Saturday Blitz
Fansided

10 College football coaches who probably didn’t deserve to be fired

By Michael Collins

Oct 3, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Mark Richt reacts during the third quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Mark Richt reacts during the third quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 11
Next
Dec 19, 2015; Albuquerque, NM, USA; Arizona Wildcats head coach Rich Rodriguez reacts during the second half against the New Mexico Lobos in the 2015 New Mexico Bowl at University Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2015; Albuquerque, NM, USA; Arizona Wildcats head coach Rich Rodriguez reacts during the second half against the New Mexico Lobos in the 2015 New Mexico Bowl at University Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

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
Michigan Wolverines /

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

Home/College Football News