FB: Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference

[formerd3db]

dc_has_been:
Thanks for reminding me of the name.  I didn't have my copy of today's local newspaper that had mentioned him right in front of me and couldn't remember the name.  For sure, Michigan needs something to change their offense.  BTW, I wonder how many of the current assistants will be kept on.  Scott Loeffler has been the QB coach for several years and has done a good job in that capacity.  One of their quality control assistant coaches, David Hutchinson, was a standout player at our Adrian College, and this was his first year on the staff (he started out at Adrian, then Toledo, then Missouri and the last 5 seasons at Indiana State).  While Michigan's staff does need some change, some of those new young guys will probably be let go.  Too bad, but that is the nature of the business.

sac:  I was thinking the same re: Chow.

[Mr. Ypsi]

Of course, if Chow decides to pull a JoePa, he may be around for decades!

My prediction: if Pryor comes to Michigan, Mallett transfers.  If not, Rodriguez will somehow adapt his offense to fit a very talented, but definitely not 'spread', qb.

[Knightstalker]

I didn't realize Chow was that old, I thought he was about 50.

[dc_has_been]

didn't Carr set it up so if his assistants weren't brought back they still would be paid a years salary?  Also, it would be nice to see Rodriguez bring back the majority of Carr's staff.  I do understand that is probably unlikely, especially for the young guys as former3db mentioned, but I think the staff does a great job coaching fundamentals. 
Mr. Ypsi, I agree w/ you 100% on Mallett transferring if Pryor commits.  If Pryor chooses somewhere else Rodriguez has no choice other than to run a offense that fits Mallet considering he will only be a sophmore & have three season under the center.

[victorybell_57]

the wvu administration is saying that rich rodriguez is looking for reasons why he left wvu. really? they wouldn't let his wife stand on the sideline. talk about micromanaging. they look small time now after reading those words.

[sac]

didn't Carr set it up so if his assistants weren't brought back they still would be paid a years salary?  Also, it would be nice to see Rodriguez bring back the majority of Carr's staff.  I do understand that is probably unlikely, especially for the young guys as former3db mentioned, but I think the staff does a great job coaching fundamentals. 

I'm quite the opposite, I'd like to see most of that staff gone.  I'd be surprised if more than 3 get retained, and yes they are paid a year's salary.  Thats because even Carr realized no one else in the universe of college football would want them.

If by great job coaching fundamentals you mean everything besides blocking, tackling and  pursuit angles, then yes they are tremendous.

[Adam Sayer]

That is a lot of money to pay guys who will not be coaching for you. I know Michigan has the money to pay them, but I would suspect some of those assistants will be staying.

That recruit from PA, Pryor, is also considering OSU last I had heard. He liked what he saw from them with Troy Smith running the show last year. And he is a big kid. The article I read stated he passed for over 2,000 yards and rushed for over 1,000 yards in his junior season (I was reading this during the summer). Freak of an athlete as well. They likened him to Vince Young, but bigger and just as fast.

Here's my biggest problem with Rich Rodriguez (I was in the middle of this when my last class came and didn't get to post it earlier). He did wonders at West Virginia. He made them relavent again, which hasn't been the case since the late 80's. Yet he was 60-27 the seven years he was there. Grant it, he's had great success the last couple years, but at the same time, he's been playing in the Big East. The Big East isn't known for smashmouth football, tough physical defense. You get the hell beat out of you on a weekly basis in the Big Ten due to the style of play. The Big East isn't  known for their "stud" programs either. I know the Big Ten has dropped off the last few years, but Michigan, Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Penn State are still respected and feared and I would take those teams 9 out of 10 games playing the Big East. Is he "THAT" good of a coach? Or...is he benefiting from having 2 good years out of 7 playing in a weak conference? We will have to wait an see...which brings me to point number 2.

Michigan returns 13 starters on offense and defense. Of those starters on offense who are leaving...they were the main people. QB, HB, WR, and stud OL. It's not like they are losing a #2 and 3 WR, a FB, and an average OL. They will be very young and if Rodriguez struggles in his first year, will he be given any leeway? I know OSU has a few juniors who will be leaving, but they have 2 senior starters (1 on each side of the ball). Majority of those juniors will be back with the exception of The Animal. I know they are checking out their draft status, but they will be back (unless they have idiots in their ears which is possible). To me, I get a feeling he won't be given a chance. He will be expected to beat OSU right away because Jim Tressel did it and Michigan will expect to be ranked in the elite (top 15). I don't think either of those will happen next year. He'll be wishing he stayed aat WVa.

