Coaching Change

I just listened to the news conference of Dave Brandon, Michigan's A.D., announcing the firing of football coach Rich Rodriguez.  When you listen to something like this, as with listening to the C.O.O. etc. of a company giving the quarterly conference call, you try to listen between the lines.  I think the A.D. is very cautious and trying to stay above reproach as far as his procedure goes.  There is a lot of pressure on him and he is new on his job too.
I liked Rich Rod and would have given him one more year to show marked improvement.  This may be just being too soft but a lot is in place now that is his and with a new coach you're ripping all of that out and starting over.  It's a gamble.  Where are the men who you can feel confident in.  Men who you can imagine as military leaders.  Men who the young men playing for Michigan can look up to, want to play for and follow.  If there is another Bo Schembechler out there, please step forward.

Read Bo's memoirs by John Bacon.  Bo was larger than life.  He was as honest as the day was long. He watched over his players the way I wish I had watched over my kids when they were in college.  They would have hated it but  in the end, would have ended up loving and appreciating it. I think that kind of leader is timeless.  If you want to be a good coach, teacher or parent, it would be good for you to read that book.

So much for the old coach, let's hope the new one has strong character and leadership abilities.  They must be able to get along with the A.D. and most importantly WIN.