Breaking News from Ann Arbor… Again

UPDATE 3: Yup. It’s done. Let the grieving begin… it’s OK to cry

UPDATE 2: Ok, this time we mean it? Sources over at ESPN are now reporting that Dave Brandon will hold a press conference today at 12:30 ET to discuss the matter and the future of the program.

UPDATE: Reports are now surfacing that the information below has yet to be solidified, and that the meetings in question may not occur until tomorrow (Wednesday). We’ll keep you in the loop as this develops.

It’s with great sadness that we announce that Rich Rodriguez administration at the University of Michigan has come to an end.

In his meeting today with AD Dave Brandon, Rodriguez was terminated following a three year tenure wrapped in frustration.

Highlights include:

• Leadership that resulted in Michigan’s football program being put on probation by the NCAA for the first time in history.
• During an era where bowl games are proliferating, Rodriguez’ teams managed to break the long standing record of Wolverine post-season appearances in his first two years; and be decimated in the bowl they managed during his third year.
• Also during his third year, the Wolverines ranked near the bottom of the NCAA in defensive statistics.
• Rodriguez has amassed the lowest winning percentage of any Michigan coach, and is 2-7 against the school’s major rivals (Ohio State, Michigan State, and Notre Dame).
• There have been numerous criticisms leveled at Rodriguez from former players during his tenure, and a number of student athletes have transferred.
• While Rodriguez should be given credit for recruiting Denard Robinson, it’s also key to remember that several other recruits have either not made it past admissions standards at the University, or have transferred/dropped out/been dismissed after their first season.

This writer believes that Coach Rodriguez will land on his feet and has a successful career ahead of him. Shoot, there are currently two openings in the Big East, a conference where he found nothing but success.

Via con Dios, RRod… we’ll always have Groban.

We’ll keep you posted on the ongoing coaching search at TSUN, which may be a whole lot more interesting than many people initially thought.