Rodriguez breaks silence after firing

Published Jan. 6, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Former Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez says he's disappointed to leave town before the program was able to reach the level of success in its sights.

Rodriguez, in a statement released Thursday a day after he was fired, says he's confident the players in place have the potential to help the Wolverines return to greatness. He said he's proud of the coaching staff's dedication and commitment and thanked fans and the student body for their tremendous support.

Rodriguez, who didn't comment the day he was let go, refused to lash out at his many detractors about 30 hours after he was fired with a 15-22 record.

"While I am disappointed to depart Ann Arbor before we were able to reach the level of success we had in our sights, I am confident that the players who remain have the potential to do great things and to return the Wolverines to greatness," Rodriguez said in a statement released by the school.