Rodriguez to Return in 2010

Rich Rodriguez has been fighting an uphill battle since day one in Michigan. Last year, the administration was willing to give him a free pass, since it’s nearly impossible to turn a team around in a first year as head coach. A lot of players left, and fans were disgruntled.

This year hasn’t been the best, but there’s progress…and that progress is apparently saving Rodriguez’s neck, as the school is reportedly bringing him back for another year in 2010. Says athletic director Bill Martin,

He will be our coach next year. You’re asking me today if he’s going to be our coach, there’s no if, ands or buts about it. He is our coach and he has my full support. He’ll be there next year. No question about it.

On Saturday, the Wolverines lost 21-10 to Ohio State, and they’re last in the Big Ten – something that hasn’t happened since 1962. Under Rodriguez, they’re a pitiful 8 – 16. So why would they keep the coach around for another year? Is this a smart choice?

Rich Rodriguez, Image: Newscom

In this writer’s opinion…absolutely. This year, the record doesn’t tell the whole story. Although they’re sitting out again during bowl season, the team has a lot of heart and hung in there with teams that were clearly on another level. Even the Ohio State game wasn’t a total blow-out, though the offense wasn’t playing well this past weekend, that’s for sure.

A lot of players left over the past two years. People are still getting used to the Rodriguez coaching method. The team is fairly young, but they have a lot of new talent coming to the school. Keeping him around was a no-brainer in my opinion. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of the guy, but I do think he can take Michigan places if given the chance.