Challenges in the Life of Rich Rodriguez in a Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 18, 2025

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Rich Rodriguez. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Rich Rodriguez is an American college football coach, currently head coach at West Virginia University. He previously held head coaching positions at Salem University, Glenville State College, Michigan, Arizona, and Jacksonville State. Noted for his spread offense, Rodriguez achieved success at West Virginia and later Arizona, but faced challenges and controversies at Michigan. He also served as an analyst for CBS Sports.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

2007: Michigan's New Year's Day Bowl Appearance

In 2007, Michigan accepted a bid to play in the Gator Bowl, marking their first New Year's Day bowl since the 2007 season. However, Michigan's loss to Mississippi State in the Gator Bowl was the worst bowl loss in school history.

January 2008: Start of NCAA Violations

In January 2008, the NCAA violations dated from this point forward, which coincided with Rich Rodriguez's arrival at Michigan.

2008: Kurt Wermers Transfers After 2008 Season

In 2008, Michigan player Kurt Wermers transferred to Ball State University. Wermers claimed that he did not get along with the coaches after transferring following the 2008 season, but he was academically ineligible at the time of his transfer, calling into question the credibility of his claim.

October 27, 2009: NCAA Inquiry into Michigan Football

On October 27, 2009, the NCAA sent a Notice of Inquiry to the University of Michigan, stating that they found reasonably reliable information indicating NCAA rule violations by Rich Rodriguez's football program.

November 16, 2009: Michigan Auditors Discover Missing Logs

On November 16, 2009, University of Michigan Auditors discovered that the Athletic Department staff failed to file monthly logs, tracking how much players work out and practice.

2009: Michigan players transfer amid criticism

In 2009, several Michigan players transferred and criticized Rich Rodriguez. Justin Boren, who transferred to Ohio State, cited offensive behavior and a "lack of family values" from the coaching staff. Boren became first team all Big Ten at Ohio State University.

2009: Michigan's 2009 Football Season

In 2009, the Wolverines opened the season with victories but finished with a 5–7 record, failing to qualify for bowl competition for the second consecutive year. Rodriguez ended the 2009 season with a loss to rival Ohio State.

February 22, 2010: NCAA Accuses Michigan of Major Rules Violations

On February 22, 2010, the NCAA formally accused Michigan of five "major rules violations," alleging failure to comply with practice time rules and improper use of graduate assistants under coach Rich Rodriguez.

January 4, 2011: Rumors of Rodriguez's Dismissal

On January 4, 2011, rumors circulated that Rich Rodriguez would be let go as Michigan coach. School officials initially denied this claim.

2011: Speculation Surrounding Rodriguez's Future

Due to a disappointing season and another loss to Ohio State, Rich Rodriguez's future as Michigan's coach was in question as the 2011 season approached. Rumors intensified, particularly involving Jim Harbaugh as a potential replacement.

January 2, 2018: Rodriguez Fired from Arizona

On January 2, 2018, Rich Rodriguez was fired from the University of Arizona after a three-month internal investigation. The investigation was sparked by allegations of sexual harassment and a hostile work environment.