympathize with them, and tell them how hard this has been, and how he knows what the expectations are, and how he will do everything possible to get this team pumped up for the big game.
Honestly, I think he could have restored some antagonism towards him by saying something along those lines. The fans want some reassurance from him that this is one big family. Instead, he is alienating himself from them.
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Shaun Ahmad 7 months ago
I agree. He could have handled himself better or come across in a better way.
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Jeff Contizano 7 months ago
If you'd like to see what he's doing for the players, read this.
"Harrison, the safety, was among them. Then last weekend on Senior Day, his parents were late getting to Michigan Stadium from Dayton because of traffic from an accident. So instead of having Harrison take the field unescorted, Rodriguez accompanied him.
"He didn't really need to do that," Harrison said. "I see him in a whole different way. I used to look at him as just my head coach. Now I look at him as if it's a different type of bond.""
Maybe rubbing fans the wrong way, but he's getting the players on his side.
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Lisa Horne 7 months ago
That's wonderful. If he gets the players on his side, that's a good start. But the fans dictate his job security.
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Anthony Orlando 7 months ago
if fans dictated job security Lloyd wouldn't have been able to stay as long as he wanted, he would have been fired after his third consecutive loss to OSU and not winning a NC since '97. Give me a break...
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Justin Potts 7 months ago
Exactly, Jeff. I was going to point out the same thing. There's a lot more of that than people realize.
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ss 7 months ago
Wow!
Lisa, you totally get what it is to be a college football fan…you nailed this one.
What an enjoyable read.
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Lisa Horne 7 months ago
ss...I'm a football nut, thanks for the props.
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Cameon Shiflett 7 months ago
Lisa,
Like many coaches, Rich has felt the heat. As an Alabama fan I understand what it's like to have some down seasons. I also understand what it's like to lose to a rival. (Auburn beating Alabama 6 years in a row anyone?) It's hard. It takes time and players and a whole hell of a lot of other factors to build a football team. You simply can't do it in one year. Alabama fans were shocked to see Saban do as well with the Tide as he has. It takes time. College football fans understand that.
It sucks losing. It sucks not being the best. It sucks having a coach that your not used to. Maybe something that needs to be understood though, is that this man is your coach. Whether you like it or not, he has been "elected" as your coach and he deserves your respect. He made a bad choice in what he said but he made a point. There are bigger issues to worry about than taking personal shots at a football coach.
Great article by the way.
Roll Tide,
Bama Chick
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Lisa Horne 7 months ago
Cam-
Thanks...but there is a difference between Bama's issues and Michigan's. Dubose got you in hot water with the NCAA...that's a killer. It happened to USC in the late seventies, early eighties, it happened with some other teams. Michigan hasn't suffered from that problem. So for them to go backwards like Bama did is comparing apples and oranges.
I always give a school credit if it's an NCAA issue, ie- Florida State etc..although, if the problems keep popping up, you have to start looking at the coaching.
Saban is your guy, and it was a brilliant choice. He kinda rubbed me the wrong way, but I have to tell you, he's a great coach. He's worth every penny spent. :)
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Andy Purvis 7 months ago
Nice article Lisa, Kind of reminds me of the apathy displayed by Bill (I'm doing great in all areas) Callahan here at NU.
Did you read my articles contrasting Nebraska under Callahan and Pelini?
POTD
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Lisa Horne 7 months ago
Andy....ah, Bill Callahan. So close, yet so far. I;m a Raider fan. I understand. I'm going to read your article now. Thanks.
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Roberto Alvarez-Galloso 7 months ago
I read this article and the comments. I think RR needs to get a life since sports is a way to escape from the routine.
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Jeff Contizano 7 months ago
Sports is kinda his routine. All year around. It's what he's paid for.
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Kristin Hamlin 7 months ago
Great article. It makes you appreciate those coaches such as Joe Pa and NFL coaches such as Dungy who seem to have more of a loyalty than just $$$.
Well written and took a chance with this one as there were going to be upset fans/RR supporters. Way to speak your mind without butchering the article :)
***** POTD
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Lisa Horne 7 months ago
Thanks K! And look at you getting picked as one of the best writers! I AM SO PROUD OF YOU...I FEEL LIKE A MOTHER HEN. REALLY PROUD OF YOU!
HUGS!
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Kristin Hamlin 7 months ago
LOL. Great pic by the way
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Lanie Destefano 7 months ago
Anyone who has followed WVU, and we do in my family, would know that this is just the beginning of those type of comments from RR. He couldn't take the heat from WV press and they treated him with kid gloves.
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Lisa Horne 7 months ago
lanie-
I actually sympathize with WVU fans because he really led them on to the "I'm a Mountaineer man" attitude. I don't blame him for going to greener pastures, but when he signed the extension, and then actively sought out other schools it doesn't sit well with me. Maybe I'm old school. I have a contract with Fox, and I would never try to play it up to get more money or whatever. I honor it. It's a contract, for crying out loud. Plus, they take care of me well. I am honored by it.
