By Justin Worsley,
The University of Michigan spent their entire Tuesday afternoon downplaying rumors that the school had decided to fire head coach Rich Rodriguez.
On Wednesday, they spent the day confirming the rumors. Athletic director Dave Brandon announced the decision after meeting with Rodriguez on Tuesday and Wednesday morning.
Rodriguez was 15-22 in three seasons as the head coach for the NCAA's winningest program, but the team steadily had a better season each year. The Wolverines went 3-9 in Rodriguez's inaugural season, 5-7 last season and 7-6 this year.
The team, however, struggled against ranked programs, going 2-11 against those schools. Under Rodriguez, the Wolverines went a combined 0-6 against Ohio State and Michigan State.
The program was also marred by a NCAA violation in which Rodriguez held practice for more hours than he was allowed to. Michigan ultimately sanctioned themselves with two years of probation and a reduction in practice hours.
The Wolverines began the season 5-0, but quickly faded out on their way to a 2-6 finish. The team played in the Gator Bowl, their only bowl game under Rodriguez, where they were decimated by Mississippi State 52-14.
When Rodriguez left West Virginia for Michigan, he carried a reputation for creating a great spread offense attack. He will leave the Big House with a reputation of creating a poor defense. Michigan twice broke the school record for yards allowed and points allowed under Rodriguez.
Rumors have stated that Michigan is very interested in former Wolverines quarterback Jim Harbaugh, who is currently the head coach of Stanford.
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