As you pointed out, it is still just a rumor, so that is why I said to take it for what it is worth. I was just passing along what I have heard from what I think are good sources on MSU’s rivals. Of course they are probably not as connected at UM, but they were right on RR coming to UM. (They were saying RR was a done deal as of Friday, barring a bidding war, which ended up not taking place.)

I cannot think of any specific examples, but I don’t think it is that unrealistic that coaches are told to run a certain type of offense or defense. I bet Paul Johnson was told to scrap the wishbone as his base offense at GT. It is not that unusual that RR might have been told to ditch the 3-3-5. He might on his own decide to scrap it as his base defense even if his dc comes in. If he does not, he will not be able to run that kind of defense against osu, wisconsin, iowa, psu, msu, etc. Those teams will run it down UM’s throat with their 2 TE, lead blocker formations.

As Sean mentioned, this rumor is dependent on a number of factors, such as who the dc is. If RR starts off with the 3-3-5, there is no guarantee he will stick with it. (Didn’t ND just switch to a 3-4 defense?)

Are you serious that you think that RR was offered on the condition that he not use a 3-3-5?

AD’s do not micromanage coaches, must less a guy who is regarded as one of the top coaches in college football.

There were no such conditions, and there were never conditions that he keep certain assistants either.

I know Brian at Mgoblog stated that, but it just does not pass the smell test. No coach, much less a top coach at any school is ever required to keep the former coaches staff. Martin said yesterday that the program needed new blood. Does that sound like someone who wants assistants kept on against the new coach’s will?

I mean, some of these rumors about the strings attached to this job are just ridiculous.

Miles did not take the job because of timing and probably because of his worry that Carr would undermine him. Schiano appears to be happy with the lower pressure of Rutgers for the time being. It is probably just that simple.

The new coach does not have to clean Martin’s sailboat, or memorize the greek alphabet, or run stairs. The new coach will have complete control of what happens on the field.

Demens’ mother is calling the shots and she is obsessed with UM’s academics, so no need to worry with him. For his sake, I hope he gets a real major (not general studies) in case he does not make it to the nfl…

Take this for what it is worth, but rumor has it that RR will ditch the 3-3-5, and that was one condition he had to agree to in order to get the position. If true, that is a REALLY GOOD THING for UM as the 3-3-5 is awful in defending against power running teams. Rutgers was very successful running the ball against wvu and they don’t have the power of OSU, Wisconsin, Iowa, PSU, MSU.

For those wondering, john l smith ran a slightly different defense. His was a 4-2-5 scheme, not a 3-3-5, but in both situations, there is an extra defensive back that is supposed to “hit like a linebacker and cover like a defensive back.” The 3-3-5 is mostly for covering the spread and allows a lot of cover 2 to prevent the big play. More likely than not, the extra db will be a liability against good power running attacks. It may be good to use the 3-3-5 in specific circumstances, such as when you play against teams with spread formations such as purdue or nw, but it would be a big mistake having it as your base defense.

Just thought I would add my 2 cents. Keep up the great work Sean!!

I think Christian Wilson stays, either as a very athletic fullback or more likely as a tight end or linebacker.

Terrelle Pryor is talented enough to get on the field as either a QB or WR and I believe he will be playing at Michigan, he made a soft commit to WV in spite of listing OSU and his interests seems to be following RR.

Michigan needs speed in this day and age, and I believe Rodriguez will focus on speed. RR’s teams may not be known for their defenses however, and that needs to be addressed with a stud DC. English’s defense got better as the year went on with their young secondary, and maybe with their experience it should make a difference next year.

I think RR was told that he had to keep “some” of the staff because of Lloyd Carr, however, I believe that Carr will be retiring altogether after a year or so for personal reasons. That will give RR more freedom.

I expect RR to excel at Michigan and the battles against OSU should re-ignite the cold war again… that’s exciting. Michigan will be seriously considered as a National Championship candidate again soon once RR gets his system rolling. Can you imagine what he could do with the talent here at Michigan?
WOW!!!