Will 2009 Rich Rodreguez, Charlie Weis & Bret Bielema Swim Again?

Last year several coaches sank into either mediocrity or the unemployment line.  Of those still with jobs, here are three notable coaches who will either swim this year or continue to sink.  Lets examine the list.

Coach Rich Rodregez

Did any coach sink so far so fast?  The condition of the U.S.S. Wolverine hardly seems seaworthy.  The good news is the starting QB from last year that was horrible has left, the bad news is he was better than anyone else on campus.  Coach Rod is going to turn to a true freshman and hope for the best.

Can you see the fans rushing for the lifeboats even before the first kickoff?  Coach Rod has nothing more to say other than the tired old line that rebuilding takes time.  Really?  Explain that to Alabama fans. 

An easier schedule may help Michigan with a win or two, but anything less than a bowl appearance will leave Rod in the water again this year without a boat underneath him.  Rodreguez's stock has fallen faster and harder that Wall Street's.  My prediction—Rich will continue to be a sinker.

Charlie Weis

Charlie took a leaky ship and captained it quickly into one that sank completely.  About the only thing that's gone right for Notre Dame over the last few years for Notre Dame was the great play of the team manager who somehow managed to get all the blood and grass stains out of the uniforms each week.

Then with a late season surge, Notre Dame seemed to gain some much needed buoyancy.  Going to a bowl that that usually would have turned down was just what they needed.

Unlike Rich Rod, in getting his team to a bowl, Charlie managed to give both the national sporting media and the Irish fan base a glimpse of what could be possible next season.  Good recruiting classes, increased productivity from Clausen and a defense that seems to be coming around all point to better days ahead for the Irish. 

My prediction—Charlie uses those rebuilt knees to become a swimmer again.

Bret Bielema 

When Bret took over the Wisconsin program much was expected and initially it started out well.  The first season went 12-1, the second went 9-4 and last year it was thought that they had the talent to compete with Ohio State for the Big 10 Championship, but the ship sank even further as they finished 7-6.

With lots of talent still in the stables and a new sense of urgency coming in from both school administration and a fan base that expected so much more, I see the that Bielema could right the ship and stop the sinking. 

I don't think Bret will be calling any more untimely time outs that give opponents time to kick a winning score and that the penalty problem the Badgers suffered will be fixed.  My prediction—Swimming back up where they should be.

Yes I know there were more who could have made this list, but these were three that had programs who had sank lower than usual.  You can let me know who your picks would have been and whether they'll sink or swim this coming year.