[dc_has_been]

Sayer- I think you are off on your assessment w/ what will be expected of Rodriguez in his first year at Michigan.  As you mentioned, Michigan will be losing some studs on offense, so how could it be expected of Rodriguez to come in right away & dominate?  The man will get a few years to decide if he will be a keeper or not. 

On regards to Pryor, I read that he is a stud at basketball too & would like to play both in college.  Do you think any schools are using that to persuade him to commit to their school?  Charlie Ward was able to play both at FSU & Matt Trannon of MSU just recently & both guys were able to very well for themselves in both sports. 

[Knightstalker]

Colleges are getting too much like the NFL when it comes to coaches.  They need to let Rodriquez have 4 or 5 years to see if his program is a success or failure.  He needs to get one or two recruiting classes to their Sr. year.  If they still do not show improvement by that point then they would be justified to make a change.  

[Mr. Ypsi]

I seriously doubt that Rodriguez would be facing unemployment soon even if the wins were a bit on the short side.  UM has had 3 coaches in the last 38 years (and it might have been fewer if Gary Moeller hadn't had an alcohol-fueled meltdown in a suburban Detroit restaurant).  In the entire 100+ years of 'elite' football, that has never been their style (even in the almost two decades before Bo arrived, which was definitely their 'wandering in the desert' period).

Besides, with Chad Henne, Mike Hart, Jake Long, etc., all graduating, I think the expectations of those who count (NOT the rabid fan-posters!) are relatively modest for the short run.  Now if he still hasn't beaten OSU by year four, all bets are off!

[formerd3db]

sac:
That's where I disagree with you slightly.  I think there are some of the current Michigan staff that should be retained, particularly some of the younger guys.  Besides, they are "Michigan" guys and that means something as opposed to some of the assistants who are on the perrenial assistant coaching "go round", which does occur.  I think there is something about loyalty and tradition, which apparently Rodriguez didn't like about his alma mater (perhaps there is something to the allegations about reasons why he left WVa as vbell mentioned - we haven't heard the entire story yet).  Anyway, we should be so lucky

This (or somewhat tangential situations for coaching changes) doesn't happen at DIII, does it? (remember Utica College a couple of months ago, anyone? They just named a new hc as Pat and Co. posted this week.)

Again, all interesting comments and great discussion everyone!

[SaintsFAN]

Hey guys,

I'm going to check in as much as I can, but I can assure you I'll be back around here soon.  I might be in for a 6month break, we'll find out more on January 2nd.  Some people are talking about having a Holiday event for me the weekend before New Years if anyone is interested.  So far, I've got some buddies coming in from Chicago, Louisville, Columbus, Indianapolis and other places...

What does everyone think of the Florida State scandal currently going on??

Sayer,

when you hear about Hanover's decision, please let me know.  Call me. 

Lots of secrecy there about their candidates, makes you wonder who the 3 finalists are. 

See you guys around,

[SaintsFAN]

also,
I believe Rich Rod as Pryor refers to him....to be a snake in the grass.  He told this kid on Saturday that he was leaving...etc, but didn't tell his current team?  Whats up with that.  Without those kids at WVU performing the way they have, he'd be in no position to be the new michigan coach.

Thoughts?

[70_dc_alum]

last i heard Pryor had OSU listed as a solid #1.  i think that will be interesting on how it plays out.

Has_Been - we will see next year when you are screaming about the Michigan record.  You guys ran your last 2 coaches out of town after winning Multiple Big Ten and a National championships and 75% of their games.

[sac]

last i heard Pryor had OSU listed as a solid #1.  i think that will be interesting on how it plays out.

Has_Been - we will see next year when you are screaming about the Michigan record.  You guys ran your last 2 coaches out of town after winning Multiple Big Ten and a National championships and 75% of their games.

Ran out of town?

One completely embarrassed himself publicly and deserved to be canned, the other retired.

If you want to talk about running out of town, see Earle Bruce and John Cooper.....THAT is running someone out of town.