Why Rich Rodriguez Shouldn't Count Out the New Mexico Lobos

After three painful years in Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan and Rich Rodriguez split up like any other celebrity marriage. Rodriguez had a lot going against him.

Right away he was a controversial figure with the maize and blue community because he was not a "Michigan" man. He also brought in a new system that tried to change a culture.

Not to mention the expectation to win a national championship every year and a new athletic director came in after Rodriguez was hired.

Everyone saw this one coming.

Was Rich Rodriguez just a bad coach? Was the Big Ten too much? I don't think so. It just was not meant to be, Rodriguez and Michigan. It takes time to implement a new system and get your own guys contributing on the field.

In fact, Rodriguez's last year was the only season where it was actually fair to judge him. It just wasn't good enough for the new AD and the university.

So what's next? Rodriguez has not been in the news as the hottest commodity. Could he be looking for a coordinating position at a prestigious school? Could he be the next head coach at a lower-tier school? Could he be hanging the whistle up? Only time will tell...

If Rodriguez wants to get back on his feet and become the hottest coach on the market, the answer is in beautiful Albuquerque, New Mexico, home of the Lobos. He just has to take a year off and he'll thank Michigan for letting him go at such a convenient time.

No doubt Rodriguez can build a program. His success at West Virginia was tremendous. The fans actually supported him there.

The University of New Mexico is not known for their football program. In fact, the basketball attendances sometimes rivals the football team's, like recent years. Also, everyone knows it's nearly impossible to win consistently with the Lobos.

I'm not trying to scare Rodriguez off... No, no... I'm selling the potential. Imagine, the Lobos coming off a 6-30 tenure with Mike Locksley and enter Rodriguez. Rodriguez can implement his system right away without years of growing pains.

Locksley has spent the past two seasons implementing his spread offense... Rodriguez can pick up where Locksley leaves off. The Lobos can become bowl-eligible with all the talent Locksley has been bringing in, and Rodriguez becomes a savior!

Rodriguez can either leave the program and work his way back up or sign UNM's bigger contract extension. (I'll admit the paycheck won't look like Michigan's, but the weather sure is nicer.)

Who knows? The potential is there, Rodriguez. You would look like Moses coming to free the Lobo slaves. BCS bowls should be the least of your goals at UNM. But we would love to have a winning season too! Anything looks better than 1-11.

You can also have a Rodriguez family reunion!