Per ESPN's take:
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Michigan fired coach Rich Rodriguez on Wednesday, ending a disappointing three-year tenure marred by too many losses and NCAA violations at college football's winningest program.
Athletic director Dave Brandon announced the decision after meeting with Rodriguez on Tuesday and again Wednesday morning. He said the two had an "open, honest and direct exchange."
"I believe this is the best decision for the future of Michigan football," Brandon said. "We have not achieved at the level that I expect."
Rodriguez was just 6-18 in Big Ten play, 11-11 at home and 15-22 overall.
So there it is. Whereas at West Virginia Rodriguez was king, head of a strong and respected football program that was a competitor for BCS glory every year (and that damn near played for the national championship in 2007), in Ann Arbor he was disliked, embattled and in some circles despised. And now fired.
Fatefully enough, early reports suggest Rodriguez may now seek redemption back here in the lowly Big East. According to the video at the link, he may go after coaching vacancies at UConn or, more likely, at Pitt. If it comes to pass I say terrific. Welcome back Rich-o! I know how happy this will make those feisty fans and boosters at West Virginia -- you know, those hillbillies you ditched then tried to make 'em pay for it to the tune of $4 million? (which you should not feel guilty about -- it's well known you had few ties to the university or state, other than growing up in West Virginia, attending WVU and playing defensive back for the Mountaineers, then signing a long-term contract the year before you bolted -- yeah, the fit just wasn't right).
Those lovable sports crazies in Morgantown will be delighted to host you whenever Pitt comes to town. I'm rooting for you.
Rich Rod to Pitt?!? That would be like.... Pitino to Louisville!
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