ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Michigan fired coach Rich Rodriguez on

Wednesday, ending a disappointing three-year tenure marred by

embarrassing losses and NCAA violations at college football's

winningest program.

Athletic director Dave Brandon announced the decision after

meeting with Rodriguez on Tuesday and again Wednesday morning. He

said the two had an "open, honest and direct exchange."

"Michigan is not used to this," Brandon said.

"I believe this is the best decision for the future of Michigan football. We have not achieved at the level that

I expect."

Rodriguez, who was the coach at West Virginia before arriving in Ann Arbor, finishes 15-22 at Michigan. Rodriguez was 6-18 in Big Ten play, 11-11 at home. The school can buy out the final three years of his contract for $2.5 million.

"I am proud of the dedication and commitment exhibited by the coaching staff and student-athletes who have represented the University of Michigan football program over the last three seasons," Rodriguez said in a statement issued Thursday. "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. I would like to thank our fans and our student body for their tremendous support. There is great passion for Michigan football and I have made lifelong friends through this experience."

Brandon said he will immediately begin a national search for a

replacement amid speculation that Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh, a

former Wolverines quarterback, and former Michigan assistant Brady

Hoke, now San Diego State's head coach, are possible candidates.

Brandon said he has talked with Harbaugh and "will continue to

talk" with him.

"I personally believe that Jim Harbaugh is headed to the NFL,

that's my opinion," Brandon said.

The San Francisco 49ers met with Harbaugh for five hours Wednesday, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported.

Harbaugh has declined to comment about the Michigan job and a Stanford spokesman would not say whether Michigan had asked for permission to speak with him. His brother, Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh, said he thought "the Michigan thing is done now."

"I think that's over. I don't think he's interested in doing that," he said Tuesday on WBAL radio in Baltimore. "That's hard for him because he loves Michigan."

Meanwhile, LSU coach Les Miles, who was pursued by Michigan before it hired Rodriguez to replace Lloyd Carr, said Wednesday he has had no contact from the school about becoming coach at his alma mater.

During a news conference for the AT&T Cotton Bowl, Miles said he was there to "speak about LSU" and its game Friday against Texas A&M.

"Michigan will be fine. They'll always be Michigan," Miles said.