Rich Rodriguez Fired: Denard Robinson Transfer and More Michigan Fallout
Michigan Wolverines coach Rich Rodriguez has reportedly been fired today following a 52-14 loss against No. 21 Mississippi State on New Year's Day and an overall 7-6 record this season with the Wolverines.
Can't say you couldn't see this coming, especially after the blowout in the Gator Bowl against the Bulldogs.
But now it's time to ask what will happen as a result of Coach Rodriguez's firing.
Will the Michigan program take a step back? Will it take a step forward? Will it not matter? Which players are out? Which players are in? Which players don't care?
These are basically all the questions that ran through my head upon hearing the news.
And to think, I'm not even a Wolverines fan.
Here are 10 possible fallouts from the decision to fire Rich Rodriguez.
10. Denard Robinson Will Transfer
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You probably could have seen this fallout coming given it was in the title of my article.
There have been hypotheses that Big Ten Player of the Year Denard Robinson could transfer as a result.
Of course, these hypotheses are based on these lone quotes when asked if he would return to Michigan if Rodriguez was fired:
"No response," Robinson said.
"That's my coach, that's who recruited me," Robinson said. "That's it."
Wow, that's really telling, isn't it?
Anyway, Robinson was an electric player this season and by far the Wolverines' best player, passing for over 2,500 yards with 18 touchdowns and rushing for over 1,700 yards and 14 TDs.
If he transfers because of this, the failure of the Wolverines program will transfer from Rodriguez's head to Athletic Director Dave Brandon's.
9. The Wolverines Don't Land Jim Harbaugh
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A lot of people are thinking the Wolverines are going to go full steam ahead straight for Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh upon Rodriguez's firing.
Along with the rest of college football and the NFL.
If the Wolverines fire Rodriguez and hire Harbaugh, that would be considered an improvement.
If they don't, Wolverines fans and the media alike will start to get squeamish. And the word "squeamish" even sounds unpleasant.
Harbaugh is a former Wolverines player though, so Michigan has that going for them.
8. The Wolverines Don't Land Les Miles
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Another possibility for the Wolverines that has been thrown around is LSU Tigers coach Les Miles, a former player and coach of the Wolverines.
Miles has led No. 11 LSU to a 10-2 record this season and a trip to the Cotton Bowl against No. 17 Texas A&M on Jan. 7.
He would be a popular alternative to Harbaugh, but he probably likes where he's at with the Tigers, too.
But if he isn't landed, then the coaching merry-go-round continues going 'round and 'round.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
7. Recruiting Problems
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Rich Rodriguez may have done a poor job coaching the Wolverines in some people's eyes, but there's no doubt he's been a good recruiter.
His name alone can attract top prospects and despite his 15-22 record at Michigan, a lot of people still consider him a good coach.
If the Wolverines don't land a top coach to replace Rodriguez, it could hurt their prospects of, well, recruiting prospects.
6. Roy Roundtree Could Transfer
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First of all, Roy Roundtree has a great name.
He was also the Wolverines' top receiver this season, catching 72 balls for 935 yards and seven touchdowns.
He scored one of the Wolverines' two touchdowns in the Gator Bowl.
He surely was trusted by Rodriguez at Michigan. Maybe he enjoyed that whole getting-balls-thrown-to-him thing. Receivers tend to like that.
Maybe Roundtree was a advocate of Rodriguez.
And the transferring speculation goes 'ROUND and 'ROUND.
5. Tate Forcier Could Transfer
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If Denard Robinson transfers, then the Wolverines are left with sophomore QB Tate Forcier.
What if Forcier decides to leave upon Rodriguez's firing?
I couldn't imagine he would given his squabbles with Rodriguez. I think he actually prefers Rodriguez leaving. Kind of like a new start.
But still, if he decides to leave then the Wolverines would have recruit another quarterback with possibly a weak recruiter as coach.
4. Tate Forcier Could Start
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Tate Forcier certainly hasn't proven himself yet.
He had a decent 2009, with over 2,000 yards passing and 13 touchdowns to 10 interceptions, but he certainly hasn't wowed anybody yet.
Plus, he's had bouts of immaturity at Michigan, lost his starting job to Denard Robinson for good reason and has even been ruled ineligible for the upcoming Gator Bowl because he "did not meet university standards," which usually means did not meet academic standards.
Do the Wolverines even want Forcier to start?
3. The Team Collectively Revolts
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I don't see this happening, as you would think Athletic Director Dave Brandon would take into account a player's revolt upon firing Rodriguez but hey, you never know.
If the team collectively revolts and there are either widespread transfers or anger, then that would be bad. Simply put. That would be bad.
Perhaps even more discord than in 2010? Yes, it's possible.
2. They Could Have a Worse Record Next Year
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Was it Rodriguez' fault that the Wolverines finished poorly in 2010? Or was it the overall talent of the team?
Sure, Denard Robinson had a sensational season, but beyond him there really wasn't a star player for the Wolverines.
I think it was both "A" and "B," and I think the Wolverines need to improve their talent in 2011.
Which will be hard given Rodriguez is gone, and if the Wolverines don't hire a suitable recruiting replacement.
1. Michigan Loses Respect as a Top Program
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Of course, if there is extreme fallout from Rodriguez's firing, then the Wolverines will have to worry more about a worse record in 2011.
They will have to worry about losing their credibility as a top college football program in the nation.
But that would take fallout of gigantic proportions.
Athletic Director Dave Brandon probably shivers at the thought every night before bedtime these days.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
