Michigan introduces Rich Rodriguez as new head coach

DETROIT (Reuters) - The University of Michigan, traditionally one of the top college football powers, introduced Rich Rodriguez as its new head coach on Monday.

Rodriguez left West Virginia University to go to Ann Arbor. He went 60-26 in seven seasons as coach at West Virginia, his alma mater.

His contract at West Virginia, which ran through 2013, paid him $1.8 million this season and included a $4 million buyout.

"Today is a great day for Michigan football," Wolverines athletic director Bill Martin told a news conference in Ann Arbor.

Rodriguez, who announced his decision to leave West Virginia on Sunday, said: "It's an honor and a privilege to be named the University of Michigan's football coach.

When asked about the type of program he planned to run, the 44-year-old said: "We will do things the right way."

He succeeds Lloyd Carr, who is retiring after 13 seasons following Michigan's (8-4) appearance in the Capital One Bowl against Florida (9-3) on January 1.

Carr, 62, made $1.5 million last season. Rodriguez said lawyers were working out salary details with Michigan.

Rodriguez steered the Mountaineers to a 10-2 record this season, missing out on a shot at the national college title game by losing the season-finale to Pittsburgh.

Rodriguez said a decision had not been made on whether he would coach West Virginia against Oklahoma (11-2) in the Fiesta Bowl, though he expected the team to have another coach in place in time.

The move by Rodriguez left some hard feelings.

West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin said in a statement: "I have known Rich for most of his life, from a boy whose only wish was to play football at WVU to a young man whose only wish was to coach at WVU.

"Something is wrong with the profession of college coaching today when a leader's word is no longer his bond."

(Writing by Larry Fine; Editing by Alison Wildey)