Stoney's Six Pack

Today's six-pack focuses on the Rich Rodriguez era at Michigan with the six biggest mistakes Rich Rod made in his time at Michigan besides his record.

1. Tried to install his systems too early in the process. At his hiring press conference he talked about slowly morphing from what Michigan was to what he wanted it to be. That process was too painful too early. It is possible that he could have kept people like Justin Boren, Ryan Mallett, and Adrian Arrington. There is no guarantee of that, but it is a possibility. That led to recruiting too many small players who were not fit to play in the Big 10.

2. He did not keep enough people from the previous regime. Although he did not inherit the greatest staff in the world, there were other coaches besides Fred Jackson that were worth keeping. Ron English deserved a chance to stay as defensive coordinator.

3. Apparent disregard of defense. He did not appear to care about it. He did not allow his defensive coordinators to hire some of their own staff. It is not really fair to have your defensive coordinator not only coach your system, but your coaches as well. This was extremely evident with secondary coach Tony Gibson.

4. He never did his homework. This applies to the talent he inherited and the culture of Michigan football. He should have known what the Ohio State game meant to Michigan. He should have tried to embrace the tradition not change it. I don't think those things would have made that much of a difference if they won games and I have no problem with them starting some new traditions like the Victors Walk, but he should have at least been educated in the past.

5. Lack of accountability. He never thought anything was his fault. It was always the youth, the injuries, etc. He never manned up and that bothered players and fans a great deal.

6 The Buffoonery at the Bust. It was probably the final straw for many on the fence. Publicly begging for his job and then the whole "Raise Me Up" deal was a scene that any Michigan fan had to say...w.t.f.

Obviously Rodriguez was not all bad. He brought an offense that although inconsistent at times, was thrilling to watch. He showed what speed could do. He made many of the former players feel welcome and at home. But all in all the Rich Rod era was a failure that hopefully will never be duplicated again.