To the surprise of absolutely nobody in the college football world Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez was fired after just three season in charge of the Wolverines football program on Wednesday.

Rodriguez’ tenure was riddled with setbacks both on and off the field, and ended with the former West Virginia coach posting a 15-22 record overall. He also managed on 0-6 record against the Big 10 power’s two biggest rivals – Ohio State and Michigan State – while finishing 6-18 in conference play and 1-10 against ranked foes.

Where Michigan will turn in the wake of Rodriguez’ firing is anyone’s guess, though there is reason to believe the Wolverines short list of candidates will include Louisiana State head coach Les Miles – a Michigan alum – and San Diego State head coach Brady Hoke. Hoke was an assistant coach at Michigan from 1995-2002 and is an Ohio native.

Despite his struggles at Michigan, which included NCAA sanctions early in his tenure, Rodriguez should have a chance to make a quick turnaround and secure a head coaching position at another program in the coming weeks. Rodriguez became a rising star in the coaching world after leading his alma mater West Virginia to a 60-26 record over seven seasons, including four first place finishes in the Big East and two Bowl Championship Series appearances. Rodriguez could potentially return to the Big East with head coaching vacancies at Connecticut and Pittsburgh.

It would be wise to keep an eye on the Michigan coaching search. The Wolverines could be a sleeper entering next season with low expectations, but have a trump card in quarterback Denard Robinson. Michigan has a favorable 2011 schedule and has the pieces to surprise fans and bettors alike.

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