Former Michigan standout defensive lineman Ryan Van Bergen, who was one of a very select few players to play under 3 head coaches at Michigan (Carr in 2007, Rodriguez in 2008-10, Hoke in 2011) participated in a live chat for the Detroit News today, discussing this weeks upcoming game against Notre Dame.
During the live chat, Van Bergen was asked about fan and administration reaction and support of the team during the Rich Rod era. Here's what the former starter had to say:
"I don't know if abandoned is the word, but there was an environment of negativity around his coaching staff. When coach Hoke arrived, there were open arms. That wasn't the case with coach Rodriguez -- that didn't do us any favors. Coach Rodriguez felt threatened. When he comes in and people are already saying, "he better not do this" that's already showing you don't trust him."
Van Bergen then went on to compare coaching staffs:
"He's (Rodriguez) a really good coach. Arizona is going to have success. Everybody has things they would do differently, but I appreciate when he had his time at Michigan, he did the things the way he thought they should be done. I think we were on the rise when he was departing -- we were doing better. We just needed a little better defense to help Denard. Mattison in the first year, brought an attitude."
He continued: "It's weird and corny -- but defense is played with attitude. He brought that theme, you're one cog of an 11-man system. Everyone emphasizes it, but the way he designs practices is really unique. He's incredible. He's (Mattison) by far my favorite coach I've ever had . He's got it figured out."
Van Bergen is a 4 year letterman and started 38 games as a Wolverine.
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