No. 9: Rich Rodriguez – Michigan, 2011
Head Coaching Years: 2008-2010
Overall record with school: 15-22
Reason for dismissal: Job performance
It may seem hard to defend a guy who had a losing record, but being given only three years at a school like Michigan may be a bit much to ask. And while the Michigan faithful are currently enamored with Jim Harbaugh, the span between Rich Rod and Harbaugh was rocky indeed.
Michigan Wolverines
Rodriguez was the sexy hire for any program in 2008, having turned the West Virginia Mountaineers into a national power. He came to Michigan on the heels of the legendary Lloyd Carr, who retired after 13 seasons as head coach in Ann Arbor.
Following a guy who had been a fixture was tough enough, but then trying to turn what was a pounding run-based offense into a aerial show like he built at WVU was making things even more difficult for Rodriguez.
As with many first-year coaches, RR had little success, finishing with a 3-9 record. But as his recruits began filtering in, and the team became accustomed to his schemes, the record steadily improved over the next two years, finishing at 7-5 in 2010. However, 7-5 in Michigan isn’t good enough, regardless of what long-term goal you’re attempting to accomplish.
That, along with continued rumors and accusations of violating NCAA policies on practice times, spelled the end for Rodriguez and the Wolverines.
Next: USC