On December 17, 2007, Rich Rodriguez (the former head coach of the University of West Virginia’s football team) was announced as the 18th head coach for the University of Michigan. In his six year reign for the Mountaineers, he accumulated an impressive 60 win 26 loss record, including four Big East titles and six straight bowl bids. This past season he was also named the AFCA Region I Co- Coach of the Year. Michigan had a loyal coach in Lloyd Carr, who served them well, earning one national championship in 1997. Unfortunately, in the past few years coach Carr began to seem a bit “out-dated” with his play calling and over all tactics, and it was time for a change. After a long dispute over who Michigan would select as their new leader, Rodriguez seemed to be a perfect fit. His spread style offense is exactly what the Wolverines were looking for to change the face of the program. Now a new challenge faces Rodriguez as he takes the job at one of the most prestige colleges in the United States.
Since Coach Rodriguez has signed with the Wolverines, he immediately got to heavy recruiting. Rodriguez got five of the ESPN’s top 150 prospects along with a fine recruiting class composed with his system type offensive weapons. Not only did he sign some great weapons, but he also got some great offensive linemen to sign, possibly replacing all he lost in the great offensive tackle Jake Long. Unfortunately for Rodriguez, one of his major targets, Terrelle Pryor who is the number one quarterback in High School today, has not committed to his school or any school. He is one of the best athlete’s and people claim he could be the next Vince Young, if not better. If I was Rich Rodriguez right now I would completely focus my time on making sure that Terrelle Pryor comes and plays in the “Big House” at Michigan. Pryor would be the perfect fit in Rodriguez’s offense and could become an immediate Heisman Trophy hopeful, so the number one priority in Rodriguez’s eyes right now should be getting Terrelle Pryor to sign as soon as possible.
Once Coach Rodriguez finds out Pryor’s decision, he must focus his attention on getting his players physically ready for next season right now. Off seasons work outs are in full swing right now and he must get his returning players in the shape he needs them to be. Also he must try and get some of his top prospects to try and graduate early and come to school a semester early so that he could get them into the swing of things a semester early. This is a big change for these player’s and his offensive mind set is completely different then what most of the players saw in the past so he has to get these players ready for a much faster paced game. Also, aside from coaching football, Coach Rodriguez has become part of a large community at the University of Michigan, so he must begin to try and get the approval and support of the alumni and the students currently enrolled at Michigan. He must begin to show his face more around campus, and let the people as well as the alumni know that he is prepared to stay for the long run and to win them a national championship. If he can receive the support of the alumni and the school, this will be followed by more money being brought in for the program to use.
If Rich Rodriguez does what I have previously mentioned, he will begin the process of becoming one of the most successful coaches in the University of Michigan’s football history.