Anytime you inherit a storied program with a long history of winning and tradition and all that jazz, you better keep the boat moving at the same speed in the same direction, or fans are going to go bonkers — oftentimes unjustifiably so. (One time I almost saw two kids fist fight over Mike Davis in the stands at an Indiana game. Looks like the guy yelling “Fire Davis” got the better end of that deal.)

So it goes for Rich Rodriguez this year at Michigan. He came in as the Next Big Thing — well, maybe second to Les Miles — and the Wolverines have been absolutely wretched this year to the tune of 3-8. With the Buckeyes being the heavy favorites for the UM-OSU tilt this weekend and the Wolverines destined for their fifth loss in a row to their rivals, Rich Rod has some words for you fans out there:

“It’s amazing some of the things that people would say [on a message board] or yell at you of a personal nature,” Rodriguez said Monday. “You almost want to tell them, ‘Get a life.’

“There’s a whole lot bigger problems. Look at the economy.”

Rich, your comments are not without some warrant. But dude, a word of advice: you took over the head coaching job at Michigan. And you’re not doing so hot yet. These people love them some football. Do not insult them. Do not “almost tell them to get a life.” Thank them for their continued support as you flounder through this season and tell them to stick with you as it will only get better from here.

Or, you know, tell them to worry about the economy. Either works.

Also see: Can’t Stop the Bleeding, Deadspin