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jordan krumrey 7 months ago
While i did kind of like the article you do know where RR came from right?you do understand the hardships i'm sure he has faced?growing up in a mountain side coal mining town in WV, life i'm sure wasn't simple.Guy had a dad that spent all his time in a mine just to support his family.RR was most likely destined for this life but worked hard enough to escape it.He worked to get where he is at just like everyone else.He has earned his dollars by spending 20+ YEARS working his way up the coaching ranks.Too be honest he was right to tell these pathetic people who attack him and the team on message boards to "get a life".Was he right in bringing up the economy?Maybe not.But don't act like he was given millions for nothing he has worked his way to it.unlike some that sit at home feeding off welfare just because they are too lazy to get a job.There are people that do that.They use OUR money.I'm gonna have to start writing more though u took my spot on the UM top 4 darn u! lol.
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Kory Funk 7 months ago
As a lifelong Buckeye fan, born five minutes from campus, a current student and someone who grew up in the 90's watching Michigan put my Buckeyes to shame, I hate Michigan with every ounce of Scarlet blood I possess. But I respect it as well, because if you don't respect your opponent, you don't respect the Rivalry. And while I love Ohio State more than I love the rivalry, and love the Rivalry (obviously) more than I care about Michigan, I understand that RichRod is a threat not only to Michigan, but also to the Rivalry. By extension, he is thus a threat to Ohio State in that he is a threat to the tradition that is by and large our greatest.
Hate is a strong word. I do not stoop to hating people. But there are a number of individuals I strongly dislike. When it comes to sports, RichRod is number one. Not just because he represents Michigan and is therefore my archrival, but also because he is ignorant of his obligation as my archrival. I cannot respect him, because I cannot respect ignorance. It is easy to dislike him. I dislike him more than I have ever disliked another Michigander - including Mike Hart, who at least showed Ohio State the respect of being significant to him.
As an Ohio State or Michigan coach, your first goal is to beat your archrival. If you win only one game of the season, make it that Rivalry game. Woody was the first to understand this. Michigan responded with Schembechler. The greatest coaches in either program's history were notorious for their emphasis on The Game. Coaches who cannot grasp this concept find themselves in the hot seat pretty quickly. John Cooper, who by all accounts was a successful coach, could not grasp the significance of the Rivalry. I was barely out of pre-school in 1992, but from what I've read, Cooper probably would not have survived the season had Ohio State not tied Michigan that season. Regardless, his lack of commitment to the Rivalry invariably cost him his job. And while Lloyd Carr understood The Game's significance, his failure to produce in the latter half of his career contributed to the restlessness that drove him out. But as much as I disliked Carr as my rival, I respected him.
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Daryl T 7 months ago
Your comments don't make a whole lot of sense.....as far as not liking RR. What makes you think he doesn't get the rivalry? What makes you think he doesn't understand the importance of this game? I'm sorry, but if you are a Michigan player and you need your coach to fire you up for this game, then you have no business putting on a Michigan uniform. Practices might be a little more heated but do you honestly think coaches prepare for rivalry games any different than they do for any other game? I can tell you from personal experience they don't. It's the players that determine the attitude during the practice. Sometimes a coach may need to light a fire under their arses, but it never takes much. That is what your senior leadership is for.
I can understand your dislike for RRod because he is Michigan's coach, but there was no way, with the players he had, to have a chance of beating OSU this year. If you are going to dislike him for other reasons than being Michigan's coach, at least make them valid reasons
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Daryl T 7 months ago
Maybe you should do a little research and read what his actual comments were and not what ESPN wanted you to believe he meant. If you read the actual transcript you would see that his comments weren't as bad as what ESPN tried to make them out to be. I figured I would post the transcript for you so you wouldn't have to waste your time trying to find it
"This is a public position. It's not like a politician, I'm not running for office. I mean, God bless them. They choose to have that public scrutiny. As coaches, we know it's part of the job, but we don't choose to have it. Most of us would rather not.
But the biggest thing that is disappointing is when somebody, not necessarily the media, but when a fan or somebody would make it personal to your coach or to your players. Especially to the players, because those guys are amateurs. When they would make a personal comment or say something that's not related to coaching or not related to playing.
I don't get on message boards. I don't think anybody, any of our players or family should. But it's amazing some of the things that people would say or amazing things people will yell at you of a personal nature. You almost want to tell them get a life. I mean, there's a whole lot bigger problems. You lose a ballgame, and then you look at the economy or after every game I usually get to meet one of our veterans or somebody. You know, to take it personal on a coach or player to me, I don't think it's ever right.
But I'm glad fans have passion, but it's still kind of I guess a lot more bolder. You all would know. It's a lot more bolder what people would say and write. Not you all, but bloggers or whatever, than it used to be. We've seen it coming for a few years."
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Daryl T 7 months ago
I don't get some of you. RichRod did not tell Michigan fans to get a life. He told the fans that were making personal threats and attacks to get a life. From some of the comments some of you have made it would appear as though it would be okay for fans to threaten not only the coach, but the coaches families and the players. We are talking about amateur athletes. They are not paid to play. At no time should ANY fan be allowed or let it be accepted to threaten coaches, families or players. Those that do so do need to GET A LIFE. I'm impressed that he had the balls to actually say what needed to be said
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