FOX 2 News in Detroit is reporting that Michigan has fired Rich Rodriguez. Rodriguez recently wrapped up his third season as head coach of the Michigan Wolverines, and at 2 p.m. today athletic director David Brandon was reportedly set to meet with him to discuss the future. Based on the news FOX 2 is reporting, it appears Brandon informed Rodriguez of his decision to make a coaching change at the meeting.
For months now speculation has surrounded Rodriguez and his future. After missing a bowl in his first two seasons at Michigan, Rodriguez got his team into the postseason by going 7-5 this past regular season. Although the record improved, the play didn't, especially on defense and special teams, and in the Gator Bowl the Wolverines were blown out by Mississippi State. Since then speculation has been running rampant that Rodriguez will be fired, and now it appears that Brandon has indeed handed him his walking papers.
With Rodriguez appearing to be out as coach of Michigan, the Wolverines will need to find a replacement pretty quickly. There is only a month until signing day, meaning a quick decision needs to happen if Michigan wants to maintain its current recruiting class and add on to it. The most commonly mentioned name on the potential replacements list is Jim Harbaugh, the current head coach of Stanford. He played at Michigan and has turned the Cardinal into a powerhouse, but various outlets reported today that he is leaning toward taking an NFL job. If that turns out to be the case (or if Harbaugh stays at Stanford), Michigan may look to San Diego State head coach Brady Hoke, who was once an assistant at Michigan.
Stay tuned to SB Nation Detroit for full coverage of the firing of Rich Rodriguez and Michigan's search for a new head coach.