Is Rich Rodriguez Already on The "Hot Seat"; Should He Be?

With all the talk about the BCS and how the system is continually broken, one team not worrying about this problem are the Michigan Wolverines. 

After a paltry 3-9 season, head coach Rich Rodriguez is out on the recruiting trail for "his" type of players to revive the suddenly downtrodden Wolverine program.  Due to the voraciousness of the Wolverine boosters and alumni to improve now, along with a suddenly questioning press core, Rich Rodriguez had better realize that his football program is already behind the curve that could swell and take him with it.

There is some evidence that Rodriguez understands the desire of the Wolverine faithful to improve now.  Rodriguez hinted at this, stating "There's more work to do than I anticipated." 

Rodriguez also noted: "Anytime you don't have a successful record and lose as many games as we did, you're going to be disappointed. If you're not disappointed, you shouldn't be in the profession. I don't want to panic, again it's just the first year." 

The problem that Rodriguez faces is that there was little evidence in 2008 that suggested this program was moving forward.

Sure, this was not the most talented Wolverine squad in recent memory, nor was it specifically designed to run a spread option attack.  But, where is the evidence that these coaches and this philosophy will improve?  Just look to the defense, where six NFL caliber players reside, at least.

How many 3rd-and-long conversions does it take to realize that sitting in a zone defense and rushing three or four, without blitzing, does not work?  In fact, this error was so unrecognized that Michigan used a three base alignment against Purdue and allowed 48 points and 500 yards to the four-win Boilermakers. 

Secondly, how many times can you have the corners play 7-10 yards off the ball?  Each and every game, Michigan corners would be well off the ball and allow chunks of yardage. 

Finally, when your defensive players are yelling at the coaching staff for the scheme during the Ohio State game, you have major communication issues that the players cannot control.

Offensively, the problems were obvious.  Sure, personnel may have had a lot to do with this, but how about some imaginative play-calling and getting your best players (Brandon Minor) on the field in a position to succeed.  This is not a simple case of "square pegs for a round hole".  This is poor coaching. 

When your team shows little or no improvement throughout the course of the season or a real glimmer of hope for the future, maybe the head coach should be on the hot seat. 

Of course, it is preposterous to think that one season defines a coach.  But, the performance of the Michigan Wolverines in 2008 was so poor that Rich Rodriguez succeeded in being being openly questioned as to whether he really is a good coach (see Craig James' halftime analysis during the Ohio State game).  

Many Michigan faithful are openly wondering this same question and are nervous about the future.  With this much negativity, the athletic director and administration have to be concerned.  Remember, the renovations to the Big House will be complete by 2010 and Michigan getting rid of coaches in a strange manner is not uncommon (see the basketball program). 

With all of this, it is not inconceivable for Rich Rodriguez to be on the "hot seat".  And maybe he should be.