Rich Rodriguez Fired as Michigan's Head Football Coach

myFOXdetroit.com Staff - Michigan has fired coach Rich Rodriguez, ending a disappointing three-year tenured marred by too many losses and NCAA violations at college football's winningest program.

Play the two videos in the player to see the entire press conference.  Video 1: Brandon offers formal statement.  Video 2: Brandon answers questions from the press. >>

Athletic director Dave Brandon announced the decision after meeting with Rodriguez on Tuesday and again Wednesday morning.

"I have completed a systematic and thorough review of our football program and believe that a change in leadership is necessary," Brandon said. "We have not achieved at the level that I expect."

Brandon said Rodriguez was a good man who tried, but failed, and that he appreciates the effort and hard work of Rodriguez and his staff.

Rodriguez was just 6-18 in Big Ten play and went 11-11 at home.

FOX 2's Ryan Ermanni was first to break the story Tuesday, citing several sources saying that the decision had been made and that Rodriguez would be fired. The university categorically denied the report, calling it pure media speculation. "I fully expected David Bradon to refute my report," said Ermanni.

Rodriguez was 15-22 during three seasons in Ann Arbor. He lost a school-record nine games in his debut with the Wolverines two years ago, was 5-7 after starting 4-0 last season and turned a 5-0 start into a 7-5 finish this fall. His final game as head coach resulted in a 52-14 trouncing at the hands of Mississippi State in the Gator Bowl.

A national search is now underway to find Michigan's next football coach.

Rumors have swirled that Stanford's Jim Harbaugh, a former Wolverine quarterback, and San Diego States' Brady Hoke, a former U-M coach, are on the list of possible candidates to replace Rodriguez.

Brandon, however, said Wednesday that he believes Harbaugh's coaching future is going in a different direction. "I personally believe Jim Harbaugh is headed to the NFL."

Brandon said all recruiting visits this weekend have been delayed as a search for a new coach continues. He says he'd like the process to happen quickly, but to "do it the right way."

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More Video:

FOX 2 talked to players after a team meeting on Wednesday.  Click on the third video in the player above to hear their reactions to Coach Rodriguez being relieved of his duties.