This time, we mean it. Honestly.
Reports Tuesday that Rich Rodriguez had been fired as Michigan’s head coach proved to be premature. But, alas, they didn’t prove to be false.
First reported by Angelique Chengelis of the Detroit News, and subsequently confirmed by Joe Schad of ESPN.com, Rodriguez and his entire coaching staff have been dismissed. Schad tweeted that Rodriguez is currently meeting with his staff to inform them of athletic director David Brandon‘s decision.
CFT has been told that Brandon will hold a press conference early this afternoon to officially announce Rodriguez’s firing.
In three years with the Wolverines, Rodriguez has compiled a 15-22 record overall, including a 6-18 mark in Big Ten play.
As for where Michigan will turn for a new head coach, their top candidate, Stanford’s Jim Harbaugh, has reportedly pulled his name from consideration. LSU’s Les Miles and San Diego State’s Brady Hoke -- both “Michigan men” -- have also been mentioned as potential candidates. Miles said a short time ago that he’s “had no contact with Michigan” and that “I very much enjoy where I’m at. Nobody has any reason to be concerned in any way.”
We’ll still say, though, to not completely dismiss Harbaugh. At the very least, Brandon will go hard after the former Michigan quarterback and ensure there’s no shot at him before moving on to Plan B.
UPDATED 11:31 a.m. ET: Michigan has called a press conference for 12:30 p.m. ET today, at which point Brandon will officially announce Rodriguez’s dismissal.