Open Letter to Coach Rod

Coach Rodriguez,

A little more than two years ago, your predecessor went through a similarly difficult time in his coaching career. Michigan had just lost their fourth consecutive game. The final two losses, to Appalachian State and Oregon, were embarrassing. Here's what Coach Carr said at the post-game press conference following the Oregon game:

"I'm doing great. Because I have great kids here. And you don't know me. But those who do know me, both friend and foe, would agree that I'm a tough-minded, competitive guy. And there isn't anything that comes my way that I can't handle...professionally. And there is NOTHING.. there is NOTHING that can keep me down. Not a loss to Appalachian State. Not a loss to Oregon. Not a hundred losses... and not the loss of my job."

Two years later, you are probably feeling similar emotions. You have poured your heart and soul into the Michigan football program. You have experienced defeat. You have experienced large and vocal criticism for that defeat.

Today, you stood at that same podium that Coach Carr stood at over two years ago. And you showed emotion reminiscent of Coach Carr. You will not find a Michigan fan that was a bigger fan and supporter of Coach Carr than I. Even in the tough years, with criticism thrown his way, I stood behind him. More than being a great football coach, I knew that Coach Carr was a great person who cared deeply for his players and their success, both on the football field and in the classroom. I felt extreme pride watching Coach Carr defend his players week after week in his press conferences during those difficult times.

Today, I feel that same sense of pride. Never have I felt more proud of a Michigan football coach, more confident in his abilities as a leader both on the field and off. One day, you will lead this program to heights that its supporters could never have dreamed of on August 31, 2009. We will proudly use your name in the same conversation as Bo, Lloyd, Fritz, and Fielding. All great leaders have a turning point... today is yours.

It won't be easy. It wasn't easy for Bo, either. He used many more four letter expletives. He had many more players quit. He pissed off many more media members. The Michael Rosenbergs and Jim Cartys of the world will always be there. To combat their negativity and, in recent cases, outright false claims, I suggest again the advice of your predecessor. Coach Carr is well-known around these parts for his love for poetry. During his retirement press conference, he offered this poem by Pakenham Beatty as advice for his successor:

By your own soul learn to live.

If some men thwart you, take no heed.

If some men hate you, have no care.

Sing your song, dream your dream.

Hope your hope and pray your prayer.

Every coach has its critics. You will always have more because, well, some people will never consider you a true Michigan Man. I have always believed you to be one, and today you proved me correct.

You should know, that regardless of how vocal your critics are, you are not alone. The true Michigan fans, the ones that count, the 110,000+ that will be in Michigan Stadium cheering for you on Saturday when your name is callled, those are the ones you should be listening to. The timing of your "All In" campaign could not be more appropriate. In the coming days, weeks, and months, you will find out who your true supporters are. They are the same people who showed up in record numbers to your Spring Game despite a 3-9 season. They are the same people who will be positively vocal in both your successes and failures as head coach at Michigan. They are the people who, win or lose, appreciate all that you do to continue the tradition of doing things the right way at Michigan. Lastly, they are the people who, when you begin winning games, Big Ten Championships, and National Championships, they are the people who will point to the Michael Rosenbergs of the world and say, "I told you so."

Coach Rod, I can't wait for that day. Rest assured, I will be first in line writing e-mails of "I told you so" to Michael Rosenberg and Jim Carty. You will be successful at Michigan. Your passion for Michigan football and your genuine care for your players will carry you through these difficult times. A wise man once said that:

"Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents, which in prosperous circumstances would have lain dormant."

Your adversity, and the way you have handled it, will carry Michigan football successfully into the 2009 season and beyond. Winning will take care of everything. And those of us who know what you are truly about, also know that the winning is just around the corner. No one will be happier for you than I when you start getting the credit you are due. Go Blue!

In Rod We Trust.