I’ve been saying the exactly same thing all along. Well put Mike, another great piece of prose highlighting the fears of Wolverine nation.

I can’t wait for the Rich Rod era to start. This Rich Rod debacle at Michigan is exactly why I want to punch those calling for Joe’s head in the face. People can’t see further than their toes and don’t realize what could potentially be a disaster. We’ve seen what happens when new coaches can’t live up to their legendary predecessors at Notre Dame, and Nebraska. Frankly, I just don’t want Penn State to be another truck stop for the next Nick Saban. Once again, well put Mike.

http://nittanywhiteout.com/2008/07/01/west-virginia-was-just-too-tough-so-i-decided-to-coach-michigan/

And if Rich Rodriquez can’t outcoach that scrub coach in Pittsburgh or that coach down in South Florida (who Joe Paterno spanked in 2005, the year the Bulls upset #9 Louisville)? What does that mean? Joe Paterno will coach circles around Rich Rod?

Rich Rod is just plain sleazy. His coaching abilities is suspect at best when he can’t motivate a talented squad game in and game out in the Big East. How does one expect him to go through the rigorous Big Ten schedule unscathed?

I’m not exactly an mgobot but I will argue the Michigan side. You may be disappointed at my lack of outrage.

My understanding of RR’s break with WVU (that is supported by some data) is that he wanted to stay but he didn’t get along with the AD at all. So, after much bad blood he left for a job that could be considered an upgrade. You guys have had your coach for eleventy billion years and demonstrated admirable loyalty so you have some standing to judge others on this matter. I am not inclined to hold this against RR, however. If in a private emotional meeting with his old boss he talked about how hard the decision was and complained some that seems normal. If he had cried during a press conference and acted like a little bitch that would be one thing but I don’t really see this as something to ridicule. Since RR appears to have been looking for a way out I don’t blame M for ‘stealing’ him. I make nothing of the timing. It was very early in the bowl preparation so there was time to rejigger. The buyout is all lawyer stuff. Whatever they decide is fine with me.

If RR is not successful at M you will have to wait in a long line to tell me "I told you so." You are hardly alone in forecasting doom but have a right to your opinion. I think RR is a great choice. He’s young, innovative, from the Midwest, and runs an offense that I think is particularly troublesome for OSU and the rest of the conference (and for viewing purposes very different and hence interesting.) I very much prefer RR to Ferentz, Schiano, DeBord, English, and Hoak (others who interviewed.)

If nothing else maybe there will be some respite from hearing opposing defenses say, "the coaches told us exactly what M would do and they were right" or "we knew exactly what was coming on most plays." It would also brighten my new year if M ever plays USC in the Rose Bowl and doesn’t give up 10 sacks followed by quotes from perplexed offensive lineman professing no clue regarding the Trojan blitzes.

Clearly none of you have read RR’s deposition. Otherwise you wouldn’t write the stupid things you do.
Yes it was RR who went after the UM job. UM didn’t even return his first few calls.
RR’s agent told the WVU President he had full intentions of trying to place RR at any other school than WV BEFORE RR signed his contract in 07.
RR says he was forced by WVU into signing a contract that doubled his pay. Yet WVU had RR on contract through 2013 already, so why FORCE him to take more money whern youy have him for less? Doesn’t make sense does it?
And by all of those depositions it is clear that RR waqnted more and more money. he says it was for his his assistant coaches. yet when the big money came down his assistenst were left out,,,,BY RR. Not the school.
Bill Stewart, when hired by WV declined the big paycheck and told the school to take that moeny and giove it to his assistants, whiuch they did and WV now has one of if not the best paid assistants staff in the country.
And the really big issues RR left WV because of? Sideline pass for his wife, website for him and his wife to sell inside info on WVU and its players at 100 bucks a pop. Advertising sold on stadium walls and money to go to RR. Text books given to players be kept by players and sold for profit and High School coaches allowed in games free.
Thats it. Read the depositions. Nothing else. Nada.
Oh and his agent is also a sports betting radio guru. Has a radio show that he uses inside info from RR as his betting source. Makes all those accusations about that mysterious bet placed from Morgantown WV against WV in that Pitt game last =year. 600,000 dollars worth of bet that said WV would lose the game.
And yes. RR could not beat Wannstadt to go to the National Championship, then when he threw the game away by ordering no passes, only run the ball, he got mad because the Governor was not on the field after the game hugging him and telling huim he was still great.
Oh and his agent Mike Brown? Won’t be happy until RR is coaching in the SEC. Thats a sworn statement in a court deposition. Brown says he continues to shop PRODUCT RODRIQUEZ (yes thats what he is called) to the SEC.
By thge way, has RR signed his UM contract yet? Why taking so long? You know when it took 9 months to get him to sign his WVU contract he turned around and said he was forced into signing it.
Does any of this sound familiar to any UM fan? It sure does to us WV fans. Enjoy the side show you hired. It comes with much baggage and hype but not much in style.
Oh and keep an eye on those UM cheerleaders. RR has an afinity for cheerleaders…even high school ones.

Schiano will make you a good coach, he will be loyal, as opposed to RR.RR lied to his home state, home university, alma mater, and the school that he played football for… Wha’ts so fucking special about wv.. said RR to Garrison. Well, RR, that just about says it all concerning loyalty.UM, i just hope you understand what you just hired?,,,, Mike Brown, RR’s agent discribed RR, as Product Rodriquez.. And that’s RR’s friend and business partner.Wait till sun rottend Rita gets on the stand for her depo. He will fold like a lawn chair. She is an ex cheerleader at wvu, and RR still likes WVU cheerleaders.. The little bleach blonde will come apart on the stand that’s why they are having a hard time getting her to testify. Anyway, RR will do ok, but he’s off to a bad start, many alumni already doubt if he were a good hire,UM could not get one of their own to take the job, what’ does that say about MU… MU sucks…RR sucks