ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez was fired Wednesday after going 15-22 in three disappointing seasons, including an 0-6 combined record against rivals Ohio State and Michigan State and staining the proud program with a handful of NCAA violations.
The school will buy out the final three years of Rodriguez’s contract for $2.5 million, bringing its overall cost in hiring and firing him to $12.5 million.
Athletic director Dave Brandon said he will immediately begin a search for a replacement amid speculation candidates might include Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh, a former Wolverines quarterback, and former Michigan assistant Brady Hoke, now San Diego State’s head coach.
Harbaugh has declined to comment about the job, but his brother, Ravens coach John Harbaugh, said he thought “the Michigan thing is done now.”
“I think that’s over. I don’t think he’s interested in doing that,” he said. “That’s hard for him because he loves Michigan.”
Brandon said he has talked with Harbaugh and “will continue to talk” with him because he’s “a Michigan man” he has known for years.
“I personally believe that Jim Harbaugh is headed to the NFL — that’s my opinion,” Brandon said.
Another potential candidate, LSU coach and ex-Michigan assistant Les Miles, said he likes his current job with the Tigers.
“I very much enjoy where I’m at,” Miles said. “I don’t think anybody has any reason to be concerned in any way.”
Bowers opts for NFL draft
CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson All-American defensive end Da’Quan Bowers said he is giving up his senior season to enter the NFL, where he’s widely projected as a top- five selection in the April draft.
“I feel I am ready to go to the next level, and I look forward to working hard in preparation for the draft,” he said.
Bowers, the Nagurski and Ted Hendricks award winner who led the country with 15 1/2 sacks, could go as high as No. 2 in the draft — a slot held by the Broncos.
Footnotes.
Quarterback Taylor Martinez, saying he wants to quash speculation that he’s thinking of transferring, is returning to Nebraska for his sophomore season.
• Oklahoma linebacker Travis Lewis said he’s returning for his senior season.
• Kyle Rudolph, who ranks fourth in Notre Dame history in career receptions (90) and yards receiving (1,032) by a tight end, will give up his final season of eligibility to enter the NFL draft.
• Oregon State flanker James Rodgers received a medical hardship (knee) for this past season.
• Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Bradley interviewed for the Pitt coaching job created by the firing of Mike Haywood.
