Michigan confirmed Wednesday that head coach Rich Rodriguez was fired after going 15-22 in three years with the Wolverines and a handful of NCAA violations that have stained the once-proud program.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — After a 15-22 record in three seasons, Rich Rodriguez’s time as Michigan football coach officially ended Wednesday.

Athletic director Dave Brandon made the announcement at a news conference at the Junge Family Champions Center, not far from Michigan Stadium.

He said: “This is the best decision for Michigan football. Michigan is not used to this. We have not achieved at the level that I expect.”

Rodriguez, who met with Brandon for three hours Tuesday and then again Wednesday morning, did not attend the news conference.

Brandon said he will conduct a national search for Rodriguez’s successor and will have no shortage of candidates.

Brandon said he had a lot of work to do. He said he will not form a search committee.

He also said Michigan traditionally has been in the middle of the pack in terms of coaching salaries, but he thinks that’s no longer appropriate for a program of its stature.

The Detroit Free Press reported Tuesday that Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh was highly unlikely to accept the Michigan job if it became available. Candidates could include San Diego State coach Brady Hoke and Louisiana State coach Les Miles, both former Michigan assistants.

As for Harbaugh, a Michigan quarterback in the 1980s, Brandon said, “I think Jim Harbaugh is making important decisions in where his career is going. ... I personally think Jim Harbaugh is going to the NFL.”

Brandon said he wanted to bring together the “Michigan family,” which has been divided since Lloyd Carr’s departure. He said fans need to rally around the next coach and be supportive.

“There’s a thought of getting a defensive-minded everything,” Brandon said when asked if he was looking for a head coach who emphasizes defense. “I want the ball boys to be defensive-minded.”

Rick Fitzgerald, a spokesman for Michigan president Mary Sue Coleman, said: “She supports the AD, and this is the AD’s decision.”

Among his comments on Rodriguez, Brandon said: “I don’t think Rich Rodriguez has had a peaceful night sleep since he came to Ann Arbor.”